2026 recruitment & retention

[stoodamire]

Agree with a lot of this - i still think he's on a trajectory to make it as a 13. He only just turned 24 and his physicality has improved a lot this year.

I can't recall Burbo breaking a tackle or creating a line break himself.

 

[Leighbra]

We should be going all in for Corey Paix, plus adding some front row depth by chasing Lazarus Vaalepu and Ativalu Lisati from the Strom.. We need to be chasing players from good systems with decent wining cultures

 

[madmax]

Fermor is almost Origin quality so yeah obviously he is a better player currently. But still strongly believe Ben is not slow nor cumbersome and is a quality player still improving his game. In a Panthers or Storm system, he wouldn't take long to fit right in

Sorry to disagree mate. I just can’t see Brbo getting any better. I hope I’m wrong to be honest…

 

[Cliffy's Jockstrap]

I feel like the last say four or five games I could be getting "prop vibes" from Ben. He has a good build for a modern prop, is going to keep getting heavier and stronger, I have felt he looked rather aggressive in a couple of games. I think he moves toward the middle, one way or other.

 

[Ron E. Gibbs]

I feel like the last say four or five games I could be getting "prop vibes" from Ben.

That's funny - I gert the same vibes from watching Tom.

Jokes aside, I think you might be right about Ben. If he keeps getting bigger, he might end up in the middle.

 

[Cliffy's Jockstrap]

That's funny - I gert the same vibes from watching Tom.

Jokes aside, I think you might be right about Ben. If he keeps getting bigger, he might end up in the middle.

LOL I thought about Tom too, won't lie to you!!

 

[Cliffycomeback]

Ben is one of the few players putting in, developing nicely, and would still be an asset in any of the best teams in the comp - watch him closely and he's doing a lot right, and getting increasingly imposing. Still a way to go, but a good player.

He, Haumole, Tolu, Rubes (wing), Nella, and Bullemor are the only guys that I would consider high quality at this stage.

I also reckon Simpkin, Talau and Hoppa can get to this level shortly.

Taukeiaho, Tom and Jake good to have around for a bit longer in the meantime.

Add Fogarty.

Hopefully Navale, Walsh, Laiafi, Mafoa,
Muagututia, Hart, Large? ready to play serious minutes next year.

There's 20 guys I would be happy to support. Unfortunately, that's half a full squad, when you consider age/development contracts.

The rest are barely NSW Cup quality.

Recruiting Turpin, Wilson etc standard players does absolutely nothing to improve such a lacking squad. Our recruitment team should be taking half a salary for half a squad

Ben is going to be good. I like the way his development is tracking. He has a nasty streak also which is nice.

 

[Cochrane]

So I understand manly recently got a recruitment manager in, but more importantly they need to get a move on regarding who is coach in 2027 (or even 2026), so that this coach can have a say and players know who the coach will be when manly go out recruiting.

Also ensures the new coach is closer to having the squad he wants without having to further undo manlys recruitment for remainder of this year and next.

 

[nightster]

Manly signing ageing middles who used to be good goes back to 2015, when we got Willie Mason. Since then there's been Myles, Mateo, Woods, Brown, TKO
It's become quite a tradition

don't forget the other Burgii

 

[Brookie1973]

So I understand manly recently got a recruitment manager in, but more importantly they need to get a move on regarding who is coach in 2027 (or even 2026), so that this coach can have a say and players know who the coach will be when manly go out recruiting.

Also ensures the new coach is closer to having the squad he wants without having to further undo manlys recruitment for remainder of this year and next.

Good point. Seibold has said he’s done at end of 2026, so any new recruits would want to know who the next coach is. I still think they will anoint Ennis successor this offseason, likely with a move to fulltime assistant in 2026.

 

[double hoops]

Good point. Seibold has said he’s done at end of 2026, so any new recruits would want to know who the next coach is. I still think they will anoint Ennis successor this offseason, likely with a move to fulltime assistant in 2026.

Has he said that?

 

[Sheikheagle]

Good point. Seibold has said he’s done at end of 2026, so any new recruits would want to know who the next coach is. I still think they will anoint Ennis successor this offseason, likely with a move to fulltime assistant in 2026.

Yep whoever is the assistant in 2026 they will be head coach 2027.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

don't forget the other Burgii

Lol
I actually thought of him. But I don't think he was old! And he had never been a top player
So yeah, slightly different category - quintessential average player (and we've had a few of those too.)

I recall Tooves saying, back when he took over from Des as coach, that we'd have no salary cap space for at least the next few years. We seemed to get a small window in 2016, but that was it, and nil to speak of ever since.

But hopefully ... in 2027 ...

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

I feel like the last say four or five games I could be getting "prop vibes" from Ben. He has a good build for a modern prop, is going to keep getting heavier and stronger, I have felt he looked rather aggressive in a couple of games. I think he moves toward the middle, one way or other.

I've been saying this for a while. He could become a Yeo type, as he can pass the ball. Or if that's too optimistic, at least a Lindsay Smith type.

 

[Disco]

I can't recall Burbo breaking a tackle or creating a line break himself.

Burbo has 22 tackle busts and three line break assists this year

 

[The Who]

Burbo has 22 tackle busts and three line break assists this year

Burbo is one of the few players who have improved this year. The others, imo, are Koala, Simpkin, Bully and Guacca. I don't think Hoppa Jnr has matched the heights of 2024 but he is still young.
TKO has been good, much better than I expected, and Jazz has given plenty.
The injury to Tent was a huge blow to the team.
As for the rest of the players, 2025 will be remembered as another low point.