Young Forwards - Do we have any?

[mave]

Who says he won't?

Seibs, probably.

 

[Ohgeez]

Who replaces Sipley this week? All the young forwards have been in solid form. I have a feeling Paseka will also be pushing to come back so he’s in contention for the pacific championship but would prefer to see a debut for obvious reasons

 

[XV-1]

Who replaces Sipley this week? All the young forwards have been in solid form. I have a feeling Paseka will also be pushing to come back so he’s in contention for the pacific championship but would prefer to see a debut for obvious reasons

Knowing Seibold he would like to pick Nathan Brown with his arm in a sling than pick a young forward.
That said, it will be Chee Kam as he fits the Seibold mantra, over 30 and crap.

 

[The Who]

Who says he won't?

Don't you go blaming me!

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Lol.
I doubt Manly is making any significant forward signings for 2026 so a fair chance he gets his debut at some stage. But even if he does, probably only a small number of bench appearances (unless he absolutely kills it, of course)

And despite the Seibold-doesn't-pick-can't-coach-young-players refrain we constantly see on Silvertails, I think it's not just Seibold, it's conventional rugby league wisdom that young players are better not rushed, and that NRL experience is actually a valuable asset when it comes to ... playing well in NRL!

That is, when they're good enough, they'll get a go. (Doesn't everyone think Lehi is proof of that?)

 

[Terry Zarsoff]

There all Temu Turbos now. Suggest we jump on Amazon and get some new players with next day free delivery for prime members.

Do we have any unused Prime benefits?

 

[mave]

And despite the Seibold-doesn't-pick-can't-coach-young-players refrain we constantly see on Silvertails, I think it's not just Seibold, it's conventional rugby league wisdom that young players are better not rushed, and that NRL experience is actually a valuable asset when it comes to ... playing well in NRL!

Ethan Strange says hello.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Ethan Strange says hello.

A gun. Lehi also has never looked back. These guys are probably exceptional.
Meanwhile Weekes is also now a gun but it's only this year has he nailed his spot down - his fourth year in NRL.

 

[Cliffycomeback]

A gun. Lehi also has never looked back. These guys are probably exceptional.
Meanwhile Weekes is also now a gun but it's only this year has he nailed his spot down - his fourth year in NRL.

Look at all these waving hands @SeaEagleRock8

This is just scratching the surface.

Joseph Suaalii, Brad Fittler, John Simon, Michael Hancock, Ben Ikin, Brett Dallas, Will Hopoate, Israel Folau, Adam Ritson, Jared Hayne, David Fifita, David Klemmer, Lindsey Johnston, Jeremiah Nanai, Brad Clyde, Greg Inglis, Tim Brasher, Paul Mellor, Israel Folau, Xavier Coates, Gavin Jones, Tony Currie, payne Haas, Laurie Daley, Carmichael Hunt, Trent Barrett, Dale Shearer, the Hammer, Terry Lamb to name but a few. All these guys were 19 or younger.

Then there's a whole bunch from the current crop of NRL players below.

23 YEARS OLD
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Tom Rodwell, Harrison Graham, Jayden Sullivan, Max Plath, Jacob Preston, Jake Simpkin, Jesse Colquhoun, Alec MacDonald, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Jacob Kiraz, Kurt Donoghoe, Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui, Ben Lovett, Tuku Hau Tapuha, Tukimihia Simpkins, Ata Mariota, Alex Lobb, Manaia Waitere, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Jamie Humphreys, Riley Jones, Zac Laybutt, Josiah Karapani, Tim Johannssen, Ben Johnson, Lewis Dodd, Jordan Samrani, Jahream Bula, Kade Dykes, Kaeo Weekes, Niwhai Puru, Moala Graham-Taufa, Klese Haas, Robert Derby, Joe Chan, Sione Finau, Naufahu Whyte, Izack Tago, Hugo Savala, Tallis Duncan, Jack Todd, Xavier Savage, Harry Hayes, Trey Mooney, Brendan Piakura, Sean Russell, Fonua Pole, Tyrell Sloan, Selwyn Cobbo, Thomas Cant, Peter Taateo, Sam Walker, Brock Greacen, Hohepa Puru, Ronald Volkman, Sam Stonestreet, Reece Walsh, Ethan King, Jonah Glover, Junior Tupou, Samuel Healey, Will Penisini, Xavier Willison

