Canberra Raiders team for 2024

[Matt]

Canberra Raiders predicted Round 1 team and 2024 overview

After bowing out to the Knights in dramatic fashion in an epic golden point final the Raiders would have spent time in the off-season pondering what could have been.

Predicted Round 1 team

1. Chevy Stewart
2. Jordan Rapana
3. Ethan Strange
4. Matt Timoko
5. Nick Cotric
6. Kaeo Weekes
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papali'i
9. Zac Woolford
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Morgan Smithies

14. Tom Starling
15. Emre Guler
16. Pasami Saulo
17. Zac Hosking

Read more: https://www.nrl.com/news/2024/01/12/act ... -overview/

That bench is yuck.

It really is gross... and probably accurate to be fair, the balance is perfect - 2 props, a second rower who can cover centre and a hooker. It's just the players are uninspiring.

The starting 13 will be different though. Seb Kris will be in there and SURELY he's in there at centre... surely. I wish I was confident of that.

Seb Kris isn't named here, because ATM, he still has 2 games to serve of his suspension. Unless he gets credit for the Kiwis finals in the Pacific Cup AND the All Stars game, he won't be there.

[Raiders_Pat]

Canberra Raiders predicted Round 1 team and 2024 overview

After bowing out to the Knights in dramatic fashion in an epic golden point final the Raiders would have spent time in the off-season pondering what could have been.

Predicted Round 1 team

1. Chevy Stewart
2. Jordan Rapana
3. Ethan Strange
4. Matt Timoko
5. Nick Cotric
6. Kaeo Weekes
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papali'i
9. Zac Woolford
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Morgan Smithies

14. Tom Starling
15. Emre Guler
16. Pasami Saulo
17. Zac Hosking

Read more: https://www.nrl.com/news/2024/01/12/act ... -overview/

I don't think this is too far off what the lineup will be for round 1 if Kris isn't cleared to play. I expect Stuart to put Levi in there for either Starling or Woolford, and Mariota instead of Saulo.

As much as the Hosking signing is good for depth, what I don't like about it is I reckon he's almost guaranteed to be in that 17, and it takes away a spot from Mooney or Puru potentially. They both should be getting plenty of game time this year if we're building for the future imo.

[magoo]

Canberra Raiders predicted Round 1 team and 2024 overview

After bowing out to the Knights in dramatic fashion in an epic golden point final the Raiders would have spent time in the off-season pondering what could have been.

Predicted Round 1 team

1. Chevy Stewart
2. Jordan Rapana
3. Ethan Strange
4. Matt Timoko
5. Nick Cotric
6. Kaeo Weekes
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papali'i
9. Zac Woolford
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Morgan Smithies

14. Tom Starling
15. Emre Guler
16. Pasami Saulo
17. Zac Hosking

Read more: https://www.nrl.com/news/2024/01/12/act ... -overview/

I don't think this is too far off what the lineup will be for round 1 if Kris isn't cleared to play. I expect Stuart to put Levi in there for either Starling or Woolford, and Mariota instead of Saulo.

As much as the Hosking signing is good for depth, what I don't like about it is I reckon he's almost guaranteed to be in that 17, and it takes away a spot from Mooney or Puru potentially. They both should be getting plenty of game time this year if we're building for the future imo.

If he's not going to use Mooney he will leave, and I don't blame him.

[BadnMean]

Canberra Raiders predicted Round 1 team and 2024 overview

After bowing out to the Knights in dramatic fashion in an epic golden point final the Raiders would have spent time in the off-season pondering what could have been.

Predicted Round 1 team

1. Chevy Stewart
2. Jordan Rapana
3. Ethan Strange
4. Matt Timoko
5. Nick Cotric
6. Kaeo Weekes
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papali'i
9. Zac Woolford
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Morgan Smithies

14. Tom Starling
15. Emre Guler
16. Pasami Saulo
17. Zac Hosking

Read more: https://www.nrl.com/news/2024/01/12/act ... -overview/

I don't think this is too far off what the lineup will be for round 1 if Kris isn't cleared to play. I expect Stuart to put Levi in there for either Starling or Woolford, and Mariota instead of Saulo.

As much as the Hosking signing is good for depth, what I don't like about it is I reckon he's almost guaranteed to be in that 17, and it takes away a spot from Mooney or Puru potentially. They both should be getting plenty of game time this year if we're building for the future imo.

If he's not going to use Mooney he will leave, and I don't blame him.

It is a worry. Depends how Rick is communicating and the relationship he has with Mooney.

