Highlighted posts

HODGES AGENCY
CLASSIFIED INTELLIGENCE DOSSIER
Final Round Strategic Analysis - January 2026



"We don't just represent players. We manipulate entire competitions."
- Chris Hodges, probably after his third wine​

• Letter "B" surnames eligible
• ALL remaining Hodges Agency players available
• ALL remaining 2025 NRL players available
• No interventions - Chris Hodges is feeling generous (or blocked from issuing interventions)

Regarding Mr. Brownstone said:

"He's basically the Brisbane Broncos of this competition. Gets every call, wins every close bid, and somehow makes it look effortless. I've waited all these years for him to slip up... finally happened. I'm taking so much joy out of it." - Defence, enjoying the Herbie Farnworth debacle

"PRECEDENT WAS SET!" - Brownstone, screaming into the void about $5K increments

Click to expand...

Regarding Wizard of Tauranga said:

"Champion team indeed... if you forget about the fullback and the forward pack." - Chris Hodges, after Wizard spent $9M on two players

"I thought I won and you guys are going for placing???" - Wizard, genuinely confused about the rules

"We made Cam Smith the player he is today!" - Wizard, during the Great Player Exodus of Round 7

Click to expand...

Regarding Defence said:

"I've been groomed, haven't I? Chris keeps asking for increasingly embarrassing favours in exchange for advice." - Defence, achieving self-awareness

"82% goal kicking from 100 attempts over 8 years is ELITE, actually." - Defence, defending the Staggs selection with a straight face

Click to expand...

Regarding Ryno 2.0 said:

"It's 4:45 AM in Norway and I'm bidding on imaginary rugby league players. This is fine." - Ryno, questioning his life choices

"Foran slipped through the net at $200K. SLIPPED. THROUGH. THE. NET." - Ryno, still in disbelief

Click to expand...

Regarding Cces said:

"Craig Gower is an upstanding citizen when he is sober. After his third beer, expect unsolicited massages. After his sixth, puppetry of the penis becomes a concern." - Cces's official character reference for Gower

Click to expand...

Regarding Wrighty said:

"Matt Lodge giving an ethics speech to the Wizards would be peak comedy." - Wizard, firing shots

"My daughter is engaged to Chris Hodges' son. Should this engagement be called off, there may be costly retribution." - Wrighty, receiving the world's most threatening $25K bonus

Click to expand...

Regarding Muddogz said:

"We'll get Danny Buderus. Eventually. One day. Please." - Muddogz, every round since Round 3

"$2.7M war chest and no hooker. It's called strategy, look it up." - Muddogz, probably

Click to expand...

Regarding Warriors55 said:

"I have three essays due, a full day of work, and Todd Carney requires a social media policy. This is fine." - Warriors55, before Mr. Brownstone saved the day

"We got Taumalolo for $1.4M. Wait, was he even eligible?" - The question no one wanted to ask

Click to expand...

Regarding Naumaifooty said:

"Sonny Bill Williams and Benji Marshall in the same team. It's 2011 again and I'm here for it." - Naumaifooty, living the dream

*Posts reaction GIF instead of actual commentary* - Naumaifooty's preferred communication method

Click to expand...

The defending champion assembled a solid roster. Two Immortals in the halves (Lockyer & Cronk) is a strong foundation, though both are from a different era. The spine of Tedesco-Cook-Cronk-Lockyer looks good on paper.

The acquisition of Latrell at $820K was decent value - everyone else was distracted, and Brownstone was paying attention.

Strengths:

• Best halves pairing in the competition - no debate
• Tedesco at fullback provides elite insurance
• Forward pack with Tapine, Yeo, Hindmarsh is Origin-quality
• RTS provides that X-factor outside back option

Weaknesses:

• Second winger spot is thin (Tupou is... fine)
• Prop depth could be better - Morley is aging
• $1.225M isn't much for the final round

Click to expand...

