Is Isaiah 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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Fcuk so we get a player ready for Storm at our expense.....what do we get out of it.....are you insane?
Lorenzo has really good eyes up instincts . He counts numbers very quickly and is lethal down short sides because he has great early speed . Defensively will need help and have the right " protectors ". Kicking game is quite good particularly short but is extremely quiet . I believe he plays nrl for sure .
Sounds good.
His first contact in defence is quiet strong as he really commits to the tackles. A pre-season in the gym & working on his defence will help him stick more once he makes that contact.
I think a whole year training with FG, which is likely, will do wonders for him. He looks to be a quick learner and arrogant to the point of knowing how good he can be. He is cocky on the field as seen by him taking on the line and some of his passes.
Watch him be like Ryley Smith, turning heads on his fitness.
Im looking forward to seeing if having Dylan out there near Joash helps him at all. It might. Plus having the Boss out there in halves with him might help show potential he's got to JR. hope so.
Keep Kelma away from near him until he actually looks like working harder in defence too.
I like the idea.
Footy Dean could play 14.
Give TDS some time in cup to work on his game.
If Da Silva was to play NSW Cup i think Ryles does it already as Smith can play 80. Hawkins will offer nothing at 14 other than cover in halves and give Smith a break.
Da Silva will learn best at this stage playing off the bench.
I heard that too - with Pezet being a potential for loan - have him until Renzo has some more cup games under his belt but provide some op's in 2026 for some consistent first grade games in a row for Renzo to acclimate into NRL full-time in 2027 if ready and capable
I can't believe this, Pezett my be a lessor player than Renzo and we develop the wrong player....crazy stuff
If they wanted to rent Munster to us for a year and develop Pezett themselves, then now you are talking....of course the whole idea is stupid and where and why and who came up with this piece of disingenius?
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