Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Vicious]

Or just the reality / stats
- Stats that have existed since back before the NYC was even a thing.

Go back and look through old big leagues at all the junior rep sides,
Lucky to see a handful of recognisable names in each game...
And even then, You don't see teams full of 100+ gamers.

A small percentage of Junior rep stars make the NRL,
And a small percentage of them go on to any great heights.
Anyone with any clue will tell you it's the same in all junior sport.

This is NRL football, It's not for everyone....

I think everyone, myself included understands that only a small percentage of talented juniors end up as career NRL players.
The point I made was that I have seen quite a few comments stating that Seyfarth is not good enough and others such as Sukkar and Tumeth are no chance of making an impact in 2025.
That may or may not prove to be correct, I was purely stating that it is not uncommon for young players to have an off season where they reflect on where their career is heading, work hard and make the necessary improvements to become a much better player because of it.
Some may disagree, but I believe this has been the case with Seyfarth who is now in his mid twenties and a much better player than he was in 2022, therefore it’s not beyond Sukkar or Tumeth to also become much improved players in 2025.
If it doesn’t happen we don’t need to worry about them from 2026 onwards.
Likewise with our other young players who have shown a lot more so far such as the Fainu brothers, Galvin, Da Silva, Mason, Johanssen brothers, Laulilli brothers, Pole, Matamua, Feledy, Saukuru etc, some of them will improve dramatically in 2025, let’s hope quite a few of them do.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

😂😂😂 Dreamers....

For every young bloke they claim is written off early,
There's a dozen 16 year olds they've got pencilled into the starting NRL 17 next year.

90% of their teenage poster boys amount to not much of anything,
But that's OK - They've got the memory of a goldfish and
a new and improved bunch coming through next year.

If 1 or 2 gems stand out every couple of years we should be happy with that it's not often a bunch come through together.

 

[batboy]

Natural attrition...
I remember Wests had a gun Flegg team early with the like of Hoffman Fulton Gibbs maybe mescia Georgallis?
And Balmain.had a great Ball. Teamaround.the same time but they're few and far between

Anyone wanna try dig up these teams?

Yeah - Those early turn of the century teams in Junior Reps were pretty good.
From memory, That Wests side had Fulton, Gibbs, Hoff, DeGois, Magic, Collis and maybe 1 or 2 others that made it to the NRL.
Balmain had the likes of Farah, Bronson, Lima (Maybe) around the same time
which funnelled in well.
It was a rich time, It just doesn't happen - and has happened once in our time.

Even our 20's team that won the comp, How many decent players came from that
Nof, Marika, Jesse & Brown are the only ones that went on to really do anything.
Will never forget Mulcahy absolutely braining them, Winning the MOM and couldn't even get a
training deal the next year - Went back to Group 6 (I think)

We might see the same with the current Magpies boys with plenty of them already have an NRL game under their belt...
Way to early to call it yet though.

 

[Odessa]

I think everyone, myself included understands that, of course only a small percentage of talented juniors end up as career NRL players.
The point I made was that I have seen quite a few comments stating that Seyfarth is not good enough and that others such as Sukkar and Tumeth are no chance of making an impact in 2025.
That may or may not prove to be correct, I was purely stating that it is not uncommon for young players to have an off season where they reflect on where their career is heading, work hard and make the necessary improvements to become a much better player because of it.
Some may disagree, but I believe this has been the case with Seyfarth who is now in his mid twenties and a much better player than he was in 2022, therefore it’s not beyond Sukkar or Tumeth to also become much improved players in 2025.
If it doesn’t happen we don’t need to worry about them from 2026 onwards.
Likewise with our other young players who have shown a lot more so far such as the Fainu brothers, Galvin, Da Silva, Mason, Johanssen brothers, Laulilli brothers, Pole, Matamua, Feledy, Saukuru etc, some of them will improve dramatically in 2025, let’s hope quite a few of them do.

I think it was on Zero tackle a few weeks ago all the NYC team of the years 1 to 17 from I think 2009 to 2017 looking at the teams shocked about how many don't make it

 

[batboy]

That may or may not prove to be correct, I was purely stating that it is not uncommon for young players to have an off season where they reflect on where their career is heading, work hard and make the necessary improvements to become a much better player because of it.

Also not uncommon (in fact, I would suggest it's more common) for them to go backward.
Alex Twal seems to be the worker type
- Outside of scoring a couple consolation tries of late, I would suggest he's not as handy last year
as he was 3 years ago.
No one is hoping kids don't come on, But we're gambling far too much on it.

As WSB suggested - There's at least 3-4 spots in our top 30 that won't contribute to NRL points this year.
I would suggest it's more (that's not to say they won't get a game)
You keep talking on Tumeth, referencing rep games from year ago - Like he's about to turn into the Hulk or something?
He's not a top liner in his age level, Thinking he's going to jump a couple grades and about a
thousand levels in output is nuts - Paying him and gifting him a spot hoping it happens is more nuts.
It's been well discussed if not for his contract structure he'd probably be gone,
I would suggest if anyone else was interested in his potential or what he had to offer that he would be gone already.

 

[AdelaideTiger]

New manager ink, what the hell else...
They got a better return with Emre Guler. Francis looks soft and clubless smh

Don't know that I agree with that one, Guler is a prototypical plodder.
Molo is too inconsistent for his age, but a handy player.

 

[batboy]

I think it was on Zero tackle a few weeks ago all the NYC team of the years 1 to 17 from I think 2009 to 2017 looking at the teams shocked about how many don't make it

Remember Payto calling the stats when he was our 20's coach - It was Alarming.
I don't remember the numbers but it was in the Sub 5%'s.

