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If Mahoney’s game time was managed better he can be one of the best rakes on the game. The inability in the coaching department to see he isn’t an 80min player, even when just watching the game. Although looking at the stats in depth would 100% confirm this. Yet he doesn’t get a breather ever...

I would be putting a 2 year extension on the table on a deal similar to what he is on now. Which I don’t believe is very much. Not that I agree with clauses in contracts generally. but if there is a mutual option on year 2 that would look after the player and club should he fall down the order...

Yes attitude at training is important generally. If how players train is CC’s total model on who gets picked we are screwed. You pick the best 17 to win every fucking game. I went to a few training sessions over the offseason and nobody trains harder than Salmon. That doesn’t mean he just gets...

The example of the tackle in the trial game shows he is taking the piss. This same tackle happens in every game multiple times. He does have a point that Ref’s favour the favourites. They have been doing this since 1908. A referee error that contributes to the favourites getting beaten gets...

It’s the loose instinctive players that totally destroy out defensive structures. Our game in defence, can defend structured football from the best teams all day. It’s when off the cuff football is played we can crumble. Particularly playing small ball. Trying to swing momentum once we have...

Hayes Todd Underhill for a start

13. Curran should be lock substituted with Mann 14.Mann should be the bench ‘Utility’ 15. Sitili 16. Hayes 17. Anyone of the middles playing Cup salmon & Hayward playing the bears

I don’t think the word for players missing out is they “deserve” a spot. They are simply a better option than who is picked. All teams can only pick 17 to play. Most teams would have 10 players miss out every week that deserve to play. However they are not in the best 17. So the coach doesn’t...

What you say is correct. Salmon does do the dirty work and doesn’t make many errors. On the other hand he offers nothing with the ball. Most people when talking on here about Salmon. I believe generally are of the opinion that there are other options in the squad that can also do the dirty work...

It was Hayes best game in the top grade on the weekend. He has to hold his spot. The scariest thing I heard floated this morning on the radio was Hayes might hold his spot as do Hayward & Salmon and Curran misses out which is crazy.. For mine pending fitness. (This won’t be the side) Curran...

I have said many times since Wilson made his debut. He has qualities and puts in 100%. You cannot question his effort. The biggest standout for me his spatial awareness and general footy IQ is so poor for someone that has made it as far as the NRL. These are the basics that everyone learns...

he should be but won’t be. Hughes will be back in. Curran also will come back in. For mine Curran comes straight in at 13 14. Mann 15. Hayes 16. Sitili 17. DSF For Ciro Salmon & Hayward must be in the team. Ciro will pick 13. Salmon 14. Mann 15. Hayward 16. Sitili 17. Curran

Crichton will face some time on the sidelines. I think he might miss some footy through injury regardless. He didn’t come off just for cramps. Preston tackles a guy who dropped the ball. If he didn’t drop the ball and Preston doesn’t make the tackle Holmes scores. At full speed where was he...

unfortunately most fans have lived and learned this before. The coach is blinded by the cause. The rails clearly went off when Hayward & Salmon were both on the field at once. Ciro will not see any correlation to that

Amone wasn’t up to it defensively today in Cup. He should be down the list with Sutton in order of never to play NRL with us.

I agree I’m more suggesting Reed shouldn’t be playing 80min

If Hayward is in the side his job should be to give Mahoney a 20 minute spell. That is the only reason he should thought of. Salmon is a similar handbrake in attack as hutch was last year. Cannot be in our best 17

Round 1 was the perfect opportunity to play Todd without putting pressure on him. With Curran suspended. Ciro could have sat down with Todd and said you are in for Curran. A one week promise. He wouldn’t have had to stress about performing to keep his spot. He knows before he runs out that...

Dogs 32 Dragons 0 MOM Critta

That’s the style of bench we ran with most of last year. We didn’t have quality size in the squad last season though. You can only hope Ciro finds at least 1 bigger body for the bench.

Burton is definitely an option at centre. For almost everyone except for the man who picks the side. We have so many more options for 6 than we have for centre.

