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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He's just too good at fullback to move id think. Smokey has to be someone who's not at the club id say.
It won't be Sandon Smith.
Going to the Raiders.
Pezet feels like something that will happen but let's wait and see
Why. How many half's do they need
Its not numerical it is ability.
One thing i don't understand in your blog Chiefy is the point you have made about Joash being lethal at full back, i am not taking anything away from the kid.....but please tell of the circumstances that qualifies him to be regarded as "lethal".
We have missed opportunities to get Adam Douehi and Sandon Smith, two players ahead of anything existing.
Pettit seems a candidate because of Ryles knowledge of him, I cannot comment on him but I cannot see us going into 2026 with our current potential 5/8's.
We can fill our chess board with pawn's but we need Bishops, Rooks and Knights......the King has gone and that leaves you chasing the Queen Chiefy, something you are familiar with, now that BA is gone.
I reckon it could be Lorenzo Talataina. His rise through the grades and form warrant him going into pre-season training with FG.
I know you say it won't be, I think it could be.
Agree with that LB, everything we know about him (not much in my case....) implies he is the only real local we have. This bullshit about him only playing a couple of cup games has no relevance if he is good as being said. Brown and Mahoney came straight out of under 20's into FG. Other clubs are littered with 21 year olds now playing key roles.
I would also ask if Parra had Katoa coming through our juniors, do you think he would have played a season of FG already?
Yes we would recognise his potential and some one on here would think he has to learn his trade in Cup, let me tell you good players dont learn much in Reserve Grade at Parramatta.....albeit that is changing now.
One other thing with Lorenzo is that EA thinks he is up to it defensively, the key problem that affects all young players aspiring to the role.
Well the way that he went into Flegg and didn't miss a beat. Then was fast tracked to NSW Cup due to Matthew Hunter signing with Newcastle, it seems good timing that Ryles mentions a smokey while Talataina has played 2 cup games and played well. The kid is a goer, tough and though will defensively will make mistakes in top grade it wont be from effort or not a good tackler. I think this team, with Moses, Iongi, Smith and Da Silva in the spine is a good spot for him to cut his teeth eventually in FG.
Playing against men and handling it, let him see out the year in Cup and get ready in pre-season.
could be why not give him a crack at six....he may be a better fit then Joash..he has better hands and vision
God I hope not Iongi is our fullback end of I really hope they stick with him.He's come a long way in a short time I'm not moving him to 6 situation regardless next year.
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