Trial Games

[Stuey Davis’s Socks]

From SMH Online:

Sea Eagles​

Matt Lodge’s departure could hurt Manly more than most expect given his strong finish last season and skinny middle stocks. Siosiua Taukeiaho has been signed to fill the breach and will be an interesting trials watch to say the least given injury concerns scuppered a move to Canterbury and hampered his time in the Super League.

Siosiua Taukeiaho has been hampered by injuries since last playing in the NRL in 2022.Credit:Getty

Lachlan Croker’s knee surgery (out until at least round 4) brings Gordon Chan Kum Tong and Jake Simpkin – and Jazz Tevaga at a pinch – into contention to start at hooker. Rising Tongan star Lehi Hopoate is also pushing for a starting spot out wide, with Jason Saab coming back from off-season ankle surgery.

Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs, Saturday February 15, Gosford

Sea Eagles v Panthers, Friday February 21, Leichhardt Oval

 

[Stuey Davis’s Socks]

Rabbitohs​

There are massive changes at Souths, outside of the return of Wayne Bennett and his influence on Latrell Mitchell. Lewis Dodd has come from the English Super League in a bid to make the No.7 jersey his own.

Latrell Mitchell has been turning heads at Rabbitohs training.Credit:Michael Pantaleone

Given the other halves options at Bennett’s disposal – including fellow recruits Bud Sullivan, Jamie Humphreys and Josh Schuster – the import will need to click quickly with Cody Walker. Sullivan and Schuster have struggled to live up to their potential but, given they come heavily subsidised, have the potential to be bargain buys. The big question mark is when the luckless Campbell Graham will return to the field.

Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles, Saturday February 15, Gosford

Rabbitohs v Dragons, Saturday February 22, Mudgee

Panthers​

Can young gun Blaize Talagi fill the sizable void left by the departure of Jarome Luai? Success has again come at a cost for Penrith, who are used to losing marquee men. Overcoming the loss of Luai could just be their biggest challenge.

Talagi knocked back the chance to replace Clint Gutherson as Eels fullback to instead play alongside Nathan Cleary in the Panthers halves. The trials serve as an opportunity to work on their on-field chemistry. Another newbie, Isaiah Papalii, is also looking to regain his best form after switching from Wests Tigers.

Panthers v Raiders, Saturday February 8, Shark Park

Panthers v Sea Eagles, Friday February 21, Leichhardt Oval

 

[MightyEagles]

Just listened to an interview with Seibs and he expects to be playing Penrith reserve grade as 1s will probably be in Vegas. Also said Tom, Jake, DCE, Ruebs, Mole and Tent more than likely won't play trials

 

[Carl]

Just listened to an interview with Seibs and he expects to be playing Penrith reserve grade as 1s will probably be in Vegas. Also said Tom, Jake, DCE, Ruebs, Mole and Tent more than likely won't play trials

I wonder who will be kicking goals

 

[Stuey Davis’s Socks]

I wonder who will be kicking goals

Lehi?

 

[Carl]

Lehi?

He kicks goals as well? Nice.

 

[maxta]

I wonder who will be kicking goals

Big Taukiaho kicks goals and Faulalo will likely play, so could get a crack

 

[Rosko]

Would prefer Garrick and all the contenders for a three quarter line spot to play trials, and sort it out on merit. But I get it he won't, and is still guaranteed a starting centre spot. I hope common sense prevails at some point of the season. He is a top winger and not a centre.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Would prefer Garrick and all the contenders for a three quarter line spot to play trials, and sort it out on merit. .

I agree merit will determine the spot, but ... a preseason trial to determine merit?
Surely the coaches will rely on the hundreds of actual NRL games the contenders have played, their fitness (couple are returning after injury) ... and especially their efforts during preseason training?

Players I'd love to get a glimpse of in trials - Patolo, Navale, Aitasi James (he's gotta show something!) and also backs Walsh and Willett.
Our depth is improved but i reckon we'll really need another forward to break into first grade this year.