2026 recruitment & retention

[Rafferty]

To replace Lomax?

Plenty have gone and had great careers at the Eels, Watmough and Foran come to mind.

Code sports have reported, negotiations have tanked over offering Garrick a 2 year deal, his going to test the market come Nov 1st.

 

[eaglebuzz]

So burbo and hart in the second row. I pity the reserve graders playing opposite Olakau’atu.

One of Burbo and Hart would be on the bench. Didn't think that would need to be spelled out...

 

[Carl]

One of Burbo and Hart would be on the bench. Didn't think that would need to be spelled out...

It just made a good story the other way.

 

[bob dylan]

Code sports have reported, negotiations have tanked over offering Garrick a 2 year deal, his going to test the market come Nov 1st.

He just isnt a one of those top 10 wingers in the NRL. He sure isnt a centre or a fullback.

Even at the Eels JAC and Lomax will be in front of him.

Perth Bears is his best hope.

Hope he stays, but he is just a winger.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Code sports have reported, negotiations have tanked over offering Garrick a 2 year deal, his going to test the market come Nov 1st.

One thing Storm has been excellent at, and also Penrith in recent years, is identifying 4 or 5 (or 6) 'must keep' players. And keeping them, whatever, even as other good players move on.
Manly has to figure out who are our must keeps.
I like garrick but not sure if he's in that group?
Manly's choice is getting more complicated as the Trbojevics age

 

[rich]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1976897739054346362

Would be only if Lomax goes to Rugby360

 

[Ohgeez]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1976897739054346362

Would be only if Lomax goes to Rugby360

Good to see he has been lurking Silvertails today 😂

 

[Ohgeez]

Tolu Koula ‘in sights’ of R360. The explosive centre is the latest NRL talent to draw the attention of R360.
(Code sports)

As I’ve been saying on here the last few weeks…

 

[Mac Man]

Yes we have

As in 2026?

I would presume that if that were the case, we’d be getting Moale, and maybe offering Talau a reduced deal. iirc we offered Talau a deal for next season, he wanted more and turned it down. I wouldn’t mind giving him the same treatment we did for Lodge, as he would likely be opposed to moving to the UK.

Garrick playing for Parra might be the new King Garrick.....

 

[Rafferty]

He just isnt a one of those top 10 wingers in the NRL. He sure isnt a centre or a fullback.

Even at the Eels JAC and Lomax will be in front of him.

Perth Bears is his best hope.

Hope he stays, but he is just a winger.

And we offered him $550 apparently, if he goes he goes I guess.

He won’t play FB at Parra, no way they move Iongi, so he’ll be a winger come back up FB.

The backline may be weaker without him, oh well, life goes on either way, maybe it’s a little clearer now as to why we signed Wilson, not that that’s overly inspiring either, just makes a little more sense than before.

 

[Rafferty]

One thing Storm has been excellent at, and also Penrith in recent years, is identifying 4 or 5 (or 6) 'must keep' players. And keeping them, whatever, even as other good players move on.
Manly has to figure out who are our must keeps.
I like garrick but not sure if he's in that group?
Manly's choice is getting more complicated as the Trbojevics age

Do we have 5 or 6 keepers……I doubt we do in the backs, Tolu is the only one I’d hate to lose and his free to test the market come Nov 1st, would imagine there’ll be interest.

 

[The Wheel]

And we offered him $550 apparently, if he goes he goes I guess.

He won’t play FB at Parra, no way they move Iongi, so he’ll be a winger come back up FB.

The backline may be weaker without him, oh well, life goes on either way, maybe it’s a little clearer now as to why we signed Wilson, not that that’s overly inspiring either, just makes a little more sense than before.

Don’t forget Lehi, Fauolo, Willet - don’t think wing is our major concern. Hooker and another edge is I reckon and if it helps get Moale a year early then so be it.

Will be a shame to see Reubs go though, one of our great point scorers and by all reports a terrific bloke and clubman.

 

[double hoops]

Sounds like who our goal kicker will be is a no contest.

 

[sheridanstand78]

We have to retain Koula, he was our best player this season gone and easily our most dangerous back, get it done Mestrov!!

 

[bob dylan]

Good to see he has been lurking Silvertails today 😂

I have mentioned that to him on X.

 

[bob dylan]

And we offered him $550 apparently, if he goes he goes I guess.

He won’t play FB at Parra, no way they move Iongi, so he’ll be a winger come back up FB.

The backline may be weaker without him, oh well, life goes on either way, maybe it’s a little clearer now as to why we signed Wilson, not that that’s overly inspiring either, just makes a little more sense than before.

So does Lomax or JAC play reserve grade?

$550k seems way overs. $450 max imo.

 

[Stewbojevic]

Our squad has been out of balance for a few years now. I love Garrick but if losing him means we get Moale early and maybe a backrower or hooker then I think it’s the right move.

Keeping Talau on half of what Reuben is on would be fine by me at centre. Or even upgrading Kioa who was a standout in Cup this year.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Do we have 5 or 6 keepers……I doubt we do in the backs, Tolu is the only one I’d hate to lose and his free to test the market come Nov 1st, would imagine there’ll be interest.

By length of current deals it seems Manly has identified Haumole, Bull, Saab and Paseka as core to our future for next few years.
Surely Koula and Lehi would be the other priorities right now? Just sign them one way or another!

 

[Loyal Eagle]

Re Garrick - His mate DCE has left, so no need for him to stay.. $550k is fair / take it or leave it. Outside backs grow on trees and always prefer they can tackle. Forwards win comps, that’s where we invest.

 

[Disco]

Jeeesh fans are callous.

Love Garrick, hope he stays. I'm happy with 500-550k but sounds like he may not be.

I agree if he is looking for more he may need to look elsewhere but doesn't change the fact he is a very good player and losing him would be a hit.