Xerri played basically every game he played with Sharks at right centre. He can play right side.

From my understanding Tia is train and trial deal only. So isn’t available for selection until round 11…. He looks ready to me when he is allowed to play to me.

Whilst there are couple of left field selections in this lineup. I don’t mind some of the suggestions. Montoya worries me a lot defensively. I think he has the ability to single handed make Critta a poor defender inside him. Having to defend next to Montoya. I would actually go with Taafe as...

This is exactly what CC will do. He has done similar things for the past two seasons… On the back of that. We have started both seasons on the back foot and been caught off the bit. Play your best 17 always. Not necessarily the most experienced 17. Especially with Sitili & Curran not there...

I wonder where Clint Newton & the RLPA would be positioned if their argument was ratified with a signature. If they are arguing the bulldogs case of looking after a player’s welfare is wrong or misguided. Is Clint prepared to sign something to say the Bulldogs are wrong and Karl is fine to...

I don’t think anyone is getting promoted from this announcement. We were already over our limit at 31. So I think this has been known and on the cards for some time. Him going makes us 30 now.

Absolutely, a great old school grass cutting leg tackle is rewarded with the attacking getting a quick play the ball. Then rolling down the field. There is zero reward for a legs tackle so they don’t train for them. The game has developed and encourages the wrestle which sees two or three in a...

There is zero logic to how these matters are looked at. The sole edict is about avoiding lawsuits in the future. If they can say we have outlawed all contact with the head. It gives them some argument to fight back with. Unfortunately the black and white approach to tackles like this, is...

I don’t buy the theory that we didn’t take it seriously. These boys have been doing nothing but training and this was a chance to actually get out there and blow off some cobwebs. Whether it’s a trial or not. If you turn up in any sport at any level with the mindset of going through the...

My assumption most people on here watch the NRL. How anyone that has watched Klemmer play at all in the last few years could suggest he would be good for us is mind blowing. Even if it was for free and the Tigers picked up 100% of his freight it’s a hard NO. Just having him would be blocking...

Don’t underestimate the dirty work he does that make others look good. He is massive to our team.

The club need to fight this charge. Even if it means he misses two games. It’s an absolute joke. If they don’t fight it. It doesn’t really set a precedent. If they fight it and lose. The NRL have an obligation to follow precedent for the season. If that is the standard set then that is the...

Yes it’s a trial. A trial against one of the best rosters in the competition. They under performed last year. Without question I think the Broncos are top 4 this year. That being said the alarm bells are going off. Ciro is the master of hitting the snooze button on his alarm. He needs to hit...

Wilson is solid. He is a good depth cover but doesn’t make many other NRL teams if any. I wouldn’t say he slow but definitely not fast for a winger. He can do a job but outside of Kiraz our wingers are either plodders or green rookies.

It’s more than a head scratcher. There were games last year where we didn’t have anyone else and selections like this were forced. I hope this is not a repeat of Perham 23 & Hutch 24 where we need to lose multiple games before Ciro’s loyalty caves for what looks obvious to everyone else.

This is how I would play him also. He is a tough unsung champion in our team. I know he was already extended for another year last year. I would be trying to lock him up on a long term deal. Particularly that I couldn’t imagine his dollars are high. His problem is actually his versatility. Have...

While I’m all for this signing. He did look good last weekend. The log jam in signed players is getting very tricky to manage moving forward already. I think we already need to clear players from our squad to make it 30. Then I think it’s 6 development players. Followed by train and trial...

Agree with the skill sets being miles apart. However the pool of potential players to pick from in the US is huge. It’s not like Gus is over there trying to put a full team together. He is looking at athletes that have all the physical attributes, speed and fitness as a base to start with...

Sitili & Curran are both a given to be there somewhere. So there is two bench spots left. Assuming Mann is Lock. Or as I would prefer Curran at lock with Mann & Sitili at 14 & 15. Leaving 16 & 17 for two props. Although this would move away from Ciro’s 2024 plan. That being said he could still...

