OFFICIAL Pathways - KOE General Discussion

[tunks]

Our approach isn't working. Someone earlier eluded to giving young guys time to prove themselves at cup level.
Look at all of our rejects doing well in cup now and progressing ar their own speed. They are all being developed better than they were here.
Stevanovic, Rua, Fitzgibon at norths are prime examples.

Sure sign young stars, but coach them, develop them.

 

[Harvey]

They need to decide on a role for these kids and train them for it.

Seyfarth keeps alternating between a middle and an edge. Matamua is a front rower one week, a ball playing lock the next.

 

[Dino]

I think the criticism of our pathways are overblown since your never going to have a decent cup team with the main squad raiding it for every half decent player like what happend this year.

While not perfect ever since the changes they made in 2021-22 we have improved there massively and are starting to produce quality nrl players

 

[finnzo]

am I missing somthing? We have about 10 teenagers playing nrl and standing out these kids have been developed very well. we definitely need a stronger cup side witch is something Shane is working on

 

[Lestronge]

am I missing somthing? We have about 10 teenagers playing nrl and standing out these kids have been developed very well. we definitely need a stronger cup side witch is something Shane is working on

It’s a trickle down effect though . Players improve , push elder statesman out eg. Sezer next year , and maybe klemmer , they drop back , and develop the quality of the lower grades , as the NSW cup fringe players are now in Massey , strengthening those teams , the younger players who could do with an extra year in flegg take longer to progress , and so on ……
It’s all about strengthening the SQUAD in nrl to allow the natural effects like form , age , discipline etc. to provide that depth .
Also injury has killed us the last couple of years . It’s really hard to be successful as a club as a whole when you 15-20 blokes of various quality and age , in the rehab unit .

 

[Tiger Stripes]

It’s a trickle down effect though . Players improve , push elder statesman out eg. Sezer next year , and maybe klemmer , they drop back , and develop the quality of the lower grades , as the NSW cup fringe players are now in Massey , strengthening those teams , the younger players who could do with an extra year in flegg take longer to progress , and so on ……
It’s all about strengthening the SQUAD in nrl to allow the natural effects like form , age , discipline etc. to provide that depth .
Also injury has killed us the last couple of years . It’s really hard to be successful as a club as a whole when you 15-20 blokes of various quality and age , in the rehab unit .

Other clubs manage it OK.
Because they recruit better. Identify character, mentality as well as athleticism.
Believe it or not, they get injuries too.

 

[Lestronge]

Other clubs manage it OK.
Because they recruit better. Identify character, mentality as well as athleticism.
Believe it or not, they get injuries too.

??? Isn’t that why we are coming last ? I think it’s well known what the issue is . I don’t get your motive for your comment . The changes are being made , it takes time . Blame Pascoe and the board for chucking their toys out of the cot when the big 4 bailed , or even prior to that , with players like Ben Teo etc .
The Fotuaka tragedy as well , needs not be underestimated its impact . Even the tragic injuries to Dwyer and Tuiaki.
They all compiled to create the situation the club is in . But I think it’s all recognised , and I think the steps have been made . It’s about success in first grade .

 

[Vicious]

A good steady controlling halfback with a good kicking game who can control the team would help.
A player currently at the Sharks but off contract at the end of this season named Niwhai Puru would be perfect if we can add him to the lower end of our top 30.

 

[Tiger Stripes]

A good steady controlling halfback with a good kicking game who can control the team would help.
A player currently at the Sharks but off contract at the end of this season named Niwhai Puru would be perfect if we can add him to the lower end of our top 30.

Another halfback now? Not needed.
We also have a controlling halfback. 17 year old waiting for an opportunity -----Alex Isdale.

 

[Vicious]

Another halfback now? Not needed.
We also have a controlling halfback. 17 year old waiting for an opportunity -----Alex Isdale.

He is not ready for NSW Cup in 2025.

 

[jrtiger]

Another halfback now? Not needed.
We also have a controlling halfback. 17 year old waiting for an opportunity -----Alex Isdale.

I believe Isdale has left the club. was told by Richardson he’s fifth on the depth chart behind Galvin, Luai, Fainu and Large and subsequently pursued other options.

 

[Vicious]

I believe Isdale has left the club. was told by Richardson he’s fifth on the depth chart behind Galvin, Luai, Fainu and Large and subsequently pursued other options.

Interesting as I very much doubt he’d be considered in the top 4 halfbacks at any NRL club just yet.

 

[weststigerman]

I believe Isdale has left the club. was told by Richardson he’s fifth on the depth chart behind Galvin, Luai, Fainu and Large and subsequently pursued other options.

Isdale has huge potential, but like Conti last year we are stacked for halves assuming we can keep the 4 you mentioned.

Wish we had more big, fast outside backs coming through.

 

[jrtiger]

Interesting as I very much doubt he’d be considered in the top 4 halfbacks at any NRL club just yet.

well as mentioned he wanted some clarity on what the club’s plans were for him moving forward and the answer he got wasn’t the one he wanted.

there’s also Sezer, Sullivan and Doueihi, but obviously none of those are long term options.

the only question is whether we held onto his dad and brother, who was due to play Harold Matts next year and was reasonably well regarded.

 

[coivtny]

I believe Isdale has left the club. was told by Richardson he’s fifth on the depth chart behind Galvin, Luai, Fainu and Large and subsequently pursued other options.

If that's true, I hope that means Large is locked in.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

well as mentioned he wanted some clarity on what the club’s plans were for him moving forward and the answer he got wasn’t the one he wanted.

there’s also Sezer, Sullivan and Doueihi, but obviously none of those are long term options.

the only question is whether we held onto his dad and brother, who was due to play Harold Matts next year and was reasonably well regarded.

Not to mention Jared Haywood who is also a half but has been playing junior reps at hooker.

Disappointing re Isdale since he is only 17 and brings a point of difference being a game-managing halfback.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

I believe Isdale has left the club. was told by Richardson he’s fifth on the depth chart behind Galvin, Luai, Fainu and Large and subsequently pursued other options.

Did you get any other intel JR from Richo on who sits where in positional depth charts?

 

[jrtiger]

Did you get any other intel JR from Richo on who sits where in positional depth charts?

I don’t get much first grade info mate, it’s a tight ship these days.

I get a bit from a few friends in and around the pathways, particularly at Wests.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

I don’t get much first grade info mate, it’s a tight ship these days.

I get a bit from a few friends in and around the pathways, particularly at Wests.

I'd be keen to know where our young backrowers sit? Obviously Broederlow has signed onto a T&T leading into Dev '26. I have huge wraps on 17yo Pheonix Godinet who has trained with the NRL boys recently (downside being I think he is managed by Isaac Moses) & also 18yo Archie Duncombe rated highly by the club. 19yo Mitchell Taotua could turn into a beast & surely the club has both he & Maxwell locked up. Any info?

 

[balmain boy]

I believe Isdale has left the club. was told by Richardson he’s fifth on the depth chart behind Galvin, Luai, Fainu and Large and subsequently pursued other options.

He might be behind those players, but in another 2-3 years when he's ready to challenge for first grade who knows where all of them will be? He should be kept at the club and treated as a prospect, but having 3 highly talented youngsters in his position is a blocker and if he doesn't want to be patient and fight for his opportunity then he can leave. The dogs will probably take his as their 8th choice halfback. This year the dogs had 2-3 top prospects in the halves in every single grade, and it's no coincidence they're near the top of every grade.