2025 recruitment & retention
- Thread starter Disco
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double hoops
First Grader
I think club will just sit on 1 vacancy until preseason is done at least.
Club have said MCK has a Supplementary spot so mark him taking Hoppa's vacated Sup spot now for the moment anyway.
Club have said MCK has a Supplementary spot so mark him taking Hoppa's vacated Sup spot now for the moment anyway.
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Stewbojevic
Reserve Grader
We always seem to have a few passengers in our top 30 that won’t play a game in the NRL. Admittedly that has improved in recent years and our depth is better. But it still bugs me!
Ryan
Journey Man
Is this correct? Hopoate has had his contract increased, when already under an agreed contract? Can I ask how this helps us? Does the club think this will mean he'll be loyal in 2027 (when he's off contract?). Given our need for players in the forwards, I'm surprised with how everyone is so onboard with this !
The name Hopoate doesn't really resonate with loyalty either (else, not to Manly anyways).
The name Hopoate doesn't really resonate with loyalty either (else, not to Manly anyways).
Offering Hoppa a new contract with higher remuneration while he was still under contract is highly beneficial for the club as it serves multiple strategic purposes. Primarily, it secures Hoppa’s long-term future with the club, preventing other teams from luring him away with potentially more lucrative offers.
This ensures that the club retains its talented assets who can contribute to future successes on the field. Additionally, it can enhance the performance of Hoppa and other junior players motivation and loyalty, as they feel valued and recognised for their performance, which can lead to improved performance levels.
Judging Lehi should be on his merits rather than the actions or reputations of his father or brothers is important for fostering fairness and recognising personal identity. Every person is unique, with their own experiences, thoughts, and abilities that shape who they are. By evaluating Lehi solely on his own actions and character, we acknowledge his individuality and provide him with the opportunity to be seen for his true self, free from biases or preconceived notions linked to his family.
Who knows there are probably lessons learned passed on to Lehi on why he is lucky to be extended by the club rather than living and playing in Canberra as an example.
Agree on the forwards that the squad is short, though I would have more questions of the leadership groups integrity at the club if they jeopardised on not signing a player of Hoppa’s ability and performance.
The focus should be on underperforming players that are on higher remuneration that did not set the standard of play at the club in 2024 rather than a player who over achieved.
The same thing happened to DCE after he played his first season as he was on a very small contract, except he allegedly threatened to sit out matches if he didn't get an increase on his already signed deal.
Lehi is the heir apparent to Turbo. Loyalty don't count for much nowadays, opportunity and money are the persuaders. The kid showed real class in first grade this year and played well in the international arena. He has earned and deserves the upgrade to the top 30. IMO he would make the top 30 in any other NRL squad. Frankly I don't understand the criticism and the hand brake mentality. I rate him as one of our best outside backs. Players need to be fighting for spots and we have some new young forwards in competition for a backrow spot, lock and bench spots. What a great incentive to give it your all during a tough pre season. Onward and upward.
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Ordinarily I'd agree, but Lehi is a rare talent and we need to respond accordingly.
Stevo
First Grader
As a player you're always going to take the best deal you can get. You're talking about players being loyal to clubs. Since when are clubs loyal to players? Expectations are set on both sides. As soon as those expectations aren't met loyalty goes to the ****house.
manly al
First Grader
Probably does not need to add too much more weight , [ Lehi ], as seems to have some good natural strength which also seems to serve him quite well in general .
Got a bit rag dolled in that last Rooster's final and a bit more size should reduce that problem but again shouldn 't need that much more weight to address any short term minor issues .
Just hope that he does not take time off like Will for whatever religious activities .
Don 't think that Albert has so far so maybe not a necessity hopefully for Lehi .
Ironic that a few years ago , Albert looked like he maybe could have really gone on with it for Manly, yet just behind him and a bit unheralded , there was Lehi , who gives every indication of being a seriously good player in Manly colors and hopefully long term
Got a bit rag dolled in that last Rooster's final and a bit more size should reduce that problem but again shouldn 't need that much more weight to address any short term minor issues .
Just hope that he does not take time off like Will for whatever religious activities .
Don 't think that Albert has so far so maybe not a necessity hopefully for Lehi .
Ironic that a few years ago , Albert looked like he maybe could have really gone on with it for Manly, yet just behind him and a bit unheralded , there was Lehi , who gives every indication of being a seriously good player in Manly colors and hopefully long term
Brookie Bob
"I come back to you now at the turn of the tide"
Manly elevate young gun, set to be handed extension
He has already played twice for Tonga.
www.zerotackle.com
Stewbojevic
Reserve Grader
No doubt Lehi is being groomed as Turbo’s replacement. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Turbo move to centre as early as 2026.
Rarely plays out as planned but this seems to be the thinking:
1. Lehi
6. Large
7. Walsh
9. Zaidas
Rarely plays out as planned but this seems to be the thinking:
1. Lehi
6. Large
7. Walsh
9. Zaidas
Fleshing that out a bit:
1. Lehi
2. Saab
3. Turbo
4. Koula
5. (Best winger at the club at the time)
6. Large
7. Walsh
9. Zaidas
Could end up being a very good team, depending on our forward pack at that stage.
That could be the way it will be and the winger (5) will likely be Willet
Stewbojevic
Reserve Grader
The forwards are the big question mark…
Laiafi, Mafoa and Navale are the main three guys I can think of coming through the ranks.
Paseka, Bully, and Haumole are young enough to still feature.
Burbo might develop.
Outside of that our pack is pretty old. We’ll need some fresh blood.
madmax
Bencher
Chris Patolo is only 23……
silvereagle
Reserve Grader
From what I have seen and heard, Patolo could be THE surprise package in 25. Big statement I know given some of the newbies on board. This kid has already played over 25 NRL games so could be a perfect complement to our forward pack. Look forward to seeing him in action.
silvereagle
Reserve Grader
From what I have seen and heard, Patolo could be THE surprise package in 25. Big statement I know given some of the newbies on board. This kid has already played over 25 NRL games so could be a perfect complement to our forward pack. Look forward to seeing him in action.
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