The issue with situations like Tia. Even if you have the spare $. He can’t play so you can’t use it. The only chance for Tia is to move someone else on possibly. My worry is more he is well and truly in the shop window for any club that still has spots available for this season

I was one putting it on Amone. Probably not deserving Of a hammering. I was more disappointed because over the off-season he was one that gave me a glimmer of hope for our middle. I think he had an average performance which any worries we’re short lived because I think the performances of Todd...

i think Tracey is our only fullback option currently. Cochrane in the glimmer I saw him on the weekend looked like he could be in a similar timeframe to woods. 18 months of gradual development before they launch on the scone. Tia on the other hand loos ready now! He is old fashioned footballer...

I can see Todd having a breakout season this year and becoming our ball playing lock to kick off 2026. Whilst Mann was a big piece in the puzzle that got us playing finals football last year. And will also play a pivotal role this year. I think he probably misses out on a contract extension...

I think he was a scratching from the Tigers game because he is all of a sudden a starter with the other injuries. I think other than Hughes nobody certain of being in the 17 come round 1 played. I think Hughes just needed some match fitness possibly. Both training sessions I attended (late...

unfortunately I don’t think he is

You don’t think Todd went hard? I thought Amone was actually poor. I was waiting to see how he went. Unless he just had an off day yesterday. I can see him playing Cup all year. For mine he is below Todd, DSF and Underhill for the bench spot. Todd on the other hand was sensational. For mine...

This is my thoughts also. Ciro is never spontaneous. He stays loyal which is a good trait. However Ciro really shows to much at times. in 2023 he persisted with Perham way too long. When he was replaced we looked so much better. In 2024 he played Hutch for way too long. (Playing Hom at all...

I thought Cochrane looked a good prospect today.

Todd stood up today and matched up his Hype. Very impressive. With Underhill, Zyon & DSF has me nowhere near as worried about our middle depth. the biggest issue around this could be Ciro’s loyalty to a fault problem. I think he will still pick Morrin ahead of these guys and even the likes of...

Unpopular opinion but all rep footy should be post season imo. I wouldn’t play these official trials at all and start the season Mid February. Finish the season earlier than presently. Then play a full Rep calendar for 6-8 weeks post the GF. Play the world club challenge two weeks after the GF...

I did see him play the ball late in the game near the attacking try line and he walked away hobbling. Then I didn’t see him again. but he was walking around shaking hands after the game

I disagree, I believe Mahoney would add more value playing 60-65min. With our current roster having Mann at 14 covering Reed for 10-15 per game. Would take Reeds game to a new level and also potentially see him have less brain explosions late in games. Play Curran at 13 Also for a hooker that...

The club should be looking for a new DJ of the rubbish being played during matches last season was awful. Absolutely no feel for the game with both timing and music choice. His playlist wasn’t motivating or pump up at all.

I remember they played it after a Baa Baa try in what I think was his last game at Belmore when we put 50 on the Cowboys.

Papalii looked good last night for Parra. I do think his size will his biggest hand break on a successful NRL career. But he was one I would have liked to see stay.

I think the one year extension for Todd is more of a buying time exercise. Giving us until November without the vultures coming in for him. Give him this year to show his wears before in a potential upgrade at seasons end. With King, Hughes there and Thompson coming next year. The likes of...

I agree with this. I think Gus probably only has a couple more years with us at Belmore. I hope he stays around for a while but he does like the building role. Once things are in place I think he feels his job is done and moves on.

I don’t think the shops in Auckland stock the same same brown paper bags you can find at Bondi.

In a fully fit roster Hayward isn’t in the top 17. Reed has his flaws but the positives he brings far outweigh his negatives. in going to a few training sessions over the offseason he is one of the true leaders on the pitch. Driving the standards. This is 100% the media have had nothing on us...

A fit Kiraz is in the round 1 team on one wing. The other wing will be a shootout between Montoya, Wilson, Tuala and Sua could also be a smokey.