1.  James Tedesco (FB)
2.  Daniel Tupou (W)
3.  Latrell Mitchell (C)
4.  Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)
5.  [NEED - Target: Blacklock/2025 winger]
6.  Darren Lockyer (FE)
7.  Cooper Cronk (HB)
8.  Adrian Morley (PR)
9.  Damian Cook (HK)
10. Joseph Tapine (PR)
11. Nathan Hindmarsh (SR)
12. Eliesa Katoa (SR)
13. Isaah Yeo (LK)

14. Brett Kimmorley (INT)
15. Stefano Utoikamanu (INT)
16. Xavier Willison (INT)
17. Keaon Koloamatangi (INT)

CAPTAIN: Darren Lockyer (Three-time premiership winner, Immortal)
GOAL KICKER: Darren Lockyer (Career 313/430 - 72.8%)

• Nathan Blacklock - $300K would solve the winger problem
• Dylan Brown - Utility playmaker depth
• Jesse Bromwich - Prop depth if affordable

• Was cruising to an uncontested championship until he discovered the $5K bid increment rule exists. "PRECEDENT WAS SET!" echoes through the halls to this day.
• Spent more energy arguing about $5,000 than most teams spent on actual strategy. The Herbie Farnworth Incident will be studied in forum law schools.
• "Why do automated software updates always make things worse!!" - Brownstone, after his scheduled bid failed
• The Cooper Cronk Match Day Prep Routine essay is now required reading at Hodges Agency. It includes Enya meditation and the mantra "process over outcome."
• Defence called him "#BrownstonesBroncos" - the nickname has stuck in the office
• Somehow wrote THREE essays for Warriors55's fines while also winning bidding wars. Multitasking king.
• "The $5K increment rule finally caught up with him. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy." - Everyone else

This roster screams Craig Bellamy. Systematic, calculated, built on a spine of Immortals who execute without ego. Bellamy would have Cronk and Lockyer running identical plays to the 2017-2019 Storm dynasty.

Alternative: Wayne Bennett - because only he could manage Brownstone's ego alongside two Immortals who also have opinions.

Hodges Hot Take: With this roster's clinical approach and Brownstone's essay-writing homework regime, they don't need a coach - they need a project manager with a Gantt chart.

Click to expand...

The Wizard went ALL IN on two players. Cameron Smith ($5M) and Jonathan Thurston ($4M) represent 60% of the entire salary cap. It's either genius or madness - the jury is still out.

On paper, having arguably the two greatest players of the NRL era in your halves is terrifying. The problem? Every other position looks like it was assembled at a Salvation Army clearance sale.

Karmichael Hunt at fullback is... a choice. Ezra Mam at five-eighth means JT is basically playing both halves positions. The outside backs are the human equivalent of "we have fullbacks at home."

Strengths:

• JT + Cameron Smith is the greatest halves/hooker combo ever assembled
• Forward pack is actually decent - Matt Scott, Leniu, Parker
• Stephen Crichton provides genuine strike power
• Squad depth means no forfeit concerns

Weaknesses:

• $50K war chest - literally can only afford meme players
• Fullback is a glaring hole (Hunt is a centre, let's be honest)
• Winger depth is concerning
• Ezra Mam in his current form is a liability, especially if he is driving...

Click to expand...

1.  Karmichael Hunt (FB) - pray for us
2.  Zac Lomax (W)
3.  Stephen Crichton (C)
4.  Clinton Toopi (C)
5.  Jamayne Isaako (W)
6.  Ezra Mam (FE)
7.  Jonathan Thurston (HB)
8.  Spencer Leniu (PR)
9.  Cameron Smith (HK)
10. Matt Scott (PR)
11. Corey Parker (SR)
12. Isaiah Papali'i (SR)
13. Erin Clarke (LK)

14. Kurt Capewell (INT)
15. Jordan McLean (INT)
16. Daniel Saifiti (INT)
17. Leka Halasima (INT)

CAPTAIN: Cameron Smith (Most games ever, Origin legend)
GOAL KICKER: Jonathan Thurston (Career 913/1104 - 82.7%)

• Reality check - $50K means you're shopping at the discount bin
• Sione Katoa - $10K meme option
• Anyone with a "B" surname who costs less than $50K

• "We made Cam Smith the player he is today!" - actual quote during The Great Exodus
• Promised Chris Hodges a Lamborghini. Redirected it to Isaac Moses. Savage.
• First to complete a team. Forgot the game was about rankings, not finishing first.
• "$145k would have been funnier" - Wizard, after Hodges gave him a $5K bonus
• Still waiting on that $250K Cameron Smith fine to be paid. Interest is accruing.
• Karmichael Hunt was displaced by Motu Tony. Let that sink in.

