2026: 18 - 30 [DEPTH]

[Demps]

We can somewhat put together what the ideal 17 will be in 2026, but what will the 18 - 30 roster of the squad look like, in your opinion?

We obviously need to strengthen our depth.
Currently, I think all we've got contracted is;

18. Heamasi Makasini [ Centre / Wing ]
19. Heath Mason [ Fullback / Half ]
20. Solomone Saukura [ Centre / 2RF ]
21. Luke Lualilii [Wing]
22.
23.

24.
25.
26.
27. Jack Bird [ 2RF / Centre ]
28. Alex Seyfarth [ 2RF / FRF ]
29. Tony Sukkar [ 2RF ]
30. Kit Lualilii [ FRF / Lock ]

I've separated them into backs and forwards;
Suggestions on who can be recruited or upgraded to fill the need of the team?

A few users im interested in hearing how they'd attack this, such as: @BlackWhiteGold @The Chad @jrtiger among others.

 

[Aceshigh]

We can somewhat put together what the ideal 17 will be in 2026, but what will the 18 - 30 roster of the squad look like, in your opinion?

We obviously need to strengthen our depth.
Currently, I think all we've got contracted is;

18. Heamasi Makasini [ Centre / Wing ]
19. Heath Mason [ Fullback / Half ]
20. Solomone Saukura [ Centre / 2RF ]
21. Luke Lualilii [Wing]
22.
23.

24.
25.
26.
27. Jack Bird [ 2RF / Centre ]
28. Alex Seyfarth [ 2RF / FRF ]
29. Tony Sukkar [ 2RF ]
30. Kit Lualilii [ FRF / Lock ]

I've separated them into backs and forwards;
Suggestions on who can be recruited or upgraded to fill the need of the team?

A few users im interested in hearing how they'd attack this, such as: @BlackWhiteGold @The Chad @jrtiger among others.

Do we have Bud back on the books as well ?

 

[Demps]

Do we have Bud back on the books as well ?

Officially, yeah....

However, I wouldn't be 100% confident he returns.

Also, will the club re-sign the likes of off contracted players like Naden [hope not], Staines [possible?] & Adam Douihei [maybe?]

Id assume Feledy, Matamua & Tumeth are all let go.

 

[tigertuff]

We can somewhat put together what the ideal 17 will be in 2026, but what will the 18 - 30 roster of the squad look like, in your opinion?

We obviously need to strengthen our depth.
Currently, I think all we've got contracted is;

18. Heamasi Makasini [ Centre / Wing ]
19. Heath Mason [ Fullback / Half ]
20. Solomone Saukura [ Centre / 2RF ]
21. Luke Lualilii [Wing]
22.
23.

24.
25.
26.
27. Jack Bird [ 2RF / Centre ]
28. Alex Seyfarth [ 2RF / FRF ]
29. Tony Sukkar [ 2RF ]
30. Kit Lualilii [ FRF / Lock ]

I've separated them into backs and forwards;
Suggestions on who can be recruited or upgraded to fill the need of the team?

A few users im interested in hearing how they'd attack this, such as: @BlackWhiteGold @The Chad @jrtiger among others.

Considering most of those guys should still be playing Flegg we really need to get some experience into the squad. I assume May will be number 22 🤔

 

[Demps]

Considering most of those guys should still be playing Flegg we really need to get some experience into the squad. I assume May will be number 22 🤔

Taylan May? I've got him starting in 2026.
Wouldn't mind Tyrone May joining as a lock / Half back up option though.

 

[TYGA]

We can somewhat put together what the ideal 17 will be in 2026, but what will the 18 - 30 roster of the squad look like, in your opinion?

We obviously need to strengthen our depth.
Currently, I think all we've got contracted is;

18. Heamasi Makasini [ Centre / Wing ]
19. Heath Mason [ Fullback / Half ]
20. Solomone Saukura [ Centre / 2RF ]
21. Luke Lualilii [Wing]
22.
23.

24.
25.
26.
27. Jack Bird [ 2RF / Centre ]
28. Alex Seyfarth [ 2RF / FRF ]
29. Tony Sukkar [ 2RF ]
30. Kit Lualilii [ FRF / Lock ]

I've separated them into backs and forwards;
Suggestions on who can be recruited or upgraded to fill the need of the team?

A few users im interested in hearing how they'd attack this, such as: @BlackWhiteGold @The Chad @jrtiger among others.

