Our Strongest Top 17 for 2025

I see everyone posting teams but are awful and are completely way off the mark. Here is a truly realistic top 17 for next season.

  1. Isiah Iongi
  2. Josh Addo Carr
  3. Will Penisini
  4. Zac Lomax
  5. Bailey Simmonson/ Sean Russell
  6. Dylan Brown
  7. Mitchell Moses (c)
  8. Joe Ofanghue
  9. Brendan Hands
  10. Junior Paulo
  11. Shaun Lane
  12. Bryce Cartwright
  13. J’maine Hopgood
  14. Joey Lussick
  15. Jack Williams
  16. Ryan Matterson
  17. Kelma Tuilagi

 

Reserves

Wiremu Greig

Matt Doorey

Luca Moretti

Sam Tuivaiti

Dean Hawkins

Joash Papalii

Haze Dunster

Toni Mataele

 

Development

Charlie Guymer I’d say 18/19/20th player

Richard Penisini

Saxon Pryke

 

The only changes would be if Paulo went back to his bench role impact & if ryles wants lane as a middle then Kelma would start in the second row position. 

What do you think guys?

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Replies

  • Pretty spot on, think Junior needs to lead from the front with RCG gone now so he should start 

  • Think lane will be in the front row rotation 

  • Just need one more forward and perhaps a Hooker. Then that is sweet. Move Hands to 14.

    • Papalii most likely the 14.

      • Yea im keen to see papalii get moulded into a bench hooker as we know he can play wing fullback centre 5/8 could be a nice 14 

  • Just a note, I listened to Bailey on the Bloke in a bar podcast, he said a lot without saying anything direct. The defensive system is going to change for the better, he clearly hated the stupid system BA was running. We should reset our expectations for all edge defense.

    • The defensive system couldn't change for the worse, that's for sure. 😂

    • Best thing I've heard all pre-season.

  • The backline is coming together nicely but there's still a big question mark over that forward pack. 

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