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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I'd be giving Lorenzo a shot before the seasons out .
Off the bench for 20 minutes at first , if he handles it start him.
Whet the kids appetite heading into 26.
Incentivise him to work his bollocks off in the off season.
If you can build confidence in him first grade wise before the end of the year the payoff comes later.
I think our future five-eight will be Lorenzo or Twidle. Twidle could have a go possibly soon. Other than that we would be using the Dylan money on forwards or a centre, would be great if we got Herbie Farnsworth, but don't think so
So we are going to spend the entire cap on youngsters with promise?
FMD this club needs a serious enema...
We are where Canberra were a couple years ago. They struggle to buy quality players as well so invested in youth stacking their team with young exciting players and it is now paying off.
We are not going to sign an established star we can't attract them so development is our only chance. Identify the best young talent and develop them. The Roosters and Melbourne have done this for years grabbing players just about to hit grade and debuting for them, which if the right players with character traits are chosen are more likely to be loyal and stay for unders in future is very players who change clubs for money.
Whoever the Smoky is they are currently at the club. Iongi put up a massive bomb in 1 game which made me wonder why stuck with Hawkins bombs which were only slightly over chip kick height. Ionghi obviously has a kicking game and his size would suit frontline defending better then Papalii but I worry about Papalii at the back for catching kicks and positioning in defence.
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