Roster Breakdown: 2024-2029

[jrtiger]

Currently we are sitting at 31 players in our top 30 based on the following:

• All external signings Luai, Turuva, Skelton, Hunt & Bird included.
• Sezer not included based on media reports he is off to ESL and Mutual Option won't be activated.
• Tumeth still included as there has been no word yet on his Player Option or being moved on.

So based on recent info from @kade7 the club has granted opportunity to explore options to 5 players:

Brent Naden
Jayden Sullivan
Brandon Tumeth
Justin Matamua
Solomone Saukuru

Other scuttlebut has John Bateman not wishing to return.

Then IMO it would not surprise if any of Starford To'a, Charlie Staines, Chris Faagutu or Adam Doeuihi find a new home if it meant it created a squad spot for someone we really wanted. I only included Faagutu due to his manager being Isaac Moses & he finished the season in Flegg along with 2 other players reportedly not wanted in Tumeth & Matamua.

So potentially 10 of our top 30 could be moved on to create roster spots that we require. We know 10 is not going to happen so what will be our target number?

Let's say Sione Fainu is extended which I think the club would like to happen. That's 1.

Then from what we can gather, our 1st priority is another experienced middle who oozes effort, line speed & is a defensive/collision beast; 2nd priority another outside back; and then 3rd priority may be a strong experienced defensive backrower or lock/utility depending on the plans for Bird.

So after that diatribe, I'm predicting we'll free up 5 roster spots with those 4 of 5 that Kade suggested the likely outgoings + Bateman.

it's going to take some supreme sales work from Richardson to move on 4/5 + ensure we're not paying a ridiculous amount for Bateman to remain in the Old Dart.

but for the sake of it, I'll play.

with Turuva and Iongi leaving and Peachey retiring, I'd be asking Penrith whether they'd be keen to take Naden back. they love bringing an old boy back and he fits the bill.

Sullivan has two realistic openings: Souths and Parramatta, with the latter the more logical choice with Brown and Moses' respective situations. the issue is it's a three year deal that any club has to take on.

Tumeth I'm not particularly worried about. he also knows the writing is on the wall at WT. he would be playing Cup consistently on a development contract elsewhere and has good pedigree. Matamua's similar. I reckon Flanagan would back himself to instill some toughness into Juz. there's a skilful footballer there, but his issue is mongrel.

I reckon Solo is paying $1.10 to be paid out.

 

[Betterdays22]

it's going to take some supreme sales work from Richardson to move on 4/5 + ensure we're not paying a ridiculous amount for Bateman to remain in the Old Dart.

but for the sake of it, I'll play.

with Turuva and Iongi leaving and Peachey retiring, I'd be asking Penrith whether they'd be keen to take Naden back. they love bringing an old boy back and he fits the bill.

Sullivan has two realistic openings: Souths and Parramatta, with the latter the more logical choice with Brown and Moses' respective situations. the issue is it's a three year deal that any club has to take on.

Tumeth I'm not particularly worried about. he also knows the writing is on the wall at WT. he would be playing Cup consistently on a development contract elsewhere and has good pedigree. Matamua's similar. I reckon Flanagan would back himself to instill some toughness into Juz. there's a skilful footballer there, but his issue is mongrel.

I reckon Solo is paying $1.10 to be paid out.

Saukuru was getting some pretty big wraps earlier in the year. What is the NRL's policy on a player being paid out a portion of their top 30 contract and then signed to a train and trial at the club?

He is the kind of guy that could be really handy to hold onto in cup. He also has some family connections to the club. There is no way in hell he ever should have been given a top 30.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

it's going to take some supreme sales work from Richardson to move on 4/5 + ensure we're not paying a ridiculous amount for Bateman to remain in the Old Dart.

but for the sake of it, I'll play.

with Turuva and Iongi leaving and Peachey retiring, I'd be asking Penrith whether they'd be keen to take Naden back. they love bringing an old boy back and he fits the bill.

Sullivan has two realistic openings: Souths and Parramatta, with the latter the more logical choice with Brown and Moses' respective situations. the issue is it's a three year deal that any club has to take on.

Tumeth I'm not particularly worried about. he also knows the writing is on the wall at WT. he would be playing Cup consistently on a development contract elsewhere and has good pedigree. Matamua's similar. I reckon Flanagan would back himself to instill some toughness into Juz. there's a skilful footballer there, but his issue is mongrel.

I reckon Solo is paying $1.10 to be paid out.

