Round 1 team prediction

[manly al]

Think that it would be better starting with Simpkin just to mainly get a good tempo and rhythm going with the pack and to get over the advantage line and with overall go forward .
Not to say that Tevaga is not capable of playing as a 9 but could only expect some limitations on what he could do there at any stage of the game .
Having said that , Tevaga may be a better option with his versatility on the bench instead of Gordie .
Having Froggy unavailable for the initial part of the season certainly has thrown up a couple of variables and guess that trial form will be definitely taken into account as well

 

[Phobia]

I think Seibold is a big fan of Jazz. Not so sure about Simkin. If you go back to late last year when Croker came back from injury, everyone thought Simkin would drop down to 14. But that was not the case and Seibold opted for Gordie at 14 instead. So am not sure if Simkin gets a start in a few weeks. I am also hearing Zordas (Muagututia?) impressing the right people at training....at 9.
We will get more clues in a few weeks in the trials.

The reason why Simpkin was dropped straight to reserve grade from being the main hooker, is the same reason why he left the Tigers in the first place. He's not a second-fiddle hooker by any means. He was stuck behind Koroisau and was very underwhelming as a bench hooker option. In a simple matter of game management, GCKT genuinely offers more as a bench injection hooker than Simpkin, but Simpkin offers a whole lot more as a long-minutes starter. In the end, both were dropped anyway, as Lawton was in the 17 to back up or spell Croker anyway.

I think it would be madness for Seibold to pick Tevaga as our hooker come round one. He's Lawton-tier. Backup only. Given Seibold snubbed Lawton at hooker, and actively went out to recruit Simpkin for three whole years instead, I don't think Tevaga is even going to be considered in our hooking rotation. If anything, it'll probably be #9 Simpkin and #14 GCKT / Zaidas. Wouldn't mind seeing Zaidas debut, if he's had a good off-season. It's him vs GCKT for a 2026 spot in the side.

I think Jazz gets the starting hooker spot if Des was still here.

 

[MW66]

Bulldog forum rated Zaidas highly and he certainly looks fit and strong in the team photos (and figures prominently). I would imagine behind Simpkins and GCKT at this stage.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

Im looking forward to the trial games.

 

[EOL now nesting on the GC]

Numbers? I can’t see much wrong with his numbers! Not sure what people’s problem is with Garrick. Defence is no worse than most Centres. Accomplished goal kicker, accomplished try scorer, plenty of speed. Defence is reasonable. Not sure what your problem is with him.

My problem is the same as most peoples problem. He's a very good Winger and a very poor Centre.

Did you at any point in 2024 say "WTF are you doing Garrick"? Be honest now....

If you want a bumbling stumbling Turnstile in the 3/4 line you go for it.If you did a straw pole across all NRL coaches and said you need to fit Garrick in your side the majority would put him on the Wing. for very good reason.

 

[madmax]

My problem is the same as most peoples problem. He's a very good Winger and a very poor Centre.

Did you at any point in 2024 say "WTF are you doing Garrick"? Be honest now....

If you want a bumbling stumbling Turnstile in the 3/4 line you go for it.If you did a straw pole across all NRL coaches and said you need to fit Garrick in your side the majority would put him on the Wing. for very good reason.

Mate you obviously have an issue with Garrick at Centre. I obviously don’t. You have your opinion & I have mine. Garrick is one of our starting Centres end of story. What you & I think means SFA to the coaching staff.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

Mate you obviously have an issue with Garrick at Centre. I obviously don’t. You have your opinion & I have mine. Garrick is one of our starting Centres end of story. What you & I think means SFA to the coaching staff.

That applies to everyone on here.

