Replies

      • I think the cronulla import can do that job and whilst Matterson is playing more like a middle he is more than capable of playing 80 minutes as a top level backrower. That 80 minute player you are after is not available and whats more none of them will have a defensive level as statistically as good as Matterson. Further to that what i think is meant by an 80 minute back rower is a hole running second rower on the edge. If Tuelagi is in the 17 he fits that role, I just question the need for 80 minutes as defensively he doesn't complete the equation. I'm thinking that Tuelagi and Williams can complete the equation of 2 equalling the one for that role.I also think there is an opportunity for a hole runner now that Lomax is playing in the centres. Previously our edges have no one to run off.

        I think we may be over defining the forwards as we have so many capable of playing middle and backrow but not necessarily defined as a true edge i.e. Kikau....Tuelagi is the only one in that sphere, especially with Lane now a middle only in my mind! 

        The young forwards coming through all offer alternatives to these roles and that's their challenge to undertake.

        • I think Williams was brought here to play as a middle. There are some pretty decent backrowers off contract have a look. With a bucket of left of cash, you need some quality outside of brown. He's game goes to another level when his edge is firing

  • 17 will be:

    1. Iongi

    2. Simonsson

    3. Penisini

    4. Lomax

    5. Vunivalu*

    6. Brown

    7. Moses

    8. Ofahengaue

    9. Brailey

    10. Paulo

    11. Tuilagi

    12. Matterson

    13. Hopgood

    14. Hands

    15. Cartwright

    16. Lane

    17. Williams

  • Would love to see him in an eels jersey. Might be a bit of movement before it happens though, Knights won't let him go that easily.

  • Bailey would be a great upgrade if it's true.

    I see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel with the moves being made and that's dangerous as a eels fan cause it's the Hope that kills you everytime 

  • Knights have been shopping Brailey for months as he is not providing value. He is the one resisting the move.

    Spends more time injured then on the field. High risk player. Also pretty average. Ask any Knights fan.   

    • Agree with everything except for I heard knights have been shopping him around for years. A lot better hookers around and cheaper.  With a lot less risk. We also have smith and coinakis coming through pathways .  Probably won't be ready for next year. 

      • He would cost 2-3x what Hands is on and at his best he maybe 20% better. Before Crossland went to halfback he was often being chosen above Brailey as starting DH.  

        • Agree! Hands will be better with another year and a new coach. If Gutho stays may play a bit of dummy half. 

  • Personally, I don't think Gutho will leave, and if he doesn't I think we need to chase Vunivalu hard. Hooker will have to be Hands for this season, but I would be making it a priority to upgrade Hooker in 2026. If Gutho stays we will not have alot of money to chase any big names. 2026 will be different as Gutho, Matto, Carty, Dunster, Tuilagi, and a few more, will be off contract, with some of our juniors coming from Development contracts into the top 30 squad they will be on a lot less money than the players leaving, freeing up alot of money. 

    My 2025 team would be.

    1. Iongi

    2. Lomax

    3. Gutho

    4. Penisini 

    5. Vunivalu

    6. Brown 

    7. Moses 

    8. Lane

    9. Hands

    10. Paulo

    11. Williams

    12. Matto

    13. Hopgood 

    14. Papalii 

    15. Ofahengaue

    16. Carty

    17. Tuilagi

    I think that is the best defensive starting 13 we can come up with. And a backrow that is defensively strong, athletic and capable of scoring points.

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