2027 TOP 19

[Close to the Edge]

Just wondering about your opinions regarding Will Penisini, who is off-contract, as a potential signing.
Even though he missed half of '26 through injury his stats (especially offloads and tackle-breaks) were impressive.
He's 180 cm and 101kg and is only 24, so there's plenty of years left in him.
Could do worse for a centre. Like Atkinson or, apparently, Buchanan.

 

[RedV01]

Just wondering about your opinions regarding Will Penisini, who is off-contract, as a potential signing.
Even though he missed half of '26 through injury his stats (especially offloads and tackle-breaks) were impressive.
He's 180 cm and 101kg and is only 24, so there's plenty of years left in him.
Could do worse for a centre. Like Atkinson or, apparently, Buchanan.

Bit too much like CT for me. Big, slow outside back. We have had far too many of them over the last decade.

 

[Jaz20]

Been a good weekend for Sloan at the Koori Knockout (final on now).

He scored a match winner in the quarter final off a set play he organised. Also shown a long kicking game and more of the tough stuff he was developing in 2026.

On the flip side, has been extremely clever in behind the defensive line, filling in at A defender frequently and covering lots of ground.

I know he has burnt us a lot over the years but man.. I just want to see him spend a couple more years here under a coach who finally gives him confidence.

 

[dragonheart]

Agree with you Jazz, I was a critic of his over a long period until those games under Deano he improved so much and then from nowhere the glorious field goal to win the game. ......... yes he's 24 and fast and is now showing us all his true potential.

 

[Jaz20]

And probably unfair not to give TPH his flowers - been playing on the wing for WAR, lots of time outside Naden. Scored a nice try off a Sloan cut-out. He is the toughest player I've seen in my time. Been hit high at least 6 or 7 times, just doesn't ever seem phased. Bounces around in contact, somehow manages 3-4 PCM most hit ups.

I still think his height (and he can't weigh more than 80kg) will stop him ever making it at first grade level but it'd be such a shame if so.

 

[dragonheart]

Sloan is playing like he wants to be involved unlike before.

 

[dragonheart]

Yep TPH is one tough cookie, not sure where he could play in the 1st team, maybe hooker or bench cover.