 

[manly al]

Good thing again is the more then viable options if the backline may need some tweaking in the season proper and in regard especially to Garrick as a centre .
The advantages and disadvantages again of then considering and all things normal ,either Turbo or Talau partnering Koula in the centres .
With Lehi at full back and Talau on the bench or similarly , Talau at centre with Lehi on the bench and with Garrick reverting to wing in both instances
Guess that it going to come down and fairly clearcut again to Garrick still going well in attack but also showing that he can be up to a reasonable standard defending and on a consistent basis

 

[EOL now nesting on the GC]

Mate you obviously have an issue with Garrick at Centre. I obviously don’t. You have your opinion & I have mine. Garrick is one of our starting Centres end of story. What you & I think means SFA to the coaching staff.

no need to get worked up. I like Rubes. as a wingman.

what i will say is we don't know who our starting 3/4 line is. Koula should have one spot but stranger things have happened. trials will be interesting. Talau could very well make the choice very hard for the coach.

 

[Phobia]

no need to get worked up. I like Rubes. as a wingman.

what i will say is we don't know who our starting 3/4 line is. Koula should have one spot but stranger things have happened. trials will be interesting. Talau could very well make the choice very hard for the coach.

What I got out of the latest Manly Way episode, when they're discussing defensive form or something, Talau notes that he could help Turbo out the back with the defensive load. Indicates to me that our first choice for '25 is still the relatively conservative:
1. Turbo
2. Saab
3. Koula
4. Garrick
5. Talau

Hoppa in the #14 or #1 in NSW cup. I think he would be wasted on the bench, so I hope it's NSW cup.

 

[HoldenV8]

My first round YART

FB - Turbo
WG - Saab
CE - Koula
CE - Garrick (a better winger, but he's our first choice right centre now so....yeah)
WG - Talau
FE - Brooks
HB - DCE
PR - Paseka
HK - Gordon
PR - Jake
SR - Haumole
SR - Burbo
LK - Brown

Bench (from) - Hopoate, Jazz, Bull, Waddell, Taukei'aho, Sips, James, Walsh

 

[rosco]

My first round YART

FB - Turbo
WG - Saab
CE - Koula
CE - Garrick (a better winger, but he's our first choice right centre now so....yeah)
WG - Talau
FE - Brooks
HB - DCE
PR - Paseka
HK - Gordon
PR - Jake
SR - Haumole
SR - Burbo
LK - Brown

Bench (from) - Hopoate, Jazz, Bull, Waddell, Taukei'aho, Sips, James, Walsh

There is no way Walsh will be in the squad Round 1. Only 18 and hasn't played one game in grade against adults. I would start him in Flegg until SG Ball finishes then move to Ressies once Large moves up to Flegg.

 

[Eagles4Life]

My first round YART

FB - Turbo
WG - Saab
CE - Koula
CE - Garrick (a better winger, but he's our first choice right centre now so....yeah)
WG - Talau
FE - Brooks
HB - DCE
PR - Paseka
HK - Gordon
PR - Jake
SR - Haumole
SR - Burbo
LK - Brown

Bench (from) - Hopoate, Jazz, Bull, Waddell, Taukei'aho, Sips, James, Walsh

FB - Turbo
WG - Saab
CE - Koula
CE - Garrick
WG - Hopoate
FE - Brooks
HB - DCE
PR - Paseka
HK - Tevaga
PR - Aloiai
SR - Haumole
SR - Talau
LK - Jake

R - Simpkin
R - Bullemore
R - Brown
R - Taukei'aho

RE - Waddell

After 20-25 minutes Paseka is replaced by Bullemore, Aloiai by Taukei'aho, Tevaga by Simpkin, with Jake also being benched 10 minutes either side of half-time (replaced by Brown). I think we will get more out of both Jake and Brown if we limit their minutes more effectively. Jake still gets 60 and I strongly believe we will get more impact from Brown if he only plays 20 minutes as a lock (not as a prop)
Plus we still have Paseka, Aloiai and Tevaga to bring back after the 10 minute mark of the second half, so our middle rotation offers more versatility than last season.