But you'd think Sharks, Dragons, Manly and whoever else would love a dynamic impact prop with a huge upside on their books...

[Dusty]

I thought the Kris situation was already confirmed in our favour... I must've misunderstood and it was only the Kiwi games confirmed as counting.

1. Stewart
2. Savage
3. Cotric
4. Timoko
5. Rapana
6. Weekes
7. Fogarty
8. Mariota
9. Woolford
10. Tapine
11. Young
12. Hosking
13. Smithies

14. Puru
15. Whitehead
16. Mooney
17. Papalii


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[greeneyed]

The NRL has announced that two Kiwis games from the Pacific Championships could be counted to the Kris suspension. If the judiciary chair extends that to the Pacific Championships final (as expected), that means Kris has only one more game to serve. Then there is All Stars... so he could yet be cleared for Round 1, is my reading.

[Bluesbrother]

Canberra Raiders predicted Round 1 team and 2024 overview

After bowing out to the Knights in dramatic fashion in an epic golden point final the Raiders would have spent time in the off-season pondering what could have been.

Predicted Round 1 team

1. Chevy Stewart
2. Jordan Rapana
3. Ethan Strange
4. Matt Timoko
5. Nick Cotric
6. Kaeo Weekes
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Josh Papali'i
9. Zac Woolford
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Morgan Smithies

14. Tom Starling
15. Emre Guler
16. Pasami Saulo
17. Zac Hosking

Read more: https://www.nrl.com/news/2024/01/12/act ... -overview/

I don't think this is too far off what the lineup will be for round 1 if Kris isn't cleared to play. I expect Stuart to put Levi in there for either Starling or Woolford, and Mariota instead of Saulo.

As much as the Hosking signing is good for depth, what I don't like about it is I reckon he's almost guaranteed to be in that 17, and it takes away a spot from Mooney or Puru potentially. They both should be getting plenty of game time this year if we're building for the future imo.

If he's not going to use Mooney he will leave, and I don't blame him.

It is a worry. Depends how Rick is communicating and the relationship he has with Mooney.

But you'd think Sharks, Dragons, Manly and whoever else would love a dynamic impact prop with a huge upside on their books...

I can't see us keeping Mooney. Much like the Cowboys won't be able to keep all thier backrowers.

He is an outstanding player who I would hate to lose but is he better than Mariota? That's the question I believe the club would be considering. Mooney simply has to play NRL this season if he is to stay, but I can't see him getting many opportunities.

Only way I can see Mooney staying is if Papalii retires at the end of the year. Not because we can't afford him, but because we can't offer him an opportunity.

My rating of the middles has him down the pecking order.

Tapine
Horse
Papalii
Smithies
Mariota
Puru
Mooney
Guler
Saulo
Hola

The fact a deal hasn't been announced yet is a bit of a concern.

[NoMan]

Personally I wouldn't count Mooney in the rotation with Puru or Smithies as they are really specialist locks and Mooney likely won't be used there at all based on how he has been used in the lower grades.

If he is 5th in the prop depth chart he would get at least a dozen first grade games, probably more like 20, and you'd assume he is then happy enough to stay. The problem is if he is still 7th behind Saulo or Guler.

[BadnMean]

I can't see us keeping Mooney. Much like the Cowboys won't be able to keep all thier backrowers.

He is an outstanding player who I would hate to lose but is he better than Mariota? That's the question I believe the club would be considering. Mooney simply has to play NRL this season if he is to stay, but I can't see him getting many opportunities.

Only way I can see Mooney staying is if Papalii retires at the end of the year. Not because we can't afford him, but because we can't offer him an opportunity.

My rating of the middles has him down the pecking order.

Tapine
Horse
Papalii
Smithies
Mariota
Puru
Mooney
Guler
Saulo
Hola

The fact a deal hasn't been announced yet is a bit of a concern.

But the question is really... is he better than Saulo (yes, imo) and Guler- also a yes, considering what we want from a bench prop with Taps, Papa, Hors, Mariota around and Smithies or Puru at lock (smaller, mobile, high workrate). Papa can do steady if we need it. Hors is reliable these days. Tarps does it all. We don't need "meh" in Guler and Saulo. I'd back the punch of Mooney. All the rest are seasoned pro's.

[Bluesbrother]

I can't see us keeping Mooney. Much like the Cowboys won't be able to keep all thier backrowers.

He is an outstanding player who I would hate to lose but is he better than Mariota? That's the question I believe the club would be considering. Mooney simply has to play NRL this season if he is to stay, but I can't see him getting many opportunities.

