Recruitment and Retention for 2026

[Eric]

Does the Va'a release mean the Rorters are making room for KK? Lets face it, they are the only club who can release a reserve grader and replace him with an Australian rep.

Let's not besmirch the good name of the Rorters. They typically let a veteran like Crighton go to sign best young player in that position and say the latter is taking the formers money.

They only occasionally let a reserve grader go to sign the best Aus rep.

 

[Morgan]

Watched his somehow younger brother play for storm JF this year and all I can say is he is one of the biggest humans I’ve seen in person. Really skillful for a big bloke too. Watched him single handily take down Penrith.

That's what struck me about his older brother. A good step for someone his size. Would compliment LPT really well but we'll have to do with Blake Lawrie for now. Though both Couchman's also have really good footwork. Just a different kind of body shape to Tigers Pole. Couchman's probably weigh more.

I honestly don't see the desperate need for a prop. Halves and wingers are a much bigger concern.

 

[Justadragon]

That's what struck me about his older brother. A good step for someone his size. Would compliment LPT really well but we'll have to do with Blake Lawrie for now. Though both Couchman's also have really good footwork. Just a different kind of body shape to Tigers Pole. Couchman's probably weigh more.

I honestly don't see the desperate need for a prop. Halves and wingers are a much bigger concern.

Until they step out for that first game in Vegas Morgan we are such an unknown entity.

 

[Ryan]

That's what struck me about his older brother. A good step for someone his size. Would compliment LPT really well but we'll have to do with Blake Lawrie for now. Though both Couchman's also have really good footwork. Just a different kind of body shape to Tigers Pole. Couchman's probably weigh more.

I honestly don't see the desperate need for a prop. Halves and wingers are a much bigger concern.

I remember Flanno talking about body shapes, not just size or lack of which is important. A short, very solid prop would compliment the Couchmans and LPT well though KK isn't that so not too sure.

 

[Justadragon]

I remember Flanno talking about body shapes, not just size or lack of which is important. A short, very solid prop would compliment the Couchmans and LPT well though KK isn't that so not too sure.

It's difficult to see whats what these days, props need to be more athletic etc. If you take Lawrie for instance his body shape now is certainly not cutting it in the NRL, but a few years back we all thought he was great.

 

[jodragon40]

So Mug Fan just so I understand these players that have been previously mentioned in this thread.

Shadi Hammoud, Daniel Meafou, Ryan Hutchinson, Jacob Webster, Jarrah Treweek, Dylan Coutts, Haele Finau.

Now these players are on a train and trial contract. Hence unless special permission from the powers to be is granted due to injury crisis etc then these players couldn't be selected in 1sts until round 11, no matter how good they are, is that correct?

 

[Mug Fan]

So Mug Fan just so I understand these players that have been previously mentioned in this thread.

Shadi Hammoud, Daniel Meafou, Ryan Hutchinson, Jacob Webster, Jarrah Treweek, Dylan Coutts, Haele Finau.

Now these players are on a train and trial contract. Hence unless special permission from the powers to be is granted due to injury crisis etc then these players couldn't be selected in 1sts until round 11, no matter how good they are, is that correct?

There's a few other on that list, Tom Kirk Charlie Heidke.
Correct with round 11, but there will be 1 spot on the top 30 open so if anyone stands out they could be promoted.

 

[Dragons Chris]

There's a few other on that list, Tom Kirk Charlie Heidke.
Correct with round 11, but there will be 1 spot on the top 30 open so if anyone stands out they could be promoted.

Charlie Heidke please!
But I thought Jesse Williams was in front of Charlie Heidke and Tom Kirk.
Either way, good to see a few young outside backs joining the young forwards now or in the near future.

 

[jodragon40]

There's a few other on that list, Tom Kirk Charlie Heidke.
Correct with round 11, but there will be 1 spot on the top 30 open so if anyone stands out they could be promoted.

Cheers

 

[Ryan]

Things have gone very quiet regarding KK. I wonder if it means he has signed and it will be announced after the 10 day cooling off period.

 

[Mailroomsgi]

I wouldn’t trust any tabloids really, fox sports reported that Hamish Stewart was weighing up an offer from the Bears and 24 hours later it’s announced he’s extended til 2029

Unless Michael Chammas (Best journo in the game) reports it, take everything with a pinch of salt

 

[jodragon40]

I wouldn’t trust any tabloids really, fox sports reported that Hamish Stewart was weighing up an offer from the Bears and 24 hours later it’s announced he’s extended til 2029

Unless Michael Chammas (Best journo in the game) reports it, take everything with a pinch of salt

Apparently Mug Fan has a high opinion of 'The Mole' as being a reputable journo maybe not. Yes a great majority just make things up to get airtime. And always involves our club for some reason.

 

[Justadragon]

Things have gone very quiet regarding KK. I wonder if it means he has signed and it will be announced after the 10 day cooling off period.

As Mug Fan has suggested probably dont expect anything until we are in the new year.