Forward Pack

[Terry T.Nuts]

I know this has been mentioned by many a poster but until we have a decent forward pack nothing will change with this team. Not even a combo of Bellamy and Bennett would succeed here with the current pack. Unless we have quality forwards our backline will never threaten anyone, the likes of Joey Johns, Darren Lockyer and Mal Meninga would struggle behind our pack. Heading into 2026 the only forwards I believe we should be keeping are
8 T.May
9 Api
10 Sione Fainu
11 Samuela Fainu
12 KPP
13F.Pole
so effectively we need to recruit at least another 3-4 NRL proven forwards. I know we have some talented youngsters such as Kit etc, but I don't know if they are ready yet. The likes of Seyfart, Sukkar, Bird, Twal etc need to be in KOE or moved on. Richo hopefully will address this in the offseason or else we will remain a bottom 4 team.

 

[Demps]

Haven't had a good lock since Elijah Taylor left.

Would love a Ray Stone, Kurt Donoghoe type in the #13.... not just an extra prop.

Our starting pack needs a re-think as well as depth needs some improving.

Guys like Seyfarth, Bird and Sukkar should be considered back up.

The way forward?
Benji needs to get busy.

- an experienced pack leader in the likes of Frizzel. Yeah, he's old and he's near the end, 2 year deal and moves into assistant role to help tighten up our weaknesses.

- some backrow spark. We've got KPP coming in but the kid, Kayliss at the Warriors and a versatile backrower like Harry Hassett add something different that we lack.

- what Royce Hunt was supposed to be... some big bopper like Lazarus Vaalepu [Melb] or Tom Ale [NZ] let's get that punch of the bench that we need. Kitt will play this role eventually, just needs time.

2026;
8. Terrell May
9. Apisai Korousau [C]
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Tyson Frizzell

14. Harrison Hassett
15. Kayliss Fatialofa
16. Sione Fainu
17. Lazarus Vaalepu