Only way I can see Mooney staying is if Papalii retires at the end of the year. Not because we can't afford him, but because we can't offer him an opportunity.

My rating of the middles has him down the pecking order.

Tapine
Horse
Papalii
Smithies
Mariota
Puru
Mooney
Guler
Saulo
Hola

The fact a deal hasn't been announced yet is a bit of a concern.

But the question is really... is he better than Saulo (yes, imo) and Guler- also a yes, considering what we want from a bench prop with Taps, Papa, Hors, Mariota around and Smithies or Puru at lock (smaller, mobile, high workrate). Papa can do steady if we need it. Hors is reliable these days. Tarps does it all. We don't need "meh" in Guler and Saulo. I'd back the punch of Mooney. All the rest are seasoned pro's.

I agree with that assessment. I wonder if he would though - I think he could start at a number of clubs and I am sure he does too.

Manly, Dragons, Dogs, Sharks - Warriors in 25, Storm, Dolphins, Cowboys. Plenty of clubs that he would at least be immeadiately in their 17 if not starting.

[Matt]

I can't see us keeping Mooney. Much like the Cowboys won't be able to keep all thier backrowers.

He is an outstanding player who I would hate to lose but is he better than Mariota? That's the question I believe the club would be considering. Mooney simply has to play NRL this season if he is to stay, but I can't see him getting many opportunities.

Only way I can see Mooney staying is if Papalii retires at the end of the year. Not because we can't afford him, but because we can't offer him an opportunity.

My rating of the middles has him down the pecking order.

Tapine
Horse
Papalii
Smithies
Mariota
Puru
Mooney
Guler
Saulo
Hola

The fact a deal hasn't been announced yet is a bit of a concern.

But the question is really... is he better than Saulo (yes, imo) and Guler- also a yes, considering what we want from a bench prop with Taps, Papa, Hors, Mariota around and Smithies or Puru at lock (smaller, mobile, high workrate). Papa can do steady if we need it. Hors is reliable these days. Tarps does it all. We don't need "meh" in Guler and Saulo. I'd back the punch of Mooney. All the rest are seasoned pro's.

I agree with that assessment. I wonder if he would though - I think he could start at a number of clubs and I am sure he does too.

Manly, Dragons, Dogs, Sharks - Warriors in 25, Storm, Dolphins, Cowboys. Plenty of clubs that he would at least be immeadiately in their 17 if not starting.

Sharks... they have middles, most are they same body shape in Uele, Kaufusi, Hunt, Rudolf, and are adding another in AFB next yr - hence u saying NZ will have an opening I assume. Funicane and McInnes are their 13 options. Mooney might be 4th, but more likely 5th or 6th here, meaning 17-19.

Dolphins also have too many middles - Fleg, Bromwich x2, Wallace, Gilbert, Nicholls, Kerr, Stone, Teague (their ex-Panthers 13 or utility 9 ). Those 1st 6 are pretty handy. So, Mooney would probably be 6th at best here. Outside the 17.

[BadnMean]

I can't see us keeping Mooney. Much like the Cowboys won't be able to keep all thier backrowers.

He is an outstanding player who I would hate to lose but is he better than Mariota? That's the question I believe the club would be considering. Mooney simply has to play NRL this season if he is to stay, but I can't see him getting many opportunities.

Only way I can see Mooney staying is if Papalii retires at the end of the year. Not because we can't afford him, but because we can't offer him an opportunity.

My rating of the middles has him down the pecking order.

Tapine
Horse
Papalii
Smithies
Mariota
Puru
Mooney
Guler
Saulo
Hola

The fact a deal hasn't been announced yet is a bit of a concern.

But the question is really... is he better than Saulo (yes, imo) and Guler- also a yes, considering what we want from a bench prop with Taps, Papa, Hors, Mariota around and Smithies or Puru at lock (smaller, mobile, high workrate). Papa can do steady if we need it. Hors is reliable these days. Tarps does it all. We don't need "meh" in Guler and Saulo. I'd back the punch of Mooney. All the rest are seasoned pro's.

I agree with that assessment. I wonder if he would though - I think he could start at a number of clubs and I am sure he does too.

Manly, Dragons, Dogs, Sharks - Warriors in 25, Storm, Dolphins, Cowboys. Plenty of clubs that he would at least be immeadiately in their 17 if not starting.

