2026 ( the Nostradamus thread )

[Terry Zarsoff]

With that last name we are going to need a nick name, and quickly

Touch.

As in the Zaidas Touch. Boom boom.

 

[The Wheel]

Top 30 Squad 2026

1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolu Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Jake Simpkin
10. Siua Taukeiaho
11. Haumole Olakau'atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Caleb Navale
15. Ethan Bullemor
16. Kobe Hetherington
17. Nathan Brown
18. Matt Lodge
19. Corey Waddell
20. Blake Wilson
21. Joey Walsh
22. Zach Dockar-Clay
23. Clayton Faulalo
24. Navren Willett
25. Zaidas Muagututia
26. Simione Laiafi
27. Paul Bryan
28. Onitoni Large
29. Aaron Schoupp?

Development:

1. D’Jazirhae Pua'avase
2. Hugo Hart

Departing:

1. Toff Sipley
2. Jazz Tevaga
3. Josh Aloiai
4. Lachlan Croker
5. Daly Cherry Evans
6. Ray Vaega
7. Jake Arthur
8. Aitasi James
9. Dean Matterson
10. Gordan Chan Kum Tong
11. Michael Chee Kam
12. Tommy Talau

Didn’t know exactly which thread to post this in, but this is the most updated/recent list I’ve put together of our squad for next year, including the players leaving at the end of this season.

I’ve tried to make the team as realistic as possible to what I think Seibold will select for Round 1 in 2026, not just based on my personal opinions.

The only real uncertainty I’ve got is around Schoupp — not sure if he’s signed on as top 30, development, or train-and-trial. I’ve also assumed Croker will be departing, either via medical retirement or general retirement depending on the review of his concussion issues.

Let me know if I’ve gotten anything wrong or missed someone.

I think one or two of these blokes you have on top 30 may slide into our Dev squad.

But I concur with @Mark from Brisbane we need at least another forward, preferably an edge back rower and or a hard running middle who can make a difference off the bench when needed

 

[robbiea]

No Dce next year will be a breath of fresh air ,looking forward to it already.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

I think one or two of these blokes you have on top 30 may slide into our Dev squad.

But I concur with @Mark from Brisbane we need at least another forward, preferably an edge back rower and or a hard running middle who can make a difference off the bench when needed

I’m not sure about numbers 26 & 28 and I’m still thinking Schoupp mightn’t return

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

No Dce next year will be a breath of fresh air ,looking forward to it already.

It will give the team an opportunity to be different , and that’s a start.

Fogarty I think will be a great influence.

 

[aidan]

I think one or two of these blokes you have on top 30 may slide into our Dev squad.

But I concur with @Mark from Brisbane we need at least another forward, preferably an edge back rower and or a hard running middle who can make a difference off the bench when needed

Willett, Zaidas, Laiafi all confirmed to be top 30 next year, but I’m unsure about Large. Others on ST have mentioned he’s signed on a top 30 until end of 2028 but don’t know how accurate that is. Paul Bryan is another one I’m not 100% on but my understanding is that he’s a direct swap for Arthur so assuming he’s top 30.

Overall I think we have 2 spots still available in our top 30 for next year, assuming Schoupp won’t be on that list. So potentially one more signing this off season and then leaving the final spot open for a mid year signing.

 

[niccipops]

 

[Stuey Davis’s Socks]

Touch.

As in the Zaidas Touch. Boom boom.

 

[Terry Zarsoff]

That’s gold (T)Jerry, gold!

Thanks Kenny Bania.

 

[Phobia]

Willett, Zaidas, Laiafi all confirmed to be top 30 next year, but I’m unsure about Large. Others on ST have mentioned he’s signed on a top 30 until end of 2028 but don’t know how accurate that is. Paul Bryan is another one I’m not 100% on but my understanding is that he’s a direct swap for Arthur so assuming he’s top 30.

Overall I think we have 2 spots still available in our top 30 for next year, assuming Schoupp won’t be on that list. So potentially one more signing this off season and then leaving the final spot open for a mid year signing.

DT says that Large is Top 30 in their ASSRL Schoolboys ranking article:

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/top-50-schoolboy-rugby-league-players-multiple-new-entries-after-2025-assrl-nationals/news-story/8214d6a1e1bfb23b4976b51d80bebb80