We need to recruit depth we don't have the talent. I wouldn’t resign anyone coming off contract. Maybe AD but not if Taylan May is signed.

Second rowers: Harrison Hasset (Panthers), Ativalu Lisati (Storm)
Props: Davvy Moale (South’s), Wiremu Greig (Eels)
Halfback: O Sullivan
Backs: Clayton Faualo, Israel Leota (QLD)
Utility: Tyrone May (SL) Temaire Martin (Warriors)

 

[Demps]

We need to recruit depth we don't have the talent. I wouldn’t resign anyone coming off contract. Maybe AD but not if Taylan May is signed.

Second rowers: Harrison Hasset (Panthers), Ativalu Lisati (Storm)
Props: Davvy Moale (South’s), Wiremu Greig (Eels)
Halfback: O Sullivan
Backs: Clayton Faualo, Israel Leota (QLD)
Utility: Tyrone May (SL) Temaire Martin (Warriors)

Moale just extended.

International Rabbitohs forward lands new contract

He is one of ten off-contract players at the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

www.zerotackle.com

Rule him out.
Good post though.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

We can somewhat put together what the ideal 17 will be in 2026, but what will the 18 - 30 roster of the squad look like, in your opinion?

We obviously need to strengthen our depth.
Currently, I think all we've got contracted is;

18. Heamasi Makasini [ Centre / Wing ]
19. Heath Mason [ Fullback / Half ]
20. Solomone Saukura [ Centre / 2RF ]
21. Luke Lualilii [Wing]
22.
23.

24.
25.
26.
27. Jack Bird [ 2RF / Centre ]
28. Alex Seyfarth [ 2RF / FRF ]
29. Tony Sukkar [ 2RF ]
30. Kit Lualilii [ FRF / Lock ]

I've separated them into backs and forwards;
Suggestions on who can be recruited or upgraded to fill the need of the team?

A few users im interested in hearing how they'd attack this, such as: @BlackWhiteGold @The Chad @jrtiger among others.

hey @Demps I'd actually just started to do something similar so here's a bit of a take ...

Out of your list, Mason is uncontracted so I don't have him accounted for ... just yet. And if our assumption is that Galvin will be released & Sullivan won't come back, we have 21 players contracted & 9 spots to fill.

This is where I see our needs for recruitment ...

CENTRE (top 13) - Taylan May, other options???
LOCK (top 13) - Kobe Hetherington, Kaide Ellis (Wigan), Tyson Frizell, other options???
2ND ROW (top 13) - Kai Pearce-Paul, other options???
FULLBACK (depth) - Heath Mason, Krystian Mapapalangi, Brent Naden, Charlie Staines, Tino Tavana, Blake Taaffe, other options???
CENTRE (depth, with experience) - Adam Doeuihi, Solomona Faataape, Brent Naden, Krystian Mapapalangi, Esan Marsters (Salford), Harley Smith-Shields, other options???
HALVES x 2 (depth) - Heath Mason, Krystian Mapapalangi, Tyrone May, Blake Taaffe, other options???
HOOKER (depth) - Tristan Hope, other options???
2ND ROW (depth) - Elie El-Zakhem, Reuben Porter, Jacob Host, Harrison Hassett, Jaiyden Hunt, Aaron Schoupp, other options???

A few notes on some of the above positions of need.

FULLBACK (depth) - I think Turuva will be Bula's main backup so our depth option will likely be NSW Cup fullback predominantly. Do we extend Naden or Staines for this role ($$$ maybe factor), continue with the Mason experiment, or my preference is groom Mapapalangi or my bolter Tino Tavana?

CENTRE (depth) - if To'a & a Taylan May type are 1st choice NRL centres, then I can see one of Makasini, Luke Laulilii or Saukuru taking one of the NSW Cup centre spots with the other 2 on the wing. So would love someone with a bit of experience as a backup. Would Doeuihi be happy as a backup, Marsters may look for a return back to AUS or could Faataape or Mapapalangi play themselves into this role over the rest of the season?

HALVES (depth) - assuming we have a Luai & Latu combo, I think a Tyrone May is an ideal backup and maybe our other is Mason as he develops into a utility, Mapapalangi orsome experience from outside like Taaffe.

BACKROW (depth) - someone to partner Sukkar in NSW Cup and making an assumption that Seyfarth is either used in the 17 off the bench or in Cup as a middle to maximise his leadership. A bit of experience is required here so maybe a Jacob Host, Jaiyden Hunt or even Aaron Schoupp who played backrow today for Blacktown Workers.

