Caleb Navale

[The Who]

I must be in the minority as I am just not getting the same vibe as many posters with Navale. I think he has been playing ok but still unconvinced he is a 150+ games first grader. I watched the Dragons game and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. In fact as some posters have said in another thread Waddell outplayed him convincingly.

He plays at a faster speed than the existing forwards.

 

[Cliffycomeback]

He plays at a faster speed than the existing forwards.

Yes he does.

 

[Eagles4Life]

He's just starting his career, I think you'll notice him next year.

100% @SeaEagleRock8 If he gets a chance to play 80 minutes this weekend at lock, you might even notice him this year.

 

[Pete W]

I must be in the minority as I am just not getting the same vibe as many posters with Navale. I think he has been playing ok but still unconvinced he is a 150+ games first grader. I watched the Dragons game and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. In fact as some posters have said in another thread Waddell outplayed him convincingly.

He's a young middle forward who brings speed to the ruck. He's not a line-breaking Sam Burgess. Strange you would even compare him to an edge forward

 

[manlyfan76]

Another fair effort tonight.

 

[Phobia]

Another fair effort tonight.

57 minutes
11 runs, 95 metres
35 tackles, 3 misses
1 error

For someone with very little NRL experience, and still getting adjusted to playing ~40 minutes at the top level, I thought it was a great performance. He had many momentum creating carries, with quick PTB's.

I think he occupies the bench ball-playing lock spot from now on. I think he's better than Nathan Brown already.

That might change if we land Kobe Hetherington, but I think we're more likely to use Kobe as a prop, rather than a ball-player. Overall, I think our pack is finally starting to move in the right direction.

 

[The Who]

I like his speed and the fact he runs straight and hard. He also can play the link role.
Currently I see him as our best option for lock in 2026.

 

[double hoops]

I like his speed and the fact hes straight and hard. He also can play the link role.
Currently I see him as our best option for lock in 2026.

He finds his front. quick play of the ball. Support play up the middle.

It's a sad state, but Jake getting knocked out, is the best thing to happen to our pack.

 

[Cochrane]

Have to agree with that WHO, I mean I dont think tonight was his best game in defence. I see it says 3 missed tackles, but he was bouncing off a bit tonight.

Still like what i see though, runs hard, gets around the park well. Lets hope for a good off season and pushes for the starting lock position next year.

 

[Smokin Joe]

57 minutes
11 runs, 95 metres
35 tackles, 3 misses
1 error

For someone with very little NRL experience, and still getting adjusted to playing ~40 minutes at the top level, I thought it was a great performance. He had many momentum creating carries, with quick PTB's.

I think the occupies the bench ball-playing lock spot from now on. I think he's better than Nathan Brown already.

That might change if we land Kobe Hetherington, but I think we're more likely to use Kobe as a prop, rather than a ball-player. Overall, I think our pack is finally starting to move in the right direction.

His link work in the middle is pretty slick and fast in moving it wide when necessary as well.

 

[manlyfan76]

How good was his cover defence on the long break down our right side when he'd just come on!?!

Jake ain't doing that unfortunately

 

[Tragic Eagle]

Navale should definitely be our number 13 next season.

 

[mave]

Should have been our 13 months ago.

 

[Ron E. Gibbs]

How good was his cover defence on the long break down our right side when he'd just come on!?!

Jake ain't doing that unfortunately

That was the bit that stood out to me as well. Love to see a forward running back like that in cover. Really good sign.

 

[Bloke on the hill]

I could be wrong, but I think Navale's an impact bench player going forward.
I'm interested to see the signings for 2026 already!

 

[TheSoaringEagle2023]

That was the bit that stood out to me as well. Love to see a forward running back like that in cover. Really good sign.

He just a needed a chance to play.

 

[TheSoaringEagle2023]

He finds his front. quick play of the ball. Support play up the middle.

It's a sad state, but Jake getting knocked out, is the best thing to happen to our pack.

He should have been getting the bench spot that Schoup had a few weeks back.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Navale should definitely be our number 13 next season.

I think he is probably pencilled in for Jazz's role as middle forward rotation from the bench. Though if he excels early on I guess he could be starting 13.

 

[R3]

How good was his cover defence on the long break down our right side when he'd just come on!?!

Jake ain't doing that unfortunately

I was hoping someone would point that out!

His try saving chase combined effort and speed.

When everyone else dropped off, he kept caring.
This saved a try and a comeback from the Warriors.
Best play of the game for me

 

[manlyfan76]

I was hoping someone would point that out!

His try saving chase combined effort and speed.

When everyone else dropped off, he kept caring.
This saved a try and a comeback from the Warriors.
Best play of the game for me

I laughed when people on here questioned his stamina.
He keeps moving all game.