Makasene
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As @Five&Last posted, in time they will, probably as early as next year.
But for now, I feel the balance is right to have one plus Capewell.
General Warriors Preseason 2026
- Thread starter WahsaurusRex
- Start date
As @Five&Last posted, in time they will, probably as early as next year.
But for now, I feel the balance is right to have one plus Capewell.
I'd say we've underutilized Laban so far in first grade. He's mainly been used as another middle which is fine given his size. But he does have something to offer in attack: he can run an amazing line as we saw in the all-stars game. In time, he could be as damaging as Kikau or Katoa on an edge. So I hope the goal isn't to convert him to being another middle. We have other 2nd rowers who can make that transition.
Makasene
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In fairness I felt he was just coming into his own with an increased role, only for Kafusi to end his season in Rnd 22.
I felt he was looking like having a big part to play towards the end of the year.
That incident was quite consequential for the 2025 season if you think about. If we had taken the two after that sin bin, we'd probably have won that game with less than 4 mins to go and held on to our top 4 spot. Because we finish in the 4, there would have been no Broncos in the top 4 and consequently i) no broncos premiership and ii) probably (in my view) a Penrith 5peat. Laban did really change rugby league history last year.
Blain
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Yeah opinions are fine, fantasy podcasts are general less informed than even this forum as they are looking at every team in the comp. But Capewell will be starting, and is not being talked about by anyone in the know?
I think you are right, but I see this as a transition year for Capewell/Marata to be phased out, and for Laban and Leka to move into the starting roles later this season/2027. I wouldn't be surprised one of them is retained for next year, but if these boys can show they are ready, then maybe they wont.
Capewell's performance has been pretty average to be honest, he doesn't add enough ball in hand. He didn't stand out in a trial against rookies. His stats are iffy at best also, even droppable if that's your guide.. Same as Marata. They both provide leadership and effort which is cool, but their upside on the park is on the decline, and I feel will hold us back from taking a step into the top 4. But, I also think Leka and Laban are a bit fresh right now to be starters all season.
You would have to think if it wasn't for injuries leka would have been kept as a bench player.
Plus his form was just too good last year particularly for a team that lacks x-factor
france
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sorry bro about the slow reaction lol..between the weed & the whiskey i feel like alot of us are in 2 minds about how good some of these young fellas are...they're fine ..just let them play to their instincts
Makasene
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What is your take on both being unsigned for next year?
Usually futures are sorted by now.
Do you think Perth have been in contact to say 'sit tight, we've got an offer coming"
I would be thinking if we wanted them we would have signed them by now.
Naynay
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Writing is on the wall really Capewell and Marata will probably both be gone.
Maybe capewell if he has another origin year will get a 1 year extension. if laban starts this year hes good as locked it down and then the other is up for grabs so leka might have to really backup last years effort if he wants to be the other starting second rower
Blain
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Capewell won't stay for 1 year if someone will give him 2.
I think Capewell will probably go back to Australia, he only has a couple years in him. I can't see us offering him 2, with all our young boys pushing. I've always thought he'd be an easy target for Perth as a leader. He'll be in no rush, and I don't see heaps of clubs chasing him this far out too hard.
Marata isn't pushing hard enough to be getting early offers either - I can see him staying on TBH. He's 29, will be on half of what he is currently, and I can't see teams chasing him as much as they would with Capewell. I'd rather see us move on and let a EIT take his place, but wouldn't be surprised to see him stay. You need some experience on the bench.
I think Capewell will probably go back to Australia, he only has a couple years in him. I can't see us offering him 2, with all our young boys pushing. I've always thought he'd be an easy target for Perth as a leader. He'll be in no rush, and I don't see heaps of clubs chasing him this far out too hard.
Marata isn't pushing hard enough to be getting early offers either - I can see him staying on TBH. He's 29, will be on half of what he is currently, and I can't see teams chasing him as much as they would with Capewell. I'd rather see us move on and let a EIT take his place, but wouldn't be surprised to see him stay. You need some experience on the bench.
CWC
🔍
Cape should be captaining the Bears in 27?
We could probably look for a prime prop to transition for Barney and Fish and keep our second rowers second rowers, maybe Marata could aim for that if nobody’s offering him, or Clark+Demi could be their successors. Got a feeling Laban and EIT might still be chucked there, EIT actually looks quite small for prop…
We could probably look for a prime prop to transition for Barney and Fish and keep our second rowers second rowers, maybe Marata could aim for that if nobody’s offering him, or Clark+Demi could be their successors. Got a feeling Laban and EIT might still be chucked there, EIT actually looks quite small for prop…
We should sign Arthers tho…
The issue is what Blain is stating. We would only want him for another year to bridge the gap further. He's 100% going to be get two year offers on the table, and not just from the Bears. That's kind of where it starts and ends with Capes. I'd be furious if we offered him two years with who we have coming through in the same position.
Niukore is someone who might be enticed by a further 1 year extension, he'll likey have less interest than Capes. But I just think we need to go in a different direction. Regardless, we absolutely should not be making a call on him until after round 18 at least. Let him play for his next contract.
Makasene
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It would be such a conservative play to give Capes 2 more years. So we'll probably do it.
The stability of the club is crucially important to the long-term vision they are trying to achieve. Unfortunately, the conservatism helps with stability.
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