This team needs Phil Gould. Not as coach - as GM, therapist, and crisis manager. When you have JT and Cam Smith AND a player exodus AND no fullback, you need someone who thrives in chaos.

Alternative: Ricky Stuart - his rants about referees would distract from the team's structural issues. Plus he'd probably fight someone over the Cam Smith fine.

Hodges Hot Take: With $50K war chest and 18 players, Wizard doesn't need a coach. He needs a magician. Oh wait...

Click to expand...

The Brad Fittler Saga of Round 11 will be remembered for generations. Cces pushed Defence all the way to $1.3M, showing both excellent value hunting and a willingness to throw money around strategically.

This squad screams "we're going to bash you into submission." Gordon Tallis at lock with Payne Haas and Ben Kennedy in the pack is genuinely frightening. Tom Trbojevic at fullback - when healthy - is a cheat code.

Harry Grant at hooker provides that spark out of dummy half. The outside backs with To'o, Coates, and Hodges give you speed and power in equal measure.

Strengths:

• Most intimidating forward pack in the competition
• Tom Trbojevic is a genuine game-changer
• Back three finishing ability is elite
• $1.71M war chest allows for upgrades

Weaknesses:

• Halves are the weakest in the top tier (Reynolds/Girdler)
• Second centre spot needs addressing
• Only 15 players - needs minimum two more
• Girdler as a five-eighth is... creative interpretation

Click to expand...

1.  Tom Trbojevic (FB)
2.  Xavier Coates (W)
3.  Justin Hodges (C)
4.  [NEED - Target: Darius Boyd/Preston Campbell]
5.  Brian To'o (W)
6.  Ryan Girdler (FE)
7.  Adam Reynolds (HB)
8.  Payne Haas (PR)
9.  Harry Grant (HK)
10. Josh Papalii (PR)
11. Viliame Kikau (SR)
12. Ben Kennedy (SR)
13. Gordon Tallis (LK)

14. Simon Mannering (INT)
15. Craig Gower (INT)
16. Scott Sorensen (INT)
17. [NEED - utility/prop]

CAPTAIN: Gordon Tallis (Origin captain, enforcer)
GOAL KICKER: Adam Reynolds (Career 697/830 - 84%)

• Danny Buderus - Elite hooker depth
• Darius Boyd - Versatile outside back
• Sam Burgess - Would complete an absurdly strong pack
• Dylan Brown - Five-eighth upgrade

• The Craig Gower Character Reference is legendary: "upstanding citizen when sober... puppetry of the penis after six beers"
• "Dylan Brown deserved the 2025 Golden Boot" - Cces, If only the year 2025 counted.
• Pushed Defence all the way to $1.3M for Brad Fittler. Knew exactly what he was doing.
• Picked up Craig Gower for $250K after the infamous "double pipping" incident
• Defence came back from lunch to find he'd lost two bidding wars. Cces does not take lunch breaks.

This forward-heavy roster needs Des Hasler. The man who turned Manly's mongrel pack into back-to-back premiers would look at Gallen, Hannay, Beetson, and JWH-13 and start salivating.

Alternative: Trent Robinson - his ability to develop attack through the middle would unlock the devastating hit-up game. Craig Gower as utility... Robbo would find a way.

Hodges Hot Take: Cces operates like a robot. No lunch breaks. Predatory bidding. This team coaches itself - just press play and watch the forward pack obliterate opposition.

Click to expand...

The Apex Predators have assembled a roster that makes you say "wow, that's exciting" and "wait, who's playing prop?" in the same breath.

The backline is headlined by the 2025 DALLY M WINNER Reece Walsh - the man who led Brisbane to the premiership, starred for QLD in Origin, and represented Australia. At $1.95M, he might be the best value signing in the competition. Add Benji Marshall, Joey Manu, Mark Gasnier, Valentine Holmes - that's a genuine superstar backline. Kalyn Ponga on the bench is just unfair depth.

