One has to go ... who ?

[JakeyB789]

Our backs played well today but lets remember this is effectively a reserve grade game.

These guys need to do it consistently and then at NRL level before we start shipping off Garrick, Koula, Talau and the like.

Has Garrick performed consistently in the centres at NRL level though? Sure you could probably say the same for Koula and Talau but at least they’ve played the position for longer. Just mildly annoying to see this strong backline depth we have and yet Garrick is the first picked centre of all of them.

Willing to give the bloke another chance after an off season to improve but for a team in what is essentially a win now position with DCE at 36, I don’t know if we should really be persisting with players learning new positions

 

[Disco]

Has Garrick performed consistently in the centres at NRL level though? Sure you could probably say the same for Koula and Talau but at least they’ve played the position for longer. Just mildly annoying to see this strong backline depth we have and yet Garrick is the first picked centre of all of them.

Willing to give the bloke another chance after an off season to improve but for a team in what is essentially a win now position with DCE at 36, I don’t know if we should really be persisting with players learning new positions

In an attacking sense he was in the top half a dozen centres in the comp.

Defence needs work.

But this is not a Garrick centre/wing chat just a lets not get over hyped after one understrength trial situation.

 

[silvereagle]

I am becoming a big fan of tommy Talau ... he is not the one I would bench ...

Just looking at the pics of our 2025 Season Launch on the Eagles website. There is one pic there of Haumole and Tommy Talau (and Simkins). Got to say TT is almost same size as Haumole. I could not help thinking (potentially) what a great backrow combination that might make. Also solves our surplus backline "issue". Love to see him have a stab at that!!!

 

[The Royal Soup]

How is Garrick still in the centers, what a joke!

 

[madmax]

How is Garrick still in the centers, what a joke!

At least he’s there not you! Go to sleep twat!

 

[CRPSI eagle]

Just looking at the pics of our 2025 Season Launch on the Eagles website. There is one pic there of Haumole and Tommy Talau (and Simkins). Got to say TT is almost same size as Haumole. I could not help thinking (potentially) what a great backrow combination that might make. Also solves our surplus backline "issue". Love to see him have a stab at that!!!

Why? He was our best back last year??

 

[Peter C]

Why? He was our best back last year??

Certainly was

 

[nightster]

Could Talau be turned into a Luke Lewis type player?
Kepping Turbo, Hoppa, Koula, Garrick & Saab in the backline makes it the fastest 1-5 in the NRL. Talau in the 2nd rower makes the forward pack a bit quicker aswell.

He would keep Burbo honest, as a bench second rower that can cover centres /wing - and there is usually more injuries to forwards so added depth in the engine room. I can't see Siebs doing the move but who knows T Talaou could be another Beaver.

 

[Disco]

I think Talau could becone a very good edge backrower, not this season though in a full time capacity.

I'd happily carry him as a 14 to cover 1-7 with also the opportunity to throw him on the edge for 10-15 as needed.

 

[Dion Johnson]

Some innuendo getting about on different podcasts that Hoppa’s new upgrade and contract is 650K plus.

If it’s around that figure it’s going to be very difficult in having three 3/4 players on 600K plus, next season.

Plenty of depth at the moment in the three quarters and it would be good if they could free up some money in strengthening the forwards.

 

[Phobia]

Some innuendo getting about on different podcasts that Hoppa’s new upgrade and contract is 650K plus.

If it’s around that figure it’s going to be very difficult in having three 3/4 players on 600K plus, next season.

Plenty of depth at the moment in the three quarters and it would be good if they could free up some money in strengthening the forwards.

I think that would be for the final year of the new contract (2027), if it isn't just dribble by people with no insight. Would make some sense if he displaces Turbo to centre that year. No DCE, and probably Jake on less too.

If that figure is over the next three seasons (25,26,27), that comes to about 215k a season which is very reasonable, as he plays wing for the time being.