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Rumours and Stuff

TheRam

Coach
Messages
13,461
Titans

Alofiana Khan-Pereira
: A flying winger from Keebra Park who has a similar physique to Josh Addo-Carr and also blinding speed. Said to have clocked the fastest time of any Titans player, ever. Played for Burleigh in the Queensland Cup and is now in the Titans’ top-30 squad, embarking on his third NRL pre-season.

Jojo Fifita: David Fifita’s cousin who was a schoolboy sprint champion that the Titans poached from rugby. Stands about 190cm, 100kg and can really motor. Had a few shoulder issues that limited his game-time in 2021 but is expected to push for his opportunity from here on if he can get through a full pre-season.

Shallin Fuller: Hails from Beaudesert and has really made a name for himself playing for Burleigh Bears in the halves. Put simply, he is electric. Actually played a lot of footy with Jayden Campbell coming through and after his outstanding form in 2021 the Titans have handed him an NRL development contract to make sure he gets every opportunity to fulfil his phenomenal talent.

Tom Weaver: The 2021 Australian Schoolboys halfback who is following in the footsteps of another former Palm Beach Currimbin graduate, Toby Sexton. Originally came from the Northern Rivers of NSW but has been contracted at the Titans since he was 15 and just continues to develop his game. Might be a few years off but remember the name.

Isaac Matalavea-Booth: A towering young Kiwi prop who looks like a clone of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, just bigger. Seriously, the 19-year-old is listed at 201cm (1cm taller than Asofa-Solomona) and 123kg (Asofa-Solomona is 115kg on the Melbourne Storm website). Started out in the Warriors’ junior development system before he moved to Gold Coast to attend Keebra Park. Still very raw but massive potential.


Sea Eagles

Kaeo Weekes
: A real speed machine with good skill who has been a standout coming through the grades. Can play in the halves but is making his way at fullback. A prolific try scorer with a knack of just bobbing up in the right place at the right time.

Alec Tuitavake: The nephew of former powerhouse Solomon Haumono, this young prop grew up in Redfern but has really impressed during his rise through the grades at the Sea Eagles, having played NSW under 18s and Australian Schoolboys.

Gordon Chan Kum Tong: Yet another who cut his teeth under Wayne Lambkin at Westfields Sports High who was the captain of the Sea Eagles’ SG Ball team and then went up to Jersey Flegg and skippered that side as well, so he certainly seems to have some good leadership qualities. This kid’s a real livewire dummy half with good speed and rock solid defence.

James Uesele: A hard running lock who also went to school at Westfields. Has worked hard on his fitness and it is really benefiting his game.

Jamie Humphreys: Son of club chief executive Stephen who plays in the halves and good judges reckon has a big future in years to come. Electric on his feet and a real sharp shooter.


Storm

Tyran Wishart
: Son of Illawarra Steelers legend Rod who will genuinely challenge for that bench utility role left vacant by Nicho Hynes. Frank Ponissi reckons the Storm couldn’t have been more impressed with how Wishart fitted in after his mid-season transfer from the Dragons. Coming through the grades he’s played in the halves, fullback, dummy half and at lock, so versatility will be his strength.

Jack Howarth: Can play in the centres or as an edge backrower, this is the young Queenslander who knocked back a shot at the Wallabies to sign with the Storm last year. Has had his progress stalled by a lack of game time but the word is Howarth presented himself really well on his return to training and if he stays fit, he is a strong chance of playing NRL.

William Warbrick: All Blacks Olympic silver medallist in Rugby Sevens who could potentially take over Josh Addo-Carr’s wing spot or earn a crack in the centres. Physically he’s ready in terms of his strength, power and speed. A Xavier Coates type build, just more developed. But it will now depend on how quick he gets up to speed playing rugby league after coming from Rugby Sevens.

Jonah Pezet: Boom teenage playmaker the Storm signed from Newcastle with a bit of a Sam Walker-type hype about him who Brad Fittler already has in the NSW Emerging Pathways program. Again, needs some games under his belt so he’ll be heading to the Queensland Cup in 2022. But that’s not to say he won’t get a chance at some stage later in the season, or maybe even around Origin time.