We also have Haywood, Broederlow, Taupau-Moors & Godinet taking up 4 of 6 development spots. I would love to see Tino Tavana & Max Taotua given the other 2 for more outside back depth.

 

[Demps]

hey @Demps I'd actually just started to do something similar so here's a bit of a take ...

Out of your list, Mason is uncontracted so I don't have him accounted for ... just yet. And if our assumption is that Galvin will be released & Sullivan won't come back, we have 21 players contracted & 9 spots to fill.

This is where I see our needs for recruitment ...

CENTRE (top 13) - Taylan May, other options???
LOCK (top 13) - Kobe Hetherington, Kaide Ellis (Wigan), Tyson Frizell, other options???
2ND ROW (top 13) - Kai Pearce-Paul, other options???
FULLBACK (depth) - Heath Mason, Krystian Mapapalangi, Brent Naden, Charlie Staines, Tino Tavana, Blake Taaffe, other options???
CENTRE (depth, with experience) - Adam Doeuihi, Solomona Faataape, Brent Naden, Krystian Mapapalangi, Esan Marsters (Salford), Harley Smith-Shields, other options???
HALVES x 2 (depth) - Heath Mason, Krystian Mapapalangi, Tyrone May, Blake Taaffe, other options???
HOOKER (depth) - Tristan Hope, other options???
2ND ROW (depth) - Elie El-Zakhem, Reuben Porter, Jacob Host, Harrison Hassett, Jaiyden Hunt, Aaron Schoupp, other options???

A few notes on some of the above positions of need.

FULLBACK (depth) - I think Turuva will be Bula's main backup so our depth option will likely be NSW Cup fullback predominantly. Do we extend Naden or Staines for this role ($$$ maybe factor), continue with the Mason experiment, or my preference is groom Mapapalangi or my bolter Tino Tavana?

CENTRE (depth) - if To'a & a Taylan May type are 1st choice NRL centres, then I can see one of Makasini, Luke Laulilii or Saukuru taking one of the NSW Cup centre spots with the other 2 on the wing. So would love someone with a bit of experience as a backup. Would Doeuihi be happy as a backup, Marsters may look for a return back to AUS or could Faataape or Mapapalangi play themselves into this role over the rest of the season?

HALVES (depth) - assuming we have a Luai & Latu combo, I think a Tyrone May is an ideal backup and maybe our other is Mason as he develops into a utility, Mapapalangi orsome experience from outside like Taaffe.

BACKROW (depth) - someone to partner Sukkar in NSW Cup and making an assumption that Seyfarth is either used in the 17 off the bench or in Cup as a middle to maximise his leadership. A bit of experience is required here so maybe a Jacob Host, Jaiyden Hunt or even Aaron Schoupp who played backrow today for Blacktown Workers.

We also have Haywood, Broederlow, Taupau-Moors & Godinet taking up 4 of 6 development spots. I would love to see Tino Tavana & Max Taotua given the other 2 for more outside back depth.

I like what I've seen from Tavana ... wouldn't mind seeing him added to a development contract. Has a lot of versatility value.

Noticed Malapapalangi played fullback last week and has moved to 6 this week. Interesting and i think he has something to offer the squad.

I've just been playing around with possible options, they are definitely out there if you search for em...

[I've got Seyfarth pushing down the depth list and playing more of a back up role with the addition of KPP if that eventuates]
18. Heamasi Makasini [ Centre / Wing ]
19. Heath Mason [ Fullback / Half ]
20. Solomone Saukura [ Centre / 2RF ]
21. Luke Lualilii [Wing]
22. Krystian Malapapangi [ Upgraded contract ? Versatile outside back option ]
23. Adam Douiheu [extended ? Will he ba happy to play back up is the question ?

If not there is some players floating around, off contracted and not...

- Sam Stonestreet [Sharks]
- Twin centres, [sharks and jets] Danny and Michael Gabrael - came through the dogs system with wraps but havent seen much game time at the sharks.
- Does Asu Kepoa return as rumoured? Top 30?
- Sione Funau [winger at the Dragons] looks the goods. Off contract. Looks like he'd suit our team moreso than the dragons.
- Tony Francis [winger @ Gold Coast ] Sydney lad, might want to return home.

