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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100 the system is the key and lifting the floor ie depth goes right behind it.
Thats what JR is building you can see the ball movement hasn't stopped results regardless this is becoming the automated norm.We are in the programming stage auto mating our system with continuous repetition so whoever steps in fits seamlessly just like the Storm.
I heard somewhere that Douehi signed for around 400k. Ryles obviously not interested because we could have easily matched that and more without it being overs.
EA would know a lot more.
Renzo's also a teenager, so likely to put on more size. Joash is 21. He may fill out a little more, but he's not getting any taller.
You're right Sup. Lorenzo looks more heavily built than Joash. Almost looks like a forward if this is him. Pretty sure its him
That's Will Latu😂
That's not will latu . Will.latu is much taller
Idk what else to say lol. It's Latu
Lorenzo is not even on a dev deal, he wouldn't be in the picture.
Definitely Latu
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