2026 recruitment & retention

[Wombat Junior]

I’d love to get Garner, he has been playing great for Penrith, runs great lines and also is just a great competitor, would just have to hope our standards of a club don’t bring him down a level.

Is garner the best signing that we would hope for? No, but I think some people have to lower our expectations as the proof is in the pudding that we won’t go after any top tier players, so I think garner as a player compared to what we would usually sign is a step above.

I’m also very disappointed in a way seeing these other teams and seeing these young blokes coming in and making a statement that’s hard to leave them out of the starting 17 because how are we even going to know we have young and up coming talent if we don’t give them a shot in first grade, these guys will eventually sign somewhere else for game time and watch them be a great player that was just stuck in our lower grades.

 

[frank stokes]

This would be my target as there are plenty of kids that may push him out…

 

[Disco]

From the Panthers I'd probanly prefer Harrison Hassett for the upside.

Garner.....I don't hate it but I dont love it. I think he he arguably becomes our starting left edge and certainly improves our 30.

 

[Stewbojevic]

Garner will be 30 next year, former Tigers player… fits our recruitment strategy

 

[Rafferty]

This would be my target as there are plenty of kids that may push him out…

Both he and Garner would have been great signings when they respectively left their lasts clubs, both would still be handy pickups at the right value.

Niukore could be moved into the rotation as well as provide cover for an edge, he certainly can hit and has a good work ethic, same with Garner, who can move out and cover in the centres, which is a bit of an issue we have at present, both not the worst options that’s for sure.

 

[The Insomniac]

He is not really a hooker imo.

There is barely a competent hooker in the NRL in 2025. Look at the Origin hookers , Grant and Robson a pair of hacks at best. Talk of Brailey being next man up for NSW amazes me until I look at who is available.

If Matt Ballin was around now he'd be a 20 games Origin and Test player.

The days of Steve Walters and Benny Elias are long gone. Even that cheat from Melbourne was half decent.

I do like our Jake Simpkin as a long term 9.

End of rant.

Good rant Bob. I like Simpkins too. I think we'll reap the rewards if we stick with him.
I was just having a bit of fun with you mate. I enjoy your posts which are well thought out and well written. One thing we can definately agree on is MANLY TO WIN !!!!

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Garner will be 30 next year, former Tigers player… fits our recruitment strategy

Niukore similar age.

Both he and Garner would have been great signings when they respectively left their lasts clubs, both would still be handy pickups at the right value.

Niukore could be moved into the rotation as well as provide cover for an edge, he certainly can hit and has a good work ethic, same with Garner, who can move out and cover in the centres, which is a bit of an issue we have at present, both not the worst options that’s for sure.

Both decent. Garner can certainly run, and Niukore brings a bit of intimidation value. But they'd keep Manly as one of the oldest sides. Not fatal I guess.

In letting Jazz go we'll need to replace his high workrate in the middle, which wouldn't be those 2. My guess is Navale is earmarked for that role.

It all may depend somewhat on how Sips, TKO and Lodge finish this season - would all have been considered depth props, but if they can keep their form going could be retained.
Other big question mark is Aloia.

So - for some reason I'd prefer to see us try some lively younger backrowers (Hart?), and focus recruitment dollars on front row and hooker.