NRL Rd 1 2025 - General Non-Warriors Thread

[JJ]

Gould is right though, quality halves are rare and they’re paying for his peak years… he’s not a 7 atm, possibly never will be but you can see why they’ve gone after him. Galvin is the one to chase now I’d think

 

[Penrose Warrior]

Gould is right though, quality halves are rare and they’re paying for his peak years… he’s not a 7 atm, possibly never will be but you can see why they’ve gone after him. Galvin is the one to chase now I’d think

Honestly, I can't see why. Dylan Brown isn't the last piece of a premiership puzzle for them. I don't think it's going to help them, only hinder them in terms of his motivation to be the best player he can be across 10 years, and an ability to manage their cap. I could be wrong. As you said, he's not a 7. He's going to be so reliant on Ponga to be effective.

 

[JJ]

Honestly, I can't see why. Dylan Brown isn't the last piece of a premiership puzzle for them. I don't think it's going to help them, only hinder them in terms of his motivation to be the best player he can be across 10 years, and an ability to manage their cap. I could be wrong. As you said, he's not a 7. He's going to be so reliant on Ponga to be effective.

Suspect it’s just he’s all that was available, and talented. Eels made a similar offer, 6 years I think…

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

Are there any ball playing middles on the market for next year?

This time last year most of us thought Luai wasn’t a 7 either. Then he went and proved everyone wrong while Cleary was out… but he also had the benefit of Yeo, plus Edwards who’s a very good organiser himself, helping steer the team over that time.

Pretty sure during Brown’s stint at 7 last year he mostly played solo. Sanders and Talagi played a few games with him but they were just babies. Gutho is all effort but isn’t a ball player, same with Hopgood.

I know I’m clutching here because I like the guy and want him to succeed… but if the Knights can find/afford a ball playing middle to complement him and Ponga, that could help turn him into a proper 7.

 

[Wheeled Warrior]

Are there any ball playing middles on the market for next year?

This time last year most of us thought Luai wasn’t a 7 either. Then he went and proved everyone wrong while Cleary was out… but he also had the benefit of Yeo, plus Edwards who’s a very good organiser himself, helping steer the team over that time.

Pretty sure during Brown’s stint at 7 last year he mostly played solo. Sanders and Talagi played a few games with him but they were just babies. Gutho is all effort but isn’t a ball player, same with Hopgood.

I know I’m clutching here because I like the guy and want him to succeed… but if the Knights can find/afford a ball playing middle to complement him and Ponga, that could help turn him into a proper 7.

That applies to anyone I feel. Luke Metcalf could benefit just as much. Dylan Walker has strong ball-playing skills, which is why some prefer him at 13 to support the halves. Honestly, I see Brown as a roaming six, much like people are suggesting for Metcalf.

 

[Beavers Headgear]

What have I just watched lol, the Warriors social media team is on fire, somehow they have managed to dig up and dust off Ben Lummis, with “it’s our year, and they can’t take that away” hahahahahahaha

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

That applies to anyone I feel. Luke Metcalf could benefit just as much. Dylan Walker has strong ball-playing skills, which is why some prefer him at 13 to support the halves. Honestly, I see Brown as a roaming six, much like people are suggesting for Metcalf.

Yea fair point. Fk I really am clutching at straws. Oh well. If he gets in Ponga's ear about playing for the Kiwis that'll be something at least.

 

[JJ]

Are there any ball playing middles on the market for next year?

This time last year most of us thought Luai wasn’t a 7 either. Then he went and proved everyone wrong while Cleary was out… but he also had the benefit of Yeo, plus Edwards who’s a very good organiser himself, helping steer the team over that time.

Pretty sure during Brown’s stint at 7 last year he mostly played solo. Sanders and Talagi played a few games with him but they were just babies. Gutho is all effort but isn’t a ball player, same with Hopgood.

I know I’m clutching here because I like the guy and want him to succeed… but if the Knights can find/afford a ball playing middle to complement him and Ponga, that could help turn him into a proper 7.

Luai had often shown he could be that guy, I think - we probably saw it first, but playing in the Penrith team makes it easier, nonetheless, he's shown he's elite even in the shadow of Cleary... Brown not so much imo, but they plan to develop him...

Gould said he thinks the salaries of halves are a bit low, and other positions too high... Given how rare and important halves are he probably has a point

Salary caps should go up, so Brown (if things go well) might end a good signing... I think the 10 year deals on forwards are far too risky... 5/8s less so, and at 24 he has time to show he's worth it

 

[Penrose Warrior]

Suspect it’s just he’s all that was available, and talented. Eels made a similar offer, 6 years I think…

Rumour is that the Eels are going to produce a massive war chest to sign Galvin long-term, he is an Eels junior.