24. Tyrone May [ Half / Lock ] Super League
25. Sam Tuivaiti [ Prop ] Parramatta - off contract
26. Ativalu Lisati [ 2RF ] parramatta, former Panther, good shout @TYGA
27. Jack Bird [ 2RF / Centre ] [falls out of the 17 with some new recruits]
28. Alex Seyfarth [ 2RF / FRF ]
29. Tony Sukkar [ 2RF ]
30. Kit Lualilii [ FRF / Lock ]

 

[Tiger Woods]

Our depth at the moment is as deep as a baby pool
🐯👶

 

[Tim Sheens]

23. Adam Douiheu [extended ? Will he ba happy to play back up is the question ?

I couldn't have imagined saying this until this season, but his much improved defence, goal kicking and versatility to fill in across the backline if he cannot demand a starting spot has me happy enough for WT to extend him at up to the 2025/26 average salary of basically $400k.

Maybe Adam would back himself, sign on for another year and test the market again with the new teams coming in? At least he doesn't have to pay a manager or deal with their bullshit.

 

[The Chad]

We can somewhat put together what the ideal 17 will be in 2026, but what will the 18 - 30 roster of the squad look like, in your opinion?

We obviously need to strengthen our depth.
Currently, I think all we've got contracted is;

18. Heamasi Makasini [ Centre / Wing ]
19. Heath Mason [ Fullback / Half ]
20. Solomone Saukura [ Centre / 2RF ]
21. Luke Lualilii [Wing]
22.
23.

24.
25.
26.
27. Jack Bird [ 2RF / Centre ]
28. Alex Seyfarth [ 2RF / FRF ]
29. Tony Sukkar [ 2RF ]
30. Kit Lualilii [ FRF / Lock ]

I've separated them into backs and forwards;
Suggestions on who can be recruited or upgraded to fill the need of the team?

A few users im interested in hearing how they'd attack this, such as: @BlackWhiteGold @The Chad @jrtiger among others.

Whoever comes across as depth needs to have a purpose to coming. Some of the suggestions sound great, but other than a contract, there's very little reason for some of these guys to come over.

I don't think Bird, Seyfarth or Doueihi (who should be re-signed) are 18-30 types & will likely be in the top 17. But, I'll give you maybe Seyfarth dropping down.

That I think gives us 6 spots to fill.

Malapapangi is a good suggestion as he's already on the books. I'd say either him or Faataape get one of the spots.

Harrison Hassett has been rumoured for a while & I think it makes sense- young enough to still develop, not so far away from pushing for a potential starting role if he starts to hit his potential, in a position of need.

Tyrone May is one guy I suspect is more likely than not. Fills a depth role in the halves, centre or #13. In case of injury- throw him into the squad. People forget how good he was beside Cleary @ #6.

Would not surprise me to see Vaka Aho upgraded to Top 30. Young prop who went from part time starter to pretty much the top starter in KOE in a season.

Bit of a wild card option- but Junior Tupou can't even get a look in at the Dolphins. If it was a choice of Tupou, Naden or Feledy...I'd take Tupou every time. It wouldn't surprise me to see him come free.

Definitely need at least one more forward for depth as the last spot. I've suggested Jaiyden Hunt numerous times. Marty Taupau would provide similar depth. Even someone like Kautoga if he gets free from the Eels. Corey Jensen from the Broncos. Or big Sifley from Manly.

We need probably 2 forwards with NRL type quality in KOE in case of injuries. We can't be scrambling the juniors every time someone goes down. Same with the backs.

The stronger the KOE squad- the better we are. But we can't hold back the progress of young guys either, so a balance of youth & experience through the last few spots on the Top 30.

 

[The Chad]

What does that make my 30?

Fullbacks
Bula
Malapapangi

Wingers
Turuva (Can cover fullback)
Taylan May (Can play centre)
Skelton (Can play centre)
Luke Lualili'i

Centres
To'a
Doueihi (Covers fullback & 5/8)
Makasini (also wing)
Faataape
Junior Tupou (Also wing)

Halves
Latu Fainu
Luai
Tyrone May (#13, centre capable)
Heath Mason (Also covers fullback)

Second Rowers
Sam Fainu
Seyfarth (Can join the middle rotation)
Hassett
Pierce Paul
Bird (5/8, centre & #13 capable)
Sukkar

Middles
Twal
Terrell May
Pole
Sione Fainu
Hunt
Aho
Corey Jensen

Hookers
Koroisau
Da Silva
Hope

I'm one over- so probably Junior Tupou or Malapapangi drop out.

Plenty of players capable of covering other areas if required.

