Jersey Flegg - mid season player performance summary

[BlackWhiteGold]

Here is Part 1 (the backs) of my Jersey Flegg mid-season opinion report - see next post. Sorry for the length. Part 2 (forwards) tomorrow or Wednesday.

I’m not doing every player in Flegg, just those better performed players this season who IMO have a chance of progressing with us. A few notes to consider & I take into consideration…

Firstly, the club has a high opinion on these Flegg aged players as they were promoted to train the NSW Cup in the pre-season – Tom Fisher, Jared Haywood, Cameron Kanaan, Max Liles, Max Taotua & Tino Tavana. I’d say all but Fisher have reinforced this.

Secondly, the club has a high opinion on these SG Ball aged players as they were given the opportunity to train with Flegg in the pre-season – Logan Brookes, Archie Duncombe, Pheonix Godinet, Ali Karnib, Kohan Lewis, Callum McMenemy, Jack Nicholas, Peter Taai, Xavier Tauaifaiga & Christian Taupau-Moors. All but Karnib, Lewis & McMenemy have progressed in the club’s mind IMO.

Thirdly, the following key players are in their final season of Flegg (turning 21 this year) so they need to really stand out to push for a NSW Cup, T&T or Development contract next year – Tavana, Matai, Liles, Lanyon, Broederlow (on Dev next year), Saukuru (top 30), Mataale, Tavita & Fisher.

Fourthly, there is a big possibility that Jersey Flegg will change to a National Under 21 Comp next season pending sign off from the commission so it could pose exciting opportunities for those aged 19 & 20 this year.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

PART 1 - KEY BACKS
Cameron Kanaan (20 this year) – Fullback/Wing

Summary: Has been a shining light in attack at both fullback & wing. Loves to get involved when fullback, good acceleration & back up. Some very good finishing too in both positions. Last line of defence is a weakness at the back both on the line & when last line of defence, needs to get physically stronger.

Prospects: Very good & already earnt a start in NSW Cup on wing in Round 9. Is a keeper and could excel in either position. Jersey Flegg next season at the very least.

Logan Brookes [Deininger] (19 this year) – Fullback/Wing

Summary: Highly rated 1st year out of high school from NQ, seen as having leadership qualities. Being introduced into Flegg after an excellent season at fullback for Balmain in SG Ball. Already showing his class in Flegg with his elusiveness & good in cover defence too.

Prospects: Club must rate him highly as when he’s come into Flegg, Kanaan & Tavana have played wing. Still needs a bit of size but could be pushing for a Development contract or T&T in the pre-season. Eligible for Flegg for another 2 years.

Tino Tavana (21 this year) – Fullback/Wing

Summary: I reckon club rates him highly as he managed 4 NSW Cup games last year, a pre-season trial game with the Wests Tigers & another 3 Cup games this season so far. Pushed back to Flegg due to our senior numbers and has shown he can produce the mercurial at times, great in air with his Bula-like leap and amazing hands & skill set. Being played on the wing atm due to Kanaan & Brookes. Has improved his defence too from last year.

Prospects: Could be anything really. Comparisons to Bula in his size & athletic abilities. A chance at some sort of senior contract next year whether Development or T&T. I’m a HUGE fan!

Max Taotua (20 this year) – Centre/Wing

Summary: Has been one of the Flegg team’s most consistent players this season at right centre. Very strong ball runner, good size, reasonably quick & shown slick hands in passing to his winger to score a few times. Defence has been solid, strong in contact. Was promoted to Cup for a game in round 10. Also played wing in Cup for a game last year.

Prospects: The type we need to be retaining (along with his twin Mitch). Could push for a Development contract or T&T in the pre-season. Still another season eligible in Flegg.

Will Craig (20 this year) – Wing

Summary: Had his best game for the club on Saturday against Manly. Has been strong with yardage carries. Too much of a defensive & aerial liability for my liking. Has been exploited by some of the better teams. Poor goal kicking too, not sure why he’s kept as the team’s main goal kicker.

Prospects: Once his development contract runs out this season, I wouldn’t be prioritising him personally. Doesn’t possess the attributes to progress IMO. Flegg contract at best.

Iverson Matai (21 this year) – Five-eighth/Halfback

Summary: Gifted attacking player. Reminds me a bit of Latu with his excellent passing & running games as a half, scored an amazing individual try early in the season. It’s his defence which currently is a liability. Opposition has often exploited his edge especially the line between he & Broederlow.