Sharks... they have middles, most are they same body shape in Uele, Kaufusi, Hunt, Rudolf, and are adding another in AFB next yr - hence u saying NZ will have an opening I assume. Funicane and McInnes are their 13 options. Mooney might be 4th, but more likely 5th or 6th here, meaning 17-19.

Dolphins also have too many middles - Fleg, Bromwich x2, Wallace, Gilbert, Nicholls, Kerr, Stone, Teague (their ex-Panthers 13 or utility 9 ). Those 1st 6 are pretty handy. So, Mooney would probably be 6th at best here. Outside the 17.

There's having a middle who is exists and then having middles vs who he might be better than as a whole other thing. I think the point there's a few clubs to be very interested stands. I'd take him over many of the middles even mentioned + the clubs not disputed.

[Bluesbrother]

I can't see us keeping Mooney. Much like the Cowboys won't be able to keep all thier backrowers.

He is an outstanding player who I would hate to lose but is he better than Mariota? That's the question I believe the club would be considering. Mooney simply has to play NRL this season if he is to stay, but I can't see him getting many opportunities.

Only way I can see Mooney staying is if Papalii retires at the end of the year. Not because we can't afford him, but because we can't offer him an opportunity.

My rating of the middles has him down the pecking order.

Tapine
Horse
Papalii
Smithies
Mariota
Puru
Mooney
Guler
Saulo
Hola

The fact a deal hasn't been announced yet is a bit of a concern.

But the question is really... is he better than Saulo (yes, imo) and Guler- also a yes, considering what we want from a bench prop with Taps, Papa, Hors, Mariota around and Smithies or Puru at lock (smaller, mobile, high workrate). Papa can do steady if we need it. Hors is reliable these days. Tarps does it all. We don't need "meh" in Guler and Saulo. I'd back the punch of Mooney. All the rest are seasoned pro's.

I agree with that assessment. I wonder if he would though - I think he could start at a number of clubs and I am sure he does too.

Manly, Dragons, Dogs, Sharks - Warriors in 25, Storm, Dolphins, Cowboys. Plenty of clubs that he would at least be immeadiately in their 17 if not starting.

Sharks... they have middles, most are they same body shape in Uele, Kaufusi, Hunt, Rudolf, and are adding another in AFB next yr - hence u saying NZ will have an opening I assume. Funicane and McInnes are their 13 options. Mooney might be 4th, but more likely 5th or 6th here, meaning 17-19.

Dolphins also have too many middles - Fleg, Bromwich x2, Wallace, Gilbert, Nicholls, Kerr, Stone, Teague (their ex-Panthers 13 or utility 9 ). Those 1st 6 are pretty handy. So, Mooney would probably be 6th at best here. Outside the 17.

Matt, the paper thin argument you just provided still leaves 6 clubs. Of those Dolphins plodders you mention at least 3 are close to retirement. Kaufusi, Hunt and Rudolph are borderline NRL players. Trey Mooney is a potential representative forward.

[Lui_Bon]

I can't see us keeping Mooney. Much like the Cowboys won't be able to keep all thier backrowers.

He is an outstanding player who I would hate to lose but is he better than Mariota? That's the question I believe the club would be considering. Mooney simply has to play NRL this season if he is to stay, but I can't see him getting many opportunities.

Only way I can see Mooney staying is if Papalii retires at the end of the year. Not because we can't afford him, but because we can't offer him an opportunity.

My rating of the middles has him down the pecking order.

Tapine
Horse
Papalii
Smithies
Mariota
Puru
Mooney
Guler
Saulo
Hola

The fact a deal hasn't been announced yet is a bit of a concern.

But the question is really... is he better than Saulo (yes, imo) and Guler- also a yes, considering what we want from a bench prop with Taps, Papa, Hors, Mariota around and Smithies or Puru at lock (smaller, mobile, high workrate). Papa can do steady if we need it. Hors is reliable these days. Tarps does it all. We don't need "meh" in Guler and Saulo. I'd back the punch of Mooney. All the rest are seasoned pro's.

I agree with that assessment. I wonder if he would though - I think he could start at a number of clubs and I am sure he does too.

Manly, Dragons, Dogs, Sharks - Warriors in 25, Storm, Dolphins, Cowboys. Plenty of clubs that he would at least be immeadiately in their 17 if not starting.

Sharks... they have middles, most are they same body shape in Uele, Kaufusi, Hunt, Rudolf, and are adding another in AFB next yr - hence u saying NZ will have an opening I assume. Funicane and McInnes are their 13 options. Mooney might be 4th, but more likely 5th or 6th here, meaning 17-19.

