Navren Willett

[Rocky]

Yep and most would be fringe first graders at best, anywhere else. IMO.

IMO Talau, Koula and Garrick are all quality NRL first graders with Koula having untapped potential.

 

[manly al]

Crusher Cleal, one of the real success stories from centre to 2 nd row .
Think that even Chris Close even played in the forwards at the back end of his career .
No doubt someone has already mentioned Rambo Gibbs .
Tony Iro went O K from wing to eventual 2 nd row

 

[Ron E. Gibbs]

Joe Galuvao was a centre and switched to second row.

And debuted as a fullback for the Warriors, I think.

 

[Peter C]

Yep and most would be fringe first graders at best, anywhere else. IMO.

You're a hard marker Frogz

 

[Frogz]

You're a hard marker Frogz

I know, but I still think we are one "quality" centre short. Quality, not just a winger we can make a centre with time (maybe)

 

[madmax]

Yep and most would be fringe first graders at best, anywhere else. IMO.

BS!! IMO.

 

[SeaEagleSI1]

The Wests Tigers are set to lose one of their most highly-touted youngsters to a rival club.

One of the tallest players in rugby league at a height of 201cm, Navren Willett is set to exit the Tigers after coming through the club's junior pathways.

A utility back who can play either in the centres, on the wing or at fullback, Willet was previously hunted by AFL team the Sydney Swans before focusing all of his effort on the 13-man code.
Primarily playing in the Jersey Flegg Cupthis season, the winger has made three appearances in the NSW Cup, where he has scored two tries, made 297 total running metres, nine tackle busts and two line-breaks.

According to reports from News Corp, Willett is set to depart the Wests Tigers and has agreed to link up with the Manly Sea Eagles next season on a train and trial contract.

The move to Brookvale Oval will eventually see him promoted to the club's Top 30 roster the following season in 2026.

At the moment, the Sea Eagles have 17 players signed to their Top 30 roster for the 2026 season, while second-rower Corey Waddell is also set to be signed for that season.

 

[Dion Johnson]

TALL TIMBER

Despite the lack of high-profile talent on display for both sides, the eyes were peeled to unearth any future stars.

You didn’t have to look to hard with Manly unleashing one of the tallest players in NRL history – 201cm winger Navren Willett.

Recruited from the Wests Tigers to Manly on a train and trial contract, Willett showed all the signs of a future NRL player with his size and support-play integral in his two tries.

Only Brisbane giant Ben Te Kura at 205cm stands taller than Willett with his height matching that of Melbourne prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

One of the tallest players in the NRL, Manly winger Navren Willett impressed early, scoring two tries.

 

[Ranga]

Good debut from the young fella. Thought he might have shown a bit more toe when in the clear the way he has been talked up.

A long way to go, but definitely a start to build on.

 

[double hoops]

Good debut from the young fella. Thought he might have shown a bit more toe when in the clear the way he has been talked up.

A long way to go, but definitely a start to build on.

Toe could be the difference in his career thou. Hopefully he has another gear to go. The tall can take a while to get there.

 

[eaglebuzz]

He looked pretty quick when he made that early break. Will be interesting to see how he goes

 

[R3]

I see so much potential in Nav,
His speed off the mark appears to be similar to Israel Folau’s.
Long strides make up for the bigger wind up he needs. The arms and reach he has over short players will negate any lateral concerns for defence. He can grab and reach opposing players with ease.
His vertical leap and hands under the high ball will make him a huge threat.

Hopefully another Israel Folau/Daniel Tupou finisher

We are so fortunate with backline depth.

Jeez I hope Paseka hasn’t done his AC,

This team could really challenge for the 2025 premiership if our forwards stay healthy

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

I don't think pace is an issue for Nav, though he may not have lightning acceleration off the mark. Strikes me as a footy player type rather than athlete type like Saab.
For some reason reminds me of Dale Shearer and wouldn't it be great if he turned out to be anything like that class.

 

[Phobia]

I think Nav might turn out a better NRL winger than Talau, and in the short term too. Talau is probably in for a payday if he gets an extension into 2026, and hence I think the club should let him walk and endorse one of these guys to take that vacant wing spot. We are in a tight spot in 2026, with Haumole onto 900k, Jake still on 950k, and DCE probably sticking around. Schoupp and Hopoate would likely have what it takes to be in the centres in 2026 in the event of injury, and probably for far cheaper than Talau.

As much as I loved what he brought last year, imo he's the odd man out. Garrick, Saab, Turbo, Koula, and Hopoate all offer more long term.

 

[BOZO]

I don't think pace is an issue for Nav, though he may not have lightning acceleration off the mark. Strikes me as a footy player type rather than athlete type like Saab.
For some reason reminds me of Dale Shearer and wouldn't it be great if he turned out to be anything like that class.

Just my perspective feathered friend
Dale Shearer was one of my favorite Manly Speed Kills Players
Pace would be an Issue to compare any player with the Electrifying Dale Shearer
Willett lacks the Killer pace that Made Dale Shearer a Dynamic and Dominating player
Any way . We all see difference things and it makes our forum interesting

 

[eaglebuzz]

I think Nav might turn out a better NRL winger than Talau, and in the short term too. Talau is probably in for a payday if he gets an extension into 2026, and hence I think the club should let him walk and endorse one of these guys to take that vacant wing spot. We are in a tight spot in 2026, with Haumole onto 900k, Jake still on 950k, and DCE probably sticking around. Schoupp and Hopoate would likely have what it takes to be in the centres in 2026 in the event of injury, and probably for far cheaper than Talau.

As much as I loved what he brought last year, imo he's the odd man out. Garrick, Saab, Turbo, Koula, and Hopoate all offer more long term.

If it wasn't for his goal kicking Garrick is the one I'd want to cut loose.

 

[The Who]

I think Nav might turn out a better NRL winger than Talau, and in the short term too. Talau is probably in for a payday if he gets an extension into 2026, and hence I think the club should let him walk and endorse one of these guys to take that vacant wing spot. We are in a tight spot in 2026, with Haumole onto 900k, Jake still on 950k, and DCE probably sticking around. Schoupp and Hopoate would likely have what it takes to be in the centres in 2026 in the event of injury, and probably for far cheaper than Talau.

As much as I loved what he brought last year, imo he's the odd man out. Garrick, Saab, Turbo, Koula, and Hopoate all offer more long term.

TT2 was great for us last year; much more consistent than some of the backs you mentioned.

 

[TimmyQ]

If it wasn't for his goal kicking Garrick is the one I'd want to cut loose.

Yeah and his goalkicking was pretty ordinary last year from memory.. Personally I'd have him in the team on the wing if his goalkicking is on point - Lehi Hopoate is far too good to not be in our starting 13 somewhere.

 

[Uk eagle]

Yeah and his goalkicking was pretty ordinary last year from memory.. Personally I'd have him in the team on the wing if his goalkicking is on point - Lehi Hopoate is far too good to not be in our starting 13 somewhere.

His goal kicking percentage was his best since 2021. His tackles missed was the best percentage in his career

 

[manly al]

Just recall highlights of Willett striding away for tries in the lower grades last season and easily pulling away from opposition chases .
Bit hard to gauge his general speed rating i guess until he is pitted against higher level competition but sound debut and looks like an instinctively good footy player .
Also a bit hard to judge defensively until he is under more pressure from higher level attacking formations .
Might be a while before he would be ready to say an edge role just based on his current built but on present indications , a very useful pickup for a wing prospect and maybe full back .
Have quite a few options for that position in i st grade now obviously . possibly in Reggies