The problem is the forward pack looks like it was assembled from whoever showed up to training on time. Lindsay Collins and RCG are workmanlike but won't scare anyone. Craig Wing at hooker is undersized.

Strengths:

• Reece Walsh is the 2025 Dally M - Premiership winner, Origin star, Kangaroos rep - absolute superstar
• Backline depth is insane - Ponga AND Dearden on the bench
• Benji + DCE halves pairing has creativity for days
• Outside backs can score from anywhere
• SBW adds genuine X-factor

Weaknesses:

• Forward pack is undersized and underpowered
• Hooker is a genuine concern
• Relying heavily on skill over size
• Craig Fitzgibbon was a coaching hire, not a playing one

Click to expand...

1.  Reece Walsh (FB) - 2025 DALLY M WINNER
2.  Jason Saab (W)
3.  Mark Gasnier (C)
4.  Joseph Manu (C)
5.  Valentine Holmes (W)
6.  Benji Marshall (FE)
7.  Daly Cherry-Evans (HB)
8.  Lindsay Collins (PR)
9.  Craig Wing (HK)
10. Regan Campbell-Gillard (PR)
11. Angus Crichton (SR)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (SR)
13. Victor Radley (LK)

14. Kalyn Ponga (INT) - utility god
15. Tom Dearden (INT) - halves cover
16. Taniela Paseka (INT)
17. [NEED - prop/forward depth]

CAPTAIN: Daly Cherry-Evans (Former Maroons captain)
GOAL KICKER: Valentine Holmes (Career 192/243 - 79%)

• Jesse Bromwich - Desperately need a big prop
• Danny Buderus - Hooker upgrade
• Sam Burgess - Would transform the pack

• Communication style: 90% reaction GIFs, 10% actual words. Respectable.
• Benji + SBW reunion. The 2011 nostalgia is STRONG with this one.
• Craig Fitzgibbon was drafted. As a player. In 2026. Bold.
• Has Kalyn Ponga AND Tom Dearden on the bench. What is depth management?
• The backline is so stacked that genuine Origin players can't crack the starting 13.

Obvious choice: Benji Marshall himself. Already on the roster as a player-coach combo. The attack would be freestyle, entertaining, and completely unpredictable. The 2025 Dally M winner Reece Walsh would thrive under Benji's creative freedom.

Alternative: Ivan Cleary - his defensive systems could shore up the forward pack issues while letting the superstars cook.

Hodges Hot Take: With Walsh, Benji, SBW, and DCE, this team doesn't need a coach's playbook. They need a producer. This is reality TV rugby league - script it, shoot it, profit.

Click to expand...

The game moderator has assembled a team that would make 2000s NRL fans weep with joy. JWH, Steve Price, Brad Thorn, Willie Mason - that's not a forward pack, that's a war crime.

Hayne at fullback in his prime era was arguably the most electrifying player in the game. The halves of Maloney and Moses are an interesting combination - creative but prone to the occasional brain snap.

The concern? Three hookers (Farah, Mahoney, McInnis) suggests Wrighty wasn't quite sure what he wanted there. And only $325K left means minimal room for improvement.

Strengths:

• Forward pack is absolutely brutal
• Hayne provides elite fullback play
• Josh Addo-Carr is the fastest man alive
• Hooker depth is excessive (but quality)

Weaknesses:

• $325K severely limits options
• Starford To'a on the wing is a concern
• Three hookers is two too many
• Halves are good, not great

Click to expand...

1.  Jarryd Hayne (FB)
2.  Josh Addo-Carr (W)
3.  Jamie Lyon (C)
4.  Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (C)
5.  Starford To'a (W)
6.  James Maloney (FE)
7.  Mitchell Moses (HB)
8.  Jarred Waerea-Hargreaves (PR)
9.  Robbie Farah (HK)
10. Steve Price (PR)
11. Brad Thorn (SR)
12. Tonie Carroll (SR)
13. Willie Mason (LK)

14. Reed Mahoney (INT)
15. Cameron McInnis (INT)
16. Jack Hetherington (INT)
17. Matt Lodge (INT)

CAPTAIN: Brad Thorn (All Blacks AND Kangaroos representative)
GOAL KICKER: Jamie Lyon (Career 562/666 - 84.4%)

