The pre-season 2026 thread

If they’re trying to fast track him into full time training with men right now it’s definitely possible that they’ll also seek the exemption to play NRL in 2027. Article says he turns 17 in a few days which will mean he’ll be 18 in 2027.
 
Honestly wouldn't surprise me if he debuted near the end of the year. If he didn't debut until 2027 then he would be 18, and not 17 like Suali was, he is probably keen to make a statement and play before he is 18 as well.
 
It also means he'll have two FG preseasons under his belt by the time he likely debuts at 18.

Even if he is a generational talent he won't be an immediate replacement for Gagai. Even Gagai spent his teenage years in the QLD Cup, killing it of course, but wasnt playing FG at the Broncos under Bennett. Pretty sure he debuted up there but didn't really play consistent FG until he arrived in Newy at 21 yo.

So Seve might need a couple seasons to find himself. But, Best needed only 1 season.
 
Seve coming into grade is not about replacing Gagai, honestly. The players who replace what Gagai and Frizell mean to the team should be Bradman and Lucas. Seve becoming a starter should be an example of us transitioning to a more dominant, athletic footy team.

Love Gagai, and you need veterans who set standards, but I hope we don’t need to import those traits when he and Frizell move on. Others need to step up.
 
The photo of Saulo as he is today and as a little kid in Impulse airline gear is fun.
I remember his father was in our lower grades in the early years.
1763714383670.png
 
Les Misérables said:
It also means he'll have two FG preseasons under his belt by the time he likely debuts at 18.

Even if he is a generational talent he won't be an immediate replacement for Gagai. Even Gagai spent his teenage years in the QLD Cup, killing it of course, but wasnt playing FG at the Broncos under Bennett. Pretty sure he debuted up there but didn't really play consistent FG until he arrived in Newy at 21 yo.

So Seve might need a couple seasons to find himself. But, Best needed only 1 season.
Click to expand...
The real test will be how young Steve plays against men. That will be defining, either 26, 27 or if ever.
 
Is anyone going to the open training session tomorrow at Raymond Terrace? Not sure i can be bothered but might be interesting to see what position people are playing.
 
Article in the Herald says Mooney and Hola join the squad next week.
It also quotes Holbrook in saying that important players like Brown, Crossland, Best and Young aren't back till just before the break and the first chance to get the top squad working together will be the camp in Coffs in late December (20th). It sounds like the open session in Coffs might be where you could get a look at where he is thinking of playing everyone.
 
Last edited:
29 training at Raymond Terrace today.
De Courcey finally in a pic.
There are several young guys I can't pick
 
Back row:
Tyson Frizell
Tom Cant
Wil Sullivan
Harrison Graham
James Schiller
??? (not certain but looks like it could be Mel Nonu, new Flegg signing from QLD)
Jacob Saifiti
Diesel Hagan
Toby Winter
Cody Hopwood
???
???
???
Sosaia Latu
Roy Simpson
Connor Votano
Fletcher Sharpe
Tyson Gamble
Sandon Smith
Matt Arthur

Front row:
Mat Croker
Dane Gagai
Kalyn Ponga
Jermaine McEwen
Francis Manuleleua
Logan Aoake
??? (looks familiar, definitely from within the Knights pathways)
???
Chase Butler
Greg Marzhew
Wilson De Courcey
 
Chase Butler would be one of the youngest ever to do a preseason - although I'd say he is the only halfback we have and Mathews is under 17s now, so might be 17 going on 18.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top