Dolphins also have too many middles - Fleg, Bromwich x2, Wallace, Gilbert, Nicholls, Kerr, Stone, Teague (their ex-Panthers 13 or utility 9 ). Those 1st 6 are pretty handy. So, Mooney would probably be 6th at best here. Outside the 17.

Matt, the paper thin argument you just provided still leaves 6 clubs. Of those Dolphins plodders you mention at least 3 are close to retirement. Kaufusi, Hunt and Rudolph are borderline NRL players. Trey Mooney is a potential representative forward.

Kaufusi and Hunt are already representative forwards. Put the bong down.

[Matt]

I can't see us keeping Mooney. Much like the Cowboys won't be able to keep all thier backrowers.

He is an outstanding player who I would hate to lose but is he better than Mariota? That's the question I believe the club would be considering. Mooney simply has to play NRL this season if he is to stay, but I can't see him getting many opportunities.

Only way I can see Mooney staying is if Papalii retires at the end of the year. Not because we can't afford him, but because we can't offer him an opportunity.

My rating of the middles has him down the pecking order.

Tapine
Horse
Papalii
Smithies
Mariota
Puru
Mooney
Guler
Saulo
Hola

The fact a deal hasn't been announced yet is a bit of a concern.

But the question is really... is he better than Saulo (yes, imo) and Guler- also a yes, considering what we want from a bench prop with Taps, Papa, Hors, Mariota around and Smithies or Puru at lock (smaller, mobile, high workrate). Papa can do steady if we need it. Hors is reliable these days. Tarps does it all. We don't need "meh" in Guler and Saulo. I'd back the punch of Mooney. All the rest are seasoned pro's.

I agree with that assessment. I wonder if he would though - I think he could start at a number of clubs and I am sure he does too.

Manly, Dragons, Dogs, Sharks - Warriors in 25, Storm, Dolphins, Cowboys. Plenty of clubs that he would at least be immeadiately in their 17 if not starting.

Sharks... they have middles, most are they same body shape in Uele, Kaufusi, Hunt, Rudolf, and are adding another in AFB next yr - hence u saying NZ will have an opening I assume. Funicane and McInnes are their 13 options. Mooney might be 4th, but more likely 5th or 6th here, meaning 17-19.

Dolphins also have too many middles - Fleg, Bromwich x2, Wallace, Gilbert, Nicholls, Kerr, Stone, Teague (their ex-Panthers 13 or utility 9 ). Those 1st 6 are pretty handy. So, Mooney would probably be 6th at best here. Outside the 17.

Matt, the paper thin argument you just provided still leaves 6 clubs. Of those Dolphins plodders you mention at least 3 are close to retirement. Kaufusi, Hunt and Rudolph are borderline NRL players. Trey Mooney is a potential representative forward.

Whitehead is close to retirement too, but he'll keep young blokes out all yr too. Wayne Bennett plays from the same playbook BTW. He picks blokes who've done it for him before.

As for rep players Lui Bon covered it.

So if its 6 clubs, say 6. Do your research.

[Bluesbrother]

But the question is really... is he better than Saulo (yes, imo) and Guler- also a yes, considering what we want from a bench prop with Taps, Papa, Hors, Mariota around and Smithies or Puru at lock (smaller, mobile, high workrate). Papa can do steady if we need it. Hors is reliable these days. Tarps does it all. We don't need "meh" in Guler and Saulo. I'd back the punch of Mooney. All the rest are seasoned pro's.

I agree with that assessment. I wonder if he would though - I think he could start at a number of clubs and I am sure he does too.

Manly, Dragons, Dogs, Sharks - Warriors in 25, Storm, Dolphins, Cowboys. Plenty of clubs that he would at least be immeadiately in their 17 if not starting.

Sharks... they have middles, most are they same body shape in Uele, Kaufusi, Hunt, Rudolf, and are adding another in AFB next yr - hence u saying NZ will have an opening I assume. Funicane and McInnes are their 13 options. Mooney might be 4th, but more likely 5th or 6th here, meaning 17-19.

Dolphins also have too many middles - Fleg, Bromwich x2, Wallace, Gilbert, Nicholls, Kerr, Stone, Teague (their ex-Panthers 13 or utility 9 ). Those 1st 6 are pretty handy. So, Mooney would probably be 6th at best here. Outside the 17.

Matt, the paper thin argument you just provided still leaves 6 clubs. Of those Dolphins plodders you mention at least 3 are close to retirement. Kaufusi, Hunt and Rudolph are borderline NRL players. Trey Mooney is a potential representative forward.

