Off Season 2024/25

[Matua]

Did that get formally announced? I remember a bunch of "expected" and "reportedly" stories, and then a denial from Tyrone earlier this year, but I lost track of it all eventually.

I think it's official. He initially wasn't in the Magpies squad this year because they were releasing him to go, but he still had an NZR contract so they had to add him to the squad after they'd picked up another hooker.

IIRC the contract was announced back in 2023 that he'd signed for 2025.

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

I think it's official. He initially wasn't in the Magpies squad this year because they were releasing him to go, but he still had an NZR contract so they had to add him to the squad after they'd picked up another hooker.

IIRC the contract was announced back in 2023 that he'd signed for 2025.

Sweet thanks. Really interested to see how he goes. Must admit I haven't watched a lot of him in SR of NPC, but if he's anywhere near as good as his brother, he'll be a good pick up.

As far as whether that makes pitching for Leo harder... maybe we make it a package deal? If Tyrone signed a 1 year deal, that'd make them both available for '26.

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

On the topic of front rowers coming onto the market... read on fox sport that Xavier Willison is only on 250k and expected to field significantly bigger offers come 1-Nov.

Hope one of them is from us. Either him or Thomson would be great pick ups IMO.

 

[Matua]

Sweet thanks. Really interested to see how he goes. Must admit I haven't watched a lot of him in SR of NPC, but if he's anywhere near as good as his brother, he'll be a good pick up.

As far as whether that makes pitching for Leo harder... maybe we make it a package deal? If Tyrone signed a 1 year deal, that'd make them both available for '26.

Hard to say. Tyrone was a better rugby player, but Leo might suit league better. He has good leg drive despite his chicken legs.

 

[Matua]

On the topic of front rowers coming onto the market... read on fox sport that Xavier Willison is only on 250k and expected to field significantly bigger offers come 1-Nov.

Hope one of them is from us. Either him or Thomson would be great pick ups IMO.

Are we actually looking for a prop though? Webster seems happy with two in a team and a bunch of little men?

 

[Izz]

On the topic of front rowers coming onto the market... read on fox sport that Xavier Willison is only on 250k and expected to field significantly bigger offers come 1-Nov.

Hope one of them is from us. Either him or Thomson would be great pick ups IMO.

Yep, Willison would be another nice add. Kid has all the attributes to be a gun

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

Are we actually looking for a prop though? Webster seems happy with two in a team and a bunch of little men?

I have no idea TBH and yea you may be right. Webby may not even be in the market for another prop.

I'm just hoping he is because I'm personally still a huge believer in big games being won upfront. When I think of dominant teams in the last few years, most of them have had at least 3 quality big men.

Leniu supported Fish and Leota for a long time, before Lindsay Smith stepped up this year. Last year the Broncs had Haas and Flegler, with Palasia having a breakout year, and when the Roosters won in 18/19, I think (?) it was a combination of JWH, Taukeiaho and the Origin version of Napa during that period. Storm have still done remarkably well since Bromwich left, but their '20 GF winning team featured NAS and Tino alongside Jesse.

A troop of quality big men is no silver bullet obviously, but IMO its one well worth investing in especially if we're lacking a genuinely gun half.

 

[warriors 95]

Sweet thanks. Really interested to see how he goes. Must admit I haven't watched a lot of him in SR of NPC, but if he's anywhere near as good as his brother, he'll be a good pick up.

As far as whether that makes pitching for Leo harder... maybe we make it a package deal? If Tyrone signed a 1 year deal, that'd make them both available for '26.

I don’t think he got much game time in super rugby this year but he’s been playing well and scoring in the NPC from the highlights I’ve seen.

I think he’ll maybe start at #13 like Leo before transitioning to prop as he’s a big and mobile boy.

 

[Beavers Headgear]

Rumours of Selwyn Cobbo heading to the Cowboys

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

Rumours of Selwyn Cobbo heading to the Cowboys

Good pick up for them if it pans out.

Broncs clearly under cap pressure but its no wonder. If reported values for Haas, Walsh, Carrigan and Mam are correct, they're using about a third of their cap on 4 players they've just signed to long term deals. Not a lot left over for the other 26 guys.

 

[Beavers Headgear]

Good pick up for them if it pans out.

Broncs clearly under cap pressure but its no wonder. If reported values for Haas, Walsh, Carrigan and Mam are correct, they're using about a third of their cap on 4 players they've just signed to long term deals. Not a lot left over for the other 26 guys.

I’m not convinced at all with Selwyn, seems to be a lazy player who is trying to coast through a career on natural talent

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

I’m not convinced at all with Selwyn, seems to be a lazy player who is trying to coast through a career on natural talent

Yea fair point… interesting to see if a change in coach, whether Payten or Madge, can sort that out. He’ll be a weapon if he does.

 

[Big Marn]

Yea fair point… interesting to see if a change in coach, whether Payten or Madge, can sort that out. He’ll be a weapon if he does.

seems to me Cobbo has a few too many pies in his diet. A properly managed diet might make a big difference.

 

[Wheeled Warrior]

Cobbo talent is up there with the best of players. He just needs the right mentor. Shit we all do in life.

 

[Beavers Headgear]

Dragons have told Ben Hunt he is free to negotiate with other clubs effective immediately

Mulitalo has told the Sharks he will be testing his value on the open market come November 1

 

[Izz]

Dragons have told Ben Hunt he is free to negotiate with other clubs effective immediately

Is it time for Hunt to head off to Super League?

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

Is it time for Hunt to head off to Super League?

Hope he stays, always liked him. Thought he was unfairly singled out after the 15GF and been hoping he’d get some success since.

Is Verrils still a chance of heading back to the Roosters? Titans could really do with him at 9.

 

[Beavers Headgear]

Is it time for Hunt to head off to Super League?

Wouldn’t be surprised to see the Titans or Dolphins have a sniff at him, has the desire for a Qld return. Newcastle probably a good fit as well

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

Wouldn’t be surprised to see the Titans or Dolphins have a sniff at him, has the desire for a Qld return. Newcastle probably a good fit as well

Hope he lands at the Titans. He'd turn them into a but of a smokey I reckon.

They already have strong middles in Tino, RCG and Fotuaika, and if Palasia can get back to his Broncs form they'll actually have one of the better middle groups in the comp.

Fifita is (or can be at least) a weapon on one edge, but Fermor is pretty handy as well. And they have lots of x-factor in the backs with Kini, Campbell, Khan-Pereira and Brimson.

A spine including Foran and Hunt would be on the 'mature' side obviously, but there wont be too many smarter. If Des gets em going, and they have can avoid injuries for the vets... they could be fun to watch next year.

 

[Beavers Headgear]

Chuckle of the week, Kris Radlinski who runs Wigan, says Nathan Cleary wouldn’t make their side