 

[madmax]

FB - Turbo
WG - Saab
CE - Koula
CE - Garrick
WG - Hopoate
FE - Brooks
HB - DCE
PR - Paseka
HK - Tevaga
PR - Aloiai
SR - Haumole
SR - Talau
LK - Jake

R - Simpkin
R - Bullemore
R - Brown
R - Taukei'aho

RE - Waddell

After 20-25 minutes Paseka is replaced by Bullemore, Aloiai by Taukei'aho, Tevaga by Simpkin, with Jake also being benched 10 minutes either side of half-time (replaced by Brown). I think we will get more out of both Jake and Brown if we limit their minutes more effectively. Jake still gets 60 and I strongly believe we will get more impact from Brown if he only plays 20 minutes as a lock (not as a prop)
Plus we still have Paseka, Aloiai and Tevaga to bring back after the 10 minute mark of the second half.

For what it’s worth, I’d have Jake start at prop first 20 mins of each half. Simpkin at Hooker 80 mins. TT2 at lock!!
Trbo
Saab
Koula
Garrick
Lehi
Brooks
DCE
Paseka
Simpkin
Jrbo
Olakau’atu
Brbo / Patolo
TT2
Res: Brown, Taukei’aho, Aloiai, Jazz

 

[Seagles68]

I reckon only these blokes are certs

1 Tom
2 Saab
3 Koula
4 Garrick
5
6 Brooks
7 DCE
8 Paseka
9
10
11 Haumole
12
13 Jake (I just can't see him starting at 10)

14 Brown
15
16
17

I reckon the rest of the positions are up for grabs.

5. Obviously between Hoppa and Talau but tough decision. Hoppa certainly adds an X factor but Talau was sold all year. I can't see any point having one of them on the bench. If Talau had some back row experience maybe I would have him on the bench but I think Ben will still have that back/forward bench position.

9. I don't really know much about Tevaga but I can't see him walking into a starting 9 role. So it should be either Gordie or Simpkin first up. And this pre season will probably determine that.

10. This is one of our ongoing weak spots. Our options are Aloaia/Taukeiaho/Sipley and possibly Waddell. None of them fill me with confidence and I think it's a lottery who starts and who is on the bench.

12. Another weak spot coz there is no obvious starter. We're really going to miss Lawton. Ben, Bulle, Waddell and I guess Tevaga seem to be the starting options. Again, a lottery. I'm thinking Seibs will stick with Ben as a starter and Bulle off the bench. But I think Bulle is the one that has raised his game. But geez we need a quality starting 12.

Then the bench sort of shakes out from there. Brown is a stand out for his grit and impact and is unlikely to be a starter. Then Bulle or Ben. Does Seibs have both Simpkin AND Gordie - I'm not so sure. He could use someone like Tevaga in a Lawton role. But are we now short on prop rotation??

Hmmmm, now I'm starting to worry about how we improve on last year when really haven't improved the forward pack. At least 2 blokes are really going to have to raise their game.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

I reckon only these blokes are certs

1 Tom
2 Saab
3 Koula
4 Garrick
5
6 Brooks
7 DCE
8 Paseka
9
10
11 Haumole
12
13 Jake (I just can't see him starting at 10)

14 Brown
15
16
17

I reckon the rest of the positions are up for grabs.

5. Obviously between Hoppa and Talau but tough decision. Hoppa certainly adds an X factor but Talau was sold all year. I can't see any point having one of them on the bench. If Talau had some back row experience maybe I would have him on the bench but I think Ben will still have that back/forward bench position.

9. I don't really know much about Tevaga but I can't see him walking into a starting 9 role. So it should be either Gordie or Simpkin first up. And this pre season will probably determine that.

10. This is one of our ongoing weak spots. Our options are Aloaia/Taukeiaho/Sipley and possibly Waddell. None of them fill me with confidence and I think it's a lottery who starts and who is on the bench.

12. Another weak spot coz there is no obvious starter. We're really going to miss Lawton. Ben, Bulle, Waddell and I guess Tevaga seem to be the starting options. Again, a lottery. I'm thinking Seibs will stick with Ben as a starter and Bulle off the bench. But I think Bulle is the one that has raised his game. But geez we need a quality starting 12.

Then the bench sort of shakes out from there. Brown is a stand out for his grit and impact and is unlikely to be a starter. Then Bulle or Ben. Does Seibs have both Simpkin AND Gordie - I'm not so sure. He could use someone like Tevaga in a Lawton role. But are we now short on prop rotation??

