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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Brown debuted at 18 turning 19. I believe Talataina is turning 20 next year? I could be wrong.
He could be 19 given he played SG Ball last year as well. What's a year though in an NRL career? Good enough is old enough.
Lorenzo is 20 next year.
I reckon there's a few names in the hat here. Certainly Iongi would be one of them, but I don't think Ryles would weaken fullback just to get Iongi into 5/8. Joash has been great at fullback, but after 1 season Iongi has shown he is a born fullback, and already has all the right skills. Maybe a swap at times during games between the 2 would work.
You could be correct. I think Longi would be a very good number 6 and Joash has definitely impressed at number 1 and has improved in that position. Hawkins is also very good but I reckon Longi has more of an X factor about him
my smokey on this is----------------------- Pezet but on a loan deal for 1 year
you cant build for the future if ur 6 is only at the club on a 1 year loan so no way that happens.
Until Lorenzo ready
I would rather just throw Lorenzo in to be fair or have Papali'i there for a year.
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