It was mentioned in the Jack Williams announcement, but here is some insight into Joash Papali'i. Apparently being brought in to compete with Isaiah Iongi for the Fullback role, which i think it futile anyway as Iongi is our Fullback. But it is interesting how Gus saw him as a Hooker in the making. Papali'i himself even mentioning how he could be a 14, playing anywhere. Ryles seems to want to bring in that Utility to Parramatta. A 14 that is a swiss army knife but at the same time a possible X-Factor to break the game open. Papali'i is speedy, could very well be that. He did play for NSW U19's at 14.
He also grew up a Parramatta fan, idolising Jarryd Hayne.
https://www.zerotackle.com/rival-club-in-talks-with-bulldogs-young-gun-214757/
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I am not expecting Papali'i to be a superstar, Iongi is our Fullback. Papali'i got injured and his performance dipped last year. Dogs have a lot of Utilities, plus Tracey played well at Fullback, therefore Papali'i is expandable. I am not surprised, Papali'i will be coming to compete for game time, unlike say Iongi who is 95% certain to start in Round 1. Therefore, we could get a gem or a basic depth player, nothing wrong with the latter.
We also need cover if iongi gets a serious injury great to see some young depth, competition for spot and some speed options as backups.
So a teenager cops a little injury and his performance dips for a while? According to you that's enough to right off the next 15 years of his career. Kid is generational
Currently we have 27 spots filled for 2025:
Brown
Cartwright
Doorey
Dunster
Greig
Gutherson
Hands
Hawkins
Hopgood
Iongi
Lane
Lomax
Lussic
Mataele
Matterson
Moretti
Moses
Ofahenague
Paulo
Penisini
Russell
Simonsson
Sivo
Tago
Tuilagi
Tuivaiti
Williams
Papali'i will make it 28, talk to of Cooper Jenkins from Norths Devils is being looked at could make it 29. I still sense some movement of players will happen, like Lussick, Lane and Sivo. Bring in say Brailey and a few other pieces we want.
I still cant see where it says Dunster has had his option taken. Nothing official on Tago either
Going off Zero Tackle, but Dunster was not in the list of players farewelled. Tago hasn't been officially announced but it was reported as done so i took that for what it is worth. He was not farewelled either.
Yea will be interesting to see what they do with Dunster because he will be blocking our pathway players.
who is cooper jenkins? never heard of him.
Prop from Norths Devils. Never played FG, was in Dolphins system this year and Newcastle system years prior. He will be playing on Sunday.
Both Parramatta and St. George Illawarra are interested in him for 2025.
Hopefully a hooker and a edge back rower for the remaining positions
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