2026 recruitment & retention

[KNUCKLES]

My line-up for next year given moale is here. I have left a few blanks in hope we can snare another one or two. Assuming croker retires also

1.Tom Trbojevic
2.Jason Saab
3.Tolu Koula
4.Reuben Garrick
5.Lehi Hopoate
6.Joey Walsh
7.Jamal Fogarty
8.Taniela Paseka
9.Jake Simpkin
10.Jake Trbojevic (c)
11.Haumole Olakau'atu
12.????
13.Kobe Hetherington

14.Luke Brooks
15.Davvy Moale
16.Ben Trbojevic
17.Ethan Bullemor

18.Clayton Faulalo
19.Blake Wilson
20.Aaron Schoupp
21. ????
22.Navren Willett
23.Onitoni Large
24.Brandon Wakeham
25.Sio Taukeiaho
26.Zac Dockar Clay
27.Paul Bryan
28.Corey Waddell
29.Nathan Brown
30.Caleb Navale

31.Simione Laiafi
32.Mia Pua'avase
33.Matthew Lodge

 

[LeonardCohen]

My hope is we get a more mobile version of Davey. He's a big human. I think our slow in the middle was exposed this year. There's still a place for a Matt Lodge and a Jurbo. But the minutes are getting less and Less, and Navale exceeded expectations for mine. He'd be my first picked, seriously. That's the tough call and freshen up I think we need.

Yeah, it’s a delicate balancing act. We need the mobile leg speed (Navale), but also don’t want to be too light on. Haas, Tapine, and AFB are the three best middles in the NRL and are all big. Thing is, they’re all mobile for their size. Unfortunately, Lodge and Jake are plodders. At least Moale has the leg speed. I really like his signing and always rated him at Souths.

 

[LeonardCohen]

I would assume if Moale comes in 2026, Taukeiaho won’t be offered a new deal by Manly.

You think? I’d be shocked if that was the case. We’ve lost Sipley and Aloiai so TKO is still required. Given his form in 25’ and his relatively cheap asking price, I think he’ll go around again.

 

[The Wheel]

Hugo Hart and Froggy are also possible additions to that list and a big question mark over Zaidas

 

[Mitch]

Hugo Hart and Froggy are also possible additions to that list and a big question mark over Zaidas

Yep, big doubts over Lachlan unfortunately. I’d be more surprised if he laced up the boots again.

 

[The Wheel]

Yep, big doubts over Lachlan unfortunately. I’d be more surprised if he laced up the boots again.

If that turns are right and Zaidas M moves on then we really need another option at hooker

 

[Waz13]

18 is the best handicap. 1 shot per hole. Simples.

I’m a 10 and it stinks. Not quite good enough to be a single capper but just good enough to make all my rounds difficult. Not sure why I play the silly game!