You’re probably right- player trades are always unlikely but it gives us something to talk about in the off season.
Manly aren’t bad off for props- paseka, alioa, lodge and a couple of young ones coming through plus the option of Trbojevic and bullemor playing there- that’s 5 that would walk into our 17 (6 if u count sipley).
Having another look at that link someone posted to their forum, they’re all keen on Curran with the preferred option of him playing 13 and Trbojevic moving to prop but they don’t think they would have the cap space (which plays into our hands).
They might see more upside in Curran being younger and more versatile with a higher ceiling….
I think most neutral fans would be more excited to sign Curran than Sipley- it’s just that he’s a square peg in a round hole here (ie not really what we need).
[IMG alt="Brookie Bob"]https://silvertails.net/data/avatars/m/31/31963.jpg?1680071223[/IMG]
"I come back to you now at the turn of the tide"
To re-cap - the club has re-invested in Ethan Bullemor (
Sea Eagles re-sign forward Ethan Bullemor), and signed Aitasi James (
Sea Eagles secure young prop Aitasi James for next two years).
Toff Sipley - contracted till 2025
Josh Aloiai - contracted till 2025
Taniela Paseka - contracted till 2026
Sean Keppie was contracted till 2026, now apparently going to the Bunnies.
Morgan Boyle - his contract runs out this year, no news (as yet) of any renewal.
Aaron Woods - his contract runs out this year, no news (as yet) of any renewal.
Samuela Fainu - going to the Tigers.
Matthew Lodge - rumors of a contract for next year.
Our initial top 30 for this year contained Bullemor, Sipley, Aloiai, Paseka, Keppie, Boyle & S Fainu as props (Woods added in April s part of a player swap, and Lodge added in July on a trail and trial deal). This suggests that the Club is comfortable having 7 props making up the 16 or so total spots reserved for forwards.
If we assume that 5 props are locked-in (Sipley, Bullemor, James, Aloiai, and Paseka), and another is likely (Lodge) we have 6 of the 7 - assuming of course that Boyle and Woods will not be part of the club next year.
Of the latter two, Boyle and Woods, perhaps only Woods may get another year; possibly as cheap back-up and and for Luke Brooks to have a ready-made 'mate' at the club to help him get acquainted with his new club. Though - he dosn't need to take up a roster spot to do that.
In a full NRL season, it's same to assume that half your prop forwards are off the field injured - at least that's what we've been presented with in recent years. Seven props may be on the lean side - maybe 8 is needed, with versatility to play other positions.
All of that said - we could do with a young tearaway, vety mobile, middle forward with something to prove, who can cover both lock and prop.
Josh Curran, perhaps?
Thought this was a good summary. They definitely could do without one of their props.