I don’t ever get a number on my Jerseys either. That doesn’t escape the fact that this proposal has sweet fa to do with the player having the name on the back of their playing jersey. This is 100% marketing/financial strategy to get more Jersey sales and revenue.

Agree to disagree My take is it actually has very little to do with the player wearing their name on their back on game day. It’s a marketing plan. It’s when a kid has his jersey with their favourite players name on the back and it is the same as what their favourite player runs out in. The...

I agree but the biggest change for it to work would be to scrap the traditional positional numbers. The players name/brand would need to be aligned with a player number. Example mohamed salah at Liverpool has 11 as his player number. Nobody else whilst he is at the club ever plays in the...

IMO this can only work if players get a squad number (same as the super league in 1997) the purpose of marketing the players doesn’t work when their number changes week to week. As a supporter If you buy a 13 Jersey with Mann on the back and Curran gets picked at lock this week the jersey your...

I would love to see: Curran in the 13 Mann in the 14 Both have big motors and are versatile. Not my pick but Salmon will get a bench spot also I feel. I would hope to see a bench of Mann, Sitili & two Props. Salmon is definitely a coach favourite though.

Agree with signing (multiple) promising young talent over one overpriced desperate signing. I wonder if this indicates some doubt in our current crop of young middles? Or is it more that they aren’t ready this year and this kid is closer to being ready! Either way he looks like he possesses...

I’m happy with “Who let the Dogs Out” as the run on song. What needs to change is the DJ’s run list mid game. 9 out of 10 songs played have nothing to do with what’s happening in the game. The DJ’s contribution should be pump up songs. With the selection of what gets played relevant to what is...

agree genwith this. I haven’t watched enough of Tuala to really judge him. Sua has looked good at training from what I have seen. IMO both Montoya & Wilson lead the race however still in reality neither is making most teams 17. All four are capable of doing a job but there isn’t any superstar...

I actually don’t mind this lineup. I cannot see them throwing Todd straight however, unless he rips it up in the trials. The training session I went to last week Sua was pushing hard. I think he might still be behind Montoya & Wilson but Sua was impressive on the training pitch. I think those...

If Mann Is fit and in the side. He covers the role of 6, 7 and 9. Lock is probably our most covered position in our squad. Mann, Curran, Sitili and even Todd should be playing 13 ahead of KK. He is a solid squad player but I think Cup will be mostly where KK will play this season unless injury...

I think most of the final opposed session looked pretty much as most expected. Kiks wasn’t there but obviously he is in the side. Montoya played Left wing with Wilson in the second string team. which I guess is the position with most questions around it.

The whole squad are loud as a unit. Everything they did for the full two hours they did with purpose and there was genuine frustration from everyone when something went wrong. Like that drop ball at training was costing a grand final. It’s like perfection on the training pitch is demanded. A...

I took my daughter and watched most of today’s session. They are definitely ripping in and seem very a tight unit, pushing each other every step. We dropped by Jobel’s after the training for some lunch. When about half the squad turned up just after us. They all seem to get along great. Their...

I don’t think the decision is final yet. However today at least Montoya got the nod ahead of Wilson at training. It’s a long season. It’s good to have some healthy competition for spots.

From today’s training session it looks like Montoya is in the box seat for Fox’s wing spot. Sitili will be on the bench 100%. Not sure about Amone I think Trials will tell us more about his progress.

I was down at training this morning. In the final opposed session Montoya was playing left wing in the Top team with Wilson Left wing in the 2nd string team. Things will change over the coming weeks but from todays hitout it looks like Montoya is in front at this stage.

I agree with this. Our style of play last season was a style adapted to suit small ball football. I actually think if we have more size available this season we will play a more traditional go forward game. Which would suit Curran at 13. Moving Mann to 14 as the utility.

Absolutely, you only need to look what happened when he got hurt late in the season last year to see how important a role he plays.

Sutton is out for at least half a season. Where at best he will come back off the bench in RMC. This thread is about the Best 17. Ryan Sutton doesn’t come into calculations for the Top 34 let alone the top 17.

