Round 2 team 2026

[HUNT 101]

I think we're shaping up like this. Skelton will get first crack on the left as the incumbent and without Latu we'll need to carry Jock. Heamasi will definitely be in the 19 the first few weeks. based on selections + what we've seen / heard Seyfarth looks like he'll unfortunately get the jump on Sione.

1. Bula
2. Turuva
3. To'a
4. May
5. Skelton
6. Luai
7. Doueihi
8. May
9. Koroisau
10. Pole
11. Fainu
12. Pearce-Paul
13. Twal

14. ?
15. Afoa
16. Hunt
17. Seyfarth
18. Makasini
19. Madden

jersey 14 for mine is the only one up in the air. I'd like it to be Haywood but I can't see them blooding him. Hope was poor but he's probably the front runner although Murray could also do a job. I think it's either of those two, but keen to hear other's thoughts.

Reckon Madden will be 14, not all year but can see him covering Api or Ads .He adds another kicker in Play and 2 pointers, 19 dunno? Maverick gotta see what he's got first,hopefully this week we will see all in action. I do like Haywood but not sure this will be his break through year .

 

[Tiger Stripes]

Yes agree
And I don’t think it would go down too well with L.Fainu if Madden got a start in front of him.
I see Madden being a bench player when one of L.Fainu/Douehi/Romey is out injured

On what I have seen so far [Latu last year - Madden last weekend] I see more points for the WT coming from Madden than Fainu.
Madden - Play it in their half philosophy - long kicks finding the grass. Managing field position. Be in the best position, more often, to attack. Set up the outside players to stand deeper, run onto the ball at speed. This allows better passing options. More points.
Managing the game to be in the best position to score. Less defending your own line.
Fainu - Faster but still on a learning curve with respect of setting up players around him. Managing team mates to score. Inferior kicking game. More suited to the 5/8 roll.
So, who is best to serve Luai. IMO Madden. Crisper passing, decision making to complement Luai. Take some of the kicking burden from Luai allowing him to plan his attack.
We need to see if Madden can repeat the last weekends effort against a stronger opposition.
Doueihi to get 1st crack at 7. Different skill set.
A Benji headache.

 

[Oldman]

On what I have seen so far [Latu last year - Madden last weekend] I see more points for the WT coming from Madden than Fainu.
Madden - Play it in their half philosophy - long kicks finding the grass. Managing field position. Be in the best position, more often, to attack. Set up the outside players to stand deeper, run onto the ball at speed. This allows better passing options. More points.
Managing the game to be in the best position to score. Less defending your own line.
Fainu - Faster but still on a learning curve with respect of setting up players around him. Managing team mates to score. Inferior kicking game. More suited to the 5/8 roll.
So, who is best to serve Luai. IMO Madden. Crisper passing, decision making to complement Luai. Take some of the kicking burden from Luai allowing him to plan his attack.
We need to see if Madden can repeat the last weekends effort against a stronger opposition.
Doueihi to get 1st crack at 7. Different skill set.
A Benji headache.

What the forum is good for,
Difference of opinions 👍

 

[Lestronge]

don't worry I'm with you, but I don't think Benji agrees. I'll be surprised if Sione makes the 19 to start the year if I'm honest, seems as if we're looking for experience and defensive resolve.

if I were the coach it'd be a bit different to the side I named lol

Maybe he’s rewarding bunty for the work he’s put in this offseason . Seems like his way of. I’m sure Sione will go past them all by the end of the year .

 

[Odessa]

Reckon Madden will be 14, not all year but can see him covering Api or Ads .He adds another kicker in Play and 2 pointers, 19 dunno? Maverick gotta see what he's got first,hopefully this week we will see all in action. I do like Haywood but not sure this will be his break through year .

Chatting with another Tiger fan today and he said Jock trained at 9 so maybe he will be 14

 

[Camel2281]

I’ll kick off. I think Madden and big Mak and Sione will force their way into the team on Friday night .

1. Bula
2. Mak
3. Taylan
4. Toa
5. Sunia
6. romey
7. Jock
13. twal/ Douehi
11 Kpp
12. Samuela
10. Terrel
9. Api
8. Pole (marginal)

Bench -Playing
Siione
Royce
Red
Twal/ Douehi

Bench- extras, just in case
Skelton
Hope

Extra
Mason

I expect of this team, Pole, Toa and Red will be under the most pressure. Pole needs to come out firing from the get go this season.

Mason may be able to edge out Hope if he can show he can cover 9 come Friday , as the 5th bench player.

I think by season end we will have Haywood off the bench . And I expect we will have an injury somewhere in the backline and some line like Tarava or Attard will permanently establish themselves as first graders.

Probably need a forward like Kit to step up to put pressure on the forwards . But overall. Things are looking bright.

