The Parramatta Eels have been named, alongside the North Queensland Cowboys, as possible suitors for South Sydney Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale. Parramatta have been listed as interested in the 22 year old Cook Islands international, he has played 70 NRL games for the Rabbitohs and agreed to a one year extension for 2026. Souths had originally offered a two year extension, to which Moale declined in favour of a one year deal, with speculation he had an eye on Perth.
Souths more likely are now deciding to let Moale go now in favour of freeing up cap space to get Gold Coast back-rower David Fifita. Moale's intent on a one year deal could be a very clear sign of his intention to try and get to Perth, though i do wonder if it is he wants to leave Souths in general or if he just needs a stop over before heading to the Bears.
Let's say we get him, is it a good pick-up? Yes, i believe it is. He is only 22 and already played 70 games. He has hit that bracket of 50 or so games where you become a first grader. He has the experience to start and can be a damaging runner of the ball and is strong in defence. Being only 22 is promising for Ryles to get a hold of and make a weapon in our forwards. If there is a concern it is Bennett gave him the task to improve being a professional and fix certain areas of his game or he wont be extended. Souths did extend him but there is something happening to where Souths are happy to let him go now and he is only content staying for a short time.
Getting Moale would make Williams' move to the edge permanent and for the 2026 5/8, whether it is Papali'i, Pezet, Talataina whoever that is promising to have Williams on your outside. With talent like Funa-Iuta and Christopher Petrus also coming through they replacements in the future and depth for the next 2 years max.
For NQ it makes sense since Jordan McLean is retiring, they currently have Taumalolo and Neame starting but on the bench of late have interchanged between Thomas Mikaele, Harrison Edwards, Sam McIntyre then debuting juniors like Marley Bitugane and Kaiden Lahrs. They need forwards, considering they also lose Cotter to Origin during the year and use Edwards all over from Prop to Second-Row to Lock and even Hooker.
I fear Perth is where he ends up long term, with a stop over somewhere for 2026 until then but if we can nab him it will be a nice pick-up.
Replies
At the right price I like it, he does have the build to be a damaging middle
Well i mean he weighs 112kg and is taller slightly compared to Junior Paulo and Moses Leota who were both damaging Props in their time. Build can be great but how many players have the build and are average at best?
He's shown flashes at Souths but very injury plagued, if it's a 1 year prove it kind of deal I don't hate it, maybe Ryles can get something out of him. As long as it's not a large amount of coin.
He has played 56 games in last 3 years which is not bad, plus have to think too at 22 being a full-time FG player can take a toll on the body. Look at Tuivaiti as an example, some big Props at that age their body can fall apart then eventually it gets used to it.
If it is for one year i would rather just invest in Ryda Talagi to be fair for that year.
Yeah I think Moretti Tuaviti Paulo Hopgood Williams JDB is a good mix for middle. I think Talagi might be a few years off yet needs to get more cup into him. Moale in the top 30 I wouldn't be against it. Better then what jack bird can bring prob
Well Bird and Moale play different positions.
Talagi is a few years off but can be used as depth.
He's a 22 yr old with multiple clubs after him. In what world would he sign a 1 yr deal
That's what he wants so he can get more money from Perth, he's after a 1 year deal
Would many clubs fund the value in giving him 1 year though ? And it's super risky for a player to roll the dice on a 1 year contract in anticipation of not getting injured and landing a deal with the new club. Not unless he can get a signiture on paper within the Bears prior to signing a 1 year deal.
Well from November 1 he can sign with Perth for 2027 so it is a risk but he can sign for us in October then Perth in November. But i know what you mean in that a club would want him before November and ideally is better to have that security incase Perth don't want him.
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