Prospects: He has to strengthen up his defence to be any chance of progressing. If he can do this in the 2nd half of the season & impress the coaches with his application, he could put himself into the frame for a T&T but I think moving forward it’ll only be one of he or Liles (as both move out of Flegg next season).

Max Liles (21 this year) – Halfback

Summary: Interesting proposition. Not your typical game managing halfback but is ok at it. Good passing & long kicking games, and an elusive runner who can find a gap close to the line. Has a knack for the grubber to himself. Must be rated reasonably highly with 5 games already in Cup including 3 tries.

Prospects: If he continues to impress once he returns from injury, I think it could be a battle with Matai for a pre-season T&T or at the very least a NSW Cup contract with the Magpies next season. Just don’t think he has a high ceiling.

Marc Tannous (19 this year) – Halfback/Five-eighth

Summary: Getting some good game time in Flegg with injuries to Matai & Liles opening a door. Looks an assured game managing type, good voice & direction, nice passing & kicking games. Highly rated with a T&T pre-season with the NRL squad & pre-season trial.

Prospects: Will slot straight into Jersey Flegg halves next season. Has nothing outstanding about his game & rarely breaks the line, just building as a solid game manager with a high game IQ.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

PART 2 - KEY FORWARDS
Jeremiah Leatigaga (20 this year) – Lock

Summary: Has provided very good line speed & contact in defence mainly off the bench, really tightens up the middle when on. Strong runner of the ball, reminds me a bit of Brandon Smith the lock, the energy he brings as a small solid middle.

Prospects: Another good young lock we have in the ranks. Should be given time to progress & develop with another year in Flegg next year.

Josese Lanyon (21 this year) – Lock/Hooker

Summary: Started the season at hooker for us, new acquisition this season from the Bulldogs pathways system. Solid service from dummy half and very good engine (fitness). Has more recently been used as a ball playing lock, decent running game as a small middle but excellent ball playing & link play. Has been found at in defence a bit, can fall off tackles.

Prospects: I think his main chance is that the club retains him on a NSW Cup contract next season which is probably likely given his versatility, ceiling and that we have his very talented younger brother in the ranks. Just needs to work on his defence & strength in tackling.

Lachlan Broederlow (21 this year) – Backrow (right)

Summary: After playing a fair bit of NSW Cup in a terrible team last year, he’s been given time to develop in Flegg this year. A very strong & skilful ball runner on the right edge, he continually teases that he could become a barnstorming backrower. Whilst he has very good effort plays, his weakness is his lateral defence and often exposed even at Flegg level early this season. Haven’t noticed that as much in recent weeks which is good.

Prospects: On a development contract for next year so the club has good hopes for him. He will be given every chance to nail down a right edge backrow spot in Cup next season but maybe more off the bench if Sukkar has that spot. Needs a big pre-season to work on his lateral defence.

Mitch Taotua (20 this year) – Backrow/Centre

Summary: I love this guy’s running style, just screams barnstorming backrower. He’s often been one of the team’s best on the left edge, hard for defenders to stop so will have huge PCMs & tackle breaks. I have liked that the club have played him a bit at centre to develop his versatility (and allow Saukuru to play backrow) which is important for a modern day backrower. However his decision making in defence has been poor a few times in recent weeks at centre.

Prospects: Has a high ceiling IMO An important retention point for the club is he and his twin Max are only 20 this year so can be given time in Flegg again next year but I’d suggest a T&T contract is well within his grasp if he can nail the next 3 months.

Solomone Saukuru (21 this year) – Backrow/Centre

Summary: Have really been impressed with his past month or so since transitioning to the backrow (left). Brings size, speed & skill and the ability to finish. He’s picked up his effort plays and aggression in defence recently too which I have previously been a critic of. A negative is that he can be guilty of clumsy handling error.

Prospects: Another season in top 30 next year. If he continues with his progress this season, he has the ability & physicality to put himself into the NRL team frame in 12 months.

Elijah Mataale (21 this year) – Prop

Summary: Has been a revelation in the 3 games since returning to the club as a starting prop. Provided aggression, powerful runs & hurtful contact in defence, even good speed for a front rower and hands to offload or pass. His motor even seems ok. Is a big powerful middle we have been lacking in Flegg.

