NSW Cup 2025

[aidan]

For me, the most impressive stats there have to be Mafoa’s. Just his third game back in the NSW Cup side and he’s already putting up numbers like that. He turns 22 this year, so he’s definitely old enough for a debut if he’s ready – and I reckon he should get a crack before Laiafi.

Looks like the club sees him more as a prop these days rather than a second-rower, but I still think he could be a really strong edge forward with his tall frame and powerful running game. He’s still got the odd error or drop ball in him, so definitely a work in progress, but I really hope the club hangs onto him and at least gives him a development contract for next year. Wouldn’t surprise me if he left and excelled at another club.

 

[Brookie1973]

It’s a real head scratcher why Navale hasn’t got more NRL time this year

I don’t think it’s a head scratcher at all. The coach lacks the authority which comes from a proven track record of success, and is therefore beholden to the existing playing group. He knows his job depends on it.

 

[Stewbojevic]

I don’t think it’s a head scratcher at all. The coach lacks the authority which comes from a proven track record of success, and is therefore beholden to the existing playing group. He knows his job depends on it.

Ironically we’d all hold him in higher regard if he came out (like Ryles) and said “I’m willing to put my job on the line to plan for the future. We lack good mobile middles so I want to get some game time into our young blokes to set us up for success in 2026 and beyond”

 

[Brookie1973]

Ironically we’d all hold him in higher regard if he came out (like Ryles) and said “I’m willing to put my job on the line to plan for the future. We lack good mobile middles so I want to get some game time into our young blokes to set us up for success in 2026 and beyond”

Agreed, or if he’d sacked DCE as captain when he publicly shat on the club.

 

[madmax]

I don’t think it’s a head scratcher at all. The coach lacks the authority which comes from a proven track record of success, and is therefore beholden to the existing playing group. He knows his job depends on it.

There is no reason why Navale can’t start at 13 against the Tigers next week! Jrbo is out so no effing excuses can be made.
Trbo
Saab
Koula
Talau
Garrick
Brooks
???
TKO
Simpkin
Lodge
Brbo
MCK
Navale
Res: Lehi, Bully, Jazz, Sipley
However I bet Waddell will be 2nd row, MCK dropped, Jazz to 13, Navale left out!

 

[Peter C]

There is no reason why Navale can’t start at 13 against the Tigers next week! Jrbo is out so no effing excuses can be made.
Trbo
Saab
Koula
Talau
Garrick
Brooks
???
TKO
Simpkin
Lodge
Brbo
MCK
Navale
Res: Lehi, Bully, Jazz, Sipley
However I bet Waddell will be 2nd row, MCK dropped, Jazz to 13, Navale left out!

Perhaps Navale isn't good enough, only seen him once and didn't impress at all

 

[Cochrane]

Im still not sold on Navale like some of you. I wonder if its more hope than confidently identifying him as a future consistent 1st grader.

Is he ready like Jake and Gifty who bided their time in reserves and hit 1st grade with whips cracking.?

Manly don't need a player to put there just because if you don't, then you'll never know.

We mightn't know, but confident any coaching staff would.

 

[Highflier]

Semisi kioa
1 try
21 runs 190 meters
71 post contact
1 line break
2 tackle breaks
8 tackles 3 miss
1 error

Navren Willet
3 tries
14 runs 127 meters
26 post contact
4 line breaks
1 try assist
1 tackle break
1 offload
3 tackles 0 miss
3 errors

Joey Walsh
17 runs 117 meters
37 post contact
2 line break assist
1 try assist
3 tackle breaks
1 offload
12 tackles 1 ineffective tackle 0 miss
4 errors

Simione laiafi
49 minutes
12 runs 104 meters
41 post contact
23 tackle 1 miss

Hugo hart
80 minutes
12 runs 99 meters
48 post contact
1 tackle break
1 offload
19 tackles 0 miss 2 ineffective

Caleb navale
71 minutes
19 runs 146 meters
65 post contact
1 tackle break
24 tackle 1 miss
1 error

Kylan mafoa
42 minutes
14 runs 134 meters
75 post contact
1 offload
17 tackles 0 miss
2 errors

I know its reggies but some great stats there
Like to compare Walsh s effort with DCE on Friday night ?

 

[Highflier]

Im still not sold on Navale like some of you. I wonder if its more hope than confidently identifying him as a future consistent 1st grader.

Is he ready like Jake and Gifty who bided their time in reserves and hit 1st grade with whips cracking.?

Manly don't need a player to put there just because if you don't, then you'll never know.

We mightn't know, but confident any coaching staff would.

Surely given the situation he is worth a spot on the bench ?

 

[ManlyTragic]

Im still not sold on Navale like some of you. I wonder if its more hope than confidently identifying him as a future consistent 1st grader.

Is he ready like Jake and Gifty who bided their time in reserves and hit 1st grade with whips cracking.?

Manly don't need a player to put there just because if you don't, then you'll never know.

We mightn't know, but confident any coaching staff would.

Come on mate …… you know he is next messiah…. You know like Schuster!

Just sayin’

 

[Ron E. Gibbs]

Im still not sold on Navale like some of you. I wonder if its more hope than confidently identifying him as a future consistent 1st grader.

