The NRL is flooded with great players.
As NRL fans, we hear reasons like "coach is not interested because he doesn't fit the mould for the future of our club" or players may simply be on the move, hungry to be the best in their chosen position. I'd like to share a list of players your club should look at signing to maximise their future.
6. Euan Aitken
Here we have a talented player with grunt and brute strength who can successfully fend off the likes of GI. But Euan is under pressure from rising star Zac Lomax. Coach Paul McGregor has indicated Zac's goal kicking keeping him in his side. However, it is likely Zac will make way when Widdop returns. Though Zac does seem the long term centre for the Dragons. It looks like the left centre position is Tim Lafai’s without a doubt. Zac has moved to fullback and Euan is back in the centres this week. With Widdop leaving for England next year a goal kicker is paramount. So Euan might want to jump off the Dragon train early.
Eels should try get Aiken. He would be able to learn from Jennings and wouldn’t come to expensive. He and Ferguson could form a mint combo, and he could have the chance to get some early ball and run more than he does now.
Api Koroisau would look good playing for the tigers with brooks. The tigers would probably need to get rid of a player and that where they could swap either Packer or Taylor which would be good additions to Manlys pack.
DWZ I still think would be best going to the cowboys where he can lock down that fullback jersey long term. Plus the cowboys have one of the best forward packs and Morgan and Martin to lead them around. There’s also a lot of kiwis there so it would be easy for him to settle in.
“Classy number nines are in short supply at the moment.” I disagree completely and players like Jake Turpin and Reed Mahoney prove that. There are plenty of classy nines playing but just aren’t getting the opportunity because nrl clubs rather go for the more experienced player despite there form. Jake Turpin has completely outshone McCullough who is a former Origin player, Eels were reported to be trying to get Isaac Luke and die to Reed Mahoney’s form you would probably say that would of been a massive mistake. Speaking of Luke who is a starter for the warriors has been outplayed by both Nathaniel Roache and Karl Lawton on numerous occasions. Other players being hold back are Brandon Smith at storm, Harry Grant at storm, Billy Brittain at Rabbitohs, Reece Robson at Dragons, Reuben Cotter at Cowboys, Jacob Liddle at Tigers and that’s just at the top of my head I’m sure there are a few more you could add to that list.
@swa9amuff1n I agree with both DWZ and Aitken where you place them DWZ clearly needs a fresh start and Aitken is holding up the development of Lomax as for api I would much rather see him at the Bulldogs he would be a walk on starter and instantly improve the middle of that team he would also give better service for the forwards which players like Ogden would make a massive difference.
What about Nikora and Kenny Bromwich?
Hay Harry, it’s George Williams mate. Not Jack Williams…but cudos for trying.
Yeah mate firstly completely agree with you about the number 9s in our game. There are lots of plays that just haven’t been given the opportunity or just can’t get ahead of someone more experienced. In terms of young hookers going around you didn’t mention there are the still the Brothers, Danny Levi, Katoa. Just look at Damien Cook he was behind Lichaa and not given much of an opportunity and now he’s probably the best hooker in the game.
Yeah Bulldogs definitely need an upgrade at hooker, I heard they tried getting Robson or Liddle but nothing has happened yet.
Secondly as another Warriors supporter how much have they turned around recently after the Nikorima signing. Paasi. Burr and Hiku have both all upped there game. Maumalo has been consistenly great and Herbert has been a great find. I hope they can get rid of Kata and pick up 1 more young second rower for the future.
Yer man has been good tbh been kind of disappointed in green and Blair they are both senior members but seem to be the ones making crucial errors at times.
Patrick Herbert has been on another level defensively and I’m sure his offensive game will shine through when he gets used to first grade I think they still need to shift Herbert to the right side and put perham on the left but I agree get rid of Kata and get a good bench Prop or maybe resign Marata Niukore or even Briton Nikora
There’s always some good young hookers coming through.
Penrith is more desperate for a decent running hooker than most other clubs.
Zac Woolford may get a run at hooker for Newcastle , with Levi’s injury. Although they may choose to play Watson or Mann in the position.
Woolford is a player Penrith could take a look at, as a fairly cheap hooker for next year.
Or another very good Newcastle hooker / junior in Luke Huth, may be another alternative. If Penrith don’t go with one of their own juniors.
No matter what , they shouldn’t re-sign Katoa. He just doesn’t provide enough in attack.
This is an old story now.
Zelezniak won’t be at Penrith .
Edwards had a very solid game against Parramatta.
They also have Aetkins , who didn’t do anything wrong at fullback in first grade. He’s shown he’s capable of playing 5/8th in Canterbury Cup & has played centre as a junior.
Yeah can’t wait to see Perham come through he looks awesome. Think a backline with RTS Fusitua Perham Herbert and Maumalo is just next level. Nikora would be good but think the sharks will look to lock him in long term.
I’d love to see James Fisher-Harris come but doubt that’ll happen but they should try get Joseph Tapine