Bronson Garlick: Another famous name, but this bloke’s story is not about the kid that was always destined for the big time. It’s about a now 25-year-old utility whose dedication and perseverance has finally won him a shot at the game’s benchmark club after playing lower grades at the Bulldogs and Newtown. Sean Garlick’s son has already won over the Storm with his attitude and recruitment chief Paul Bunn, who knows a thing or two about spotting mature age talent and thinks he can really develop into an NRL player.


Knights

Krystian Mapapalangi
: It won’t be too far down the track before this young five-eighth is banging on the door for NRL. Rated one of the hottest emerging talents who could end up something very special. Similar frame and style to Kieran Foran with a bit more height but loves to run the ball and very aggressive. Went to school in the Tigers’ nursery at Holy Cross and played SG Ball for Manly before the Knights recruited him.

Bailey Hodgson: Big things were expected of this young Englishman in 2021, but missed the start of the season after knee surgery. Following that he only played a handful of NSW Cup games. Probably needs more time in lower grades before he’s ready to challenge for a permanent NRL spot. But make no mistake, the Knights see Hodgson as a long term NRL player capable of replacing Kalyn Ponga at fullback if/when Ponga switches to the halves.

Chris Veaila: An 18-year-old outside back from New Zealand who has impressed the right people with a terrific attitude. Great hands, good skills and it won’t be long before he’s challenging for a spot in the top grade on the wing.

Cooper Jenkins: Big raw-boned backrower who came through in the same junior team at the Knights as Bradman Best and if he gets a good pre-season could end up pushing his way into the top team. At 21 the former Australian Schoolboy went back and played for Maitland when the NSW Cup comp was cancelled and it has apparently really benefited his development. Not yet in the top 30 but keep an eye out for him at some stage later in 2022.

Jirah Momoisea: Big prop with speed, power and a good offload. Initially came through the Melbourne system and finally got his crack in the top grade towards the back end of 2021. Is 23 but just coming of age. While Newcastle boasts one of the strongest packs the expectation is that Momoisea will hold onto a top-17 spot in 2022.
 

TheRam

Coach
Messages
13,461
Rabbitohs

Terrell Kalo Kalo
: Another gun from Penrith’s junior system who slipped through the net to end up on a Souths’ scholarship at Scots College. The word at the Rabbitohs is that when Joseph Suaalii was the young gun everyone was raving about, those in the know at Souths always thought Kalo Kalo wasn’t that far behind. Can play anywhere in the outside backs with good height, plenty of pace and all the skills. Didn’t play a lot of footy in 2021 after copping a head knock but has gone straight into the top 30. Could easily find his way into the NRL team at some stage in 2022.

Josiah Karapani: Another outside back who could end up cracking an NRL debut at some stage in 2022. Powerfully built in a Konrad Hurrell-type frame, he’s a beast with a handy offload. Another of the youngsters the Rabbitohs rate very highly.

Tallis Duncan: Was with the Roosters but switched to their arch rivals because he thought he could get more of an opportunity at Souths. Has since progressed from SG Ball to Jersey Flegg. Still a way off competing for an NRL spot but has a style not unlike Cam Murray with an extremely high work rate and does everything at 100 per cent. Wears white head gear so easy to spot.

Ben Lovett: From Parkes originally and was the Jersey Flegg player of the year in 2021. Another backrower who just doesn’t stop and has earned himself a chance to impress while training with the top squad over summer before he goes back to a NSWRL contract. Would need a few injuries to get his shot but another name for the future.

Zane Bijorac: A big outside back, tall and very athletic who looks an absolute nightmare to tackle. Came from down Canberra way initially before moving to Souths to play Flegg. Has now had a few games in NSW Cup but is in the top 30 squad going forward.


Dragons

Josh Coric
: A young middle from Albion Park who was also a part of that SG Ball premiership winning team back in 2019. Given the depth and experience of the Dragons’ pack that has added likes of Aaron Woods, George Burgess and Francis Molo, Coric will have to be patient for his chance at NRL. But he has time on his side and a contract until 2024, so the club obviously sees him as a part of their succession plan.

