Issaia Iongi the mystery five-eighth Ryles was talking about?
At the captain’s run presser, Ryles was asked who could be wearing the No.6 in 2026. He named Joash and Dean Hawkins — then dropped the tease that there could be a smokey.
So who is this mystery man?
It’s not going to be Lorenzo Talititiana — he’s only two Cup games into his career and at least a year off first grade.
Ronald Volkman? Started the year ahead of Hawkins, but failed to impress in the top grade and hasn’t been sighted since. Even though he’s a natural five-eighth, Ryles has clearly preferred “Footy Dean.”
That’s why I think the smokey is Issaia Iongi.
He’s got a strong running game, works his backside off, has a bigger frame than Joash for front-line defence, and can kick as well. With Joash looking comfortable and dangerous at fullback, Ryles has the luxury to test Iongi in the halves before the year is done.
If this happens, I could see Joash staying at the back — where he’s lethal — and Iongi being the wildcard that solves our five-eighth puzzle.
What do you reckon? Could Ryles really be planning to unleash Iongi at 6? Or am I dreaming?
I also think Iongi's long term position is fullback. His ability under the high ball is exceptional.and has that great running game that makes him dangerous all over the park, but i think Ryles will give him a shot at 6 as its going to.be difficult to recruit anyone at this stage. The only real recruitment option is Sandon Smith.
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It could work. He looks the goods to make it at 5/8. Many good players have made the transition from fullback to 5/8, Muster and Lockyer just to name a couple.
I know this about who our five eight next year
But i heard we miss out on Trey Mooney he going to Newcastle why would he go there surely we better club then Newcastle
I heard that he's getting 650k at Newcastle, I guess Parra didn't want to pay that much for him.
Iongi is our long term fullback. He's safe under the high ball, has an excellent passing game and he's been a consistent performer all year.
Volkman was only ahead of Hawkins at the start of the year as Hawkins was injured.
I reckon Volkman is in with a shout. He's finally had a full year of footy behind him in Cup and he's played big chunks at halfback in a Cup side that should be playing finals this year.
Renzo would be a gamble given he played SG Ball this year. But he has seemed comfortable so far at NSW Cup level. He also looks like a decent sized body to cope with the NRL. He would be debuting at the same age Dylan Brown debuted so it wouldn't be too much of a surprise.
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