Lachlan Metcalfe

[SeaEagleRock8]

That’s great signing some youngsters as long as they are given an opportunity, hopefully we don’t hang on to older players past their prime and lose all the youngsters we have invested in

Seibold wanted to play him in a pre-season this year (NRL refused permission) so he's obviously very highly rated.
As with Walsh, if these guys are good enough then they will eventually push past Brooks and Fogarty. No need to rush them before they're fully ready, hence it's smart we have the experienced Brooks and Fog for now.

 

[maxta]

Thought Large has a contract for 2 more seasons yet ,

Like "a fair few' NRL players, there are some big moves coming from Rugby and this includes a few of the better juniors like Large, who has Massive potential....they 100% are after Antonio and big money for young men....it's possible either way and all Manly can do is maybe present him with opportunities when the time is right and if he takes the big $$$ to jump ship....can't do much about it....this unfortunately, is simply part of the system and how it works

 

[lsz]

Like "a fair few' NRL players, there are some big moves coming from Rugby and this includes a few of the better juniors like Large, who has Massive potential....they 100% are after Antonio and big money for young men....it's possible either way and all Manly can do is maybe present him with opportunities when the time is right and if he takes the big $$$ to jump ship....can't do much about it....this unfortunately, is simply part of the system and how it works

A mate of mine who is fairly well placed in NSW Rugby made the point to me the other day that he (not the NSW rugby position) is off the belief that for outside backs there is no point trying to retain talented kids and they would be better going through the NRL pathways then picking them up in their early 20's ala Joseph S or Tom Wright.

He also pointed out the aus rugby schoolboys team that pumped the NZ schools byt 50 odd had the majority of its players under NRL contract

 

[maxta]

A mate of mine who is fairly well placed in NSW Rugby made the point to me the other day that he (not the NSW rugby position) is off the belief that for outside backs there is no point trying to retain talented kids and they would be better going through the NRL pathways then picking them up in their early 20's ala Joseph S or Tom Wright.

He also pointed out the aus rugby schoolboys team that pumped the NZ schools byt 50 odd had the majority of its players under NRL contract

100% fact and unfortunately Isz, with the money being 'spoken about' to lure these youngsters, this bait will catch plenty and the Big reason Walsh was tied up heavily last year at Manly ....was for THIS very reason

 

[lsz]

100% fact and unfortunately Isz, with the money being 'spoken about' to lure these youngsters, this bait will catch plenty and the Big reason Walsh was tied up heavily last year at Manly ....was for THIS very reason

In his words they get "hardened up" by the NRL

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

I haven't watched rugby for a while but my impression was they are more and more needing power players not elusive types, because at the top level there is very little open space to exploit.
As fitness levels improved, 15 players has become an awful lot to cover the width of a field.
It's hard enough now in league and they only have 13

 

[mosto]

I guess instead of having one 47-year-old halfback we've decided to stock up on 18-year-old halves. Which is fine, but how long are their necks?

[Also assuming he's Luke's brother?]

Add together they're ages and necks, you've essentially got DCE for a 10th of the price

 

[Hertera]

Yep initially signed a 3 year deal.

Doesn't mean he couldn't be released for Rugby but I'd be surprised

He is going back to rugby just a matter of when (with his brother) not saying he will be released but take it as fact neither will be extending with us or staying in league.

 

[TheEagle]

Is this something you know as fact or an assumption?

This is what I’ve seen someone close to him say and I’m pretty sure the club thinks he will also. Hope Ashton stays but if one goes the other likely follows. Who knows, they could end up staying but that’s just what I’ve read.