Tolu Koula

[Ron E. Gibbs]

Yes, he's still green and has a bit to learn about defensive positioning, but he's already shown how willing he is to learn and his contact and intent in every tackle he's made has been very, very impressive. Defence is always the biggest worry with a new player but it doesn't look like it'll be an issue for Koula Shaker.

 

[manly al]

I actually think with a little more size and development Koula could be a quicker version of Staggs. Certainly explosive and great footwork.

yeah his excellent foot work has been a surprise for me as it was always apparent that he had a heap of natural speed and that as his main trade mark . Such a good technique in defence as well which is so critical for the modern day centre requirements . And to think that he was previously being touted primarily as a full back winger prospect , looks really promising and damaging as a centre and can only get better . Not too fazed about getting cut off by Brooks , same thing happened with Sabb and Garrick last season but they are also capable of burning off most player opposition all things normal .

 

[jbb/james]

I just love his look, always focussed, not much emotion, super switched on look. I presume its partly his face but it impresses the hell out of me how serious he looks

And then he just beams suddenly when he celebrates

 

[Mitch]

One thing that I love about Tolu is his play the ball speed. Twice over the past month he’s got a great play the ball that’s led directly to a try.

 

[HK_Eagle]

One thing that I love about Tolu is his play the ball speed. Twice over the past month he’s got a great play the ball that’s led directly to a try.

He certainly didn’t learn that from our Jorge. 😂

 

[40 nil]

@globaleagle If this thread becomes voluminous, I suggest it be renamed 'The Koula Express' 🙂

 

[Budgie]

@globaleagle If this thread becomes voluminous, I suggest it be renamed 'The Koula Express' 🙂

A hard earned thirst deserves a hard earned Koula? 🤣🤣🤣

 

[globaleagle]

@globaleagle If this thread becomes voluminous, I suggest it be renamed 'The Koula Express' 🙂

wait...I'm thinking you meant 'polar' rhymes with 'Koula'

amirite? Or do I just smell toast?

 

[Budgie]

wait...I'm thinking you meant 'polar' rhymes with 'Koula'

amirite? Or do I just smell toast?

I do like The Koula Express!

 

[Spartan Eagle]

Fuk how good is this kid..what tenacity. No fear. Goes all in.

 

[Rocky]

Fuk how good is this kid..what tenacity. No fear. Goes all in.

Got to be one of the more impressive first 10 NRL games in Manly colours.

We knew about the speed, but the rest of the package wasn't advertised. As you say the tenacity and no fear.

He's a star.

 

[Spartan Eagle]

Got to be one of the more impressive first 10 NRL games in Manly colours.

We knew about the speed, but the rest of the package wasn't advertised. As you say the tenacity and no fear.

He's a star.

His defence has really suprised me. I really thought that due to his size he would get monstered. Quite the opposite.

 

[Rocky]

His defence has really suprised me. I really thought that due to his size he would get monstered. Quite the opposite.

He is just on his opponent so quickly and gives them no room to move. Plus he really commits to the tackle.

 

[Eagles4Life]

Got to be one of the more impressive first 10 NRL games in Manly colours.

We knew about the speed, but the rest of the package wasn't advertised. As you say the tenacity and no fear.

He's a star.

Agreed @Rocky Koula has just focussed on doing his job. This has been particularly noticeable in his defence. Late in the game yesterday, it looked like he got a message to go looking for the ball behind the ruck. We all saw what happened next!!!

 

[Woodsie]

Luke Brooks tips Sea Eagles rising star for breakout year​

Story by Jed Wells

Luke Brooks tips Sea Eagles rising star for breakout year
Luke Brooks experienced finals footy for the first time in 2024, after making the jump from the Wests Tigers to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.

In 2025, he's hoping to go one better, and help propel the team to even greater heights, following a semi-finals loss to the Sydney Roosters.

But he won't be alone in his pursuit, with the Sea Eagles assembling an impressive roster, including one youngster that Brooks is tipping to emerge as a standout player in the NRL.

Luke Brooks tips Sea Eagles rising star for breakout year​

He was the hero of the Sea Eagles 2024 finals run, and this year Toluta'u Koula could be primed for even greater things, with Luke Brooks picking him as a prime breakout candidate in 2025.

Speaking to SEN's Jimmy Smith, Brooks said that the 22-year-old has the chance to be a special player, as well as making life easier for the star five-eighth.

"I feel like Tolu Koula will be in for a big year. I'm on his edge, so he'll be playing outside me, if I can get him some good ball we've seen how dangerous he is," Brooks said.

"Looking back at that semi-final against the Bulldogs, that try that he scored to win us the game, it really showed what he's capable of and I feel like he's in for a big year.

"If you have a threat like him outside of me it pulls numbers off me, so I've got to find that balance of me running the ball but also getting him some good early ball.

"It's definitely something we've been working on throughout the pre-season."

Koula made 21 appearances for the Sea Eagles in 2024, scoring seven tries in the third season of a promising NRL career.

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