2026 recruitment & retention

[47MVEagle]

Going by the photo of him standing next to DCE, young Walsh looks like he’s got some height.

 

[Disco]

Going by the photo of him standing next to DCE, young Walsh looks like he’s got some height.

Yeah that pic intrigues me.

So signed for 25 for 3 years but pictured training with DCE.

So has he been with us but now signed a professional contract?

Or did he sign and they just got him down on the field?

 

[MW66]

Intriguing signing this one. Don't know what it means for Bunting/Alexander however he seems to have some pedigree. AUS schoolboy half & captain - I wonder how he went at the Chooks. If signed from 2025 then he will be 19/20 and almost ready to play FG, if not 2025 then 2026. DCE's replacement? So much to ponder!

 

[47MVEagle]

Yeah that pic intrigues me.

So signed for 25 for 3 years but pictured training with DCE.

So has he been with us but now signed a professional contract?

Or did he sign and they just got him down on the field?

Yes interesting & I dare say (not promise lol) that he was a factor in letting Humphreys go.

 

[Disco]

Like the halfback planning being done

• Arthur 21 yrs old (NSW Cup)
• Bunting 20 yrs old (NSW Cup)
• Walsh approx 18yrs old? (Flegg)
• Alexander 16 or 17? (SG Ball)

You'd hope we strike gold with one as a DCE successor

 

[The Who]

The signing of Walsh, the young halfback, explains why the club didn't/doesn't seem too worried about losing Humphreys.
My hope is that we can retain our young talent; we've lost so many in recent years. The club was intent on not losing The Shoe, which I can understand. In his case the punt on his potential didn't pay off. But seeing former Manly juniors such as Hynes, Ramien, Weakes, the Fainus, Hopoates etc making a good fist in the NRL for opposition teams is galling.
When money talks we need our financial backer to shout louder. Easts are continually near the top of the ladder by subverting the Cap, and Canterbury is also showing this season that you can buy success.

 

[47MVEagle]

Maybe Walsh spent his St Augustine’s work experience week training with the Sea Eagles? 😂

 

[ManlyTragic]

The quote is below.

Harsh calling him liar.

Wasn’t that when he was playing reserves and his manager was threatening to shop him around… I think to the tigers. But in the end no one was interested!
I thought at the time that manly were happy to oblige with a decent replacement as he was still under contract … but in the end no one wanted him so no deal!

 

[47MVEagle]

The wily old fox Bennett either wasn’t aware of Joey Walsh or was unable to tempt him to the souffs side.

Maybe, just maybe, our club has more than just a clue about recruitment & retention 🤔

 

[Not Paul Kent]

The quote is below.

Harsh calling him liar.

This is when they thought they were a shot of landing Fifita. I’d rather they don’t rush to waste the spare cash unless there’s someone who will genuinely improve our squad.

 

[Not Paul Kent]

I hope this profile is well out of date, 63.2kgs is victim weight…

 

[47MVEagle]

I hope this profile is well out of date, 63.2kgs is victim weight…
View attachment 27496

Has to be, no way is he only 173cms tall going by him standing next to, & possibly even slightly behind, DCE, who in turn is easily 6’2”.

 

[eaglebuzz]

Will Walsh be ready to play the next time we lose DCE to Origin? If we name Talau in the halves again I might just give this year away.

 

[Disco]

I'd still be going Humphries in round 19.

Or maybe Croker will be back and he gets a run in the halves.

Man, that Arthur injury really was the worst timing.

 

[mave]

Bit surprised re: Gordie.

Presumably a lack of interest from other clubs....

 

[ManlyTragic]

I hope this profile is well out of date, 63.2kgs is victim weight…
View attachment 27496

Gees … I wish I was that weight again!

Just sayin

 

[Ryan]

I'd say Gordie is there to play for Blacktown while Croker / Simpkin split the hooking role.

Regarding this Walsh kid, I've never heard of him. Where has he been playing? Manly Vikings Rugby Club? I'm surprised The Chooks let go such an exciting talent tbh????? Guess he chose to go back to Union. Who know's what transpired.

I'm surprised either of these signings made our main front page.

 

[Nordburg]

Has to be, no way is he only 173cms tall going by him standing next to, & possibly even slightly behind, DCE, who in turn is easily 6’2”.

View attachment 27497

DCE,according to the club’s website,is 6.003 foot

 

[Disco]

I'd say Gordie is there to play for Blacktown while Croker / Simpkin split the hooking role.

Regarding this Walsh kid, I've never heard of him. Where has he been playing? Manly Vikings Rugby Club? I'm surprised The Chooks let go such an exciting talent tbh????? Guess he chose to go back to Union. Who know's what transpired.

I'm surprised either of these signings made our main front page.

You dont think a top 30 squad member re-signing should make the website?

Regarding Walsh, the club are obviously excited about him if they are spruiking him. As you are right, youngers signing don't often come with fanfare.

Personally I'm all for it, the more info the better, ling may be gone the days of players not even being announced.

 

[Hertera]

The wily old fox Bennett either wasn’t aware of Joey Walsh or was unable to tempt him to the souffs side.

Or didn't rate him. Played Harold Matts for the roosters they don't tend to lose young "stars" so we shall see.