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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How so? I have not heard any link of Campbell to Souths.
That's total bullshit Wiz. He was close to signing with us but, he asked his old man what to do, and he said stay. From what I've been told, he is staying on the coast.
Uncle Wizardssleeve- Indigenous Elder-Freemason Hunter -He/Him @
What logic? His old man was Penrith and Cronulla wasn't he?
Hope not
Fingers crossed.
" could be a couple of Smokey's " - Ryles
Sounded more like he's thinking there may be a couple of young blokes coming through to me. I'd like to hope he's talking about established signings , but history says it's not likely.
He is hoping a couple of good players get caught smoking something they shouldn't, get fired and land with us.
Well do your job Randolf, you would know them and their dealer's, what good are you otherwise, Wiz will sack you as an errand boy and you Mon will be carrying his groceries!
Chiefy, Iongi will be FB for me; hes been good to v good there. I back Ryles to give a kid a go, as in Joash or Lorenzo. I have not seen Lorenzo play but he could be a smokey with a pre-season under his belt and may come in as a back up mid season.
I keep looking at Ethan Strange and his roll on to FG; he came through the coast then Easts (Jr Reps) and then 2023 Canberra Flegg and 1 NRL game and has now had pretty much two full seasons in NRL and he is 20 (21 this week).
If kids are good enough and have the experience around them, then give them a gig.
I feel Parra need another forward tbh. We already have Hawkins / Volkman as back if they both stay...
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