I've watched him play full games for Fiji and in all his brief NRL appearances for us and I'm convinced he's got something worth developing. He has good leg speed, a low centre of gravity, and he definitely makes a dent in the line. Defensively he might have a but to learn, but the only way for him to do that is by getting more game time.

 

[TheSoaringEagle2023]

Ironically we’d all hold him in higher regard if he came out (like Ryles) and said “I’m willing to put my job on the line to plan for the future. We lack good mobile middles so I want to get some game time into our young blokes to set us up for success in 2026 and beyond”

+1. There isn't a silver lining to anything he does.

 

[aidan]

Perhaps Navale isn't good enough, only seen him once and didn't impress at all

Im still not sold on Navale like some of you. I wonder if its more hope than confidently identifying him as a future consistent 1st grader.

Is he ready like Jake and Gifty who bided their time in reserves and hit 1st grade with whips cracking.?

Manly don't need a player to put there just because if you don't, then you'll never know.

We mightn't know, but confident any coaching staff would.

Please watch a bit more of him in NSW Cup before making calls like that – otherwise you really just end up sounding like fools. You can’t judge a bloke off a 15 minute stint in first grade. Anyone who actually follows reserve grade and the junior pathways knows he would offer a genuine point of difference in our pack with his punchy, powerful carries and elite leg speed. He’s got serious pace for a middle forward and is quick off the mark. I’m happy to attach a highlights reel of a couple of his long range tries for anyone who thinks otherwise. He also leads NSW Cup in tackles made this year and is tackling at 96% efficiency, so defence is no issue either.

And I wouldn’t be putting too much faith in this so-called “coaching staff” led by Seibold, who has shown time and time again he’s got no idea when it comes to team selections. Watch more of him and you’ll see exactly why some of us rate him so highly.

 

[Nordburg]

Ironically we’d all hold him in higher regard if he came out (like Ryles) and said “I’m willing to put my job on the line to plan for the future. We lack good mobile middles so I want to get some game time into our young blokes to set us up for success in 2026 and beyond”

I wonder if Ryles would still have the same bravado if he was into the third year of a relatively poor tenure at his third club and possibly last chance of holding a first grade head coaching role,especially when your last job delivered a wooden spoon

 

[Cochrane]

I've watched his games in 1st grade and rep footy.

I take with half a grain of salt what people who watch reserve grade report on him, good or bad.

Many, many players are good reserve graders but never take the next step in cementing first grade spots.

I just gave my thoughts without definitively saying he will or will not make it. My post included questions for the next person to offer a counter argument as you have done.

I don't think there was anything foolish about what I said, I think the question will be answered in 5 years time when we look at what Navale is doing now.

 

[mave]

Please watch a bit more of him in NSW Cup before making calls like that – otherwise you really just end up sounding like fools. You can’t judge a bloke off a 15 minute stint in first grade. Anyone who actually follows reserve grade and the junior pathways knows he would offer a genuine point of difference in our pack with his punchy, powerful carries and elite leg speed. He’s got serious pace for a middle forward and is quick off the mark. I’m happy to attach a highlights reel of a couple of his long range tries for anyone who thinks otherwise. He also leads NSW Cup in tackles made this year and is tackling at 96% efficiency, so defence is no issue either.

And I wouldn’t be putting too much faith in this so-called “coaching staff” led by Seibold, who has shown time and time again he’s got no idea when it comes to team selections. Watch more of him and you’ll see exactly why some of us rate him so highly.

It's obvious Caleb is a class above Cup level.

Walsh as well imo. Can't wait for next year for him.

All I could offer on Caleb, is if there is maybe potentially a cap issue regarding him playing more FG.....maybe if he if plays x games, it activates a clause in his favour that would put us over the cap? All speculation, obviously,,,,cause any other reason he can't get a run doesn't make logical sense.

 

[madmax]

Perhaps Navale isn't good enough, only seen him once and didn't impress at all

Well he’s no worse than Jrbo or Waddell!!!!!!

 

[madmax]

Im still not sold on Navale like some of you. I wonder if its more hope than confidently identifying him as a future consistent 1st grader.

Is he ready like Jake and Gifty who bided their time in reserves and hit 1st grade with whips cracking.?

Manly don't need a player to put there just because if you don't, then you'll never know.

We mightn't know, but confident any coaching staff would.

So you prefer SAAWF Jrbo & Waddell as starters? Every other club is promoting youngsters into 1st grade & all are performing very well. Our club refuses to give anyone else a go….unless related or married into the Trbojević clan!!!!

 

[Cochrane]

Well I don't buy the "coach picks Waddell for the simple reason he is related or married to the Trbo clan. Why would any coach do that, what is the benefit?

Im just saying im not sold, and asked for others opinion eg, is he ready like Jake and Gift were, after biding their time in reserves because no, I haven't see enough to excite me in his current top grade performances.

Was Navale available last weekend, because Schoup and Chee Kam was preferred..

Happy for people to educate me further on Navale without adding silly arguments such as related to Trbo clan

 

[bob dylan]

Nothing wrong with Waddells numbers, actually they read excellent.

It's different watching him, a silly penalty/play-the-ball or a lazy moment in defence often costs us.

He will hold his position.

I reckon too much weight is placed on stats with the current regime. That is why we are linked to Klemmer, his numbers are always good but the reality is he is just going through the motions.