I agree with most of this. I think the Wilson, Montoya, Tuala battle isn’t finalised yet. I also think Hayward could be swapped out for a bigger body. Hayes or even Todd or Underhill. If Mann is in the 13. He can fill in for the utility role if needed.

Squad fitness overall and consistency of selection & cohesion is the key to everything. If we can keep a consistent (primarily spine) on the field. I think our attack will improve out of site. Hopefully keeping the fundamentals of our defence from last year.

We are stuck with him for 2025. Absolutely nobody will be chasing him to take him off our hands. I don’t even think Super League clubs would want him IMO.

He isn’t going to save the world this year if he came. But he will add something we lacked last year. If Amone doesn’t excel we are in the same boat last year. Relying on Burtons boot for field position. Make no mistake Burtons long kicking game was the number one reason we made the 8. Our...

We don’t have X-Factor as such in our squad. I just hope that Reed, Burton, Sexton & Tracey can get some consistent games all together to get combinations better. Which will hopefully cover for the lack of genuine C-Factor. Xerri I think with another offseason will be back to his best next...

If we can jag Pahulu also (possibly for 25) 2026 will see our window totally open. At least it’s a positive move filling holes that need filling. Hopefully between King, Huges, Curran, Amone. With Undhill and Todd developing our middle will be a question of who we have to let go NOT we don’t...

Absolutely More than happy for him to come if he is prepared to buy in to what we are building. As long as it is nowhere near the reported dollars the Raiders were throwing out there.

You cannot keep them all. He has heart no doubt. Unfortunately for him the club don’t see a pathway for him moving forward. Good luck to him wherever he lands.

Thompson wasn’t going to fix that problem for 25 anyway. At least these young guys have their destiny in their own hands. If they are good enough and want it enough. They have an uninterrupted passage to the NRL. Let’s hope one or two take that opportunity with both hands this season. What I do...

He is a solid first grader. Nowhere near elite or even a top tier prop. The desperation for anyone who is a middle forward on here is amazing. As I have said many times. I would welcome him into our team. He is a good player. Not on overs though. He walks straight in as probably our best...

As long as it’s not us paying $850k I don’t care. Thompson is a player I would gladly take for $500k plus maybe TPA top ups but he isn’t a $850k player in any way. Especially not on the cap.

There are a lot of variables around this. I think Tia is ahead of Woods currently. I think Tia will start the year at 7 in cup and is more likely than Woods to get a debut. Woods might be his halves partner in the 6. The progression of any of the young halves will be determined in some ways...

Some players you might need to pay overs for. Thompson is NOT one of those players. Would he improve our team? YES Would I like him to join our team? YES Both questions above are more a reflection of our current quality NRL ready middles. More than how good Thompson is. He is better than what...

I think the season starts with Sexton and if nothing eventuates with his contract extension I think Tia might get a chance. I’m not sure on Tia’s versatility…. Is he strictly a halfback? Is he the kind of player that can be slowly exposed playing as 14? I see Woods being able to come through as...

you didn’t see any correlation in Mann getting hurt in the back end of the season and our form falling off a cliff? Agree most of these shouldn’t be retained. Mann for mine is a must!

hahaha I think you you might have given yourself a few to many uppercuts from this rubbish. The Roosters version of “juniors” are when they poach 80-90% already developed juniors from the rest of the league. The Rooster’s pathways start at 17 year olds poached from elsewhere. They do not pull...

I agree with most of this but you cannot include the Roosters in the Pathways discussion. The Roosters pathways program is letting the other 16 teams pay for the development of players and then jump in with brown paper bags when the kids turn 17-18 showing potential.

JT was the absolute standout in Reggie’s. It was clear to anyone who watched him that he would go onto greatness. If it wasn’t for Anasta he would have been signed and become our greatest ever player. I would make a conscious effort to get to games early in those days to watch him run around in...

This is a good summary. I think at a fair price Wilson is a good player to have in the system. He is a solid player that gives his all. Is he a superstar? NO. Will he ever be? NO. He is a solid player that can do a job in first grade. My gauge for most players is how many other teams in the...