Only played 13 NRL games that I can see, I'd rather we bring in someone with a bit more first grade experience.

Are Powell and Isa leaving?

Quote jonh="jonh"Seen a few posts saying pretty much as you say big athletic with a great offload. Looking at stats he averaged 11m/drive. All very impressive but if he is not a prop who can do more than 10/15 mins (I don’t know if he can or cannot) as a time I’m not sure we will be going for him. I think it’s just A style we are moving away from.'" Think that 11m was his only hit up this season in the NRL, looking at his NSW Cup stats and they’re pretty good, 117m average a game. 9.5 a carry and averaging over 50 minutes a game so he can do decent minutes. He could be a decent option for a Superleague Club although I remember someone posting Mago’s NSW Cup numbers and they were pretty impressive. https://www.raiders.com.au/teams/nsw-cu ... eter-hola/

Quote jonh="jonh"Seen a few posts saying pretty much as you say big athletic with a great offload. Looking at stats he averaged 11m/drive. All very impressive but if he is not a prop who can do more than 10/15 mins (I don’t know if he can or cannot) as a time I’m not sure we will be going for him. I think it’s just A style we are moving away from.'" Think that 11m was his only hit up this season in the NRL, looking at his NSW Cup stats and they’re pretty good, 117m average a game. 9.5 a carry and averaging over 50 minutes a game so he can do decent minutes. He could be a decent option for a Superleague Club although I remember someone posting Mago’s NSW Cup numbers and they were pretty impressive. https://www.raiders.com.au/teams/nsw-cu ... eter-hola/

I concur with you Jon.

Nothing confirmed but I’d assume so mate.



Unless there’s no overseas back rowers available I could see Isa doing one last year.



Can’t see room for Powell Leeming and O’Neill.

3 more years for Kaide Ellis

Getting very big wraps on the Canberra forums.



For his size and agility.



50 min sessions in NSW cup games is impressive too.



I think Mago was hitting those minute stats in NSW Cup but his attitude to training when he got to SL saw his ability to maintain game time diminished.



Has the feel of a Hull/KR signing to me though, don’t know why.

I know I bang this drum all the time, but there seems to be a real depth at prop in the QLD cup & has been for years. Plenty of "unfancied" players come over to SL and make a real go at it.



Nic Lui-Toso dominated the QLD cup last year & his stats are off the chart. He's not getting a game for St George, but he'd be a proper project signing. [urlhttps://youtu.be/wE-rWnftFH8[/url



Lachlan Timms is another. He was getting massive raps and topped the post contact meter charts for 5 years. [urlhttps://www.qrl.com.au/news/2021/10/30/timm-charges-to-the-top-for-the-dolphins/[/url

Just because we are assumed to be using French and Field as the marquee for 2023 doesn't mean we have to in 2024...



Our salary cap spend may allow the lowest earner to not be considered a marquee and thus opening up a slot.

Signing of Leeming on 4 year deal and 4 year deal for O'Neil would indicate having 3 forwards + a 9 on the bench which would also suggest moving towards those capable of longer minutes...

It always feels the right balance to me. We need a prop and a second rower IMO and if we get them I think I’d look at a bench along the lines of Ellis, New Prop, Walters and Leeming (presuming Byrne and Havard start or flip the new signing and Byrne/Havard if not). That looks a really strong bench to me and will add plenty and cover disruption.



Fingers crossed we get those couple of forwards we still need. Add them and with Cooper due back part way through 2024, I think things are looking good.

What is Smithies contract status? Is it up this year or next?