Whitehead is close to retirement too, but he'll keep young blokes out all yr too. Wayne Bennett plays from the same playbook BTW. He picks blokes who've done it for him before.

As for rep players Lui Bon covered it.

So if its 6 clubs, say 6. Do your research.

I'll stick with the 8. Hunt and Kaufusi are B grade rep players. They would all take Trey Mooney.

Whitehead isn't the same position as Mooney. Do your research.

[Matt]

I agree with that assessment. I wonder if he would though - I think he could start at a number of clubs and I am sure he does too.

Manly, Dragons, Dogs, Sharks - Warriors in 25, Storm, Dolphins, Cowboys. Plenty of clubs that he would at least be immeadiately in their 17 if not starting.

Sharks... they have middles, most are they same body shape in Uele, Kaufusi, Hunt, Rudolf, and are adding another in AFB next yr - hence u saying NZ will have an opening I assume. Funicane and McInnes are their 13 options. Mooney might be 4th, but more likely 5th or 6th here, meaning 17-19.

Dolphins also have too many middles - Fleg, Bromwich x2, Wallace, Gilbert, Nicholls, Kerr, Stone, Teague (their ex-Panthers 13 or utility 9 ). Those 1st 6 are pretty handy. So, Mooney would probably be 6th at best here. Outside the 17.

Matt, the paper thin argument you just provided still leaves 6 clubs. Of those Dolphins plodders you mention at least 3 are close to retirement. Kaufusi, Hunt and Rudolph are borderline NRL players. Trey Mooney is a potential representative forward.

Whitehead is close to retirement too, but he'll keep young blokes out all yr too. Wayne Bennett plays from the same playbook BTW. He picks blokes who've done it for him before.

As for rep players Lui Bon covered it.

So if its 6 clubs, say 6. Do your research.

I'll stick with the 8. Hunt and Kaufusi are B grade rep players. They would all take Trey Mooney.

Whitehead isn't the same position as Mooney. Do your research.

You mentioned retiring players. I gave you a Canberra example, sure different position, but comparison stands, hence the addition of the coach note. Mooney wouldn't be a walk up start in Bennett's 17.

I'm less sure about it for Fitz, but don't think he is. Fitz likes both those guys, so doubt he does.

Again, it's 6.

[Bluesbrother]

Sharks... they have middles, most are they same body shape in Uele, Kaufusi, Hunt, Rudolf, and are adding another in AFB next yr - hence u saying NZ will have an opening I assume. Funicane and McInnes are their 13 options. Mooney might be 4th, but more likely 5th or 6th here, meaning 17-19.

Dolphins also have too many middles - Fleg, Bromwich x2, Wallace, Gilbert, Nicholls, Kerr, Stone, Teague (their ex-Panthers 13 or utility 9 ). Those 1st 6 are pretty handy. So, Mooney would probably be 6th at best here. Outside the 17.

Matt, the paper thin argument you just provided still leaves 6 clubs. Of those Dolphins plodders you mention at least 3 are close to retirement. Kaufusi, Hunt and Rudolph are borderline NRL players. Trey Mooney is a potential representative forward.

Whitehead is close to retirement too, but he'll keep young blokes out all yr too. Wayne Bennett plays from the same playbook BTW. He picks blokes who've done it for him before.

As for rep players Lui Bon covered it.

So if its 6 clubs, say 6. Do your research.

I'll stick with the 8. Hunt and Kaufusi are B grade rep players. They would all take Trey Mooney.

Whitehead isn't the same position as Mooney. Do your research.

You mentioned retiring players. I gave you a Canberra example, sure different position, but comparison stands, hence the addition of the coach note. Mooney wouldn't be a walk up start in Bennett's 17.

I'm less sure about it for Fitz, but don't think he is. Fitz likes both those guys, so doubt he does.

Again, it's 6.

What's your actual point though? It's quite obvious Trey would be in demand and get more game time elsewhere. You can nitpick all you like but what point are you actually making?

[Matt]

Matt, the paper thin argument you just provided still leaves 6 clubs. Of those Dolphins plodders you mention at least 3 are close to retirement. Kaufusi, Hunt and Rudolph are borderline NRL players. Trey Mooney is a potential representative forward.

Whitehead is close to retirement too, but he'll keep young blokes out all yr too. Wayne Bennett plays from the same playbook BTW. He picks blokes who've done it for him before.

As for rep players Lui Bon covered it.