Mason is worse than Hope. Based on trial one Charlie Murray deserves that role anyway

 

[Camel2281]

J

what has that got to do with Saturday ? I judge performance on what my eyes tell me … not some unconscious bias from 9 months ago .
It’s to the point that this forum frustrates me . People speak in such absolutes , and to be honest some pretty nasty comments … and then it turns out they’re making assessments from 13 months ago. The kid is 19/20 … the club is gonna trial him in his junior positions . Some don’t succeed and need to change positions .
Connor Watson is the pinup of this . He was supposed to put pressure on Tedesco early doors at fullback . Then he went to Newcastle , and came
Back a lock/ hooker/ utility . That’s clearly the pathway forward for Mason.
I’m big on pedigree . You don’t make Aus Schoolboys if you’re shit . Sometimes you just need a tweak. There’s a footy player there that’s for sure .

Lots of Australian schoolboys don't make it. In fact go back through and less make it than don't.

 

[Camel2281]

Too many people expect a 20-year old to be the finished product.

I don't expect him to be the finished product. But he's been in and around the first grade side too much for a kid who's miles from NRL ready

 

[Camel2281]

On what I have seen so far [Latu last year - Madden last weekend] I see more points for the WT coming from Madden than Fainu.
Madden - Play it in their half philosophy - long kicks finding the grass. Managing field position. Be in the best position, more often, to attack. Set up the outside players to stand deeper, run onto the ball at speed. This allows better passing options. More points.
Managing the game to be in the best position to score. Less defending your own line.
Fainu - Faster but still on a learning curve with respect of setting up players around him. Managing team mates to score. Inferior kicking game. More suited to the 5/8 roll.
So, who is best to serve Luai. IMO Madden. Crisper passing, decision making to complement Luai. Take some of the kicking burden from Luai allowing him to plan his attack.
We need to see if Madden can repeat the last weekends effort against a stronger opposition.
Doueihi to get 1st crack at 7. Different skill set.
A Benji headache.

Fainu is ideal playing the role Mason played in the middle for the short to medium term

 

[TYGA]

1. Bula
2. Turuva
3. May
4. Toa
5. Makasini
6. Luai
7. Douihei
8. Terrell May
9. Api
10. Pole
11. Sam Fainu
12. KPP
13. Twal
14. Sione Fainu
15. Hunt
16. Bunty Afoa
17. Seyfarth
18. Jock Madden
19. Skelton

 

[Lestronge]

Lots of Australian schoolboys don't make it. In fact go back through and less make it than don't.

They’re given every chance in the world though . I’d love to know the percentages on Aus schoolboys who make it compared who don’t . If it’s 33% or even 25% that’s still 25 times what it is for every other player external of that . Probably 50 times when you look at the juniors holistically.
the Aus schoolboys usually get 2-3 throws at the dice at minimum , everyone thinks they’re the one to unlock the talent . That’s not even remotely the case for kids who are late bloomers .

 

[Lestronge]

Fainu is ideal playing the role Mason played in the middle for the short to medium term

Says who ? I completely disagree . With your last 3 posts inclusively . Mason is worse than Hope …. They play 2 different positions for starters .

 

[bptiger 0]

I’ll kick off. I think Madden and big Mak and Sione will force their way into the team on Friday night .

1. Bula
2. Mak
3. Taylan
4. Toa
5. Sunia
6. romey
7. Jock
13. twal/ Douehi
11 Kpp
12. Samuela
10. Terrel
9. Api
8. Pole (marginal)

Bench -Playing
Siione
Royce
Red
Twal/ Douehi

Bench- extras, just in case
Skelton
Hope

Extra
Mason

I expect of this team, Pole, Toa and Red will be under the most pressure. Pole needs to come out firing from the get go this season.

Mason may be able to edge out Hope if he can show he can cover 9 come Friday , as the 5th bench player.

I think by season end we will have Haywood off the bench . And I expect we will have an injury somewhere in the backline and some line like Tarava or Attard will permanently establish themselves as first graders.

Probably need a forward like Kit to step up to put pressure on the forwards . But overall. Things are looking bright.

Glad ur not picking the team , think ur way off

 

[Camel2281]

Says who ? I completely disagree . With your last 3 posts inclusively . Mason is worse than Hope …. They play 2 different positions for starters .

They're both only going to play first grade in a utility bench role so they effectively are battling each other

 

[Camel2281]

Says who ? I completely disagree . With your last 3 posts inclusively . Mason is worse than Hope …. They play 2 different positions for starters .

Where does Latu play then. Because he isn't going to be starting 7 ahead of AD at present and realistically Madden is a more steady hand as the back up 7 to provide structure if AD isn't available or in form. Latu needs time and first grade experience. Coming off the bench as a utility like a Connor Watson is ideal for him in my opinion

 

[jrtiger]

Where does Latu play then. Because he isn't going to be starting 7 ahead of AD at present and realistically Madden is a more steady hand as the back up 7 to provide structure if AD isn't available or in form. Latu needs time and first grade experience. Coming off the bench as a utility like a Connor Watson is ideal for him in my opinion

I don't think so personally. this system is made for Latu. he just needs a consistent run without injury. if you listen to Jarome and even Benji pregame last week it seems to be that they're planning to move Latu into the 7 once they feel he's ready.

