NRL Squads 2013

[Big Pete]

Pre-season fever is spreading across all the Rugby League capitals and as such we're seeing more and more information being released on how all the squads are shaping up.

So thought it'd be appropriate to start our very own general thread for all kinds of information and opinions!

 

[Big Pete]

First cab off the rank

West Tigers 2013 Squad

Blake Ayshford, Braith Anasta, Matthew Bell, Adam Blair, Jack Buchanan, Robbie Farah, Mosese Fotuiaka, Liam Fulton, Keith Galloway, Matthew Groat, Masada Iosefa, Marika Koroibete, Chris Lawrence, Benji Marshall, Jacob Miller, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Sean Meaney, Tim Moltzen, Taqele Naiyaravaro, David Nufoaluma, Eddy Pettybourne, Joel Reddy, Ava Seumanufagai, Tim Simona, Curtis Sironen, Shaun Spence, Jesse Sue, James Tedesco, Bodene Thompson, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Utai, Aaron Woods.

The following NYC players will train with the Wests Tigers NRL squad till Christmas: Kurtis Rowe, Mitchell Moses, Luke Brooks, Brendan Santi, Andrew Vela, Kyle Lovett, Nathan Brown, Manaia Cherrington.

 

[Big Pete]

Biggest challenge facing Potter is going to be fullback and backrow. Unfortunately Tedesco suffered that heart-breaking injury in R1 this year and didn't get a chance to cement himself in the side. I can see him sticking with Moltzen, which can be a decent stop-gap option provided Moltzen works on all the technical aspects of being a good fullback (work under the high ball, positioning) and doesn't get switched around as often as he has been in the past, for mine, that's what has cruelled his career.

With the departures of Ellis & Heighington, the Tigers stocks in the backrow are looking mighty thin. Right now, the only definite selections will be Blair, who was right up there as one of the worst backrows of 2012 and Fulton who's a really solid player if potentially a little underrated but hardly a world beater. The 3rd option will likely be between Anasta or Bell pending on what kind of style Potter wants to play. Both have their benefits (eg. Bell - work-rate, Anasta - skills) but aren't reliable picks. With only Murdoch-Masila, Thompson & a handful of reggie players to choose from I can see it really hurting them across the 80 minute periods.

However, if Potter can get them playing common sense football they certainly have some strong elements there. Marshall & Farah are two of the most talented players in their field and have plenty of potential that hasn't been tapped into, I like the front-row combination of Galloway & Woods - it's a good combination of work-rate and size while the backs have plenty of potential, particularly Lawrence & Koroibete who have both shown the ability to break a game wide open.

They're in that pack of sides that are all competing for a shot in the bottom half of the 8. Potentially, they have as good a chance of any as making it but I believe it'll take longer to clean up Sheens' dirty work and to get the Tigers to play a more successful brand of footy. I'm going to stick them with 9th place.

 

[Son Edo]

Can we list a potential line up for each team? Because it sounds like fun.

 

[Big Pete]

Go nuts.

I forgot to mention a lot of those 20s are names of the future.

Moses was everywhere this year in junior football. Was apart of the Tigers victorious SG Ball side, Australian Schoolboys & U/18s Origin. He's the nephew of Ben Elias and carries a good reputation.

Brooks has yet to play any NYC but word is the Tigers are looking to offload NYC winning half Miller just to keep this bloke. Aus. schoolboys half, plenty of wraps on him.

Santi, Lovett, Rowe & Vela are all 2011 Schoolboys. The former 3 played a role in their surprising 2012 NYC premiership while Vela missed the year due to injury.

Suffice to say, Tigers have a lot of good young talent pouring through and if they can manage them effectively they should be fine in the long term.

As for how I believe the Tigers will shape up...

1. Tim Moltzen
2. Lote Tuqiri
3. Blake Ayshford
4. Chris Lawrence
5. Marika Koroibete
6. Curtis Sironen
7. Benji Marshall
8. Aaron Woods
9. Robbie Farah
10. Keith Galloway
11. Braith Anasta
12. Liam Fulton
13. Adam Blair

14. Masada Iosefa
15. Eddy Pettybourne
16. Matt Bell
17. Ben Murdoch Masila

Marshall may get his way in the halves, which might see Miller brought in at 7 so Marshall can slot at 6. I just prefer Sironen at this stage because he seems to have his old man's grit and I don't like having two defensive liabilities at half. (which from a Broncos perspective is why I'd much rather Prince/Wallace > Norman/Prince)

 

[The Brizz]

I would get Potter getting size into Sironen to fill in the lock role to also add more depth to the backrow. If Miller doesn't get first crack at the 7 Potter is an imbecile!

