I believe, like most, our season is done. Unfortunately though unlike some of the more optimistic fans I don't believe we are going to do much better next year.
It’s time for Brad to move on. I hope he stays at the club but it seems clear to me that we need to head in a new direction. Typically this would cause some disruption before we turn the corner. So that being said I think we challenge again in 2025.
In 2025 we should have a relatively fresh top 30. The contracted players in 2025 are the core group.
Outs:
Waqa
Loizou
Davey
Hodgson
Makatoa
Asi
Momoisea
Murchie
Rodwell
Simonsson
Contracted
Dylan
RCG
Cartwright (should re sign)
Doorey
Dunster
Grieg (should re sign)
Gutho
Hands
Hopgood
Lane
Lussick
Matterson
Moses
Joe O
Ogden
Paulo
Will Penisini
Russell
Sivo
Likely Ins:
Cini
Blaize
Brazell
Mataele
Marthur
JJBM
Lynn
Tuivaiti
Guymer
Komolafe
Richard Penisini
**There are a few other boys who are floating around, like the big boppers Lebron and even this new pup ETT.
**One guy who could force his way in is Apa Twidle too. The young fullback, could definitely see him end up on a wing. And Ofcourse AMS who did good things on Debut.
I really think we will be in great shape playing roster wise come the 2025 season.
1. I think Gutho probably will be a centre or 14 by that stage so we need a new Fullback.
2. Wing, a lot is riding on the development of RichardP, and Komolafe as well as Dunster’s recovery.
3. Centre, Talagi coming through plus WillP. The potential move for Gutho to either Centre or 14 should help with this position.
I think Sivo will no longer be a regular first grader and would love to see him take up a lucrative Union contract to free up space. So he isn't in my calculations above.
As you can see we have a lot riding on the development of a few young guns.
Most people who know more than I say that Talagi is the real deal and as close to a sure thing you get. He has been playing Centre lately but also came through as a 6.
He could end up a Fullback, as could RichardP.
Looking at Wingers and Fullbacks available to join us in 2025, I’m immediately interested in Kiraz. Powerful young Winger with the potential to be a great fullback.
Tony Francis, and Brad Morkos are also players I’d like to see. Again, outside backs behind a queue. Both with big wraps on them. Powerful athletes.
One name that really interests me is Kade Dykes. Familiar name for us Eels fans, stuck behind a bunch of backs in Cronulla. He has been in very high regard the past few years. 6’2” with electric play style.
Ultimately I really believe in where we sit.
Really really strong forward pack with layers of depth, youth and experience. Our pack is versatile and diverse in shape and size.
I think the backs situation is a bit murky but hopefully a couple guys fulfill their potential.
Definitely keen to discuss the above.
Replies
I think Russell, and Matt Arthur would leave if Brad did.
Gutho could potentially too.
Penisini bros, Dylan and Grieg would be suspects too.
I think though that they would ultimately stay.
In my opinion the squad you've just mentioned is bottom 2. These younger guys will need years to get up to speed and be battle hardened, look at stgeorge, they blooded a few young stars and are fighting for a spoon
Unless we develop a new recruitment strategy we face a very long period, at least 5 years at the bottom
Interesting take Chief but I appreciate it.
The difference between Dragons and us is the core of the team and the quality of the youth.
I think a few of the guys playing first grade for the Dragons are probably not gonna be around by 2025.
Our forward core will be all around 31 in 2025. That's what you call an aging roster, and if nothing is done we face a prolonged period at the bottom. We lost our youthful forwards and kept the older guys but now have a oack with a limited life span
In 2025 we'll get the spoon absolutely no doubt about it.
I think there is quality youth.
Moretti and Doorey both belong in first grade.
Matterson and Hopgood aren't old.
Lane will be as good as he is now in 25.
Grieg is great.
I think we are fine in that regard, but again I appreciate your opinion.
Moretti hasn't even got a contract,
Thats ridiculous if we dont lock him up. He brings so much energy off the bench.
The bush coach says davey is the future lol
😂😂
That's an interesting take chief we've had a bottom tier pathway system for the last decade yet we've gone through a period where we hadn't been out of th stop 8 for the last 3 seasons and made the finals every year since 2018.
Recruitment strategy has worked just fine if you look a bit closer the only thing we haven't done is out the icing on the cake.
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