@ACT-Crusader said in NRL 2025:
Having someone like Haas, a first pick Origin and Kangaroos player, play for Samoa whilst still in his prime is going to mean others will follow now and for years to come.
I thought the competition was a huge success
We have a few guys coming back to, Hughes was a big loss
Yeah Hughes and JMK will make a big difference, we just have to hope players aren't rubbed out via injury and suspension come RLWC time. The Origin eligibility might have changed by then too, so we'll have some depth at fullback.
Hughes and Brown in the halves, yes please. And I was a little harsh on Foran even though he could barely run or take the ball to the line, he marshalled a few good plays for us. Plus he’s an active talker out there which was important particularly for some of our younger boys.
@ACT-Crusader I agree on Foran. I had my doubts with him, but he organised & did the basics well, and his kicking game was mostly on point. Just what you want from your veteran half.
The Parramatta Eels can confirm that Zac Lomax has been granted an immediate release from his playing contract to pursue opportunities outside the NRL.
Interesting interview i heard with the Eels' head of football this morning. Decision was by mutual agreement. Appears Lomax wouldn't commit, so Ryles and Co did not take the risk, and moved him on early to provide a bit of surety, and time to fix the hole created.
It was an impressive interview actually, seems the Eels are very aligned at the moment, and while R360 is obviously a factor, i think there was more to it, including around where Zac plays every week.
The league forum I'm on is melting down over R360, I find it weird that the most traffic about the comp is on a league forum as opposed to rugby forums. Obviously this is just the forums I'm involved in, but I thought there'd be way more discussion of rugby players who might be going.
As it stands it looks to be a comp played in cities with no real rugby history and with a bunch of league players.
lol the one that I tend to visit has barely raised an eyebrow.. now if Haas goes I suspect that might change. Most acknowledge the challenge and Parra fans a little upset as early in a contract, but most see it as SBW wave 2 and we will all watch the NRL backtrack on their 10 year pledge if it doesnt work .. so most think not a huge deal.
But youre right a comp with no history with a mix of people from across codes ..but do get paid very well if it flies
@bayimports said in NRL 2025:
lol the one that I tend to visit has barely raised an eyebrow..
I must be on the extra precious one.
TBF, some of the posters hate rugby like it raped their sisters. Which makes it weird how much rugby they talk.
holy fuck Eli Katoa won't play at all next year.
I hope Tonga have a really good insurance policy
@mariner4life said in NRL 2025:
holy fuck Eli Katoa won't play at all next year.
I hope Tonga have a really good insurance policy
Yeah that's incredibly sad and Im still angry at the Tongan staff who thought it was ok to let him play. The BS excuse that they didn't have the camera angle doesn't fly either as plenty of eye witnesses have come forward saying they were stunned.
NRL will make a big thing out of this because if they don't they will have to deal with significant repercussions
Again just feel awful for him and his family
NRL still silent on EKat affair...thankfully everyone wants answers
Also once was a warrior, bulldog, Knight, Panther,... Hetherington now replacement for Ekat. Jeez I know the Storm can take ok players and make them great, but this would be a big ask.
Coby Black to Raiders 2026... huge signing if completed, might play first grade this year big young name
Ruben Garrick chased by multiple teams and unfortunately the Warriors are not one of them mentioned, no surprises that the Roosters are