Juniors - Pathways General Discussion

[BlackWhiteGold]

Just going to have a speculate at our NRL top 17 in 2027 if we retain our juniors & don't sign anyone external. Not going to happen but gives us a look at our team based on our best juniors coming through.

1 Jahream Bula 25
2 Riley Oitmann 22
3 Josh Feledy 23
4 Haemasi Makasini 20
5 Junior Tupou 25
6 Onitoni Large 20
7 Alex Conti 21
13 Justin Matamua (vc) 24
12 Isaiah Papalii 29
11 Brandon Mansfield 26
10 Fonua Pole 25
9 Tallyn Da Silva 22
8 Stefano Utoikamanu (c) 27

14 Jordan Miller 22
15 Chris Faagutu 23
16 Solomone Saukuru 23
17 Heath Mason 22

And then there is Lachlan Galvin 22, Brandon Tumeth 24, Kit Laulilii 22, Charlie Staines 27, Iverson Matai 23, Tony Sukkar 23, Starford T'oa 27, Shawn Blore 27 ... wowee.

 

[ancient_magpie]

Just going to have a speculate at our NRL top 17 in 2027 if we retain our juniors & don't sign anyone external. Not going to happen but gives us a look at our team based on our best juniors coming through.

1 Jahream Bula 25
2 Riley Oitmann 22
3 Josh Feledy 23
4 Haemasi Makasini 20
5 Junior Tupou 25
6 Onitoni Large 20
7 Alex Conti 21
13 Justin Matamua (vc) 24
12 Isaiah Papalii 29
11 Brandon Mansfield 26
10 Fonua Pole 25
9 Tallyn Da Silva 22
8 Stefano Utoikamanu (c) 27

14 Jordan Miller 22
15 Chris Faagutu 23
16 Solomone Saukuru 23
17 Heath Mason 22

And then there is Lachlan Galvin 22, Brandon Tumeth 24, Kit Laulilii 22, Charlie Staines 27, Iverson Matai 23, Tony Sukkar 23, Starford T'oa 27, Shawn Blore 27 ... wowee.

BWG any idea what's happened with Jordan miller hasn't been sighted for about a month

 

[Demps]

BWG any idea what's happened with Jordan miller hasn't been sighted for about a month

Saw him at the game the other day, watching in the crowd.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Been working on a bit of a pathways depth chart project of late. I think I have most of our junior rep & JF player ages correct now. Working on ages 20 & 21 for Jersey Flegg next season, this is how I see our JF side starting out next season.

PS. This is based on our 19yos (Tallyn, Kit etc) still playing SG Ball until the season ends.

@Tiger_Fanatic3 would appreciate the feedback of your mate NBWT & also yours @KingRobbie .

Next season I see our Flegg team mainly 1st season (20yo) players as the quality of our bottom agers this season just isn't there. Also I have left out Justin Matamua who will still be eligible.

The ones with * are the players likely to feature in NSW Cup given the club has earmarked them with Dev or T&T contracts this year.

JERSEY FLEGG 2024
FB: Tino Tavana 20
WG: Ofele Lene 20
WG: Will Malloy 20
CE: Josh Feledy* 20
CE: Solomone Saukuru* 20
5/8: Oliver Lawry 20
HB: Iverson Matai* 20
LK: Cayne Nicholas 21
2R: Brandon Tumeth* 21
2R: Tony Sukkar* 20
FR: Herman Tofaeono 21
FR: Chris Fa'agutu* 20
HK: Bailey Hodges 21

RES: Sione Vaihu 21
RES: Jackson Owen 21
RES: Elijah Mataale 20
RES: Zak Clarke 20
RES: Harrison Valevatu 20

Then here are the cream 19yos next season that I see moving up to Flegg after SG Ball commitments:

Navren Willett
Lachlan Galvin
Heath Mason
Kit Laulilii
Jordan Miller
Tallyn Da Silva

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

What I endeavour to do also is predict our NSW Cup team for next season based on our top 30 squad & see where the holes are that we'll really need to recruit for with NSW Cup contracts.

I believe the club will be mindful of progressing our talented kids too quickly into grade so most of them can progress together in a winning culture.

The outliers being Da Silva, Faagutu, Feledy, Sukkar, Matai, Tumeth who will 1) be physically ready & 2) have the ability.

