For the sake of some hypothetical off-season discussion because;
- I'm Bored at work, and
- Desperate for some Parra discussion before the season starts
Let's imagine a world where Dylan signs with another club.
(Leave out any negative sentiment about DB leaving the club for now because it may not even happen, and it's not the point of this Post)
Who are some possible recruits that you would look to sign at 5/8 to partner Moses in the halves?
Personally, I would go all-in for Galvin. Not only is this kid a superstar in the making, he's a die-hard Parra fan. This means he won't be bending the club over a barrell when it comes time to signing every contract, he would sign fair and appropriate offers (hopefully), and he would genuinly want to be here to win a premiership because it would mean just as much to him as all of us... afterall, he is one of us! That's an exciting prospect and to be honest, I would go after Galvin regardless because of this factor. If we landed Galvin I would move DB to Center or FB or whatever, I would just get Galvin in the team and worry about the positions later.
Who are some other candidates that could fit in with Ryles's new fast & agile, Eeletric footy style?
- Think about 5/8s in systems that need a change (Cogger, Brimson, Te Maire Martin)?
- Think about 5/8's stuck behind great players that deserve a crack (Wishart, Cole, Schoupp)?
- Think about someone in SL that could come back (Field, French)?
- Or, would you stick with Volkman, Hawkins, or Papalii before recruiting?
Replies
Internally we have promising 5/8s in every grade. Papalii, Volkman and Twiddle could be ready for NRL by 2026. In SG and HM we have Lorenzo Talatina and Talen Risati who are absolute guns too but they will need time before being NRL ready.
Externally I believe Wishart and Galvin are the most obvious options. Wishart would want a good team and has connections with Ryles. Only real competition would be Dragons. Galvin is a parra boy and I know he was rejected once. But I still think he would 100% come to the club since he was a die hard supporter.
I also believe French is a smokey option.
I am not sure about French defending in the front line against NRL opposition. Yes he is carving up SL but it is SL. I think Ryles will lean towards Talatina and Risati or even Fletcher if he can play Five-Eighth. He wants to lean on the pathways.
I don't think we will get Galvin from Tigers. Think there in for a good 2025 and more hecwill be a part of that.
Volkman and Papali would step into the 6 quite comfy in 2026. Hawkins is more a 7 but would slot into the 6 if needed.
To be honest I woul love Wishart, even over Brown. I think Wishart is a better ball player now then DB is.
Getting a start at 5/8 would be a decent option, but I think he's deathriding Munster to retire down at the Storm
Year I know Munster still has 2 years to go. The candy would be offering him a guaranteed start in the 6 for 2026. Especially if Munster pushes for a 1 year extension.
I feel Benji is holding Wests back. Let's say they got BA, you all laugh but bloke is a good coach, give him this squad and they are pushing finals. Not winning comps but getting a good coach and they push for finals. I feel Luai will do all he can but the ship will sink and Benji is gone.
Hawkins can do a stop gap job, he is not a great 6 but can get by if needed.
Hawkins wont amount to anything more than a depth player.
Id definitely be giving our current recruits first shot. Volkman, JPap, Twizzle, Hawkins. Then we have 900K added to our war chest if they dont work out. If one does ok then we can recruit an elite player for another position.
I think if Volkman gets a good injury free run he may surprise a few people. Was an elite Junior and has a high skill level.
Ionghi was also a 5/8 so we have the option of moving him to the halves and JPap to fullback.
We have so many more options now.
If Volkman can produce how he played before his injury, he will be a pretty good 6. He certainly has some ability.
I haven't seen much of Volkman's footy. Keen to see how he goes.
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