Staff Andrew Webster

[Wrighty]

My take aways from the interview, in some cases by reading into what he was saying

1) Luke back round 7 as you say. I guess that means round three or four for Barnett who got injured four rounds earlier.
2) Leka will not be an 80 minute player in 2026. He wasn't clear if this means he will come off the bench or start but I suspect off the bench by his gist.
3) AKP will be 1st drop back up winger behind the incumbents. He did not say this directly. He said the three wingers would be a unit.
4) Taine Tuapiki is not going anywhere and he was mentioned as being our back up fullback for next year.
5) Centres are a concern for him. He says we have three great centres but two of them have been injured frequently. He didn't seem to offer a solution. But overall is happy with our team and says we don't need anyone else for 2026.

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

If centre is a concern, I wonder if Toeava and Fatialofa could get some time there?

 

[Wrighty]

If centre is a concern, I wonder if Toeava and Fatialofa could get some time there?

Maybe. He needs to give someone some reps there as a 4th centre option so it isn't Capewell or Leka.
I personally like the idea of Charnze being used as our centre back up when needed and Tuapiki going to fullback. Maybe Charnze's time at centre for the Kiwis this year could sway Webster to give it another try.
Interestingly Rocco Berry is signed to the end of 2026 and to the best of the knowledge has not been extended yet. He is now open to offers from Perth as it is after Nov 1. I would say we are going to look at his time on the park before we renew him. So probably won't make an offer before mid season.