Hmmmm, now I'm starting to worry about how we improve on last year when really haven't improved the forward pack. At least 2 blokes are really going to have to raise their game.

Simpkin 9, and Aloia 10 (if not that would be a slight surprise).
Taukeaho appears to have impressed the coaches so a bench spot along with Tevaga who is also dummy half back-up. A tough and experienced bench probably necessary to face up to Cows strong pack.
Bull should take spot 17, he made trainer of the week in the mountains along with Burbo, who will start at second row.
Simple!
(Oh, and Talau on wing - young Lehi will have to wait but maybe not long)

 

[Seagles68]

Simpkin 9, and Aloia 10 (if not that would be a slight surprise).
Taukeaho appears to have impressed the coaches so a bench spot along with Tevaga who is also dummy half back-up. A tough and experienced bench probably necessary to face up to Cows strong pack.
Bull should take spot 17, he made trainer of the week in the mountains along with Burbo, who will start at second row.
Simple!
(Oh, and Talau on wing - young Lehi will have to wait but maybe not long)

Yeah, I like what I've seen from Taukeaho, so I can see him on the bench. I do have a soft spot for Sips coz he tends to start the year strong and then gets injured. He's also good energy around the team. But he probably misses out. I'm with you, I don't think there will be too many surprises. Cowboys will be a very tough first up game, even at home with a sell out crowd (hopefully).

 

[CRPSI eagle]

I reckon only these blokes are certs

1 Tom
2 Saab
3 Koula
4 Garrick
5
6 Brooks
7 DCE
8 Paseka
9
10
11 Haumole
12
13 Jake (I just can't see him starting at 10)

14 Brown
15
16
17

I reckon the rest of the positions are up for grabs.

5. Obviously between Hoppa and Talau but tough decision. Hoppa certainly adds an X factor but Talau was sold all year. I can't see any point having one of them on the bench. If Talau had some back row experience maybe I would have him on the bench but I think Ben will still have that back/forward bench position.

9. I don't really know much about Tevaga but I can't see him walking into a starting 9 role. So it should be either Gordie or Simpkin first up. And this pre season will probably determine that.

10. This is one of our ongoing weak spots. Our options are Aloaia/Taukeiaho/Sipley and possibly Waddell. None of them fill me with confidence and I think it's a lottery who starts and who is on the bench.

12. Another weak spot coz there is no obvious starter. We're really going to miss Lawton. Ben, Bulle, Waddell and I guess Tevaga seem to be the starting options. Again, a lottery. I'm thinking Seibs will stick with Ben as a starter and Bulle off the bench. But I think Bulle is the one that has raised his game. But geez we need a quality starting 12.

Then the bench sort of shakes out from there. Brown is a stand out for his grit and impact and is unlikely to be a starter. Then Bulle or Ben. Does Seibs have both Simpkin AND Gordie - I'm not so sure. He could use someone like Tevaga in a Lawton role. But are we now short on prop rotation??

Hmmmm, now I'm starting to worry about how we improve on last year when really haven't improved the forward pack. At least 2 blokes are really going to have to raise their game.

So Hoppa doesn’t make your side but would walk into most other NRL sides Talau would also get a start in most sides but you select Garrick most sides wouldn’t touch??

 

[Seagles68]

So Hoppa doesn’t make your side but would walk into most other NRL sides Talau would also get a start in most sides but you select Garrick most sides wouldn’t touch??

I was trying to predict what the team might be, not necessarily what team I would like. I didn't say he wouldn't make the team but he is in a battle with Talau, absolutely. Mainly coz of his size. He might still need a bit of physical development to save him from himself. Coz he is a gun for sure but he got shown up a bit in the Roosters game.

And I'm not so sure most teams wouldn't touch Garrick. He's a quality goal kicker and more than handy player. I'm hoping with a season (and pre season) under his belt in the centres, he'll step up. We'll see.

 

[mickqld]

I hope the published predicted teams are wrong in leaving Bullemore out. He's way ahead of Ben T, GCKT, Jazz and Sio for a bench spot.