Good call on Naden, unless that indiscretion prior to the GF a few years ago has left a sour taste in Ivan's mouth.

Sullivan, hopefully the Sam Walker, Brandon Smith long term injuries at the Rorters put Bud in the picture there too. Agree that Souths & Eels would be most viable given age of Cody, not retaining Dean Hawkins & Ilias and Eels losing Talagi & Sanders.

Tumeth, it'll be an Isaac Moses club (Manly or Newcastle) or potentially Sharks (lack of backrow depth) or Eels (Mark O'Neill showed interest in him before we signed him to top 30).

Matamua, good call there.

Solo, I do like @Wearyfan22 option if we can do that.

 

[jrtiger]

Saukuru was getting some pretty big wraps earlier in the year. What is the NRL's policy on a player being paid out a portion of their top 30 contract and then signed to a train and trial at the club?

He is the kind of guy that could be really handy to hold onto in cup. He also has some family connections to the club. There is no way in hell he ever should have been given a top 30.

I think the club would be in hot water if they retained him on a part time deal after terminating a full time contract.

he's got talent that much is for sure but I can't see a spot for him in Cup next year and he's too good for Flegg. it's in everyone's best interests he looks elsewhere I feel.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

I think the club would be in hot water if they retained him on a part time deal after terminating a full time contract.

he's got talent that much is for sure but I can't see a spot for him in Cup next year and he's too good for Flegg. it's in everyone's best interests he looks elsewhere I feel.

Richo may have said to Benji we need to unfortunately let go 2 or 3 of the 19/20yos the previous regime promoted too early to free up roster spots for more experience.

It probably came down to Brandon Tumeth, Justin Matamua, Kit Laulilii, Chris Faagutu, Tony Sukkar, Josh Feledy & Solo Saukuru.

 

[rugbygoated]

it's going to take some supreme sales work from Richardson to move on 4/5 + ensure we're not paying a ridiculous amount for Bateman to remain in the Old Dart.

but for the sake of it, I'll play.

with Turuva and Iongi leaving and Peachey retiring, I'd be asking Penrith whether they'd be keen to take Naden back. they love bringing an old boy back and he fits the bill.

Sullivan has two realistic openings: Souths and Parramatta, with the latter the more logical choice with Brown and Moses' respective situations. the issue is it's a three year deal that any club has to take on.

Tumeth I'm not particularly worried about. he also knows the writing is on the wall at WT. he would be playing Cup consistently on a development contract elsewhere and has good pedigree. Matamua's similar. I reckon Flanagan would back himself to instill some toughness into Juz. there's a skilful footballer there, but his issue is mongrel.

I reckon Solo is paying $1.10 to be paid out.

Watching bateman in super league was funny. He barely takes a run

 

[jadtiger]

Watching bateman in super league was funny. He barely takes a run

At least his team mates would be able to understand him

 

[hank37w]

Understand that he is shit.

 

[Tigerwould]

the outside backs we have thus far recruited for 2025 are capable of making meters. Penrith make the most meters per set (approx 55 metre per set) and typically restrict the opposition to 45 mps. We need good defenders. If your metres per set are greater that the opponents you’ll win in over 70% of games

 

[tig_prmz]

For anyone who knows our Top 30 inside out, are you able to give the following breakdown?
Middle forwards:
Edge forwards:
Outside Backs:
Fullbacks:
Halves:
Hookers:

 

[jrtiger]

For anyone who knows our Top 30 inside out, are you able to give the following breakdown?
Middle forwards:
Edge forwards:
Outside Backs:
Fullbacks:
Halves:
Hookers:

Middle forwards: Fa'agutu, Hunt, Klemmer, K. Laulili'i, Miller, Pole, Twal, Matamua*, Si. Fainu*

Edge forwards: Sa. Fainu, Seyfarth, Sukkar, Bateman*, Tumeth*

Outside backs: Feledy, L. Laulili'i, Olam, Saukuru, Skelton, To'a, Naden*, Staines*, Lobb (D), Makasini (D), Craig* (D), Faataape* (D)

Fullbacks: Bula, Mason (D)

Halves: L. Fainu, Galvin, Luai, Doueihi*, Sullivan

Hookers: Da Silva, Koroisau

Utilities: Bird



asterisk denotes future unknown. figured I'd include the development players to give you a better idea.

