I was reading a Fox news article today about Toby Rudolph without a Manager and having to call other coaches himself to understand what he's worth to them before he can negotiate with the Sharks. Rudolph is definitely a player we should at least have a discussion with. He's a big mobile forward that can bust a line and intimidate any opposition, I thought he was great in the finals for the Sharks last year.
If I was Ryles i'd be getting Jack Williams to give Toby a nudge and get him to give Ryles a call, I'm sure we could make a competitive offer to the Sharks.
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He really fell of the cliff last year: Official NRL profile of Toby Rudolf for Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks ...
He turns 30 this year. I'm unsurprised there is limited demand for him.
Isn't the question about someone like Rudolph is where does he fit, say from 2027 onwards?
In 2026 the Eels are listing as props: Paulo, Tuivati, Moretti and Maetele.
Locks (also middle) are: Walker, Hopgoode, De Bellin
Listed 2nd rowers are: Williams, Tuilagi, Kautoga, Doorey, Guymer, Matterson
Apologies if I missed anyone. But it seems IF the Eels lose a listed prop, say to injury etc, they have several 2nd rowers who have switched into a middle forward role. But once that substitution occurs, does that commit the Eels (with a 'smaller' prop) to a small--forward interchange-passing kind of middle/edge attack? Is that the way Ryles is going just because those are the troops he has, or because that is the middle/edge attack he wants? Maybe the answer to that question is the same as the answer to whether a (bigger) prop like Rudolph is on the radar?
Yeah, this is purely for 2027 onwards and specifically Junior's prop role if/when he retires.
I think we're one alpha short in the middle personally, and yet to see if Maetele will kick on in first grade.
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