NRL 2025
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Rusty for sure, but Metcalf can kick 40/20s and wasnt as bad as I thought he would be as a 7 even if a few 5th tackle options still not great. Like to see more from TMM though, thought when they combined last year they were one of our better combos. Tuapiki looked dangerous on occasions. I wouldn't be surprised if Healey is back up hooker by year end. Sifiakula (now Vaimauga) looked strong on the edge when on, otherwise edge forward work looked weak as predicted. As did our centres although I will give Pompey some credit for some of his cover defence when others missed their assignment.
Probably lucky sharks halves were poor. Sharks props will score more points this year than most forward packs combined.
Warriors did look unfit and any game played in the heat early in the season will see normal losses resume.
Not overly concerned DWZ injured but we bought one of the best NSW cup wingers last year (ex warrior) back from Penrith and we still play Kosi.
Still concerned Webby wont make any changes through the season if something doesnt work.
Refs looking to ping players for sloppy play the balls will cost us a bit this year, where we have always had some notorious offenders when it comes to the basics, this alone will see us concede too many unnecessary points and potentially lose games we looked in control of.
Anyway its a pre season hit out, but nothing really to get excited about
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Stories indicating Joey Manu may exit his the Toyota Verblitz and return to the Rooster mid season.
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@SBW1 Well the Roosters are holding a spot open and that is no secret), but given the rumours about that the reason Maiuu was released was for an extra outside back..here is someone the Warriors should be chasing. (Might be hard to sneak in, but I would be throwing the kitchen sink at it)
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I thought he was an AB in waiting?
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@African-Monkey said in NRL 2025:
I thought he was an AB in waiting?
I suspect thats more media and fans speculating than him himself,
unless its something he really wants to achieve and hes prepared to lose a lot of money if it doesnt work out ,
if hes not prepared to roll that dice sticking with what hes already good at is probably a much safer bet , money is pretty much guaranteed
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Te Whare seems to be going ok.
Huh, he was a rugby player who went to league so not really comparable to Manu.
Japanese rugby has managed to get his weight down which was something even Bennett couldn't do.
Anyway, this is all speculation from the Mole so who knows if it's even remotely close to the truth.
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So the Maori All Stars team have looked at Websters small man bench tactic and said hold my fucking beer:
- Kalyn Ponga
- Will Warbrick
- Dane Gagai
- Mawene Hiroti
- Jesse Arthars
- Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
- Kodi Nikorima
- Royce Hunt
- Jeremy Marshall-King
- James Fisher-Harris
- Jordan Riki
- Jacob Laban
- Leo Thompson
14. Keano Kini
15. Jazz Tevaga
17. Zach Dockar-Clay
19. Kurtis MorrinJazz is the giant of that bench.
CNK at 6?
I wonder if it's too late to get a refund.
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If it was a normal match you would suggest bigger minutes for starting pack. However its more of a trial with more feeling. Cant say indigenous pack is huge either, but you're right Morrin and Jazz probably dont break 100kg and Zach and Keano are probably 100 between them lol.
I would say ZDC and KP are both better ball players than CNK, at least one starts -
Well Webby won’t drop CNK from fullback but playing CHT at 6 and TMM at fullback with Metcalf at 7 looked really good against an admittedly well below strength Melbourne. Good confidence builder anyway
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@bayimports said in NRL 2025:
Well Webby won’t drop CNK from fullback but playing CHT at 6 and TMM at fullback with Metcalf at 7 looked really good against an admittedly well below strength Melbourne. Good confidence builder anyway
The lengths he's going to not play RTS there is fucking strange.
They'll learn little from that, it was slightly opposed training run.
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@Nepia it’s funny I actually think our squad is relatively strong, but Webster doesn’t seem to take any learnings into account and will undoubtedly select a team that looks like it gets in each others way and under deliver again.
No big injuries and confidence probably only positives
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@bayimports said in NRL 2025:
@Nepia it’s funny I actually think our squad is relatively strong, but Webster doesn’t seem to take any learnings into account and will undoubtedly select a team that looks like it gets in each others way and under deliver again.
No big injuries and confidence probably only positives
I'm much less confidence in the strength of our squad this year than you.
Webster didn't adjust last year when the 2023 game plan was worked out so I agree with you final comment.
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Right I’m calling my ranking early for this before pre season ends, needless to say a bit controversial at the bottom end. To be honest I think you could throw a blanket over the bottom seven.
Storm
Sharks
Panthers
Broncos
Sea eagles
Bulldogs
Rabbitohs
Dolphins
Raiders
Cowboys
Dragons
Roosters
Tigers
Eels
Warriors
Titans
Knights -
Pleased we were able to hold on. Some desperation plays saved the day.
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@bayimports said in NRL 2025:
Right I’m calling my ranking early for this before pre season ends, needless to say a bit controversial at the bottom end. To be honest I think you could throw a blanket over the bottom seven.
Storm
Sharks
Panthers
Broncos
Sea eagles
Bulldogs
Rabbitohs
Dolphins
Raiders
Cowboys
Dragons
Roosters
Tigers
Eels
Warriors
Titans
Knights@bayimports said in NRL 2025:
Right I’m calling my ranking early for this before pre season ends, needless to say a bit controversial at the bottom end. To be honest I think you could throw a blanket over the bottom seven.
Storm
Sharks
Panthers
Broncos
Sea eagles
Bulldogs
Rabbitohs
Dolphins
Raiders
Cowboys
Dragons
Roosters
Tigers
Eels
Warriors
Titans
KnightsHope you are right in regards to the Roosters.
Manu poised for shock NRL return amid rugby 'nightmare'