 

[Big Pete]

Hey whatcha trying to say there buddy. :001_tt2:

Not the worst call in the world although there's rumours that the Titans might be trying to poach Miller from the Tigers.

 

[Big Pete]

Brisbane Broncos Squad

Sam Thaiday (c)
Scott Anderson
Kurt Baptiste
Delroy Berryman
Joe Bond
Luke Capewell
Dale Copley
Cam Cullen
Mitchell Dodds
Liam Georgetown
Brendon Gibb
Matt Gillett
Alex Glenn
Jake Granville
David Hala
Ben Hannant
Justin Hodges
Josh Hoffman
Ben Hunt
Jordan Kahu
Dunamis Lui
Lachlan Maranta
Andrew McCullough
Josh McGuire
Chris McLean
Francis Molo
Corey Norman
Corey Oates
Corey Parker
Scott Prince
Jack Reed
Nick Slyney
Caleb Timu
Peter Wallace
Jarrod Wallace
Aaron Whitchurch
Jharal Yow Yeh

 

[Big Pete]

Don't really feel like repeating myself so I thought I'd take the opportunity to cover all the new faces. If Ethos, Jeba & BroncosMatt can fill in any of the gaps I've missed on the Q-Cup players I'd be more than grateful.

Joe Bond, 24, is a livewire utility back in the similar vein as Barba & Bowen. Bond has been apart of the Q-Cup scene since 2009 when he debuted for Norths in 09 as an impact player off the bench before he found his way in the starting line-up as a fullback. In 2011 he was recruited by the Dolphins where he displayed his versatility by playing reasonably well in the five eigth position. When Justin Hunt departed to South Sydney in 2012, Bond was able to return to his preferred fullback position where he was able to pick his moments better, allowing Redcliffe to become one of the best attacking units in Queensland Cup history. He's one of those players that has plenty of gifts but his size and inconsistensy has prevented clubs from taking a serious punt on him. His form last year was too good to ignore and he gives the Broncos a serious pace option.

Delroy Berryman, 22, is a handy finisher who earned his opportunity after an impressive 2012 season where he scored 18 tries from 21 games for the Dolphins. Made his debut in 2011 but didn't really make an impact this year and that reign of form and the Broncos shortage in the backs has given him the opportunity this pre-season.

Liam Georgetown, 27, is another Dolphin's back who's been rewarded with a pre-season trial spot. Georgetown has been playing Q-Cup since 04 and has been apart of the Dolphins system since 03 but hasn't enjoyed as good a season as 2012 where he scored a remarkable 318 points. Isn't exactly a stranger to first grade as he made his debut for Penrith in 07, ironically against the Broncos during the Origin season. Interested to see if he gets another shot just to see whether or not the NRL will classify him as a rookie. A solid depth option who could come in handy during the representative season.

Jake Granville, 23, honestly don't understand how this guy hasn't been picked up by an NRL club sooner. He's been one of the most lethal players in reserves period since he made his debut in 09 and is very handy out of dummy half, rivaling Baptiste as one of the best runners at this level. Originally was apart of the Broncos 09 NYC squad but couldn't displace Baptiste so he drifted back to Wynnum where he quickly made their first grade side. Unsure if he's first grade standard but definitely think he'd be a better reserve hooking option than Capewell.

Chris McLean, 21, is the former NYC North Queensland Cowboy skipper who lead them to a grand final in 2011. Has a stocky build which prevented him from initially making the transition from NYC to First grade but has enough talent to be a handy depth forward. I thought his form at the back end really propelled Norths to an unlikely finals berth.

Cam Cullen, 19, former Schoolboys halfback who's been unlucky with injuries. Shows promise with the ball but unfortunately doesn't have a lot of size about him which makes him a target in defence. Don't think he'll be able to make the transition but really hope this experience can help him lead the NYC Broncos next season.

Francis Molo, 18, is our best front row forward coming through. Despite nursing a reconstructed shoulder for half the year, Molo was able to capture the NYC Player of the year award after a barnstorming collection of performances that saw him force his way into the side. Has first grade written all over him but needs to polish his game (mostly discipline) before he becomes a constant feature. Wouldn't be surprise to see him make his debut next year.

