upthetigers
Well-known member
How does our 2025 spine rank compared to other clubs?
NRL 2025 Spines
- Thread starter upthetigers
- Start date
mikey
Well-known member
According to Richo, it's the best in the league.
I really dislike statements like that. Just paints a target on you.
I really dislike statements like that. Just paints a target on you.
BAGNF05
Well-known member
Right up there.
upthetigers
Well-known member
Idk don't mind it. Puts it out there and holds you accountable.
Tucker
Well-known member
You can’t call a spine that’s never played together the best in the league, especially when three of its members just won the spoon together…and two of those just won their second in a row.
BAGNF05
Well-known member
Fair call.
Potentially though, you’re talking about two guys who have recently won it all multiple times, and two young blokes with undeniable elite talent.
It’s a 17 man game though.
upthetigers
Well-known member
I'm interested to see the luai and galvin dynamic. galvin always wants the ball.
GNR4LIFE
Well-known member
If it’s not top 5, it would go awfully close.
Better than the Dragons 🐉
upthetigers
Well-known member
Winning the close games goes a long way to deciding if you play finals footy. I have faith in Luai/Galvin winning those games.
Kaito
Well-known member
1. Bula 9. Koroisau 6. Galvin 7. Luai = B+ or B-
1. Bula 2. Skelton 3. To'a 4. Olam 5. Turuva 6. Galvin
7.Luai 8. May 9. Koroisau 10. Klemmer 11. Bateman
12. Fainu 13. Bird 14. Fainu 15. Hunt 16. Pole 17.?
17 up for grabs but I'm leaning for Seyfarth. That's
my 17 on paper as it stands. No point really guessing
though so early, going to be interesting in the new
year when it comes to combos & who's clicking. Injuries
are always a concern too. Not a bad 1st grade line-up
1. Bula 2. Skelton 3. To'a 4. Olam 5. Turuva 6. Galvin
7.Luai 8. May 9. Koroisau 10. Klemmer 11. Bateman
12. Fainu 13. Bird 14. Fainu 15. Hunt 16. Pole 17.?
17 up for grabs but I'm leaning for Seyfarth. That's
my 17 on paper as it stands. No point really guessing
though so early, going to be interesting in the new
year when it comes to combos & who's clicking. Injuries
are always a concern too. Not a bad 1st grade line-up
upthetigers
Well-known member
You really think Bateman will stick around? I think the relationship is past the point of no return. We will probably offer him a deal too good to refuse and he will go back to the ESL.
Kaito
Well-known member
It's unlikely, that's just based on who's on paper...
old_man_tiger
Well-known member
Not sure how we can judge this yet. I love Bula but he needs to keep growing in the role, likewise Galvin who looked good most of the year but seems to have convinced about 80% of our fans base that he can do no wrong which is patently not true.
Api needs to do less and Luai I think is the real deal and in his prime.
Api needs to do less and Luai I think is the real deal and in his prime.
Jolls
Well-known member
You are on the money there; Galvin is definitely a work in progress. There are some good signs but he still has a long way to go.
2025 could be where Bula finds his feet. There are so many attacking options that he should be working - especially around Luai. In addition to Luai and Galvin he has Hunt, May and potentially Bird working the middle for him.
I'm not sure that Api needs to do less; I think he will simply stop having to carry the attack from the ruck. Released from that burden he should go back to playing his natural game. Api is at his best engaging the A and B defender; this will allow Hunt. Pole, May and Bula options in the middle of the park. Likewise I think Api will bring Hunt right into the line so there should be opportunities created once he skittles a player or two.
I think the weakness in our spine is actually Galvin. He will improve no doubt, but he will continue to make errors based on his inexperience and lack of strength. He will get there though, of that I have no doubt.
rugbygoated
Well-known member
this is where the pressure will be on luai. Will he leave it to galvin to win the close games or will he be the million dollar player? Yet to see him do it. Crichton won the semi final vs England. Nathan has done it for penrith countless times. Dragons with Ben Hunt was a failure. Let this not be the same
rugbygoated
Well-known member
Not as optimistic as others. Luai as organiser and galvin as dominant ball runner just doesn't seem promising and practical, despite on paper seeming like a gun combo. Both are very left side dominant and 5/8s. While luai has done very good at penrith at 7 this year, it's different doing it for a full season. May and Hunt are ok additions but still not guaranteed to be enough
upthetigers
Well-known member
I advise you to look at Luai's record without Cleary.
rugbygoated
Well-known member
At penrith...