So if its 6 clubs, say 6. Do your research.

I'll stick with the 8. Hunt and Kaufusi are B grade rep players. They would all take Trey Mooney.

Whitehead isn't the same position as Mooney. Do your research.

You mentioned retiring players. I gave you a Canberra example, sure different position, but comparison stands, hence the addition of the coach note. Mooney wouldn't be a walk up start in Bennett's 17.

I'm less sure about it for Fitz, but don't think he is. Fitz likes both those guys, so doubt he does.

Again, it's 6.

What's your actual point though? It's quite obvious Trey would be in demand and get more game time elsewhere. You can nitpick all you like but what point are you actually making?

It's 6 sides, not 8.

[Botman]

2,4,6,8,10,12

It doesnt matter. It's a use it or lose it league now
Me, personally, i'd like to use Trey Mooney over losing him. Papa, Tapine, Smithies* Hors and Ata, every minute a middle forward gets over a healthy Trey Mooney is a minute wasted.

* assuming he can play at NRL level. I dont know that just now, just making an assumption he can

[Bluesbrother]

2,4,6,8,10,12

It doesnt matter. It's a use it or lose it league now
Me, personally, i'd like to use Trey Mooney over losing him. Papa, Tapine, Smithies* Hors and Ata, every minute a middle forward gets over a healthy Trey Mooney is a minute wasted.

* assuming he can play at NRL level. I dont know that just now, just making an assumption he can

100% agree. Just not sure where he fits in to our 17 given the names you just listed.

[Botman]

Injury, suspension, rep duties will all come into play there and create opportunities for Mooney and it's going to be important that, if available it is indeed Trey Mooney, not Saulo or Guler getting those opportunities.

He is clearly too good for NSW Cup and he's too damn talented to risk losing because we gave minutes to steady floor/low ceiling players like Guler and Saulo. And i stress again, i like those guys. They're good players who would be in a lot of top 17's around the NRL. But for us, where we are and what our trajectory looks like, Mooney has got to be prioritised as far as FG minutes go

[The Ang]

Could it be possible we signed smithies because stick and co. Know mooney will be in a different jersey next year? I really hope not

[Billy Walker]

Nothing against Mooney but the nature of this discussion probably says a fair bit. There was no discussion about how to fit a teenage Brad Clyde into the team he just smashed the door down. Some of the names ahead of Mooney aren’t going to end up in Halls of Fame. If the kid needs a string of rep selections, injuries and suspension to fall in place to get a run in a team some are tipping for the spoon…….

[greeneyed]

Perhaps Tim Sheens had good vision.

[NoMan]

Could it be possible we signed smithies because stick and co. Know mooney will be in a different jersey next year? I really hope not

He is off contract so if had signed elsewhere I would think it would've been announced. Long odds he stays I reckon though.

[dubby]

Nothing against Mooney but the nature of this discussion probably says a fair bit. There was no discussion about how to fit a teenage Brad Clyde into the team he just smashed the door down. Some of the names ahead of Mooney aren’t going to end up in Halls of Fame. If the kid needs a string of rep selections, injuries and suspension to fall in place to get a run in a team some are tipping for the spoon…….

Mooney is a talent.

But he needs to fight for that position, not assume it's his imo

[Billy Walker]

Nothing against Mooney but the nature of this discussion probably says a fair bit. There was no discussion about how to fit a teenage Brad Clyde into the team he just smashed the door down. Some of the names ahead of Mooney aren’t going to end up in Halls of Fame. If the kid needs a string of rep selections, injuries and suspension to fall in place to get a run in a team some are tipping for the spoon…….

Mooney is a talent.

But he needs to fight for that position, not assume it's his imo

I agree Dubby - my point is that if he can’t jump the queue given a few of the names ahead of him then that raises a few questions in my mind.

[julian87]

But the question is really... is he better than Saulo (yes, imo) and Guler- also a yes, considering what we want from a bench prop with Taps, Papa, Hors, Mariota around and Smithies or Puru at lock (smaller, mobile, high workrate). Papa can do steady if we need it. Hors is reliable these days. Tarps does it all. We don't need "meh" in Guler and Saulo. I'd back the punch of Mooney. All the rest are seasoned pro's.

I agree with that assessment. I wonder if he would though - I think he could start at a number of clubs and I am sure he does too.

Manly, Dragons, Dogs, Sharks - Warriors in 25, Storm, Dolphins, Cowboys. Plenty of clubs that he would at least be immeadiately in their 17 if not starting.

