2026 squad - still not good enough

[BirchgroveTigers]

Hello,

So after thinking about how you can structure a salary cap, I figured it was worth looking at our 2026 squad to see how it matches up (based the "how many players ideal" on the calculation in this thread: https://weststigersforum.com/threads/managing-the-salary-cap.36713/#post-2168078).

Long story short - as things stand - our 2026 squad is definetly an improvement on this year, but still too "bottom heavy". Have assumed Jayden Sullivan is moving on, and we are resigning Taylan May. The rest of the names I've taken from the NRL website. The ratings is based on how they rate compared to other players in their respective position. Room for debate on that front I appreciate.

4 players left by this calculation - ideally all four would be average NRL players or above, but that's probably a tall order.

 

[upthetigers]

Sorry I don't agree, Sione and Skelton are not below average first graders.

 

[BirchgroveTigers]

Sorry I don't agree, Sione and Skelton are not below average first graders.

Yeah fair enough! Sione I went below average as by definition there are always two starting props in a side. He isn’t even making our starting side regularly (although maybe he should be). Defence lets him down. Wasn’t comparing him with bench players for eg.

Skelton was a line ball between below average and average. Again, this doesn’t mean I don’t think they’re good players, just that they would be in the bottom 1/3 of players in their position.

 

[Westoz]

Based on the past month Sione>Pole

Hope we don’t go and just upgrade a bunch of cup players to the top 30 and we sign a few more first graders

I don’t think our side is top 8 material going into next season yet

 

[Westoz]

Also Makasini and Kit Laulili missing from your list

Both top 30 next year

 

[Speed2burn]

I think the list is fairly accurate, obviously it’s a young squad so there is a chance for our rookies to move up a couple categories

T May and Bula have without doubt been our best performers this year and could argue deserve the elite status. Api and Luai probably get it based on reputation

I think as disappointing as T’oa has been for the last month his early season form was incredible. I cannot remember the last time we had a centre beat his opposite on just about every occasion. If he can replicate that and get back on track I would love nothing more than a T’oa & May centre pairing for years to come

 

[BirchgroveTigers]

Also Makasini and Kit Laulili missing from your list

Both top 30 next year

Good spot! Will add them in when I’m home.

 

[BirchgroveTigers]

Based on the past month Sione>Pole

Hope we don’t go and just upgrade a bunch of cup players to the top 30 and we sign a few more first graders

I don’t think our side is top 8 material going into next season yet

Defs agree on the past month. Pole ranked as average assuming he returns to early season form next year after another off season.

 

[Halbrowne61]

Also Makasini and Kit Laulili missing from your list

Both top 30 next year

Reasonable analysis BT, I guess it shows we’re not going to buy success so therefore we have to improve what we’ve got, under a coaching group who are going to be under even more pressure next season.
Can it be done, imo unlikely, but can’t see a real alternative solution unless we get the red pen out as of end of season and pick up a few bargains with potential.
Or give Benji some new support eg Cooper Cronk and/or others who know what continued improvement and regular success looks like.

 

[BirchgroveTigers]

Reasonable analysis BT, I guess it shows we’re not going to buy success so therefore we have to improve what we’ve got, under a coaching group who are going to be under even more pressure next season.
Can it be done, imo unlikely, but can’t see a real alternative solution unless we get the red pen out as of end of season and pick up a few bargains with potential.
Or give Benji some new support eg Cooper Cronk and/or others who know what continued improvement and regular success looks like.

Yeah I agree mostly on that. I think we need to buy at least one more “above average” or better player for next year.

We also need a few of our players to up a level.

Sukkar from back up standard -> below average, Samuela from average -> above average, Latu fro below average -> average are the ones with obvious potential to step up IMO.

 

[BirchgroveTigers]

Yeah I agree mostly on that. I think we need to buy at least one more “above average” or better player for next year.

We also need a few of our players to up a level.

Sukkar from back up standard -> below average, Samuela from average -> above average, Latu fro below average -> average are the ones with obvious potential to step up IMO.

And I’m sure there’s a few more I’ve missed.