2026 recruitment & retention

[SeaEagleRock8]

Don't the Raiders have too many hookers now? Get a spare one from Raiders or Broncos, put Croker out to stud (and coaching school) and send Gordie off to carve up in the UK. Simple!

 

[LeonardCohen]

Agree with all of that but its all on the basis that Croker agrees to move on.

If he insists on seeing out his contract than I think we grit our teeth and ride it out a year.

Yeah there’s probably worse depth options than Croker. Trouble is, he is injury prone and there’s a good chance that he’d be unavailable as back up at different stages of the season. With Tevaga and possibly GCT gone, what would you go with?

 

[madmax]

Seems like we missed out on Brailey, Starling and Da Silva… which available hooker is worth chasing now?

We have good hooker in Simpkin!!! Just needs a chance to prove it rather than being constantly demoted for Croker & Jazz!

 

[madmax]

You won't believe this, apparently we've chased him before, and he put down the phone on us.

They probably think the Manly #9 jersey will turn them into a stabbing lunatic. No idea why they'd think that.

Something like that would definitely ‘stick’ in your mind!

 

[nightster]

Because you need more than one hooker in the squad and Croker and GCT are lesser option than Paix. Tevaga is off to England. Unless we plan to play with 12 men, we need another 9. It’s not about backing Simpkin, it’s about depth in the position; something people seem to forget every time a hooking option is floated. You can’t just pick one that you like and label the position filled. We need 2-3 option moving forward.

Navale into lock and Jurbo to 9 when needed

 

[LeonardCohen]

Navale into lock and Jurbo to 9 when needed

That’s a scary proposition.

 

[nightster]

That’s a scary proposition.

sorry I wasn't really serious, but our Jake could probably pull it off

 

[LeonardCohen]

sorry I wasn't really serious, but our Jake could probably pull it off

😂 yeah and it’s happened before in games when we’ve been desperate.

 

[double hoops]

Beggars cant be choosers.

We will get some scraps from somewhere, maybe.

Mate that was before the lefties infiltrated universities and now both sides of Government bend over backwards for those who choose not to help themselves.

In 2025 Australia Beggars absolutely are choosers.

 

[Seagles68]

Note I didn’t say “ average “

I said “ next gen youngsters & have patience “

And then , “ a forwards leader who can show then them the way”.

We simply are unable to afford “ buying a comp” , we need an super rich benefactor to do that.

I think TKO is doing a good job at this, Mark. I think we should be extending him another year and hope he can also show some young blokes the way (with Jakey).

 

[Ohgeez]

🦅 SIGNING NEWS: Sea Eagles have signed young back-rower Innocent Baruani on a three-year deal until 2028 from Ipswich State High.

The contract will see him transition into a full-time role with the NRL squad in his final two years @zerotackle

 

[The Wheel]

🦅 SIGNING NEWS: Sea Eagles have signed young back-rower Innocent Baruani on a three-year deal until 2028 from Ipswich State High.

The contract will see him transition into a full-time role with the NRL squad in his final two years @zerotackle

Any intel on this young bloke?? Great name btw - opposite of Manese

 

[Ohgeez]

Any intel on this young bloke?? Great name btw - opposite of Manese

No idea mate, all I could find was this from the Ipswich paper talking about their under 17’s team before the season ‘The forward pack will be led by the dominant Innocent Baruani, known for his humility and raw power’

 

[Adz]

Just from a Google search...
Humble,humility,raw power,silky catch and pass skills,looked a man among boys were some of the descriptions.
Looks of African descent,wonder if he is related to Marunga(?)who has been playing a bit in our Shield and Flegg sides the last 2 years.
Looks an impressive young man.
Edit...he is the younger brother of Munga who is contracted to us.

 

[Pepi]

 

[Disco]

Yeah there’s probably worse depth options than Croker. Trouble is, he is injury prone and there’s a good chance that he’d be unavailable as back up at different stages of the season. With Tevaga and possibly GCT gone, what would you go with?

Well there are a few variables.

1) If Croker stays or goes 2) who may come available 3) where the club rates Zaidas.

My assumption is Zaidas would be seen as option 3 in 26

So we need a 1 and 2. Simpkin will be either of those depending who the other is.

If Croker wasnt to retire or go elsewhere them I think we hold for 12 months, focus on forwards.

If he goes, considering what is off contract you likely opt for a holding option for a year or so until you either have the confidence in Large or Zaidas or you go all out for a Blake Brailey type. You holding option scenario brings a Paix into play.....even a Berrell possibly.

The wildcard is if a Pattie or Mozer agitated but they both just re-signed so cant see it.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

I think TKO is doing a good job at this, Mark. I think we should be extending him another year and hope he can also show some young blokes the way (with Jakey).

Agree he’s been outstanding

 

[349]

Just putting it out there as next year plan, Aloli & Sipley gone. Bring in Papa and Josh Kerr sort term deals. Frizell not signed 2 year deal to play second row and second year is cover and mentor NSW cup. Paix a 2-3 year deal and Croker to assistance coach of NSW cup with plan for future NRL coaching role. A half who has played hooker and is respected for his toughness he has potential coach in the future.

1. Hopa
2. Saab/Talau
3. Turbo
4. Kolua
5. Garrick
6. Brooks/Large
7. Forgerty/Walsh
8. Paseka
9. Simpkins
10. Papa
11. Oka
12. Frizell/Burbo
13. Jake/Caleb
14. Paix
15. Bully
16. Kerr
17. From above Burbo/Talua/Caleb if not in 13
18. Zaidas (coming up 9)
19. Patolo
20. Clayton
21. Willet

 

[Seagles68]

Just putting it out there as next year plan, Aloli & Sipley gone. Bring in Papa and Josh Kerr sort term deals. Frizell not signed 2 year deal to play second row and second year is cover and mentor NSW cup. Paix a 2-3 year deal and Croker to assistance coach of NSW cup with plan for future NRL coaching role. A half who has played hooker and is respected for his toughness he has potential coach in the future.

1. Hopa
2. Saab/Talau
3. Turbo
4. Kolua
5. Garrick
6. Brooks/Large
7. Forgerty/Walsh
8. Paseka
9. Simpkins
10. Papa
11. Oka
12. Frizell/Burbo
13. Jake/Caleb
14. Paix
15. Bully
16. Kerr
17. From above Burbo/Talua/Caleb if not in 13
18. Zaidas (coming up 9)
19. Patolo
20. Clayton
21. Willet

Just watching tonight's game and we could certainly do a lot worse than Josh Kerr.

 

[double hoops]

Just from a Google search...
Humble,humility,raw power,silky catch and pass skills,looked a man among boys were some of the descriptions.
Looks of African descent,wonder if he is related to Marunga(?)who has been playing a bit in our Shield and Flegg sides the last 2 years.
Looks an impressive young man.
Edit...he is the younger brother of Munga who is contracted to us.

HOWS the older bros go?