Which of our youngsters will break into NRL in 2026

[SeaEagleRock8]

Navale (belatedly) is the only one who has this year, and should now keep his spot, I assume.
Next year we will want another one or even 2 or 3 to break into the NRL side, given external recruitment seems to be limited this year.
Another forward hopefully. And of the backs, Willett is interesting. If he gets a chance in NRL and nails it he could be our tall kicking target, or put pressure on Saab for that role?

 

[manlyfan76]

Well Walsh has debuted

 

[double hoops]

Not many. Simione, Zaidas.and Walsh.will probably round it out.

 

[Carl]

Could large make a cameo?

 

[globaleagle]

01001001 00100000 01100100 01101111 01101110 00100111 01110100 00100000 01101011 01101110 01101111 01110111 00001010

 

[manlyfan76]

Also probably depends how many weeks seislug lasts.
A caretaker coach could be keen to see the youngsters showcase themselves. If we keep the coach he's going to do the same mistakes over and over and over

 

[sheridanstand78]

I expect Navale to rise into a regular first grader and I would love to see Joey Walsh get a real run in the top grade and give the team that youthful boost of enthusiasm.

 

[Pete W]

Would be great to see Hart too, and the mobility he will bring

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Not many. Simione, Zaidas.and Walsh.will probably round it out.

Hugo Hart a possibility , although still young for a forward, so they might give him most of the season in reserves and bring him though right at the end.

 

[Nambawan]

The team certainly needs a transfusion of new talent. Pointless persevering with the same old, same old. Have to ditch the 'Dads Army' image. Walsh certainly a prospect. Hart is also an NRL player on the future, but still looks a bit physically immature - needs to bulk up. Next year maybe a bit too early for him, but who knows? Willett - looks to be a good natural footballer but may have to sharpen up his pace. Hope Laiafi and Pua-avase get fair dinkum chances. Also reckon Wilson from Canterbury is a very good player, and if given an opportunity would improve the NRL side. Really have to solve the dummy-half position which has been a real handicap for Manly over recent seasons. Definitely have to move on from Croker. Simpkins seems to be going OK and Maugututia (?) seems to have real talent.

 

[Stewbojevic]

Zaidas will be our 14 by year’s end I think

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Well Walsh has debuted

Yeah I meant more breaking into the regular NRL 17, rather than just having a debut, or playing a few games here and there.
There's certainly at least one spot up for grabs with Sips, Aloai and Jazz all confirmed out the door.
Would be good if it was one of the young props

 

[Disco]

I think Hart, Zaidas, Walsh and Laifai could all grab around half a dozen games or more.

Onitoni likely a debut.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

I think Hart, Zaidas, Walsh and Laifai could all grab around half a dozen games or more.

Onitoni likely a debut.

Yep that's the impression I get, we have several who are in the pipeline and look promising but no-one jumping out as ready-to-go for 2026 just yet (aside from Caleb).
Would be great if one of them shocks us and has a break out season. Maybe the young prop we got from Knights? He showed plenty of guts in his debut for them this year.

 

[jbb/james]

Hard to really say until we round off our squad and shuffle the deckchairs
The fwds are young but the lack of depth currently points to a probability

But if we sign a few veteran forwards its way harder to pick

Picking walsh signals intent
navale is taking his chances and presents good variety.

Hoping Nathan Brown turns back the clock…….again
He has to humble guys with his approach , especially the young ones .

 

[Heckenberg]

Could large make a cameo?

Definitely. If they were pushing for him to play trials a year ago.

 

[Hertera]

I'm backing Hart I just hope Seibs is brave with his selections.