Corey Oates, 18, is a try scoring freak who's been apart of the Broncos system since he was at least 15. Wouldn't be surprised to see him come in as Te'o's replacement, his work on the fringe in terms of pure quality was the best I've seen and despite his inexperience he showed some really level-headed thinking in the NYC which I personally found impressive. Will take awhile to see him make an impact but he's definitely one to watch.

Caleb Timu, 18, our most recognised NYC 2012 player. Like Oates, Timu was a try scoring machine who combined his size and foot-work to barge over for 19 tries, a record for any Broncos forward at that level. Comes from a Union background where he cherry-picked by the Broncos and has all the tools to become a superstar after starring at all junior levels. Doesn't have the level-headiness of Oates and needs to work on a few issues, especially defence but long term Timu is one to watch.

 

[Big Pete]

Parramatta Eels
Mitchell Allgood
Cheyse Blair
Rory Brien*
Jarryd Hayne
Matt Keating
Luke Kelly
Taniela Lasalo
Jacob Loko
Reni Maitua
Tim Mannah
Fui Fui Moi Moi
Ryan Morgan
Jake Mullaney
Pat O'Hanlon
Joseph Paulo
Daniel Penese
Ben Roberts
Matthew Ryan
Chris Sandow
Ken Sio
Nathan Smith
Ben Smith
Taulima Tautai
Willie Tonga

Signings
Darcy Lussick
Daniel Harrison
Lorenzo Ma'afu*

* denotes a player with first grade experience who qualifies as a rookie

Fresh Faces
Marmin Barba
Matthew Eisenhuth
Semi Redradra
Peni Terepo
Ken Edwards
Api Pewhairangi
Brayden Williame
Jason Seage
Vai Toutai
Dylon Gilbert
Jerome McKenzie
Frazer Masinamua
Kelepi Tanginoa
Pauli Pauli
Kaysa Pritchard
Isaiah Mosese

Tell me what you think of the new format. Just trying something different because when I look at these squads I'm always interested in the signings and rookies receiving a call up.

Anyone who's interested in getting to know these players I'd implore you to check out this link: http://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topic...tId=500401:Comment:1163202&xg_source=activity

It's a really good write up of all their talent (and a few extras).

 

[subsbligh]

Heard Jacob Loko has suffered a second ACL injury (similar story to Jordan Kahu). Poor kid.

 

[ningnangnong]

Yeah, that was a just under a year ago though. He should be right for this season.

 

[subsbligh]

Yeah, that was a just under a year ago though. He should be right for this season.

My mistake, he looked the goods early in 2011.

 

[Big Pete]

Just going to cover what I know of all the other squads. Will update when more info is released starting with...

Canberra Raiders

Josh Dugan
Sandor Earl
Jarrod Croker
Blake Ferguson
Reece Robinson
Terry Campese
Josh McCrone
David Shillington
Glenn Buttriss
Tom Learoyd-Lahrs
Josh Papalii
Joel Thompson
Shaun Fensom
Shaun Berrigan
Dane Tilse
Brett White
Trevor Thurling
Sam Mataora
Sam Williams
Edrick Lee
Matt McIllwrick
Jack Wighton
Mark Nicholls
Joe Picker
Jarrad Kennedy
Dimitri Pelo
Michael Picker

Signings
Joel Edwards
Jake Foster

Fresh Faces
Mitch Cornish
Shannon Boyd
Hayden Crockett
Mitchell Cronin
Haydon Hodge
Sami Sauiluma
Paul Vaughan
Anthony Milford

I could be alone with by saying this but Rugby League would be a lot better of if a team like the Raiders were able to perform to their potential. So much good young up coming talent but lack the leadership to really make the mark they're capable of in the competition. Really hope they can find some consistensy because Broncos/Raiders games could be money.

 

[Big Pete]

OMG OMG OMG!!! Action Photos finally started releasing their Head Shots! It's like the first day of school all over again.

Cronulla Sharks
Jason Bakuya
Todd Carney
Issac De Gois
Andrew Fifita
Paul Gallen
Nathan Gardner
Bryce Gibbs
Wade Graham
Jon Green
Ricky Leutele
Stewart Mills
John Morris
Ben Pomeroy
Jeff Robson
Ben Ross
Nathan Stapleton
Sam Tagataese
Mark Taufua
Chad Townsend
Anthony Tupou
Matt Wright

Signings
Michael Gordon
Chris Heighington
Luke Lewis
Beau Ryan
Jonathan Wright

Fresh Faces
Rodney Coates
Sosaia Feki
Michael Lichaa
Penani Manumalealii
Sione Masima
Daniel Moroko
Tyrone Peachey
Tokerau Raru
Tupou Sopoaga
Jake Walsh

The break out side of 2012 has strengthened their roster and look to impose themselves as genuine contenders in 2013. A lot has been made of signings like Luke Lewis and Beau Ryan but the biggest signing for me will be Michael Gordon.