And why I think our recruitment will be focused mainly on experienced, mid to late 20s aged players to fill the gaps that exist in our NSW Cup depth (unless they are potential starts like Fainu or Sanders).

 

[KingRobbie]

Been working on a bit of a pathways depth chart project of late. I think I have most of our junior rep & JF player ages correct now. Working on ages 20 & 21 for Jersey Flegg next season, this is how I see our JF side starting out next season.

PS. This is based on our 19yos (Tallyn, Kit etc) still playing SG Ball until the season ends.

@Tiger_Fanatic3 would appreciate the feedback of your mate NBWT & also yours @KingRobbie .

Next season I see our Flegg team mainly 1st season (20yo) players as the quality of our bottom agers this season just isn't there. Also I have left out Justin Matamua who will still be eligible.

The ones with * are the players likely to feature in NSW Cup given the club has earmarked them with Dev or T&T contracts this year.

JERSEY FLEGG 2024
FB: Tino Tavana 20
WG: Ofele Lene 20
WG: Will Malloy 20
CE: Josh Feledy* 20
CE: Solomone Saukuru* 20
5/8: Oliver Lawry 20
HB: Iverson Matai* 20
LK: Cayne Nicholas 21
2R: Brandon Tumeth* 21
2R: Tony Sukkar* 20
FR: Herman Tofaeono 21
FR: Chris Fa'agutu* 20
HK: Bailey Hodges 21

RES: Sione Vaihu 21
RES: Jackson Owen 21
RES: Elijah Mataale 20
RES: Zak Clarke 20
RES: Harrison Valevatu 20

Then here are the cream 19yos next season that I see moving up to Flegg after SG Ball commitments:

Navren Willett
Lachlan Galvin
Heath Mason
Kit Laulilii
Jordan Miller
Tallyn Da Silva

Awesome stuff mate, that looks about right to me.

Pretty sure all the ages are correct too.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Awesome stuff mate, that looks about right to me.

Pretty sure all the ages are correct too.

Thanks mate.

I'm after feedback too on our top-agers in JF this season that the club may look at for NSW Cup contracts.

Thinking Jay Kirk, Zane Camroux, Mikey Tannous, Danny Ghantous & Trey Peni are probably the only ones in with a chance which is a sad state of affairs.

All will have to show progress over the 2nd half of the season to be a chance, Kirk probably the best chance.

 

[earl]

Thanks for this. It's great reading these updates.

 

[balmain boy]

Been working on a bit of a pathways depth chart project of late. I think I have most of our junior rep & JF player ages correct now. Working on ages 20 & 21 for Jersey Flegg next season, this is how I see our JF side starting out next season.

PS. This is based on our 19yos (Tallyn, Kit etc) still playing SG Ball until the season ends.

@Tiger_Fanatic3 would appreciate the feedback of your mate NBWT & also yours @KingRobbie .

Next season I see our Flegg team mainly 1st season (20yo) players as the quality of our bottom agers this season just isn't there. Also I have left out Justin Matamua who will still be eligible.

The ones with * are the players likely to feature in NSW Cup given the club has earmarked them with Dev or T&T contracts this year.

JERSEY FLEGG 2024
FB: Tino Tavana 20
WG: Ofele Lene 20
WG: Will Malloy 20
CE: Josh Feledy* 20
CE: Solomone Saukuru* 20
5/8: Oliver Lawry 20
HB: Iverson Matai* 20
LK: Cayne Nicholas 21
2R: Brandon Tumeth* 21
2R: Tony Sukkar* 20
FR: Herman Tofaeono 21
FR: Chris Fa'agutu* 20
HK: Bailey Hodges 21

RES: Sione Vaihu 21
RES: Jackson Owen 21
RES: Elijah Mataale 20
RES: Zak Clarke 20
RES: Harrison Valevatu 20

Then here are the cream 19yos next season that I see moving up to Flegg after SG Ball commitments:

Navren Willett
Lachlan Galvin
Heath Mason
Kit Laulilii
Jordan Miller
Tallyn Da Silva

There's no chance Kit, Jordan or Tallyn will play SG Ball next season. Willet will probably go straight into flegg, Tumeth into NSW Cup along with Feledy, Matai and Faagatu. Cameron Kanaan will be there abouts for fullback next season.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

There's no chance Kit, Jordan or Tallyn will play SG Ball next season. Willet will probably go straight into flegg, Tumeth into NSW Cup along with Feledy, Matai and Faagatu. Cameron Kanaan will be there abouts for fullback next season.