Jackson Shereb: Another to graduate from that gun SG Ball side, this bloke plays backrow and looks a real athlete. Big, powerful with good speed and skills, he was really impressive in his appearances in NSW Cup before suffering a knee injury.

Connor Muhleisen: A tough little hooker who was the SG Ball captain and has enough speed to cause some headaches out of dummy half. Won’t go onto a development contract until 2023 but looks to be the future No 9 given he’s the only internal long term hooking option at the moment beyond Andrew McCullough.

Shalom O’Ofou: A hard running, tough tackling middle forward who looks really promising with a style not unlike Tyson Frizell. Still only 19 but played 11 NSW Cup games in 2021 and goes onto a development contract next season.

Jaiyden Hunt: A no-nonsense prop who won’t win many headlines but at 23 you can’t help but admire his dedication and determination to get his crack at the NRL. After starting out at the Easts Tigers in Brisbane, he played under 20s for Melbourne before returning to the Tigers where the Dragons signed him on a train-and-trial contract. He then ended up getting four NRL games this year and it’s a credit to him that Anthony Griffin has kept him despite the arrival of some big name front rowers.


Roosters

Jordan Swann
: A 19-year-old Easts junior from Waverley College, is a power centre who had a really good 2021. Swann played the entire SG Ball season and then went up to Jersey Flegg without having a break until it was shut down. Was very good in both grades.

Sandon Smith: A five-eighth from Kincumber on the Central Coast who was a standout in the SG Ball side and played a stack of Jersey Flegg as well. A livewire who Roosters have a big rap on.

Tom Deakin: A Golden Gloves boxing champ who was captain of the Roosters’ SG Ball team and is as tough as they come. Also came through at the Kincumber Colts alongside Sandon Smith and in years to come you’d take the odds about them taking that partnership all the way through to NRL.

Vuate Karawalevu: Go and watch some YouTube footage of this young Fijian and you’ll immediately understand why Roosters recruitment chief Daniel Anderson can’t stop smiling when he tells you about Vuate’s story. How he came across to play with the Kaiviti Silvertails and from there became an overnight sensation because of his wonderful athletic ability. Scored nine tries in just five Jersey Flegg games and will be training with the NRL squad over summer.

Eli Roberts: At 27 a real smoky who arrives at the Roosters on the recommendation of Anthony Mundine and is hoping for one last shot at making it in the NRL. From Redfern originally, Roberts played NYC at Canberra and later at the Illawarra Cutters. Certainly looks to have the natural talent with speed to burn.


Wests Tigers

Dudley Dutoi
: An outside back from Kirwan High in Townsville where there’s been a production line of NRL graduates including the likes of Brandon Smith, Jason Taumalolo and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in recent years. Was also a standout in the Blackhawks junior ranks. Fast and elusive with a terrific fend. Has signed a two-year deal and will train with the top squad over summer.

Brandon Webster-Mansfield: A big backrower from St Gregs who was hardly noticed coming through the grades but has come along in leaps and bounds. Started off as a centre so he has some speed and runs a really good line. Is now training with the top squad heading into Christmas. At 21 still needs to put on some weight but is a future first grader.

Fonua Pole: A teenage prop who took a gigantic jump in 2021, going from SG Ball to Jersey Flegg and then up to NSW Cup in the one season. Extremely fit with good leg speed, the Tigers expect big things in the coming years.

Brandon Tumeth: The one name that always gets mentioned when the Tigers young guns come up for discussion. Like Pole did the jump from Ball to NSW Cup this year where he started in the backrow. Still young enough to play Ball next year but has just jumped ahead of the pack.

Justin Matamua: Man of the match in City-Country under 18s this year. This powerfully built lock is a real strong runner of the footy but he has good hands having dabbled in the halves coming through the juniors. Another graduate from Westfields Sports High, is still SG Ball age but has enormous potential.
 

TheParraboy

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
66,142
The boys love playing for BA…….


