Our future 6

[Avenger]

During yesterdays press conference my take is:

Ryles was being diplomatic — trying to encourage Joash and back his players — but I don’t believe he sees Joash as the long-term answer at 5/8.

He’s just working with what he’s got. Our recent pursuit of Galvin suggests Joash is more of a fallback option because we haven’t been able to land a proven 5/8 or someone with greater upside, now.

It’s obvious, however I reckon he’ll make a decision over these final 8 rounds, now that he knows making the top 8 is even mathematically out of reach.

 

[hineyrulz]

If the club aren't looking at sourcing another 6 from elsewhere they are kidding themselves.

We have no one at the club ATM capable of being a first grade quality 6, banking on juniors hopefully being good enough in a few years time win you nothing but spoons.

 

[Avenger]

If the club aren't looking at sourcing another 6 from elsewhere they are kidding themselves.

We have no one at the club ATM capable of being a first grade quality 6, banking on juniors hopefully being good enough in a few years time win you nothing but spoons.

I agree. Savala would be ideal even on a loan deal.

 

[King-Gutho94]

If the club aren't looking at sourcing another 6 from elsewhere they are kidding themselves.

We have no one at the club ATM capable of being a first grade quality 6, banking on juniors hopefully being good enough in a few years time win you nothing but spoons.

"How did the club get it so right"

Will go down as quote of 2025.

 

[JokerEel]

I would say that Joash is the current plan unless someone else falls into our lap.. If he wasn't then we would not be playing him now at 5/8 and trying to fit Brown in somewhere else..

There isn't many options available for 25 or 26 either.

 

[hineyrulz]

"How did the club get it so right"

Will go down as quote of 2025.

Easily the most Retreaded thing i'll read on the interwebs this year.

 

[the phantom menace]

I think the presser indicates Ryles is aware that he won't land any other external five eighth option for 2026. So is going with the best he has got for #6, which is giving Papalii experience so he can make a decent fist of it alongside Moses (when fit).

I'm ok that we spend the spare spine money elsewhere in the squad for 2026 if possible.

 

[Delboy]

I think the presser indicates Ryles is aware that he won't land any other external five eighth option for 2026. So is going with the best he has got for #6, which is giving Papalii experience so he can make a decent fist of it alongside Moses (when fit).

I'm ok that we spend the spare spine money elsewhere in the squad for 2026 if possible.

Trusting the current recruitment team to spend money well or attract elite players is dangerous, our only attraction is the coach . Those actually responsible for selling the club don’t have a record of success, but currently have the support of the CEO who appointed them. Hopefully we get surprised and they actually do a decent job for 2026.

 

[eels_fan]

I think Joash is 100% the current plan for 2026 unless he absolutely bottles it over the last 8 weeks; or someone who is currently contracted at another club is given an early release and we pounce. On the current open market, there is no-one.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

"How did the club get it so right"

Will go down as quote of 2025.

We've recruited pretty well. It's not our recruits that are the problem.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

our only attraction is the coach

Because of all the wins he's coached?

 

[Parra Pride]

What's Daniel Mortimer doing these days?

 

[eels_fan]

Selling Wine in Mudgee?

 

[MarkInTheStands]

Remember the name.

Talataina

Nah who am I kidding the kid is young and a very hit and miss, just playing on his natural talent.

 

[Stagger eel]

I have more confidence in developing someone within than I would signing a current NRL 6 from outside the system.

 

[the phantom menace]

Trusting the current recruitment team to spend money well or attract elite players is dangerous, our only attraction is the coach .

I'm not expecting elite. Just happy for Brown's (old) contract money to be put toward strengthening/improving the squad in other positions that need it more than #6 - edge forward and centre immediately come to mind.

Those actually responsible for selling the club don’t have a record of success, but currently have the support of the CEO who appointed them. Hopefully we get surprised and they actually do a decent job for 2026.

Money talks, and I think players think about a lot of things other than the suits involved when they decide to move to club.

 

[Joshuatheeel]

Reckon Papalii potential to develop into the role is being understated.

Obviously due to his size, his defence may be the reason he doesn't make it. It's definitely a concern. However so far it's been ok (yes but small sample)

However attack wise, I reckon he should be ok. He already has shown that in NSW cup. Yes different position, but his TA are pretty good over last 3 years (8, 15, 12). And his running game can be dangerous.

And I think it's been forgotten he is still eligible for Flegg, but has been playing cup since he was 19, with 45 games. So has had a long development period playing open age footy. Similar to Iongi. Also good indication he has a good attitude.

I think he may slowly develop into the role.

Exciting times.

 

[Stagger eel]

Money talks, and I think players think about a lot of things other than the suits involved when they decide to move to club.

yeah, but it's not about what the players think of the suits, it's what the suits can do to convince them to come over, and in some cases not even about the $$$ either.

 

[Stagger eel]

Reckon Papalii potential to develop into the role is being understated.

Obviously due to his size, his defence may be the reason he doesn't make it. It's definitely a concern. However so far it's been ok (yes but small sample)

However attack wise, I reckon he should be ok. He already has shown that in NSW cup. Yes different position, but his TA are pretty good over last 3 years (8, 15, 12). And his running game can be dangerous.

And I think it's been forgotten he is still eligible for Flegg, but has been playing cup since he was 19, with 45 games. So has had a long development period playing open age footy. Similar to Iongi. Also good indication he has a good attitude.

I think he may slowly develop into the role.

Exciting times.

yeah, I'm definitely not going to rule it out just yet, the kid seems like a footballer who's willing to learn and give it a good crack.

 

[Avenger]

Remember the name.

Talataina

Nah who am I kidding the kid is young and a very hit and miss, just playing on his natural talent.

MITS

You’ve been around. Is he better at the same age as Tim Smith or Blake Green who were great as juniors and both ‘made it’ or is he more like a Kris Keating, Steve Witt or Michael Witt type?