Parramatta is attempting to prise Jack Howarth out of Melbourne, just months after the Storm refused to release him as part of a proposed swap for Zac Lomax.
Howarth is contracted to Melbourne until the end of next year, but the club has permitted him to explore his options for 2027. His availability has piqued the interest of incoming franchises Perth and PNG, although the Eels appear to be his most likely destination.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-around-the-clubs-round-20-20260714-p60f1x.html
Replies
Let's look at Howarth himself, as opposed to the factor of the relationship between Parramatta and Melbourne. Would this be a good signing? Yeah, i like Howarth. A big body, some experience, makes metres and can score some tries. Issues are around durability, why are Melbourne letting him go early and is he a Centre or a back-rower? Also, would we be better off with a quicker Centre instead of a bigger body Centre?
Well, we kind of have neither at the moment, right? Sean Russell is heading to the Bears, Samrani is a competitor but his future is definitely in the backrow, while we lack any real centre depth. In today's game you either need a speedy centre, or a physical centre. I'd happily have him.
Melbourne just recruited Xerri, Coates will be back next year, Warbrick is still there. Maybe for Melbourne it's a case of they need to clear a little cap space, Xerri is cheaper and they won't have to chip in if they let Howarth leave.
No not Warbrick
True, at this stage just add talent could be the goal, whether you need speed or not, talent is more important.
Thought Warbrick was heading to NZ?
LB, don't wanna be negative but is Howarth one of those players that looks great in a very strong system?
He's obviously talented & reliable, but he's not overly quick & just wonder if he is what the EELS need right now?
Would be happy for him to prove me wrong, but just see him more in the Sean Russell realm of player.
What am I missing with him? Maybe a lot?
He's plug n play NoS give him a job and leave him I think he improves us he's at least as physical as Russell and that combo of Luai Kautoga Howarth and JaC is something I can get behind on our left side.
True, he is a left sided Centre also. Just sign him and he is a set and forget player.
Great point NOS. He could be a by product of the Storm system. We are at a point where if he is available, Ryles has a connection with him from his time in Melbourne, maybe we just take the risk? Howarth thankfully is only 24, so not even in his prime.
Hopefully at worst we get a good first grade Centre. I know we need more but if he can be consistently good, better than Samrani, Nanva and Penisini? Then that can be a win.
Fair points LB & Coryn. I trust your opinions more than mine so lets hope he's the next domino to fall (after Lenui).
As you say, there is no doubt he improves the Eels in a position that desperately needs it.
The Storm always rated him highly too yeah? They locked him up early on a decent contract? So as you say, Ryles would know him pretty well.
Thanks boys, the slap I needed.
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