Middle Forwards

[Waz13]

We need Haumole in the middle. Put Schoupp right edge forward

I’m starting to think Haumole to prop is not such a bad idea.

 

[Stewbojevic]

I’m starting to think Haumole to prop is not such a bad idea.

Then we will have no good edge forwards

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

For those who think the Mole is a person with his ear to the ground (as opposed to an inventor of rumour often based on fan site chat) grab hold of this one as Manly grapples with a prop shortage... Nelson?

REP STAR ON THE OUTER​

Which big-name representative player has lost the support of his coach and teammates?

On his day, he is as damaging as any forward in the game but has barely been sighted in first grade this season - and may be headed for the exit door in coming weeks.

Watch this space.

 

[Ohgeez]

For those who think the Mole is a person with his ear to the ground (as opposed to an inventor of rumour often based on fan site chat) grab hold of this one as Manly grapples with a prop shortage... Nelson?

REP STAR ON THE OUTER​

Which big-name representative player has lost the support of his coach and teammates?

On his day, he is as damaging as any forward in the game but has barely been sighted in first grade this season - and may be headed for the exit door in coming weeks.

Watch this space.

Or Ryan Matterson

 

[andyvb]

I would love big Nelson with us, come on at the 25 min mark, play 35mins and off

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Or Ryan Matterson

Dave fifita?
Immediate swap with DCE 🤷‍♀️ 😱

 

[Stewbojevic]

Dave fifita?
Immediate swap with DCE 🤷‍♀️ 😱

Fifita would suit our style of winning by 50 one week when we get the penalty count and then losing by 50 as soon as the pressure is on. He thrives in that environment.

 

[KNUCKLES]

Where do we get some decent Props/middles from? UK Super League? The best there are Ese'Ese, Pangai and Kaide Ellis.... we dont seem to have anybody 1/2 decent coming through the system so will either have to pinch youngsters from elsewhere looking for a start, or go all-in to try to get Payne Haas, and that would be a longshot to land him?

We have to get in young players ears that have upside and aren't currently on much to agitate for a release. Offer more money and a starting spot. There is nothing on the market right now otherwise worth investing in

 

[KNUCKLES]

Lodge is a walk up starter come round 11 imo!

Hopefully fit and up to it. Long time between drinks

 

[Under the Sticks]

Indeed, Elgaelabolg.

Alagaebloom? Something sure stinks around our pack

 

[KNUCKLES]

Or Ryan Matterson

Matto is on to much to leave the eels, along with Cartwright

 

[Sea Eagle 4 Life]

Matto is on to much to leave the eels, along with Cartwright

Related to your point is the following article:

Matterson's manager speaks on rumoured transfer talks

He had 600,000 reasons to take his player option to extend with Doesntmatta.
Would be a good pickup if Parra could pay some of that freight.

 

[KNUCKLES]

Related to your point is the following article:

Matterson's manager speaks on rumoured transfer talks

He had 600,000 reasons to take his player option to extend with Doesntmatta.
Would be a good pickup if Parra could pay some of that freight.

A big upgrade on burbo nevertheless. But not sure if he is the type of player we need. We need tough, hard edged players

 

[DieHardManlyFan]

A big upgrade on burbo nevertheless. But not sure if he is the type of player we need. We need tough, hard edged players

An even bigger upgrade to Shuster smh

 

[krusty]

A big upgrade on burbo nevertheless. But not sure if he is the type of player we need. We need tough, hard edged players

That is waaay too harsh on Burbo. I don’t know why he cops such heavy criticism on here. Maybe because he had such high expectations put on him because he tore up the junior competitions.

 

[KNUCKLES]

That is waaay too harsh on Burbo. I don’t know why he cops such heavy criticism on here. Maybe because he had such high expectations put on him because he tore up the junior competitions.

I dont believe so. I think it's a fair assessment. I only judge Ben on his performances in the NRL and in my opinion he is a fringe first grader at best. I have never had any expectation on him from his junior days, im more in the camp that he is there because of his last name. I remember when we were landing John Bateman, but opted against it cause seibold said he wanted to give youth a go in that position. I cant help but feel the trbojevic clan had something to say about it. All conjecture though ofcourse...

 

[Darren]

I can't believe we can't recruit any big, fast young forwards the past few years. Any decent kid would start for us straight away. We seem to have the same one speed props etc.

 

[Rocky]

Or Ryan Matterson

Definitely doesn't fit into "as damaging as any forward in the game" category

 

[krusty]

I dont believe so. I think it's a fair assessment. I only judge Ben on his performances in the NRL and in my opinion he is a fringe first grader at best. I have never had any expectation on him from his junior days, im more in the camp that he is there because of his last name. I remember when we were landing John Bateman, but opted against it cause seibold said he wanted to give youth a go in that position. I cant help but feel the trbojevic clan had something to say about it. All conjecture though ofcourse...

If you compare his 2025 stats directly with Haumole you would probably say they are comparable players. Error rate about the same, Ben has higher tackle efficiency and an extra Try, Haumole has more tackle busts. Stats aren’t everything I know but teams need workers as well as the highlight reel players. Just think the hate on Ben is over the top.

 

[KNUCKLES]

If you compare his 2025 stats directly with Haumole you would probably say they are comparable players. Error rate about the same, Ben has higher tackle efficiency and an extra Try, Haumole has more tackle busts. Stats aren’t everything I know but teams need workers as well as the highlight reel players. Just think the hate on Ben is over the top.

Everyone has their opinion and perspective. Your truth may be different from mine. But in my opinion, burbo is a less than average defender, never wins contact, gets his reads wrong and i mean as a backrower you need to be breaking tackles. Haumole is ten times the player Ben is and probably will ever be unfortunately