2026 recruitment & retention

[Cliffycomeback]

Maybe, and hopefully. The players we probably don't really expect to get back include Aloiai, Croker, Tevaga, Sipley, Lodge. Aloiai and Croker, frankly if they do come back they are crocked and will not last five games. Now none of those guys are exactly Glen Lazarus but they were doing a job for us. It is not exactly as though our reserve grade is beating at the door with compelling form. Take our Hooker worries for example: way things currently stand next year we have Simpkin and then very little back-up but hopes and wishes.

I think the Cup hooker looks good, he should be ready next year.

 

[ManlyTragic]

We absolutely need a refresh. But club need to not throw the baby out with the bath water.

….. no chance of that … they are all over 30!

Just sayin’

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Oh okay. Thanks @Mark from Brisbane

My pleasure

I use it fairly often if someone has said something earlier in the thread and I want them to see any update.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

I think the Cup hooker looks good, he should be ready next year.

Yeah what’s his name again ??

 

[Cliffycomeback]

Yeah what’s his name again ??

Google is your friend @Mark from Brisbane

 

[Cliffy's Jockstrap]

To clarify if anyone needs, I think we are discussing GCKT if I have navigated the NSWRL site correctly.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

To clarify if anyone needs, I think we are discussing GCKT if I have navigated the NSWRL site correctly.

No I think it’s the other guy , Zaidas M ( long name)

 

[Eagles4Life]

No I think it’s the other guy , Zaidas M ( long name)

Zaidas Muagututia @Mark from Brisbane I don't think GCKT will be with us next season, as we should have another hooker signed after this season ends. I would be happy with Corey Paix.

 

[HK_Eagle]

I see it is being reported the Dragons and Bulldogs are set to make big plays for Tino. How is our Manly $$$ looking. Because the dogs show zero signs of NOT having money to burn. $$$ get it done. At Manly the club will roll out a fluffy piece re resigning Jake and Turbo. That will keep the memberships renewing for another year.

Easy. Stop renewing memberships. Perhaps it’s the only thing that may motivate Penn to change some things or sell off.

 

[HK_Eagle]

Well we have just appointed the old roosters recruitment manager so hopefully he can bring some ‘financial’ acumen and skill to this role in the years ahead

He will find it a whole different ball game without the pipeline of discrete funds to support his activities.

 

[Golden Greek]

Well we have just appointed the old roosters recruitment manager so hopefully he can bring some ‘financial’ acumen and skill to this role in the years ahead

I hope its Nick Politis I can only dream !

 

[bob dylan]

I wish we could pick up Sandon Smith.

Should never rushed to grab Fogarty who turns 32 in December. Not that he won't be good for a season or two.

With Walsh coming through and Smith we could have developed our 6 and 7 for many seasons and parted company with Brooks at his contracts end.

We should not be looking any further than the Roosters for any recruitment. Including coach but especially forwards.

 

[Terry Zarsoff]

From the official website:

Faulalo extends stay at Sea Eagles

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are delighted to confirm a two year contract extension for talented outside back Clayton Faulalo.

www.seaeagles.com.au

 

[Tragic Eagle]

We absolutely need a refresh. But club need to not throw the baby out with the bath water.

Not too many babies in this lot.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

I don't think we are a terribly attractive proposition for younger players at present due to our coaching staff. Good coaches attract good players.

 

[Ohgeez]

Idk why people on here rate Sandon Smith, I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone throw dumber intercepts than him. Had the 1 great game on ANZAC round but that was a outlier

 

[Sheikheagle]

Idk why people on here rate Sandon Smith, I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone throw dumber intercepts than him. Had the 1 great game on ANZAC round but that was a outlier

Yeah nothing special.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

The club seems to be working quietly , extending the contracts of a few players but notably not others.

I doubt we’ll sign any superstars for 2026 but I’m hopeful we can pick up some potential young guns who are stuck behind players at the clubs they are with now. Humphreys was a great example of that , no chance at Manly so off to Souths for a run on position.

I think TKO will get another year , and Lodge as a cheapie is worth an extension ( hopefully backup only but you can never have too many props ).

If ( a very big IF) Jake takes a medical retirement , and obviously AoA is the same we really need a better than average Prop to partner Paseka & a lock ( maybe that’s Navale who knows ).

It appears Gordie lots of names will go to SL, so it’s either the current hooker in reserves ( Zaidas M) of we go shopping for a hooker as well.

I’d like to see another up and coming edge forward who could push Burbo a bit , Ola obviously takes one edge no issues.

So , we aren’t that short of players for 2026.

It’s going to be difficult with the Bears coming in but in 2027 the aim has to be two dynamic Props, with Lodge & TKO being released.

If we can snag two Props this year resign TKO, let Lodge go.

But replacing AoA is critical.

 

[47MVEagle]

I wish we could pick up Sandon Smith.

Should never rushed to grab Fogarty who turns 32 in December. Not that he won't be good for a season or two.

With Walsh coming through and Smith we could have developed our 6 and 7 for many seasons and parted company with Brooks at his contracts end.

We should not be looking any further than the Roosters for any recruitment. Including coach but especially forwards.

I think for a loooong time we have severely lacked what Fogarty will bring to the club next season, & that is a cool head under pressure & the ability to manage a game.

We've had a virtual revolving door policy of 5/8s over the past 10 years in an effort to accommodate DCE's inconsistent game "management" & Fogarty will help settle the team & allow others (like Brooks) to play their natural game.

Besides, contracts only mean something these days if both parties want them to - we've seen plenty of players & clubs breaking contracts in recent years, so Brooks (or Fogarty) won't necessarily prevent Walsh or Large from coming through to first grade when they're ready, but I like the idea of a steady, experienced player like Fogarty being there to mentor Walsh & Large when they do come through.

 

[Pete W]

The club seems to be working quietly , extending the contracts of a few players but notably not others.

I doubt we’ll sign any superstars for 2026 but I’m hopeful we can pick up some potential young guns who are stuck behind players at the clubs they are with now. Humphreys was a great example of that , no chance at Manly so off to Souths for a run on position.

I think TKO will get another year , and Lodge as a cheapie is worth an extension ( hopefully backup only but you can never have too many props ).

If ( a very big IF) Jake takes a medical retirement , and obviously AoA is the same we really need a better than average Prop to partner Paseka & a lock ( maybe that’s Navale who knows ).

It appears Gordie lots of names will go to SL, so it’s either the current hooker in reserves ( Zaidas M) of we go shopping for a hooker as well.

I’d like to see another up and coming edge forward who could push Burbo a bit , Ola obviously takes one edge no issues.

So , we aren’t that short of players for 2026.

It’s going to be difficult with the Bears coming in but in 2027 the aim has to be two dynamic Props, with Lodge & TKO being released.

If we can snag two Props this year resign TKO, let Lodge go.

But replacing AoA is critical.

Crosby and Fatialofa would be tremendous acquisitions all things considered. We are certainly in need of at least one prop and one edge forward that are young, powerful, mobile, fit, aggressive, and hungry. Both these guys would fill key missing pieces in our forward pack.

Paseka, Bullemor, Crosby with Laifai, Mafoa coming through, and experienced guys as depth/maintaining standards in Taukeiaho, Jake, Waddell would be a balanced prop rotation.

Dummy half and lock would be a combination of Simpkin, Navale, Muagututia with Ashton coming through, and experienced guys Croker, Brown for injury cover/presence etc

Edge forwards Ola'akautu, Trbojevic, Fatialofa with Hart, Dunford, Baruani coming through

Our coaching staff will also need a bit of a shake up to inspire and simplify