Juniors Discussion Thread

[CCSeaEagle]

It’s definitely interesting times down in Manly right now. I’ve heard the SG Ball side had a bit of coin thrown at it this year, but even with that, they struggled to string many wins together.

Seems like the new recruitment team has officially cut ties with most of the Fulton-contracted kids. Some of them look to have been banished to Sydney Shield this year or parked in reserve spots—not exactly a ringing endorsement.

Big shift in direction. Was the clean-out overdue, or are we risking losing talent that just needed better development? Curious to hear what others think?

 

[MW66]

Who from Manly would have been on the u/19 radar? Large and Liafia (spell check)? Zaidas?

 

[Smokin Joe]

@Smokin Joe is Christian Taula also a mid season pick up?

Nah,pick up from the Tigers been in and out of side all year,Qlder originally.

 

[The Insomniac]

I note we have no players selected for the NSW under 19's SOO this year. Is this poor recruiting or our our juniors not competitive ? We are being left behind.

 

[Darren]

I think the focus on local juniors reminds me when I used to go and watch 15-25 years ago with Matts and Ball on a regular basis. The local kids would get smashed and very little talent. I sat one day at St George and it was 40 or 50 nil in one game and it was only half time. I personally liked the Fulton approach, but I can see how that caused angst for local kids. We are in trouble if we have no local kids good enough for 1st grade in the future.

 

[CCSeaEagle]

I think the focus on local juniors reminds me when I used to go and watch 15-25 years ago with Matts and Ball on a regular basis. The local kids would get smashed and very little talent. I sat one day at St George and it was 40 or 50 nil in one game and it was only half time. I personally liked the Fulton approach, but I can see how that caused angst for local kids. We are in trouble if we have no local kids good enough for 1st grade in the future.

Yeah I get where you’re coming from Darren — those years were tough to watch at times. Local juniors were getting towelled up every week and it often felt like we were just there to make up the numbers. The Fulton-era recruitment at least brought in some real talent, even if it came at the expense of local kids being pushed down the pecking order.

I do agree with you on the concern going forward — if our local systems aren't producing anyone remotely close to NRL standard, it's a serious long-term issue.

That said, the new recruitment setup seems to come with its own set of problems. There’s definitely a feeling that certain player agents are being favoured. The Humphreys situation is a good example — and there’s a young hardworking prop in Flegg with the same player agent who seems to be stuck on the bench, despite seemingly being held back last year as well in Sydney Shield. Meanwhile, others linked to preferred agents seem to leapfrog. Add in the continued focus on QLD imports over locals (already scouted talent), and it really starts to feel like selections aren’t based purely on performance and effort.

Feels like the pendulum’s just swung too far the other way again?

 

[CCSeaEagle]

Nah,pick up from the Tigers been in and out of side all year,Qlder originally.

Christian played under Mal Meninga at Norths Devils in 2023 before joining Balmain’s SG Ball side for 2024. This year, he’s been featuring regularly for Manly in the Jersey Flegg Cup.

He’s appeared in rounds 1 (vs Rabbitohs), 2 (Warriors), 3 (Raiders), 4 (Eels), 5 (Wests Tigers), 12 (Eels), and 14 (Knights). Notably, he scored a try in the 51st minute of the Round 1 clash against the Rabbitohs.

 

[1987Eagle]

Chayse was in our U16 dev squad,but the Dogs picked him up for their Matt's side,think he was a prop hooker.
The 2 Mahon brothers are also in our juniors.

Nah, Hooker/Half who also has played a little fullback and centre with the Dogs. Gun rugby scrum half as well.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Christian played under Mal Meninga at Norths Devils in 2023 before joining Balmain’s SG Ball side for 2024. This year, he’s been featuring regularly for Manly in the Jersey Flegg Cup.

He’s appeared in rounds 1 (vs Rabbitohs), 2 (Warriors), 3 (Raiders), 4 (Eels), 5 (Wests Tigers), 12 (Eels), and 14 (Knights). Notably, he scored a try in the 51st minute of the Round 1 clash against the Rabbitohs.

Yep,been dropped to Shield for a few games too.