 

[Demps]

Some insight;

We once had a KOE cup player making the team named John Tuivaiti. He also floated around the lower grades @ Manly and the roosters [Bears] too. He is Sam Tuivaitis older brother.

Sam played for Westfield's sports high, he's pictured here with some familiar faces.



Seems he came through the system at Parramatta, playing Harold Matt's, Flegg and SG ball. I also saw some images of him lining up for the Wentworthvillle Magpies.

Born in New Zealand and having stats of 191 cm tall & 117 KG - he is also OFF CONTRACT.

He would be a great bench option to partner Hunt and be a great squad filler with a high cieling.

 

[Demps]

Krystian Mapapalangi ;

He played at Holy Cross College, Ryde.
In 2020 they awarded him sportsperson of the year.

It was informed to me that the Tigers overlooked him due to favouring Zane Camroux [at the time] and Krystian went on to sign with Manly before moving to Newcastle and eventually making his first grade debut.

In 2020 he made the schoolboy second team which featured;
Sean Russell [Eels]
Mikey Tannous [Tigers]
Riley Smith [Eels]

They had this to say about him;
The most talented centre to ever come through Holy Cross College. Signed a top 30 deal with the Manly Sea Eagles and is expected to progress up the ranks.

 

[Tom Shines]

Bit of a wild card option- but Junior Tupou can't even get a look in at the Dolphins. If it was a choice of Tupou, Naden or Feledy...I'd take Tupou every time. It wouldn't surprise me to see him come free.

High bar there lol … how about no to all three ? Surely they can do better …I’m assuming you watched Topou when he was here? Made a lot of errors ….. Feledy will never be an NRL player and Naden is over the hill and not much to begin with …

 

[Demps]

18. Heamasi Makasini [ Centre / Wing ]
19. Heath Mason [ Fullback / Half ]
20. Luke Lualilii [Wing]
21. Krystian Mapapalangi [ Utility Back ]
22. Adam Douhei [ Utility Back ]
23. Asu Kepoa [ Centre / Wing ]

24. Tyrone May [ HLF / Lock ]
25. Sam Tuivaiti [ Prop ]
26. Ativalu Lisati [ 2RF ]
27. Jack Bird [ 2RF / Centre ]
28. Alex Seyfarth [ 2RF / FRF ]
29. Tony Sukkar [ 2RF ]
30. Kit Lualilii [ FRF / Lock ]


I've also manifested that we've signed KPP & traded Galvin for Hopgood, which has what has pushed Bird and Seyfarth down the depth chart.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Some insight;

We once had a KOE cup player making the team named John Tuivaiti. He also floated around the lower grades @ Manly and the roosters [Bears] too. He is Sam Tuivaitis older brother.

Sam played for Westfield's sports high, he's pictured here with some familiar faces.

View attachment 22718

Seems he came through the system at Parramatta, playing Harold Matt's, Flegg and SG ball. I also saw some images of him lining up for the Wentworthvillle Magpies.

Born in New Zealand and having stats of 191 cm tall & 117 KG - he is also OFF CONTRACT.

He would be a great bench option to partner Hunt and be a great squad filler with a high cieling.

Sam Tuivati a big YES but there is a big impediment in the way, his manager is Isaac Moses 💩

 

[innsaneink]

Krystian Mapapalangi ;

He played at Holy Cross College, Ryde.
In 2020 they awarded him sportsperson of the year.

It was informed to me that the Tigers overlooked him due to favouring Zane Camroux [at the time] and Krystian went on to sign with Manly before moving to Newcastle and eventually making his first grade debut.

In 2020 he made the schoolboy second team which featured;
Sean Russell [Eels]
Mikey Tannous [Tigers]
Riley Smith [Eels]

They had this to say about him;
The most talented centre to ever come through Holy Cross College. Signed a top 30 deal with the Manly Sea Eagles and is expected to progress up the ranks.

Camroux wouldve been a ''its not what you know its what your last name is " signing"

Not much running around in Reggies though I did see Ray Fatala Mariner and hame Sela....though I dont know what theyd leave Saints reggies to play for the Magpies....
Why would a fringe first grader sign with WTs knowing theyre likely playing for the Magpies?
Payne seems out of his depth in reserves.
Do they train with first grade?
They rarely play the same ground bar today
Lower grades just seem to be a mess

 

[stephen]

Our depth at the moment is as deep as a baby pool
🐯👶

Puddle.