22 YEARS OLD
Kitione Kautoga, Tolutau Koula, Sunia Turuva, Jake Arthur, Jack Howarth, Krystian Mapapalangi, Taylor Losalu, Viliami Vailea, Will Pryce, Sandon Smith, Tony Francis, Paul Bryan, Jojo Fifita, Ali Leiataua, Oryn Keeley, Jonah Pezet, Coby Williamson, Ezra Mam, Jeremiah Nanai, Thomas Weaver, Ryley Smith, Chris Vea'ila, Shaun Packer, Sua Fa'alogo, Davvy Moale, Luke Smith, Tyler Moriarty, Siua Wong, Joseph O'Neill, D'Jazirhae Pua'avase, Brandon Tumeth, Deine Mariner, Michael Asomua, Caleb Navale, Fletcher Myers, Justin Matamua, Isaiah Iongi, Zyon Maiu'u, Jack Cole, Mason Teague, Matty Nicholson, Tom Duffy, Taj Annan, Jack Bostock

21 YEARS OLD
Sebastian Su'a, Ryan Couchman, Toby Couchman, Xavier Va'a, Max Bradbury, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Thomas Fletcher, Samuela Fainu, Ryan Jackson, Paul Alamoti, Owen Pattie, Ethan Sanders, Ashton Ward, Isaiya Katoa, Wil Sullivan, Benaiah Ioelu, Patrick Moimoi, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Jye Gray, Kyle McCarthy, Demitric Vaimauga, Keano Kini, Jacob Laban, Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, Myles Martin, Blake Mozer, Fletcher Sharpe, Josiah Pahulu, Haizyn Mellars, Francis Manuleleua, Tony Sukkar, Makaia Tafua, Joash Papalii, Vena Patuki-Case, Robert Toia, Hamish Stewart, Ethan Strange, Jake Clydsdale

20 YEARS OLD
Dylan Egan, Josh Feledy, Liam Le Blanc, Siteni Taukamo, Joe Roddy, Solomone Saukuru, Charlie Guymer, Savelio Tamale, Matthew Hunter, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Liam Ison, Tyrone Munro, Israel Leota, Ethan Roberts, Reece Foley, Jesse McLean, Kayliss Fatialofa, Lehi Hopoate, Matt Arthur, Michael Waqa, Max McCarthy, Sam Tuivaiti, Kit Laulilii, Jermaine McEwen, Jake Elliott, Stanley Huen, Tallyn Da Silva, Noah Martin, Jason Salalilo, Blake Steep, Lyhkan King-Togia, LJ Nonu, Loko Pasifiki Tonga, Mutua Brown, Latu Fainu, Heath Mason, Michael Gabrael, Chevy Stewart, Jamal Shibasaki, Lachlan Galvin, Mason Kira, Tyreece Tait, Jaxon Purdue, Nazareth Taua, De La Salle Va'a, Cameron Bukowski, Fanafou Seve

19 YEARS OLD
Leka Halasima, Wilson De Courcey, Lewis Symonds, Logan Spinks, Fletcher Hunt, Hayden Buchanan, Kaiden Lahrs, Coby Black, Zane Harrison, Connor Votano, Jethro Rinakama, Casey McLean, Mitchell Woods, Joey Walsh, Cody Hopwood, Finau Latu, Luke Laulilii, Zac Garton, Sam Stephenson, Jacob Halangahu

 

[Disco]

Thats an interesting read.....if anything it kind of reinforces @SeaEagleRock8 point.

Not a great number of under 21s really dominating.....maybe 10-12 impactful regular starters....less than 1 per team team.

Exciting young talent a plenty but they take some time.

That said we could certainly be more willing to give youngers players a shot.

 

[mave]

A gun. Lehi also has never looked back. These guys are probably exceptional.
Meanwhile Weekes is also now a gun but it's only this year has he nailed his spot down - his fourth year in NRL.

You need an opportunity to showcase your potential to be a gun.

Seibs got burnt at the Broncos with the youth policy, and has swung too far the other way at Manly.

Navale should have been in FG months ago.
Walsh should have had a taste at least a month ago.

Hart, Zaidas, etc need to be blooded early next season.....going off the current trajectory, we will be playing Jake Turpin over Zaidas.
Hart probably still sitting behind Waddell.....


Weekes is one I cant blame the club on. He had his shot, albeit out of position, for obvious reasons, and never hit the mark unfortunately.

 

[Cliffycomeback]

Thats an interesting read.....if anything it kind of reinforces @SeaEagleRock8 point.

Not a great number of under 21s really dominating.....maybe 10-12 impactful regular starters....less than 1 per team team.