Mate pull your head in will ya

Cant you see whats really going on? We are tactical inovators

All these guys leaving, when they come up against Parra will under perform for BA and take their new mates with them. Just need a couple of players to go and sign with Chooks, Souths and Penrith and the premierships will roll


# BA foreva
 

84 Baby

Referee
Messages
28,033
*Waits for the post that we should sign up these players before other clubs identify them (after the DT already did)*
 

Gronk

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
73,554
Eels
Sean Russell
: Still only 19 with two NRL games in the bag. But Maika Sivo’s ACL injury (Sivo is expected to miss up to 15 rounds) has opened the door for Russell to get plenty more at the start of 2022. Keeps growing and that taste of top grade is said to have really stoked the fire in him.
Sam Loizou: Came through playing in the halves alongside Jake Arthur but will end up in the centres. Was fairly slight when he came into pre-season last year but is starting to get his body right. Has played one first grade game off the bench in that late season belting by Penrith when Brad Arthur rested a stack of players. But this 18-year-old is very athletic and has the skills to make a very good career when he gets a bit more experience.
David Hollis: A bit of an old-school prop from Wauchope on the mid-north coast who has done an apprenticeship as a diesel mechanic but is now not far away from getting a shot in the engine room in NRL. Only 21 next year but they’ve had raps on Hollis at Parra for a while now, and all you continue to hear is good things.
Jock Brazel: A backrower from Moree who made the Australian Schoolboys and has been locked into a three-year deal. Given he’s only just turned 18 and the Eels have some strong competition in the back row, you’d expect he has some hard yards to do before he’s ready to challenge for an NRL spot. But club recruitment boss Ben Rogers says Brazel is a name Parra fans might want to keep a close eye on.
Solomone Naiduki: Powerful Fijian winger who the Eels have a high opinion of. At 21 has now moved into the top-30 squad and could get some early chances with Maika Sivo’s injury.
Luca Moretti is another one. I read somewhere that he's already in the Italy squad for the 2022 World Cup (with Nathan Brown, Tedesco etc I assume).

EDIT: Here. Hey, WTF is Matty John's two kids doing in the Italy squad ?

ITALY TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Luis Lollo (Ambrosiana Tigers), Alec Susino (Barrow Raiders), Joey Tramontana, Rhys Sciilitano (Blacktown Workers), Nathan Milone (Cabramatta), Jarrett Subloo (Canberra Raiders), Mason Cerruto (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Simone Boscolo, Michele Olocco, Alberto Berganton (Carina Tigers), Josef Fella (Castleford Tigers), Matthew Bonanno (Central Tigers), Matthew Tedesco (Coogee Dolphins), Ethan Natoli, Josh Natoli (Coogee-Randwick), Lachlan Scarpelli (Cronulla Sharks), Vince Ripepi (East Campbelltown), Samuel Dolores (Eastwood Rugby), Brock Pelligra (Glebe-Burwood), James Saltonstall (Halifax RLFC), Daniel De Vecchis (Hills District Bulls), Mark Minichiello (Hull FC), Giuseppe Pagani, Daniele Not, Mattia Not, Mauro Quarino, Lorenzo Marcuz, Juan Vila, Ippolito Occhialini, Tommaso Nicoli (Lignano Sharks), Rinaldo Palumbo (London Skolars), Cooper Johns (Melbourne Storm), Bandoni Ettore, Bienati Nicolò, Botti Davide, Pirotta Carlo, Signorelli Davide, Lorenzo Leandro, Morosi Fabio, Berton Edoardo, Zappa Giorgio, Coppi Manuel, Mastromauro Davide, Santarelli Alessandro, Caldara Simone, (Milano Mustangs), Ryan King (Mounties), Joshua Carr, Luke Polselli (Newtown Jets), Luke Hodge (North Sydney Bears), Jack Campagnolo (Northern Pride), Emanuele Passera (Parma Cowboys), Alexander Myles (Penrith Panthers), John Trimboli (Penrith Panthers), Santino Battagliolo (Ryde Eastwood Hawks), Lorenzo Grosso, Samuele Audisio, Tallone Filippo, Radosta Gabriele, Gabriele Pattaro, Luca Moressa, (Saluzzo North West Roosters), Marc Zaurrini, Jack Frasca, Jack Johns (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Anton Ilaria (St Marys), Luca Moretti (Sydney Roosters), Richard Lepori (Swinton), Brenden Santi, Dean Parata (Toulouse Olympique), Alberto Suin, Mattia Saoncella, Fabio Galetto, Guido Cicogna, Edoardo Paluello (Veneto Black Rabbits), Daniel Petralia, Nicholas Okladnikov (Wentworthville Magpies), Gus Garzaniti, Harrison O’Toole (Wests Magpies), Chris Centrone, Josh Mantellato (Wyong Roos), Gioele Celerino, Chris Vitalini (West Wales Raiders), Gianluca Azzali (XIII del Ducato), Nico Rizzelli (St. Helens),Shann Brugel (Villefranche XIII)