Yeah all that probably likely but I'm just working with age eligibility for this (except for Matamua).

Miller will be an interesting one as I think the club will be working hard on his fitness & body development. Could be one that starts in Ball, plays mostly JF and has a few games in Cup.

I'm pretty sure Kanaan has one more year in Ball but will be interesting who the club earmarks for JF fb with Tavana & also Mason. I'd love to see Mason transition back to halves at some point personally.

 

[Kelce68]

Been working on a bit of a pathways depth chart project of late. I think I have most of our junior rep & JF player ages correct now. Working on ages 20 & 21 for Jersey Flegg next season, this is how I see our JF side starting out next season.

PS. This is based on our 19yos (Tallyn, Kit etc) still playing SG Ball until the season ends.

@Tiger_Fanatic3 would appreciate the feedback of your mate NBWT & also yours @KingRobbie .

Next season I see our Flegg team mainly 1st season (20yo) players as the quality of our bottom agers this season just isn't there. Also I have left out Justin Matamua who will still be eligible.

The ones with * are the players likely to feature in NSW Cup given the club has earmarked them with Dev or T&T contracts this year.

JERSEY FLEGG 2024
FB: Tino Tavana 20
WG: Ofele Lene 20
WG: Will Malloy 20
CE: Josh Feledy* 20
CE: Solomone Saukuru* 20
5/8: Oliver Lawry 20
HB: Iverson Matai* 20
LK: Cayne Nicholas 21
2R: Brandon Tumeth* 21
2R: Tony Sukkar* 20
FR: Herman Tofaeono 21
FR: Chris Fa'agutu* 20
HK: Bailey Hodges 21

RES: Sione Vaihu 21
RES: Jackson Owen 21
RES: Elijah Mataale 20
RES: Zak Clarke 20
RES: Harrison Valevatu 20

Then here are the cream 19yos next season that I see moving up to Flegg after SG Ball commitments:

Navren Willett
Lachlan Galvin
Heath Mason
Kit Laulilii
Jordan Miller
Tallyn Da Silva

Awesome stuff mate. This is a good resource and can become a working list over the next year or two as things change

 

[jrtiger]

Yeah all that probably likely but I'm just working with age eligibility for this (except for Matamua).

Miller will be an interesting one as I think the club will be working hard on his fitness & body development. Could be one that starts in Ball, plays mostly JF and has a few games in Cup.

I'm pretty sure Kanaan has one more year in Ball but will be interesting who the club earmarks for JF fb with Tavana & also Mason. I'd love to see Mason transition back to halves at some point personally.

great list mate. I'd say given Mason's debut this week in Flegg that we're likely to see him remain there for the time being.

one thing that will be interesting to watch is the inevitable cleanout of NSW Cup, which could see a stack of these kids promoted and the starting 17 next year completely different to what we have projected currently. a stack of forwards off contract and a number of part timers that you'd think will be scrapped which will see the likes of Feledy, Fa'agutu, Sukkar, Matai, Laulili'i and Miller pushed thru, plus current Flegg players in Kirk, Peni, Tannous and Camroux.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

great list mate. I'd say given Mason's debut this week in Flegg that we're likely to see him remain there for the time being.

one thing that will be interesting to watch is the inevitable cleanout of NSW Cup, which could see a stack of these kids promoted and the starting 17 next year completely different to what we have projected currently. a stack of forwards off contract and a number of part timers that you'd think will be scrapped which will see the likes of Feledy, Fa'agutu, Sukkar, Matai, Laulili'i and Miller pushed thru, plus current Flegg players in Kirk, Peni, Tannous and Camroux.

Personally the only players currently on NSW Cup contracts I would keep for next season would be:

Jordan Hill (was going well until ACL), Jimmy Ngutlik (same), Aitasi James (unless promoted), James Roumanous, James Valevatu (been injured), Jack Boyling & Tony Pellow (only because he is contracted for '24).

Then maybe Kirk, Camroux, Tannous, Peni, Lomi Saukuru &/or Ghantous added (if form over the rest of this season warrants it).