Hear Gus Gould say it often, There's only been around 9000 (I think) NRL players in over 100 years,
I think it was 3000 of those - Have played more than 100 games.
(not sure of the exact numbers, But it's something like that)

We had plenty come through to NRL from the 20's GF IN 2012 (Not many amounted to much) the Raiders had a good crop that year as well.

 

[batboy]

Don't know that I agree with that one, Guler is a prototypical plodder.
Molo is too inconsistent for his age, but a handy player.

We can't handle him - I know that much...

 

[Tiger Stripes]

The problem is we are handing these kids valuable top 30 spots way too early... at least 5-6 players in our current top 30 shouldn't be there.

We made these top 30 offers with fingers crossed that they will dig in and improve------because we had no top quality depth in the lower grades. Afraid to loose players with possible talent and be crucified on this forum for letting them go.
Hopefully the Pathways system can change that and we can be more choosy, more selective, on who is promoted and upgraded and who can be let go because of excessive demands on displayed talent.
And management more able to identify true talent, body shape and mental attitude needed to succeed at NRL level.

 

[Telltails]

There is plenty of room for improvement with the younger players. No team has a team full of elite players. If they increase their workload and effectiveness in D we will be a better team than we were last year on the back of some quality recruitment.

 

[Merlot]

Remember Payto calling the stats when he was our 20's coach - It was Alarming.
I don't remember the numbers but it was in the Sub 5%'s.

Hear Gus Gould say it often, There's only been around 9000 (I think) NRL players in over 100 years,
I think it was 3000 of those - Have played more than 100 games.
(not sure of the exact numbers, But it's something like that)

We had plenty come through to NRL from the 20's GF IN 2012 (Not many amounted to much) the Raiders had a good crop that year as well.

I went thru 1992, 23 , 24 Big league ,reserve grade and lower in about 2012 and only about 20 players went on to play more than 50 1st grade games.Dogs had about 50%. From the last u/20's WTs team 2017 only 3 players are plying their trade in 1st grade .Suli Mikaele Papenhuzen. From the 16 teams in 2017 about 55 players are still running around ,with only about 50% first graders

 

[Jolls]

How many other teams in the comp would Seyfarth be a starting second rower come round 1?

If people were being realistic, it would be zero.

I don't disagree that Seyfarth's performances, particulary in 2024 were below par. I have certainly been very critical of his play. However, at 194 cm and 100 kg, he has potential, due to our lack of depth, to fill an edge.

It has been reported that he has expressed confidence in his ability to fill the gap left by Bateman/ICE and aims to form a strong partnership with Galvin. I expect that the appointment of Hodgo is likely to see an emphasis on hole running in attack, a style of play that Seyfarth is suited to. This type of tactical shift would align well with his gangly runniing style and passing strengths and should enhance his impact on the field.

I'm not saying that he will have a breakout season or that he is a star in the making; however, given the depth we don't have on the edge he is best option to start the year. Increased, but simplified responsibilities, combined with a game plan that complements his abilities, could lead him to richer pastures and make him a key contributor, as a workhorse, to our forward pack.

Time will tell, but I am prepared to give him first crack (not that there is much of a choice).

 

[liltiger]

Maybe Pole and May can be our bash bros?
Or maybe I am to optimistic.

Maybe Hunt and Pole more likely, May I'm hoping will be Mr reliable with his motor and rip teams apart from the 50th min onwards.

 

[Tito Santana]

Guys, He is still a kid.

Give him time to learn.

I always find these comments funny. He’s learning the game.

I never hear another club say this.

if he’s still learning he shouldn’t be getting paid. And that goes for any of them.

 

[Tito Santana]

Good summary of each @Vicious I'm of a very similar opinion to you on these guys' strengths & weaknesses.

Summary.

They’re all shit.

 

[happy_tiger]

Seyfarth definitely improved in 2024 .....personally was one of his haters in the past

 

[Merlot]

Seyfarth definitely improved in 2024 .....personally was one of his haters in the past

I've never been a shy fan of his,but this is the year he must be productive for the team or he will just become salary cap space

 

[Muffstar]

Average?
You're being very generous.
He's camped in the bottom 10 percent of players in the NRL.

Do that must mean that Twal is in the bottom 5 percent. Seyfarth offers so much more.

 

[JC99]

Do that must mean that Twal is in the bottom 5 percent. Seyfarth offers so much more.

Seyfarth was bang average in 2024. Not only does he get dominated every time he runs the footy, he's one of the dumbest players in the league, and opposition players target him to earn easy penalties.

The fact he'll start on an edge for us shows our massive lack of depth. I was a fan of him coming up but I don't think he makes many other teams benches

People like to write off Twal but I thought he actually improved last year compared to 2023. Not sure on his numbers but bent the line a lot more running the footy. Dunno if he makes the top 17 though

Would like if the club had a look at Tallis Duncan to play on an edge. A very modern second rower, not the biggest but good ball skills and an excellent hole runner.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Seyfarth definitely improved in 2024 .....personally was one of his haters in the past

I am a Seyfarth admirer and have been since his junior days. He would be on a modest contract and I read (happy to be corrected) that the club intends to re-sign him. Watch closely when there is a break and Seyfarth is always back there attempting to shut it down. When there is a loose ball, he is there to gather it in. Apparently he trains hard, there is no lack of effort on the field and I am looking forward to watching him play this year.