Prospects: Last year in Flegg so is playing for a senior contract. If he keeps this form up to display he’s a week-in-week-out consistent player, I reckon he could snag a Development contract or T&T at the very least because he provides what the club lacks in its personnel.

Harry Delaney (20 this year) – Prop

Summary: Just a good solid 2nd prop in his bottom age of Flegg. Solid carries, good defence and decent motor. Not your 1st play prop but excellent as a complement to Mataale or Tavita.

Prospects: Should nail down a prop position in Flegg for next year to continue his development and will only get bigger & stronger from here. Doubts over his ceiling but effort is there.

Shaquille Tavita (21 this year) – Prop

Summary: A big powerful prop who had his best game for us last week. Only played a handful of games but is making his presence felt with his powerful carries & strong defence. Important for our Flegg team mix.

Prospects: Will likely get gradual increases in his minutes as his match fitness builds. I think he will have his work cut out to land a senior contract next year, Magpies NSW Cup train & trial a possibility.

Tom Fisher (21 this year) – Prop/Lock

Summary: Average season to date. A Magpies junior who the club lured back last year after an SG ball top-aged season at the Bulldogs. I think he’s been the victim of being in a light-weight pack that has often been dominated (until we brought in Mataale & Tavita recently). Good work ethic & leadership qualities.

Prospects: Last season in Flegg. Others have more upside in progressing IMO.

Jared Haywood (19 this year) - Hooker

Summary: Excellent top-aged season in SG Ball for Balmain and has been straight into Flegg. Displays an excellent long and short passing game on both sides and high game IQ. Has also slotted into the halves at times bringing a bit of x-factor. Great running game and decision making. Can miss the odd tackle 1-on-1 and being overpowered by bigger opponents but generally ok.

Prospects: Already signed on a Development contract for next year. Club will no doubt place a big focus on his strength & conditioning to become stronger in defensive contact and will no doubt get some experience at Cup (and maybe NRL) next year. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s Flegg captain next year.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

EXTRA NOTES

Pheonix Godinet & Archie Duncombe have also been in the SG Ball player rotation up to Jersey Flegg building their experience. IMO Godinet will need time as he's only just turned 18 and not as dominant against the older lads just yet, hoping he has another growth spurt & fills out some more but very professional, dedicated to his craft & skilful. Duncombe is very much in favour with his character & work ethic - looks very solid in the middle, possessing some nice late footwork & late passing ability at the line.

A few others - Jack Nicholas, Byronn Laupepa & Peter Taai – have debuted in Flegg so far season – with Nicholas & Laupepa particularly impressive in their games. Not sure what has happened with Nicholas as he played well against the Panthers a month ago (looking like a junior Corey Oates) but hasn’t been seen since.

Heith Pritchard has fallen off the radar a bit, not sure whether it’s injury, but he has added good versatility in his ability to play dummyhalf or in the halves. Club has previously rated him and only 20 this year.

Two players who I would love to see debut in Flegg this season who have graduated from SG Ball are elusive classy fullback Riley Oitmann & big front rower Luani Tuifua, both currently playing A grade in the Macarthur comp and playing well. Of course, Christian Taupau-Moors too but, like Godinet, I think he will need time but has all the attributes of a Junior Tatola type imo.

Finally, a couple of players who I don’t believe will progress with us are 21yo speedster Jack Piccirilli – bit of a defensive liability despite his blinding speed - & middle forward Jekope Sovau who seems to have chosen rugby as his future.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

WATCH LIST – JERSEY FLEGG

This is who I believe could play themselves into a contract with us for next season, whether Development, Train & Trial or NSW Cup contact with the Magpies.

Logan Brookes - still Flegg eligible in '26
Cameron Kanaan (currently injured) - still Flegg eligible in '26
Tino Tavana
Max Taotua - still Flegg eligible in '26
Max Liles (currently injured)
Iverson Matai
Josese Lanyon
Mitch Taotua - still Flegg eligible in '26
Elijah Mataale
Archie Duncombe - still Flegg eligible in '26

FYI Jared Haywood, Pheonix Godinet, Christian Taupau-Moors & Lachlan Broederlow already on development contracts & Saukuru top 30 for 2026. So we have 2 development contracts up our sleeve and likely 1 will go to an outside back given the current mix.