 

[Tiger Stripes]

Just going to have a speculate at our NRL top 17 in 2027 if we retain our juniors & don't sign anyone external. Not going to happen but gives us a look at our team based on our best juniors coming through.

1 Jahream Bula 25
2 Riley Oitmann 22
3 Josh Feledy 23
4 Haemasi Makasini 20
5 Junior Tupou 25
6 Onitoni Large 20
7 Alex Conti 21
13 Justin Matamua (vc) 24
12 Isaiah Papalii 29
11 Brandon Mansfield 26
10 Fonua Pole 25
9 Tallyn Da Silva 22
8 Stefano Utoikamanu (c) 27

14 Jordan Miller 22
15 Chris Faagutu 23
16 Solomone Saukuru 23
17 Heath Mason 22

And then there is Lachlan Galvin 22, Brandon Tumeth 24, Kit Laulilii 22, Charlie Staines 27, Iverson Matai 23, Tony Sukkar 23, Starford T'oa 27, Shawn Blore 27 ... wowee.

Thanks BWG for putting that list together. Not a bad list if they are retained and coached properly.
Certainly a lot of good prospects in that lot!
We can now live in hope, with the occasional import.

 

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

U18's Australian Secondary Schools National Championships set to take place at Redcliffe
from July 1-7.

Cubs who’ll be in action:

• Heath Mason (NSWCCC)
• Alex Conti (NSWCIS)
• Lachlan Galvin, Sosefo Finau, Luke Laulili’i, Aaron Keppie, Marc Tannous (NSWCHS)

The U15's ASSRL Championships will be held in September this year, and not running at the same time as the 18s like previous years.

U15s Championships will include the likes of Ashton Large, however, most final squads not yet selected.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

The Melbourne Storm has snuck under our guard to sign one of our 17yo CUBS Prop Cooper Clarke, our WM Harold Matts Players Player.

A few interesting points in this article:

- His manager alluded to us dropping the ball when Warren McDonnell departed recently & Storm swooped in. I hope we have now sorted who is looking after recruitment & retention for pathways. @cochise did this come up in the chat with Matthew Betsey on Saturday?

- His manager believes the Macarthur region will attract the attention of most NRL recruiters due to the vast talent pool.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/eagle-vale-st-andrews-and-wests-tigers-junior-snapped-up-by-melbourne-storm-on-threeyear-deal/news-story/6b06b399fe0ac933e17a2ce003a20e71

It’s been a big week for two of Macarthur rugby league’s rising young stars.

On Saturday night, 18-year-old East Campbelltown junior Tallyn Da Silva debuted for Wests Tigers in their defeat to the Melbourne Storm at Campbelltown Stadium.

Then days later, the Storm struck again. Only this time to announce the signing of Tigers pathway player Cooper Clarke to a three-year deal.

Still only 16, the Eagle Vale St Andrews prop and older brother Zak have been part of the Wests’ development program for several seasons.

But with youngsters like Cooper on the rise amid Macarthur’s rapidly expanding footprint, the Tigers’ task of retaining the best continues to intensify.

Lombardi Sports player manager and director Luke Lombardi is witnessing the transition first hand.

“I manage both the Clarke boys and we dealt with Melbourne pathways co-ordinator Tim Glasby,” said Lombardi.

“From my understanding Melbourne has talent scouts across the country, and they approached me after seeing Cooper play for Wests in the Harold Matts.

“From there we had discussions and because Copper was unsigned it worked out well.”

According to Lombardi the Storm’s approach came with a touch of good fortune.

“Originally we spoke to Tigers recruitment manager Warren McDonnell but then he left,” he said.

“The Tigers had good intentions, but in the transition the Storm deal advanced and that’s when Cooper made up his mind.

“He had no intention of leaving, but when a successful club like the Storm comes knocking with a genuine pathway to the NRL you have to take notice.”

Signed for three years, Cooper’s journey towards the NRL kicks off next year in Queensland where he’ll join the Storm feeder system while completing his schooling on the Sunshine Coast.

“He sat down with his family and then we discussed the pros and cons of the move,” Lombardi said.

“It’s not going to be easy, but Melbourne isn’t in the market to stockpile talent, they might recruit a handful of kids Cooper’s age once a year, so the interest is genuine.

“From 2025 he’ll relocate to Melbourne and continue with the Storm junior reps, then at year's end he’ll join the NRL squad for pre-season training.”

