2026 team as it stands

The issue with Marzew is that all the good carries and can be negated by a dropped ball, one missed tackle or dropped bomb, which unfortunately are part of his game. I would like Sharpe at centre also and Gagai on the wing. Sharpe, Ponga and Best have to get their hands on the ball and lets hope Brown can continue his great form.
 
Grandpa Joe said:
1000 percent agree, and Sharpe has to be somewhere, but with Dom and Sharpe on the Wings we are giving up 10-15 metres each set.

I'll get howled out of here, but I'd either drop Gagai or move him onto the Wing and Sharpe in centres.

Gags meterage isn't terrible, and I want Sharpe closer to the ball.
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Gags was very hard to tackle at the line, particularly with his zigging, zagging and push off, but unfortunately teams have worked his strategy out, limiting his go forward. Maybe Holbrook has some advice for Gags about his stereotype attack, and suggest alternatives which could make him more effective, possibly moving him to the wing where he has had attacking success.
 
Defence wins games said:
Gags was very hard to tackle at the line, particularly with his zigging, zagging and push off, but unfortunately teams have worked his strategy out, limiting his go forward. Maybe Holbrook has some advice for Gags about his stereotype attack, and suggest alternatives which could make him more effective, possibly moving him to the wing where he has had attacking success.
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Im not sure that 'teams have figured him out' as much as he is just 35 yo.

His lateral movements arent as wide or explosive. That's why the year before last he was still calving teams up, then he seemed to fall off a cliff last year in his effectiveness. Next year unfortunately he'll be even slower.

But defensively, tactically and even still offensively he is still the best we've got for that position
 
Les Misérables said:
Im not sure that 'teams have figured him out' as much as he is just 35 yo.

His lateral movements arent as wide or explosive. That's why the year before last he was still calving teams up, then he seemed to fall off a cliff last year in his effectiveness. Next year unfortunately he'll be even slower.

But defensively, tactically and even still offensively he is still the best we've got for that position
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Don’t completely agree. Sharpe in attack good be lethal in centres. He would be such a threat with his speed, burn guys on the outside or create an overlap and pass for open Gags. He probably won’t be as good as defenders as Gags though.
 
I’ll be surprised if Marz is in the starting 17 come game 1. Sharpe moves into the backline weather centre or wing with Gags.
 
Marzhew was terrible last year at times but so was most of the team. He has the pre season to forgot about last year and prove that he deserves to be in the team. I really hope that he does enough to keep his spot and starts doing the freaky things we know he can do, it will go a long way in creating competition for that wing spot.
 
frankLauda said:
Don’t completely agree. Sharpe in attack good be lethal in centres. He would be such a threat with his speed, burn guys on the outside or create an overlap and pass for open Gags. He probably won’t be as good as defenders as Gags though.
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Did you just put gagai and defensive in the same sentence. Blokes been a turnstile his whole career.
 
Mclovin said:
Marzhew was terrible last year at times but so was most of the team. He has the pre season to forgot about last year and prove that he deserves to be in the team. I really hope that he does enough to keep his spot and starts doing the freaky things we know he can do, it will go a long way in creating competition for that wing spot.
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Genuine question,

if Marzhew was to keep his spot, who would miss out, provided they are all fit and assuming Smith is the halfback

Sharpe, Gagai, Best or Young

I personally can’t see Marzhew being selected ahead on any of those guys
 
Wicket said:
Genuine question,

if Marzhew was to keep his spot, who would miss out, provided they are all fit and assuming Smith is the halfback

Sharpe, Gagai, Best or Young

I personally can’t see Marzhew being selected ahead on any of those guys
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I honestly think Sharpe can be 14, doesn't need to miss nothing. Crossy can be a 80 minute hooker if needed, he proved that for NZ
 
1. Kalyn Ponga (c)
2. Greg Marzhew
3. Bradman Best
4. Dane Gagai
5. Dom Young
6. Dylan Brown
7. Sandon Smith
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Trey Mooney
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Jermaine McEwen
13. Mat Croker - Ball playing, hard working loose

14. Fletcher Sharpe - Utility (absolutely anywhere)
15. Tyson Frizell - Middle but edge if needed
16. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana - Edge but middle if needed
17. Pasami Saulo - Middle