 

[Kelce68]

Middle forwards: Fa'agutu, Hunt, Klemmer, K. Laulili'i, Pole, Twal, Matamua*, Si. Fainu*

Edge forwards: Sa. Fainu, Seyfarth, Sukkar, Bateman*, Tumeth*

Outside backs: Feledy, L. Laulili'i, Olam, Saukuru, Skelton, To'a, Naden*, Staines*, Lobb (D), Makasini (D), Craig* (D), Faataape* (D)

Fullbacks: Bula, Mason (D)

Halves: L. Fainu, Galvin, Luai, Doueihi*, Sullivan

Hookers: Da Silva, Koroisau

Utilities: Bird



asterisk denotes future unknown. figured I'd include the development players to give you a better idea.

Probably a few dual-position players in there too I'd suggest.

 

[Tucker]

Our spine is covered for depth with decent options.
The outside backs are looking better than ever.
That pack though….worst in the comp.

 

[Buttface]

ROSTER BREAKDOWN

First post in thread is updated when new signings, contract extensions, or releases are made.

2024 - 27/30
1. Jahream Bula
2. Charlie Staines
3. Starford To’a
4. Justin Olam
5. Junior Tupou
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Aidan Sezer
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Apisai Koroisau (c)
10. David Klemmer
11. Samuela Fainu
12. John Bateman
13. Isaiah Papali'i

14. Jayden Sullivan
15. Alex Twal
16. Alex Seyfarth
17. Fonua Pole

18. Solomon Alaimalo
19. Justin Matamua
20. Brent Naden
21. Tallyn Da Silva
22. Sione Fainu
23. Adam Doueihi
24. Jordan Miller
25. Josh Feledy
26. Latu Fainu
27. Brandon Tumeth
Coach: Benji Marshall


2025 - 27/30
1. Jahream Bula
2. Charlie Staines
3. Sunia Turuva
4. Justin Olam
5. Starford To'a
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Jarome Luai
8. Alex Twal
9. Apisai Koroisau (c)
10. David Klemmer
11. Samuela Fainu
12. John Bateman
13. Justin Matamua

14. Jayden Sullivan
15. Kit Laulilii
16. Alex Seyfarth
17. Fonua Pole

18. Brent Naden
19. Tallyn Da Silva
20. Luke Laulilii
21. Adam Doueihi
22. Tony Sukkar
23. Jordan Miller
24. Josh Feledy
25. Latu Fainu
26. Solomone Saukuru
27. Chris Faagutu
Coach: Benji Marshall


2026 - 16/30
1. Jahream Bula
2. Solomone Saukuru
3. Sunia Turuva
4. Justin Olam
5. Starford To'a
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Jarome Luai
8. Alex Twal
9. Apisai Koroisau (c)
10. Jordan Miller
11. Samuela Fainu
12. John Bateman
13. Kit Laulilii

14. Jayden Sullivan
15.
16.
17.

18. Tallyn Da Silva
19. Latu Fainu
Coach: Benji Marshall


2027 - 6/30
1.
2.
3. Sunia Turuva
4.
5.
6. Jayden Sullivan
7. Jarome Luai
8. Alex Twal
9.
10.
11. Samuela Fainu
12.
13.

14. Latu Fainu
15.
16.
17.
Coach: Benji Marshall


2028 - 1/30
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. Jarome Luai
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

14.
15.
16.
17.
Coach:


2029 - 1/30
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. Jarome Luai
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

14.
15.
16.
17.
Coach:

We got good service out of Topou in his last year, gee I’m glad we didn’t let him out of his contract early. That’ll show em.

At least years 28 and 29 look promising.

 

[colinbh]

Our spine is covered for depth with decent options.
The outside backs are looking better than ever.
That pack though….worst in the comp.

Rubbish.

 

[jrtiger]

Rubbish.

he's right. our pack is three starters away from being serviceable, let alone good.

 

[innsaneink]

Rubbish.

Solid argument there...

name a worse pack

 

[Vicious]

Solid argument there...

name a worse pack

On paper we are a clear last on way of talent within our 1-5 and a clear last in way of talent within our 8-13.
We have great potential within our halves, but they are footballers, not magicians.

 

[Tucker]

Rubbish.

Care to explain your position, or just content throwing your toys out of the cot as per usual?

 

[BAGNF05]

Rubbish.

Removing Stefano & Papali’i and replacing them with Hunt & Bird. It’s a concern.

I don’t fully buy into the wooden spoon pack argument, our outside backs and youth in general were a bigger liability.