Exciting young talent a plenty but they take some time.

That said we could certainly be more willing to give youngers players a shot.

Not really when you consider the players who debuted at a young age in the groups 23 yo and down. Walker, Katoa, Koula, Walsh, Cobbo, Preston, Sullivan, Fainus, Halasims etc etc etc... plenty in those lists debuted at 20 or under, even more if you go up each cage group.

We see what we want to see I guess.

 

[MissKate]

I did wonder last week that if we were in a similar situation as the riff, could we rest that amount of players. Would we even have enough to pull a reserve team together. I suppose I don’t know as I haven’t watched reserve grade since they stopped playing it as a lead up to the first grade game

 

[Disco]

Not really when you consider the players who debuted at a young age in the groups 23 yo and down. Walker, Katoa, Koula, Walsh, Cobbo, Preston, Sullivan, Fainus, Halasims etc etc etc... plenty in those lists debuted at 20 or under, even more if you go up each cage group.

We see what we want to see I guess.

I think we are making different points here but also agreeing in some sense.

My point is very few players make a significant impant as teenagers, most take a few years and really hit their stride season 3 or 4.

As you say, many of those may debut at 19 but start to impose themselves at 22-23.

Koula a case in point.

For us I think we have been too cautious with youth but that said certainly this year we haven't had a heap of players bashing down the door.

Navale more regular minutes sure but I dont think beyond that anyone has been held back.

 

[Cliffycomeback]

I think we are making different points here but also agreeing in some sense.

My point is very few players make a significant impant as teenagers, most take a few years and really hit their stride season 3 or 4.

As you say, many of those may debut at 19 but start to impose themselves at 22-23.

Koula a case in point.

For us I think we have been too cautious with youth but that said certainly this year we haven't had a heap of players bashing down the door.

Navale more regular minutes sure but I dont think beyond that anyone has been held back.

Yes, we are making different points. I'm attempting to make the point that plenty of footy players debut at a young age. Not that they are the finished product. Obviously, the great ones usually not the grounds running while others learn while taking their bruises.

 

[MissKate]

I believe we have the oldest team in the comp, including having the most players aged 30+. Hopefully that changes next year with dce leaving and hopefully some youngsters getting a chance.

How are we supposed to find out if they are going to be good in first grade if they are never given a chance. Also how do we know who to offload if they aren’t given a go to prove their worth

 

[Eagles4Life]

Who replaces Sipley this week? All the young forwards have been in solid form. I have a feeling Paseka will also be pushing to come back so he’s in contention for the pacific championship but would prefer to see a debut for obvious reasons

I know that we might have Paseka back, but surely it makes more sense to give Lafifi a run off the bench to replace Sipley. I would also start Navale, drop Lodge, and have Tevaga off the bench with Simpkin starting.

Paseka
Simpkin
Taukeiaho
Waddell
Trbojevic
Navale

Walsh
Bullemore
Lafifi
Tevaga

 

[Pete W]

Hart, Paulo, Dunford, Baruani, Oldfield pretty promising line of edge forwards coming through.
Laifai, Pua’avase, Bryan, Mafoa, Munn for middles
Then there's obviously Navale, Muagututia, and Ashton Large for lock/hooker

If we are to be any chance of moving up the ladder, 2026 should be about serious development and fast-track coaching to get as many of these guys NRL ready for 2027

 

[maxta]

Look at all these waving hands @SeaEagleRock8

This is just scratching the surface.

Joseph Suaalii, Brad Fittler, John Simon, Michael Hancock, Ben Ikin, Brett Dallas, Will Hopoate, Israel Folau, Adam Ritson, Jared Hayne, David Fifita, David Klemmer, Lindsey Johnston, Jeremiah Nanai, Brad Clyde, Greg Inglis, Tim Brasher, Paul Mellor, Israel Folau, Xavier Coates, Gavin Jones, Tony Currie, payne Haas, Laurie Daley, Carmichael Hunt, Trent Barrett, Dale Shearer, the Hammer, Terry Lamb to name but a few. All these guys were 19 or younger.

Then there's a whole bunch from the current crop of NRL players below.