Down the track, Lombardi believes the Macarthur area will only continue to attract the attention of NRL clubs.

“It’s not just the Storm. I think in general there’s scope for clubs to broaden their horizon and obviously local juniors are important, and at the moment, the Campbelltown area is producing a lot of quality youngsters.”

 

[Tucker]

The last chance they would have had to see him play was round 8 of HM Cup - 25th March.
We have had at least 3 months to counter this.
Is the boy worth it?
If yes, thats a failure of this new system we boast about.

 

[426Tlgerland]

This happens when people in power are having pissing comps instead of doing their job , so nobody knew what McDonald was doing not even Sheens who is the big talker of juniors , wankers , a local Junior from Pathways to Melbourne , ffs

 

[cochise]

The Melbourne Storm has snuck under our guard to sign one of our 17yo CUBS Prop Cooper Clarke, our WM Harold Matts Players Player.

A few interesting points in this article:

- His manager alluded to us dropping the ball when Warren McDonnell departed recently & Storm swooped in. I hope we have now sorted who is looking after recruitment & retention for pathways. @cochise did this come up in the chat with Matthew Betsey on Saturday?

- His manager believes the Macarthur region will attract the attention of most NRL recruiters due to the vast talent pool.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/eagle-vale-st-andrews-and-wests-tigers-junior-snapped-up-by-melbourne-storm-on-threeyear-deal/news-story/6b06b399fe0ac933e17a2ce003a20e71

It’s been a big week for two of Macarthur rugby league’s rising young stars.

On Saturday night, 18-year-old East Campbelltown junior Tallyn Da Silva debuted for Wests Tigers in their defeat to the Melbourne Storm at Campbelltown Stadium.

Then days later, the Storm struck again. Only this time to announce the signing of Tigers pathway player Cooper Clarke to a three-year deal.

Still only 16, the Eagle Vale St Andrews prop and older brother Zak have been part of the Wests’ development program for several seasons.

But with youngsters like Cooper on the rise amid Macarthur’s rapidly expanding footprint, the Tigers’ task of retaining the best continues to intensify.

Lombardi Sports player manager and director Luke Lombardi is witnessing the transition first hand.

“I manage both the Clarke boys and we dealt with Melbourne pathways co-ordinator Tim Glasby,” said Lombardi.

“From my understanding Melbourne has talent scouts across the country, and they approached me after seeing Cooper play for Wests in the Harold Matts.

“From there we had discussions and because Copper was unsigned it worked out well.”

According to Lombardi the Storm’s approach came with a touch of good fortune.

“Originally we spoke to Tigers recruitment manager Warren McDonnell but then he left,” he said.

“The Tigers had good intentions, but in the transition the Storm deal advanced and that’s when Cooper made up his mind.

“He had no intention of leaving, but when a successful club like the Storm comes knocking with a genuine pathway to the NRL you have to take notice.”

Signed for three years, Cooper’s journey towards the NRL kicks off next year in Queensland where he’ll join the Storm feeder system while completing his schooling on the Sunshine Coast.

“He sat down with his family and then we discussed the pros and cons of the move,” Lombardi said.

“It’s not going to be easy, but Melbourne isn’t in the market to stockpile talent, they might recruit a handful of kids Cooper’s age once a year, so the interest is genuine.

“From 2025 he’ll relocate to Melbourne and continue with the Storm junior reps, then at year's end he’ll join the NRL squad for pre-season training.”

Down the track, Lombardi believes the Macarthur area will only continue to attract the attention of NRL clubs.

“It’s not just the Storm. I think in general there’s scope for clubs to broaden their horizon and obviously local juniors are important, and at the moment, the Campbelltown area is producing a lot of quality youngsters.”

Speaking Betsey he said the key kids in the pathways systems are signed long term, I don't know of this kid so don't have an opinion on whether or not he should be included in the key kids.

Betsey was also asked about the transition between McDonnell and Fulton and mentioned robust discussions.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Speaking Betsey he said the key kids in the pathways systems are signed long term, I don't know of this kid so don't have an opinion on whether or not he should be included in the key kids.

Betsey was also asked about the transition between McDonnell and Fulton and mentioned robust discussions.

Robust discussion 😁

I thought we did well to re-sign Jordan Miller so unfortunately not all juniors can be retained.