18. Harrison Graham (cover hooker or 14 and between Sharpe and Crossy they can cover everywhere else)
 
Junior said:
1. Kalyn Ponga (c)
2. Greg Marzhew
3. Bradman Best
4. Dane Gagai
5. Dom Young
6. Dylan Brown
7. Sandon Smith
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Trey Mooney
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Jermaine McEwen
13. Mat Croker - Ball playing, hard working loose

14. Fletcher Sharpe - Utility (absolutely anywhere)
15. Tyson Frizell - Middle but edge if needed
16. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana - Edge but middle if needed
17. Pasami Saulo - Middle

18. Harrison Graham (cover hooker or 14 and between Sharpe and Crossy they can cover everywhere else)
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I just feel Sharpe is a much better player than Marzhew. I also think Kepaoa is ahead of Marzhew now as well

Marzhew offers good run meters on kick returns, but almost everything else he becomes a liability. His defence is poor, he is slow to turn and chase and the biggest problem is he can’t catch kicks

Sharpe is better than Marzhew in everything except run meters on kick returns. Sharpe also provides energy to the team

I feel like it’s trying to find a way to keep Marzhew in the side and it’s coming at Sharpe’s expense (that’s not meant as a criticism). Marzhew has just fallen down the pecking order. That’s not a bad thing, it means we have some depth
 
Wicket said:
I just feel Sharpe is a much better player than Marzhew. I also think Kepaoa is ahead of Marzhew now as well

Marzhew offers good run meters on kick returns, but almost everything else he becomes a liability. His defence is poor, he is slow to turn and chase and the biggest problem is he can’t catch kicks

Sharpe is better than Marzhew in everything except run meters on kick returns. Sharpe also provides energy to the team

I feel like it’s trying to find a way to keep Marzhew in the side and it’s coming at Sharpe’s expense (that’s not meant as a criticism). Marzhew has just fallen down the pecking order. That’s not a bad thing, it means we have some depth
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I just think Sharpe offers more as a utility that isn't restricted to the wing, can add spark in anywhere he is thrown. Plus with injuries and HIA being so common for us (especially with KP in the spine) than I'd rather have someone like Sharpe to fill the gap than some other mediocre utility... like I said Sharpe just offers a lot more being a utility than a winger.

As for Kepaoa I think everyone forgets he's just spent a full year in NSW Cup without even getting a look into that Penrith team... and if anyones about to at me that they're one of the best teams in the comp, than 2024 he only played 3 NRL games for Tigers, I think Kepaoa adds to the squad but I'm not ready to write Marzhews spot off on a bloke who's played 3 NRL games in two years (all for a last placed Tigers too may I add). very few of our players actually had a good year in 2025 and how tf was Greg meant to show his finishing ability with our woeful attack, I'm still willing to give him first crack
 
Dom is a lock on one wing. Sharpe needs to to be in the starting side. Marzhew is the one to be dropped.

I think we have some depth in the backs though. Not so much in the forwards. If there’s some injuries we have young and unproven guys for depth.
 
frankLauda said:
Dom is a lock on one wing. Sharpe needs to to be in the starting side. Marzhew is the one to be dropped.

I think we have some depth in the backs though. Not so much in the forwards. If there’s some injuries we have young and unproven guys for depth.
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I think above all else, if Sharpe isn’t starting here then there will be plenty of interest from other clubs, and he may not stick around too long.
 
Junior said:
I just think Sharpe offers more as a utility that isn't restricted to the wing, can add spark in anywhere he is thrown. Plus with injuries and HIA being so common for us (especially with KP in the spine) than I'd rather have someone like Sharpe to fill the gap than some other mediocre utility... like I said Sharpe just offers a lot more being a utility than a winger.

As for Kepaoa I think everyone forgets he's just spent a full year in NSW Cup without even getting a look into that Penrith team... and if anyones about to at me that they're one of the best teams in the comp, than 2024 he only played 3 NRL games for Tigers, I think Kepaoa adds to the squad but I'm not ready to write Marzhews spot off on a bloke who's played 3 NRL games in two years (all for a last placed Tigers too may I add). very few of our players actually had a good year in 2025 and how tf was Greg meant to show his finishing ability with our woeful attack, I'm still willing to give him first crack
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I can see your point of view.

I would say though on Kepaoa, if he was here last year, I think he would have been in our starting side for about half the year.

You are correct, Marzhew was the only bad player for us last year. There were many in that category unfortunately

I think it’s one that we will have to disagree on

Whatever happens, they will have earnt their spots
 
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