 

Noise

Coach
Messages
17,106
Luca Moretti is another one. I read somewhere that he's already in the Italy squad for the 2022 World Cup (with Nathan Brown, Tedesco etc I assume).

EDIT: Here. Hey, WTF is Matty John's two kids doing in the Italy squad ?
His wife has an Italian background. I'm assuming it is because of that. Maybe the grandparents rule?
 

Chipmunk

Coach
Messages
16,148
Luca Moretti is another one. I read somewhere that he's already in the Italy squad for the 2022 World Cup (with Nathan Brown, Tedesco etc I assume).

EDIT: Here. Hey, WTF is Matty John's two kids doing in the Italy squad ?

ITALY TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Luis Lollo (Ambrosiana Tigers), Alec Susino (Barrow Raiders), Joey Tramontana, Rhys Sciilitano (Blacktown Workers), Nathan Milone (Cabramatta), Jarrett Subloo (Canberra Raiders), Mason Cerruto (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Simone Boscolo, Michele Olocco, Alberto Berganton (Carina Tigers), Josef Fella (Castleford Tigers), Matthew Bonanno (Central Tigers), Matthew Tedesco (Coogee Dolphins), Ethan Natoli, Josh Natoli (Coogee-Randwick), Lachlan Scarpelli (Cronulla Sharks), Vince Ripepi (East Campbelltown), Samuel Dolores (Eastwood Rugby), Brock Pelligra (Glebe-Burwood), James Saltonstall (Halifax RLFC), Daniel De Vecchis (Hills District Bulls), Mark Minichiello (Hull FC), Giuseppe Pagani, Daniele Not, Mattia Not, Mauro Quarino, Lorenzo Marcuz, Juan Vila, Ippolito Occhialini, Tommaso Nicoli (Lignano Sharks), Rinaldo Palumbo (London Skolars), Cooper Johns (Melbourne Storm), Bandoni Ettore, Bienati Nicolò, Botti Davide, Pirotta Carlo, Signorelli Davide, Lorenzo Leandro, Morosi Fabio, Berton Edoardo, Zappa Giorgio, Coppi Manuel, Mastromauro Davide, Santarelli Alessandro, Caldara Simone, (Milano Mustangs), Ryan King (Mounties), Joshua Carr, Luke Polselli (Newtown Jets), Luke Hodge (North Sydney Bears), Jack Campagnolo (Northern Pride), Emanuele Passera (Parma Cowboys), Alexander Myles (Penrith Panthers), John Trimboli (Penrith Panthers), Santino Battagliolo (Ryde Eastwood Hawks), Lorenzo Grosso, Samuele Audisio, Tallone Filippo, Radosta Gabriele, Gabriele Pattaro, Luca Moressa, (Saluzzo North West Roosters), Marc Zaurrini, Jack Frasca, Jack Johns (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Anton Ilaria (St Marys), Luca Moretti (Sydney Roosters), Richard Lepori (Swinton), Brenden Santi, Dean Parata (Toulouse Olympique), Alberto Suin, Mattia Saoncella, Fabio Galetto, Guido Cicogna, Edoardo Paluello (Veneto Black Rabbits), Daniel Petralia, Nicholas Okladnikov (Wentworthville Magpies), Gus Garzaniti, Harrison O’Toole (Wests Magpies), Chris Centrone, Josh Mantellato (Wyong Roos), Gioele Celerino, Chris Vitalini (West Wales Raiders), Gianluca Azzali (XIII del Ducato), Nico Rizzelli (St. Helens),Shann Brugel (Villefranche XIII)

Milano Mustangs must be a tough side to play in the national Italian cup...the entire starting 13 made the squad.
 

