The Manly Sea Eagles have reportedly added to their depth at hooker by snaring the signature of Jayden Yates.
A hooker who can also play elsewhere around the forward pack, Yates is an experienced NSW Cup campaigner and, according to Wide World of Sports, will make the switch from the Parramatta Eels to Blacktown, where he will link up with Manly's feeder team in 2024.
While there will be no NRL deal to accompnay his move to the club, Yates could be called upon at any point after Round 11 by the NRL side to make a potential first-grade debut if injuries strike.
Players with NSW Cup contracts are viewed in the same way that players on development deals are when it comes to being eligible to play in the NRL.
Manly's number one dummy half is Lachlan Croker, who has continued to grow in the role in recent seasons after starting his career as a half.
Croker will have back-up - and potentially competition for his spot by the end of the season - in 2024 from Gordon Chan Kum Tong.
The youngster made his debut at the end of the 2023 campaign and will likely take a permanent bench spot in Anthony Seibold's rotation this coming season.
With less and less dummy halves playing the full 80 minutes, it means clubs will be looking for back-up options at number nine during the second half of the season at hooker.
Yates played 20 games for the Eels' NSW Cup last season and, given his ability to slot in elsewhere around the forward pack, it could leave him well placed to progress at Manly and Blacktown in 2024.
Replies
This means none of the 17 clubs even offered a development contract. NSW Cup contracts are worth peanuts.
seems that way Pou, you know anything about him.
Big on effort average on skill. No loss.
Agreed
If Cum Tong can stay injury free, he might be a revelation for Moanly.
Yates would have played over 100 NRL games in early 2000's, even in the 90's. But in today's game, there is limited room for simple effort players. Particularly those who do not have a set position.
Yates can play anywhere, but does not excel in one position. Has played Hooker, Halfback, Five-Eighth, Lock. Due to his ability to have an OK pass, kick, defence and puts his body on the line. But that is it, he is a goer but does not excel in general, he should be a Lock but is not big enough. Not fast enough or skilled enough to be a full-time 6, 7 or 9 either. He could be a decent 14 option if you are desperate and just have him there and can do a job for 15-20 mins wherever you put him. Or if Manly lose Croker and Chan Kum Tong is not 100% can have Yates just hanging around at 14 til Croker is back or Chan Kum Tong is 100%.
He has value but not enough to be a constant FG player. Not a loss for us.
thanks for the input LB, like I said in another blog I don't get to see the lower grades and good to get unbias opinoins on our lower grade players.
Players like Yates are similar to a player we had once upon a time Cody Nelson maybe he grabs a game or 2 in a struggling side but will never demand selection.
Good luck to him he will have a good NSW cup career