Gordon was very impressive at the back for Penrith until a string of serious injuries prevented him from reaching higher honours. With some luck, Gordon could very well reach his potential at Cronulla and provide the Sharks with an edge they were missing last season.

Whether he can stay on the field, TC can replicate his form after a serious achillies injury and Lewis can provide the same impact and leadership of Jeremy Smith will determine how well the Sharks go.

All signs are positive so far, but they do lack that winning experience and Origin may have major ramifications on their season as it did last year.

BP Rookie Watch: Michael Lichaa is one of the best up and coming dummy halves in the game and should be in Cronulla's long term plans.

Flanagan also seems to be expecting big things from Fifita this season. I keep forgetting about him, but I felt like he played a big role in the Sharks ability to maintain their intensity and momentum through out the contest. With another pre-season behind him he could very well form a formidable combination with Gallen/Gibbs/Ross upfront.

Finally, if Cronulla are to turn a corner I feel like Stewart Mills really needs to put his hand up. The rangy centre/winger has been earmarked for big things for years now and has the talent to do so, if he can apply himself he could be the strike-weapon the Sharks desperately need out-wide.

 

[Big Pete]

North Queensland Cowboys
Scott Bolton
Matt Bowen
Gavin Cooper
Ash Graham
Glenn Hall
Dallas Johnson
Blake Leary
Kane Linnett
Robert Lui
Anthony Mitchell
Michael Morgan
Joel Riethmuller
Mat Scott
Ashton Sims
Tariq Sims
James Tamou
Brent Tate
Jason Taumalolo
Ray Thompson
Ricky Thorby
Jonathan Thurston
Antonio Winterstein

Signings
Clint Greenshields
Scott Moore
Rory Kostjaysyn

New Faces
Tyson Andrews
Alex Elisala
Kyle Feldt
Chris Grevsmuhl
Sam Hoare
Felice Kaufusi
Ethan Lowe
Tyson Martin
Matt Minto
Curtis Rona
Ben Spina

BP Thoughts: It's now or never for this generation of Cowboys. With JT, Tamou, Scott, Bowen & Tate as the nucleus and up and comers like Tariq, Taumalolo & Thompson - 2013 is the year the cosmic forces have aligned and given the Cowboys the roster they've worked towards since they started rebuilding in 2011.

The biggest problem facing the Cowboys is their away record. Outside of Queensland, they basically suck and have lacked the strike to match it with the top teams. Tariq's return helps that problem, but they still need a finisher and a dummy half that can build momentum for JT while taking pressure off of him at the same time.

The first part should be readily solvable in the form of Kalifa Fai Fai Loa. After impressing everybody in 2011, Mr. Fai Fai Loa faded into obscurity in 2012 with Cows fans speculating that he just didn't apply himself enough to training and thus Winterstein was preferred. if Kalifa can get his head right, he'd be a big upgrade for the Cows and give them the option they need out-wide to succeed.

The other part of the equation is much more difficult. With the departure of Segeyaro, the Cows are basically lost without a paddle and need to find somebody to fill the role. With respect, the players they have signed in Anthony Mitchell, Rory Kostjasyn & Scott Moore provide little assurance. The other option they have is Ray Thompson but whether he can make the switch to hooker, or whether he'll even make the move remains to be seen. If he does move, it'll only open up more questions in the form of JT's halves partner. It truly is a mess but I feel if the Cows can solve it, it will go a long way to a maiden premiership.

 

[JoshNewyKnights]

Might aswell add my team in

Newcastle Knights
Chris Adams
Danny Buderus
Neville Costigan
Adam Cuthbertson
Marvin Filipo
Dane Gagai
Kurt Gidley (c)
Matt Hilder
Chris Houston
Siuatonga Likiliki
Willie Mason
Peter Mata'utia
Alex McKinnon
James McManus
Jarrod Mullen
Kevin Naiqama
Tyrone Roberts
Robbie Rochow
Kade Snowden
Ryan Stig
Timana Tahu
Zane Tetevano
Akuila Uate

Signings
David Fa'alogo
Anthony Quinn (is trialing for a contract)
Beau Scott
Jeremy Smith