Soren Lorenson

First Grade
Messages
6,810
Bandoni Ettore, Bienati Nicolò, Botti Davide, Pirotta Carlo, Signorelli Davide, Lorenzo Leandro, Morosi Fabio, Berton Edoardo, Zappa Giorgio, Coppi Manuel, Mastromauro Davide, Santarelli Alessandro, Caldara Simone, (Milano Mustangs),
The Roosters of Italian RL
 

TheCrowe

Juniors
Messages
879
Luca Moretti is another one. I read somewhere that he's already in the Italy squad for the 2022 World Cup (with Nathan Brown, Tedesco etc I assume).

EDIT: Here. Hey, WTF is Matty John's two kids doing in the Italy squad ?

ITALY TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Luis Lollo (Ambrosiana Tigers), Alec Susino (Barrow Raiders), Joey Tramontana, Rhys Sciilitano (Blacktown Workers), Nathan Milone (Cabramatta), Jarrett Subloo (Canberra Raiders), Mason Cerruto (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Simone Boscolo, Michele Olocco, Alberto Berganton (Carina Tigers), Josef Fella (Castleford Tigers), Matthew Bonanno (Central Tigers), Matthew Tedesco (Coogee Dolphins), Ethan Natoli, Josh Natoli (Coogee-Randwick), Lachlan Scarpelli (Cronulla Sharks), Vince Ripepi (East Campbelltown), Samuel Dolores (Eastwood Rugby), Brock Pelligra (Glebe-Burwood), James Saltonstall (Halifax RLFC), Daniel De Vecchis (Hills District Bulls), Mark Minichiello (Hull FC), Giuseppe Pagani, Daniele Not, Mattia Not, Mauro Quarino, Lorenzo Marcuz, Juan Vila, Ippolito Occhialini, Tommaso Nicoli (Lignano Sharks), Rinaldo Palumbo (London Skolars), Cooper Johns (Melbourne Storm), Bandoni Ettore, Bienati Nicolò, Botti Davide, Pirotta Carlo, Signorelli Davide, Lorenzo Leandro, Morosi Fabio, Berton Edoardo, Zappa Giorgio, Coppi Manuel, Mastromauro Davide, Santarelli Alessandro, Caldara Simone, (Milano Mustangs), Ryan King (Mounties), Joshua Carr, Luke Polselli (Newtown Jets), Luke Hodge (North Sydney Bears), Jack Campagnolo (Northern Pride), Emanuele Passera (Parma Cowboys), Alexander Myles (Penrith Panthers), John Trimboli (Penrith Panthers), Santino Battagliolo (Ryde Eastwood Hawks), Lorenzo Grosso, Samuele Audisio, Tallone Filippo, Radosta Gabriele, Gabriele Pattaro, Luca Moressa, (Saluzzo North West Roosters), Marc Zaurrini, Jack Frasca, Jack Johns (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Anton Ilaria (St Marys), Luca Moretti (Sydney Roosters), Richard Lepori (Swinton), Brenden Santi, Dean Parata (Toulouse Olympique), Alberto Suin, Mattia Saoncella, Fabio Galetto, Guido Cicogna, Edoardo Paluello (Veneto Black Rabbits), Daniel Petralia, Nicholas Okladnikov (Wentworthville Magpies), Gus Garzaniti, Harrison O’Toole (Wests Magpies), Chris Centrone, Josh Mantellato (Wyong Roos), Gioele Celerino, Chris Vitalini (West Wales Raiders), Gianluca Azzali (XIII del Ducato), Nico Rizzelli (St. Helens),Shann Brugel (Villefranche XIII)

Their mother is Italian. Luca is definitely one to watch.
 

JokerEel

First Grade
Messages
9,416
We must be looking at Hodgson for this season and getting rid of Reed early.

That's the only plausible reason why we would look at him as he is old!
 

Gazzamatta

Coach
Messages
14,145
Id suggest Stoneys departure would indicate how little BA has in determining our roster. If there is one player, apart from Gutho that BA holds dear its Stone. Regardless of past injury or form, Stone is always an inclusion in the 17 when available. This is a huge shock. Im wondering if MON and BA are on speaking terms after this one.
 
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