@russtutty63 I think with Jock its always looked like he has the basics down pat. He played in some very ordinary teams when he was last at WT and was only ever considered a back up at that time.
I recall watching in him in different moments more objectively in his time with Brisbane and he just seemed to take the wrong option at critical moments too often.
It's good to know that we have a serviceable back up for the next 2 years but I cannot see him progressing to NRL match winner in that time.
Just having a look back at these posts from 18 months ago. Got some right. Kit and Sol could still play a fair bit of NRL given their ages and the expansion teams entering the competition. The question mark players don't look likely to play much NRL with the exception of Sukkar who could. Interesting I added Jared Haywood to the 2nd group but wrote he was 18, he was actually 17 at the time he made his cameo appearance in Flegg. Heath should probably be in the 2nd group, not first.Just looking at this post from 4 months ago and wondering what has changed. I think I’d put Luke in that first category now, he’s debuted and looks very likely to have a good NRL career. Same with Heath Mason who it looks like I didn’t put on the list initially, remiss of me not to. I still have hopes for Kit & Sol. Sol has had his injury issues this year but did play some Cup & went ok. Still believe he can make it & become a handy NRL outside back, still 19 so plenty of time. Kit keeps working away in Cup, I like his leg speed & he can make some tough carries. Probably best at 13. I’d now put Jared Haywood in that 2nd group. He’s come out of nowhere really but I think he has a great future, only 18 so will be watching him next year or two as he could put pressure on Tal if he doesn’t end up going elsewhere.I've noticed one or two posts suggesting this putting a lot of our faith in the development of players isn't looking all that good at the moment. I think this is an overreaction given we're in the very early stages of the process. But regardless of this I thought it'd be interesting to get some idea of where we think some of these young players are at and who we believe will be playing consistent NRL in the future. Only looking at players 22 or younger. There's a bit of crystal balling but why not eh. Just my opinion on the players so here goes.
For me these guys will be playing plenty of NRL, ages next to their names:
Jahream Bula - 22
Fonua Pole - 21
Samuela Fainu - 20 * (outstanding prospect)
Lachlan Galvin - 18 * (outstanding prospect)
Latu Fainu - 18
Tallyn Da Silva 19
These guys are probably just one level below but still good chances to play plenty of NRL:
Kit Laulilii - 19
Luke Laulilii - 18
Solomone Saukuru - 19
These players might play plenty NRL but still a question mark:
Justin Matamua - 20
Jordan Miller - 19
Tony Sukkar - 19
Chris Faagutu - 20
Josh Feledy - 19
No doubt I've missed a few but that's a pretty good list. In my opinion we'll see the players in those first 2 categories playing in the NRL team 2025 and/or 2026. Obviously could be wrong but that's just how I see it. And we have a couple of gems there too.
I'd also put Heamasi Makasini in that first category as an outstanding prospect but seeing as we're not sure he's signed yet I'll leave it here. Ashton Large, Christian Taupau-Moors and Ashton Large are also players from that Wests Matts side who look very likely to progress to a high level, others may as well.
Actually added the comment regarding Masi, Ashton Large and Tapau-Moors April 2024. Large is a gun, playing a year up in Ball this year at Manly
@russtutty63 there are two off that list that I wonder about.
Matamua - I can see him playing 10 games for Canterbury this year and go on from there. He is too talented and we ruined him
Jordan Miller - a complete mystery what happened there. He did carry a bit of baby fat but seemed to have an enormous engine + most importantly size!
I went out to Kirkham last Saturday. Met Jared from WTF pod, nice, young fella. I know he mentioned quite a few guys coming out of those games but one he didn’t mention much was Monson Hopoate. He plays in the Wests Matts team, only 16 this year I think. Is taller than Kingston Finau, who looks very good but is probably 5’8 or 5’9 right now. Monson played right centre but also moved to the middle for a few carries. He has plenty of potential, no doubt. Jerome Cosgrove at 13 works hard & likes the contest, another to watch. Jehvon Lele back at 6 in SG Ball I mentioned 18 months or so ago when there were many unhappy with losing Onitoni. Lele has just as much ability, 18 this year so keen to see his progression.
The Laurie Daley side are going great, well coached, structures good and some talent there as well. The middles very good & the use of Pez off the bench at 9 works so well.