Sharks... they have middles, most are they same body shape in Uele, Kaufusi, Hunt, Rudolf, and are adding another in AFB next yr - hence u saying NZ will have an opening I assume. Funicane and McInnes are their 13 options. Mooney might be 4th, but more likely 5th or 6th here, meaning 17-19.

Dolphins also have too many middles - Fleg, Bromwich x2, Wallace, Gilbert, Nicholls, Kerr, Stone, Teague (their ex-Panthers 13 or utility 9 ). Those 1st 6 are pretty handy. So, Mooney would probably be 6th at best here. Outside the 17.

Matt, the paper thin argument you just provided still leaves 6 clubs. Of those Dolphins plodders you mention at least 3 are close to retirement. Kaufusi, Hunt and Rudolph are borderline NRL players. Trey Mooney is a potential representative forward.

Kaufusi and Hunt are already representative forwards. Put the bong down.

It’s a slippery slope calling blokes who’ve played for the Pacific Island nations ‘rep players’.

[dubby]

I agree with that assessment. I wonder if he would though - I think he could start at a number of clubs and I am sure he does too.

Manly, Dragons, Dogs, Sharks - Warriors in 25, Storm, Dolphins, Cowboys. Plenty of clubs that he would at least be immeadiately in their 17 if not starting.

Sharks... they have middles, most are they same body shape in Uele, Kaufusi, Hunt, Rudolf, and are adding another in AFB next yr - hence u saying NZ will have an opening I assume. Funicane and McInnes are their 13 options. Mooney might be 4th, but more likely 5th or 6th here, meaning 17-19.

Dolphins also have too many middles - Fleg, Bromwich x2, Wallace, Gilbert, Nicholls, Kerr, Stone, Teague (their ex-Panthers 13 or utility 9 ). Those 1st 6 are pretty handy. So, Mooney would probably be 6th at best here. Outside the 17.

Matt, the paper thin argument you just provided still leaves 6 clubs. Of those Dolphins plodders you mention at least 3 are close to retirement. Kaufusi, Hunt and Rudolph are borderline NRL players. Trey Mooney is a potential representative forward.

Kaufusi and Hunt are already representative forwards. Put the bong down.

It’s a slippery slope calling blokes who’ve played for the Pacific Island nations ‘rep players’.

Yeah. Danny Levi springs to mind.

[President Clinton]

How average is Toby Rudolf. It’s hard to think of a more uninspiring starting prop.

Luke Stuart springs to mind.

[-TW-]

Sharks... they have middles, most are they same body shape in Uele, Kaufusi, Hunt, Rudolf, and are adding another in AFB next yr - hence u saying NZ will have an opening I assume. Funicane and McInnes are their 13 options. Mooney might be 4th, but more likely 5th or 6th here, meaning 17-19.

Dolphins also have too many middles - Fleg, Bromwich x2, Wallace, Gilbert, Nicholls, Kerr, Stone, Teague (their ex-Panthers 13 or utility 9 ). Those 1st 6 are pretty handy. So, Mooney would probably be 6th at best here. Outside the 17.

Matt, the paper thin argument you just provided still leaves 6 clubs. Of those Dolphins plodders you mention at least 3 are close to retirement. Kaufusi, Hunt and Rudolph are borderline NRL players. Trey Mooney is a potential representative forward.

Kaufusi and Hunt are already representative forwards. Put the bong down.

It’s a slippery slope calling blokes who’ve played for the Pacific Island nations ‘rep players’.

Yeah. Danny Levi springs to mind.

In Levi's defence he played for New Zealand as well as Samoa

[dubby]

How average is Toby Rudolf. It’s hard to think of a more uninspiring starting prop.

Luke Stuart springs to mind.

That fat bloke from STG

Sent from my SM-G991B using Tapatalk

[dubby]

Matt, the paper thin argument you just provided still leaves 6 clubs. Of those Dolphins plodders you mention at least 3 are close to retirement. Kaufusi, Hunt and Rudolph are borderline NRL players. Trey Mooney is a potential representative forward.

Kaufusi and Hunt are already representative forwards. Put the bong down.

It’s a slippery slope calling blokes who’ve played for the Pacific Island nations ‘rep players’.

Yeah. Danny Levi springs to mind.

In Levi's defence he played for New Zealand as well as Samoa

Yeah so did Bill Tupou

Sent from my SM-G991B using Tapatalk

[-TW-]

Blake Lawrie averaged 135m a game last year, roughly 50m more than Emre Guler..