I like Jock and he was excellent on Saturday, but we have to temper expectation. he has some upside but has never truly put it together in first grade and there are serious questions about his defence. his ceiling pales in comparison to Latu's.

 

[Vicious]

I don't think so personally. this system is made for Latu. he just needs a consistent run without injury. if you listen to Jarome and even Benji pregame last week it seems to be that they're planning to move Latu into the 7 once they feel he's ready.

I like Jock and he was excellent on Saturday, but we have to temper expectation. he has some upside but has never truly put it together in first grade and there are serious questions about his defence. his ceiling pales in comparison to Latu's.

Latu is still a potential superstar, potentially the best player in our team, but I still question whether him playing halfback/ first receiver best suits his strengths ?
He is an extremely strong and explosive ball runner who when fit, healthy and at his best we ideally want running the ball as much as possible.
I think he is a definite 5/8 but while being stuck behind Luai, I’m hoping he’s happy and prepared to bide his time mainly as a 13 / 9 off the bench while hopefully learning how to lead and drive a team.
There is always the argument about whether he should be leading our NSW Cup team as part of his development, but I’m not sure if Latu would see it that way, I think he would much rather be a part of our top 17 contributing off the bench and starting in the halves whenever the opportunity arises.
Jock Madden has also thrown a spanner in the works as we cannot deny him sone NRL involvement if he continues with the firm he produced in our recent trial game.
Depth wise it’s a good position to be in, but it’s also a delicate situation for Benji to manage well and keep all players relatively happy.

 

[jrtiger]

Latu is still a potential superstar, potentially the best player in our team, but I still question whether him playing halfback/ first receiver best suits his strengths ?
He is an extremely strong and explosive ball runner who when fit, healthy and at his best we ideally want running the ball as much as possible.
I think he is a definite 5/8 but while being stuck behind Luai, I’m hoping he’s happy and prepared to bide his time mainly as a 13 / 9 off the bench while hopefully learning how to lead and drive a team.
There is always the argument about whether he should be leading our NSW Cup team as part of his development, but I’m not sure if Latu would see it that way, I think he would much rather be a part of our top 17 contributing off the bench and starting in the halves whenever the opportunity arises.
Jock Madden has also thrown a spanner in the works as we cannot deny him sone NRL involvement if he continues with the firm he produced in our recent trial game.
Depth wise it’s a good position to be in, but it’s also a delicate situation for Benji to manage well and keep all players relatively happy.

as you say he's a phenomenal ball runner, which is why I think he's so well suited to playing 7 in this system Marshall's devised.

his acceleration and strength instantly puts a defender in two minds. you couple that with how square and direct he plays, plus the ability to tell lies with his eyes, and you've got a guy that can create so much space for those outside him.

Latu's issue has always been developing his voice and refining the fundamentals of playing halfback, mainly kicking and game management. he was really improving that towards the back end of last season. no doubt he's been working on it thru the summer as well.

I really don't think it'll be long until you see him at 7 in first grade. from what Luai and Marshall have said these past few weeks it really sounds like they plan to use Doueihi only initially.

 

[Odessa]

as you say he's a phenomenal ball runner, which is why I think he's so well suited to playing 7 in this system Marshall's devised.

his acceleration and strength instantly puts a defender in two minds. you couple that with how square and direct he plays, plus the ability to tell lies with his eyes, and you've got a guy that can create so much space for those outside him.

Latu's issue has always been developing his voice and refining the fundamentals of playing halfback, mainly kicking and game management. he was really improving that towards the back end of last season. no doubt he's been working on it thru the summer as well.

I really don't think it'll be long until you see him at 7 in first grade. from what Luai and Marshall have said these past few weeks it really sounds like they plan to use Doueihi only initially.

Latu's strength is crazy for a half and tackling his big brothers has taken care of his one on one tackling

Just need him on the field someday

If we had

1.Bula
6.Jerome
7.Latu
13.AD
9.Api

14 Haywood

We should be able to score points

 

[Tiger Stripes]

"Latu's issue has always been developing his voice and refining the fundamentals of playing halfback, mainly kicking and game management". Thanks, jrtiger.

They are the most important skills to develop, and it takes a lot of experience to get it right.
So many decisions to make in a split second. Not easy for a young guy to get it right consistently.
Maybe as a 14 he can observe and be coached why plays went the way they did, or could have been done better? Time to pick everyone's brains on why things went either right or wrong.
From 14 he can watch Madden, Doueihi and Luai strut their different methods and design his own unique blend?
IMO not ready to be the NRL half. 3rd choice.