New Faces
Adam Clydsdale (really promising hooker, Danny Buderus' likely heir)
Adrian Davis (speedy Aboriginal halfback who had a break out season in NSW Cup this year)
Mitchell Frei (one of your guys)
Toka Likiliki (Big Kiwi impact prop who had the speed & skills to play on the wing a few times this year, unfortunately picked up a knee injury in the Junior Kiwis v Roos match)
Josh Mantellato (tall, lanky fullback who is a goal-kicking genius, barely missed this year, made NSW Cup team of the year in his first year out of the local Newcastle comp, despite playing on the wing)
Rodney Mason (Willie's little brother, was pretty average but ever since Willie came, has really stepped up)
Chanel Mata'utia (one of Pete's little brothers, scored 20 tries in NYC this season)
Pat Mata'utia (another of Pete's little brothers, big, strong, fast centre/fullback)
Tyler Randell (big utility player, can play halves, centres, backrow & hooker)
Chad Redman (workhorse hooker, makes plenty of tackles, has played for Aussie schoolboys)
Ben Roose (young backrower)
Nathan Ross (speedy winger/centre from QLD with great footwork, came down to the local comp for better work & picked up a Knights contract)
Korbin Sims (great prospect, should make his debut in 2013)
Will Smith (skillful five-eighth, training in the centres for 2013)
Paterika Vaivai (120kg prop, mobile, unfortunately picked up a knee injury just recently)

Alot of people have been bagging out the Knights for signing up some old fellas but i think old Bennett knows what he's doing, he's signed up some hardened, experienced guys that he believes will help some of these young guys through & to establish a winning culture, Bennett said in an interview just recently that guys like Mason, Buderus, Fa'alogo, Scott & Smith are winners, they think, train & play like winners. So here's hoping it all comes together for us Knights fans. And let's be honest, if some of those old guys weren't in the team, the Knights pack would look like a wooden spoon pack!

 

[Big Pete]

Penrith Panthers
Blake Austin
Cameron Ciraldo
Lachlan Coote
Geoff Daniela
Adam Docker
Tom Eisenhuth
Tim Grant
Kevin Kingston
Josh Mansour
Sam McKendry
Clint Newton
Nigel Plum
Matt Robinson
Travis Robinson
David Simmons
Ryan Simpkins
Nathan Smith
Brad Tighe
Luke Walsh
Dayne Weston

Signings
Lewis Brown
Tom Humble
Jeremy Latimore
Sika Manu
Mose Masoe
Kane Morgan
Wes Naiqama
Kyle O'Donnell
Mosese Pangai
James Roberts
James Segeyaro
Dean Whare

New Faces
Sam Anderson - Former Knights NYC Prop
Regan Campbell-Gillard - Former Panthers NYC Prop
Ethan Cook - Former Knights NYC Lock. Made the 2010 NYC team of the year.
Daniel Foster - Former Panthers NYC half
Krys Freeman - Former Parra/Storm NYC prop.
Jake Grace - Former Panthers NYC Captain. Plays in the backrow
Kurt Horton - Former Panthers NYC Backrow
George Jennings - Current Panthers NYC Centre. Younger brother of Michael and a good prospect.
Matt Moylan - Former Panthers NYC Fullback/Current Windsor Fullback. Decent chance of taking the role off of Coote.
Tony Satini - Current Panthers NYC Centre. A genuine prospect that could very well end up in the backline at some point.
Vaipuna Tia Kilifi - 2012 NYC Team Member of the Year. Backrow who was just destroying sides down the left fringe. Will factor in the Panthers 2013.
Tekina Vaila - 2012 Panthers NYC Backrow.

BP Thoughts: Three steps forward, three steps backwords seems to summarise my thoughts quite adequately. The Panthers made a number of astute purchases, but instead of being able to build on a trying 2012, it appears 2013 will be another rebuilding year after the shocking departures of Luke Lewis and Michael Jennings.

Gould's philosophy seems to be short term pain for long term gain and unless he can score some big signings for 2014, I feel like this venture may prove to be too adventurous for one of the game's most controversial characters.

If Panthers are to make any waves, they'll have to keep it simple and lean on their forwards to make in-roads and hope that young guns like Tia Kilifi, Roberts, Whare & one of their NYC centres can step up. Walsh has talent but has to be one of the dumbest halves in the game and who knows where Lachlan Coote will end up. It appears he'll make the transition to five eigth, but if he does so, it does open the Panthers up on both fringes and does present a problem at fullback. Whether Moylan or Roberts can fill that role remains to be seen.

I expect to see them near the spoon. Would almost say spoon, but I think Cleary commands too much respect to sink that low.