Lachlan Metcalfe

[SeaEagleRock8]

That’s great signing some youngsters as long as they are given an opportunity, hopefully we don’t hang on to older players past their prime and lose all the youngsters we have invested in

Seibold wanted to play him in a pre-season this year (NRL refused permission) so he's obviously very highly rated.
As with Walsh, if these guys are good enough then they will eventually push past Brooks and Fogarty. No need to rush them before they're fully ready, hence it's smart we have the experienced Brooks and Fog for now.

 

[maxta]

Thought Large has a contract for 2 more seasons yet ,

Like "a fair few' NRL players, there are some big moves coming from Rugby and this includes a few of the better juniors like Large, who has Massive potential....they 100% are after Antonio and big money for young men....it's possible either way and all Manly can do is maybe present him with opportunities when the time is right and if he takes the big $$$ to jump ship....can't do much about it....this unfortunately, is simply part of the system and how it works

 

[lsz]

Like "a fair few' NRL players, there are some big moves coming from Rugby and this includes a few of the better juniors like Large, who has Massive potential....they 100% are after Antonio and big money for young men....it's possible either way and all Manly can do is maybe present him with opportunities when the time is right and if he takes the big $$$ to jump ship....can't do much about it....this unfortunately, is simply part of the system and how it works

A mate of mine who is fairly well placed in NSW Rugby made the point to me the other day that he (not the NSW rugby position) is off the belief that for outside backs there is no point trying to retain talented kids and they would be better going through the NRL pathways then picking them up in their early 20's ala Joseph S or Tom Wright.

He also pointed out the aus rugby schoolboys team that pumped the NZ schools byt 50 odd had the majority of its players under NRL contract

 

[maxta]

A mate of mine who is fairly well placed in NSW Rugby made the point to me the other day that he (not the NSW rugby position) is off the belief that for outside backs there is no point trying to retain talented kids and they would be better going through the NRL pathways then picking them up in their early 20's ala Joseph S or Tom Wright.

He also pointed out the aus rugby schoolboys team that pumped the NZ schools byt 50 odd had the majority of its players under NRL contract

100% fact and unfortunately Isz, with the money being 'spoken about' to lure these youngsters, this bait will catch plenty and the Big reason Walsh was tied up heavily last year at Manly ....was for THIS very reason

 

[lsz]

100% fact and unfortunately Isz, with the money being 'spoken about' to lure these youngsters, this bait will catch plenty and the Big reason Walsh was tied up heavily last year at Manly ....was for THIS very reason

In his words they get "hardened up" by the NRL

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

I haven't watched rugby for a while but my impression was they are more and more needing power players not elusive types, because at the top level there is very little open space to exploit.
As fitness levels improved, 15 players has become an awful lot to cover the width of a field.
It's hard enough now in league and they only have 13

 

[mosto]

I guess instead of having one 47-year-old halfback we've decided to stock up on 18-year-old halves. Which is fine, but how long are their necks?

[Also assuming he's Luke's brother?]

Add together they're ages and necks, you've essentially got DCE for a 10th of the price

 

[Hertera]

Yep initially signed a 3 year deal.

Doesn't mean he couldn't be released for Rugby but I'd be surprised

He is going back to rugby just a matter of when (with his brother) not saying he will be released but take it as fact neither will be extending with us or staying in league.

 

[TheEagle]

Is this something you know as fact or an assumption?

This is what I’ve seen someone close to him say and I’m pretty sure the club thinks he will also. Hope Ashton stays but if one goes the other likely follows. Who knows, they could end up staying but that’s just what I’ve read.

 

[Heckenberg]

He is going back to rugby just a matter of when (with his brother) not saying he will be released but take it as fact neither will be extending with us or staying in league.

What’s the point in signing them then. They’re just taking up another kids opportunity.

 

[Phobia]

He is going back to rugby just a matter of when (with his brother) not saying he will be released but take it as fact neither will be extending with us or staying in league.

Would not surprise me. I remember some on the Tigers forums say they will just chase the biggest paycheck, like they have for the past few years. They’ve had something like three clubs already? Onitoni isn’t even 20, either.

 

[Orange Peeler]

Onitoni is an wonderful footballer albeit the record will show that he has sustained 2 long term injuries since he was earmarked as the next big thing at u15 schoolboys level. Harold Matts - foot injury missed most of the Season and Last season shoulder. Hope he has a great season in 2026 for Manly.
Lachlan Metcalf is another great talent, same with the Young Alexander boy. There are several others in the system that are also wonderful young footballers.

The club seems to be getting some great talented youth which i have done a bit of research on - Some Edge players from the bush, one of which has been playing u18 and first grade all year and killing it.

Another edge player from the Roosters Matts System.

A fullback/half/centre/wing from the bush that has been leading points and try scorer for past 2 years in U18 comp along with player of the year. His mentor is an Ex- Manly Premiership ring Holder from 2011.
So the Recruitment i believe are building which means hopefully great things for the club.

 

[MissKate]

Yep, the mentality of kids nowadays is wanting everything now, rather than work your way up to it

Same as all the younger generations whining about not being able to afford a house when they only have their eyes on a 5 bedroom mansion. Instead of buying a beat up 1 bedder and working their way up the ladder

It’s all about having everything now, just a change in generational mindset

 

[nightster]

In his words they get "hardened up" by the NRL

‘The Reid Effect’

 

[ManlyTragic]

Yep, the mentality of kids nowadays is wanting everything now, rather than work your way up to it

Same as all the younger generations whining about not being able to afford a house when they only have their eyes on a 5 bedroom mansion. Instead of buying a beat up 1 bedder and working their way up the ladder

It’s all about having everything now, just a change in generational mindset

…. You sound like my mum and dad!

Just sayin’

 

[MissKate]

…. You sound like my mum and dad!

Just sayin’

Thanks….. not