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.

 

[silvereagle]

Why? He was our best back last year??

Because the issue we have is in the forwards....not the backs. The other option I see is Tolu going to 14 on the bench and Tommy Talau staying in the centres. Got to have both guys in the 17.

 

[eaglebuzz]

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

Reuben is that you?

 

[Eagle 1]

It was interesting to read about Saab's slow recovery from that hip-drop tackle, hope he's right to go for rd1. We'll find out next Tues I guess.

 

[jbb/james]

salary cap means balance and i suggested 12 months ago koula could be possibly moved because of devleoping players and his rumoured price would allow more spending elsewhere

on matty johns ronaldo M from the sharks said he would love 400k. adding him and keeping tommy T really balances the price a tad, quality players and not overpaid

 

[manly al]

Almost is certain to be a different dynamic post 2026 cap wise in respect to D C E and Turbo 's and Jake's contract arrangement.
Lehi now locked in for a bit longer, Saab quite long term , . Garrick probably inclined to stay and with his goal kicking on similar coin ,
Still maintain it would be a major negative outcome , letting Koula go at any stage or not trying to retain him longer term .
Had some previous interest from R U but type of player who just seems to suit the Manly way in so many areas and sure that Manly could accommodate him salary wise .
T T 2 unquestionably a good player but has he even been re signed at this point .
Guess the same applies to Bullemor so who really knows how things will eventually pan out

 

[Sheikheagle]

salary cap means balance and i suggested 12 months ago koula could be possibly moved because of devleoping players and his rumoured price would allow more spending elsewhere

on matty johns ronaldo M from the sharks said he would love 400k. adding him and keeping tommy T really balances the price a tad, quality players and not overpaid

If we have a non dick head policy. Ronaldo will not fit in. Can play but is an A grade muppet.