23 YEARS OLD
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Tom Rodwell, Harrison Graham, Jayden Sullivan, Max Plath, Jacob Preston, Jake Simpkin, Jesse Colquhoun, Alec MacDonald, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Jacob Kiraz, Kurt Donoghoe, Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui, Ben Lovett, Tuku Hau Tapuha, Tukimihia Simpkins, Ata Mariota, Alex Lobb, Manaia Waitere, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Jamie Humphreys, Riley Jones, Zac Laybutt, Josiah Karapani, Tim Johannssen, Ben Johnson, Lewis Dodd, Jordan Samrani, Jahream Bula, Kade Dykes, Kaeo Weekes, Niwhai Puru, Moala Graham-Taufa, Klese Haas, Robert Derby, Joe Chan, Sione Finau, Naufahu Whyte, Izack Tago, Hugo Savala, Tallis Duncan, Jack Todd, Xavier Savage, Harry Hayes, Trey Mooney, Brendan Piakura, Sean Russell, Fonua Pole, Tyrell Sloan, Selwyn Cobbo, Thomas Cant, Peter Taateo, Sam Walker, Brock Greacen, Hohepa Puru, Ronald Volkman, Sam Stonestreet, Reece Walsh, Ethan King, Jonah Glover, Junior Tupou, Samuel Healey, Will Penisini, Xavier Willison

22 YEARS OLD
Kitione Kautoga, Tolutau Koula, Sunia Turuva, Jake Arthur, Jack Howarth, Krystian Mapapalangi, Taylor Losalu, Viliami Vailea, Will Pryce, Sandon Smith, Tony Francis, Paul Bryan, Jojo Fifita, Ali Leiataua, Oryn Keeley, Jonah Pezet, Coby Williamson, Ezra Mam, Jeremiah Nanai, Thomas Weaver, Ryley Smith, Chris Vea'ila, Shaun Packer, Sua Fa'alogo, Davvy Moale, Luke Smith, Tyler Moriarty, Siua Wong, Joseph O'Neill, D'Jazirhae Pua'avase, Brandon Tumeth, Deine Mariner, Michael Asomua, Caleb Navale, Fletcher Myers, Justin Matamua, Isaiah Iongi, Zyon Maiu'u, Jack Cole, Mason Teague, Matty Nicholson, Tom Duffy, Taj Annan, Jack Bostock

21 YEARS OLD
Sebastian Su'a, Ryan Couchman, Toby Couchman, Xavier Va'a, Max Bradbury, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Thomas Fletcher, Samuela Fainu, Ryan Jackson, Paul Alamoti, Owen Pattie, Ethan Sanders, Ashton Ward, Isaiya Katoa, Wil Sullivan, Benaiah Ioelu, Patrick Moimoi, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Jye Gray, Kyle McCarthy, Demitric Vaimauga, Keano Kini, Jacob Laban, Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, Myles Martin, Blake Mozer, Fletcher Sharpe, Josiah Pahulu, Haizyn Mellars, Francis Manuleleua, Tony Sukkar, Makaia Tafua, Joash Papalii, Vena Patuki-Case, Robert Toia, Hamish Stewart, Ethan Strange, Jake Clydsdale

20 YEARS OLD
Dylan Egan, Josh Feledy, Liam Le Blanc, Siteni Taukamo, Joe Roddy, Solomone Saukuru, Charlie Guymer, Savelio Tamale, Matthew Hunter, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Liam Ison, Tyrone Munro, Israel Leota, Ethan Roberts, Reece Foley, Jesse McLean, Kayliss Fatialofa, Lehi Hopoate, Matt Arthur, Michael Waqa, Max McCarthy, Sam Tuivaiti, Kit Laulilii, Jermaine McEwen, Jake Elliott, Stanley Huen, Tallyn Da Silva, Noah Martin, Jason Salalilo, Blake Steep, Lyhkan King-Togia, LJ Nonu, Loko Pasifiki Tonga, Mutua Brown, Latu Fainu, Heath Mason, Michael Gabrael, Chevy Stewart, Jamal Shibasaki, Lachlan Galvin, Mason Kira, Tyreece Tait, Jaxon Purdue, Nazareth Taua, De La Salle Va'a, Cameron Bukowski, Fanafou Seve

19 YEARS OLD
Leka Halasima, Wilson De Courcey, Lewis Symonds, Logan Spinks, Fletcher Hunt, Hayden Buchanan, Kaiden Lahrs, Coby Black, Zane Harrison, Connor Votano, Jethro Rinakama, Casey McLean, Mitchell Woods, Joey Walsh, Cody Hopwood, Finau Latu, Luke Laulilii, Zac Garton, Sam Stephenson, Jacob Halangahu

Yep the simple old theory rings true and is proven - "If your good enough, your old enough"