• Matt Bowen - Could upgrade wing cheaply
• Preston Campbell - Utility depth
• Anyone under $325K who can play outside back

"Three hookers? The man's just planning for Origin camp." - Hodges intern #3

"I hear Wrighty's daughter is engaged to Chris's son. Explains the $25K bonus. Can't prove it, but the timing is suspicious." - Office conspiracy theorist

"Matt Lodge giving ethics presentations to visiting teams would be the most Wrecking Crew thing imaginable." - Wizard, still salty about round 4

"Willie Mason, Brad Thorn, JWH, and Matt Lodge in the same forward rotation. That's not rugby league, that's assault with extra steps." - Opposition scout

"Jamie Lyon at 84.4% goal kicking is the most quietly competent selection in the entire competition. Nobody's talking about it because everyone's distracted by the Staggs drama." - Statistical analyst who actually reads spreadsheets

Click to expand...

This roster screams Wayne Bennett. Old-school forwards, Origin-quality toughness, and a spine that executes rather than entertains. Benny would look at JWH, Steve Price, Brad Thorn, and Willie Mason and say "now THAT'S a football team."

Alternative: Tim Sheens - the Wrecking Crew aesthetic matches his 2000s Canberra and Tigers dynasties. Plus Hayne at fullback needs an ego manager.

Hodges Hot Take: With the game moderator as owner, this team essentially has referee immunity. They don't need a coach - they need someone to remind Wrighty that favouritism isn't technically a rule violation. Even though he selected Starford Toa in a team supposed to be of the best players in the NRL era. Red Card!

Click to expand...

Ryno has been playing this game from Norway, waking up at 4:45 AM to make bids. That level of dedication deserves respect. The results have been mixed.

Andrew Johns is the centerpiece - arguably the greatest halfback ever. Greg Inglis at fullback is elite. The problem is the five-eighth spot where Kieran Foran (who slipped through the net at $200K) represents either incredible value or a red flag.

The forward pack is interesting - Gallen, Ali Lauiti'iti, Beaver Menzies provide Origin-quality edge play. Tino on the bench is great value. But that second winger spot is completely empty.

Strengths:

• Andrew Johns is literally an Immortal
• GI at fullback is terrifying
• Israel Folau at centre adds finishing power
• Edge forwards are elite (Menzies, Ali, Gallen)

Weaknesses:

• Missing a second winger entirely
• Foran at five-eighth is a gamble
• Middle forward depth is thin
• $505K needs to fill multiple holes

Click to expand...

1.  Greg Inglis (FB)
2.  Dane Gagai (W)
3.  Israel Folau (C)
4.  [NEED - centre/wing]
5.  [NEED - winger - CRITICAL]
6.  Kieran Foran (FE)
7.  Andrew Johns (HB)
8.  Moses Leota (PR)
9.  Api Koroisau (HK)
10. Andrew Fifita (PR)
11. Ali Lauiti'iti (SR)
12. Steve Menzies (SR)
13. Paul Gallen (LK)

14. Tino Faasuamaleaui (INT)
15. Jake Trbojevic (INT)
16. Naufahu Whyte (INT)
17. Jayden Su'a (INT)

CAPTAIN: Paul Gallen (NSW Origin captain)
GOAL KICKER: Andrew Johns (Career 781/1051 - 74.3%)

• ANY WINGER - This is critical. Nathan Blacklock, Matt Bowen, anyone
• Darius Boyd - Could cover wing/centre
• Ben Barba - Another outside back option

"It's 4:45 AM in Norway. The rest of us are asleep. Ryno is already awake, sniping bids on Israeli internationals. The dedication is either admirable or concerning." - Night shift security

"Foran at $200K. SLIPPED. THROUGH. THE. NET. At $200K! I'm still not over it. That's elite five-eighth production at minimum wage prices." - Ryno, three weeks later

"He's got Joey, he's got GI, he's got Gallen leading the pack... and he forgot to buy TWO wingers. TWO. Not one. TWO." - Accounting department

"The timezone situation has created the most interesting bidding patterns. Every round, we're checking 'is Ryno awake yet?' before updating projections." - Hodges data team

"If he gets Blacklock in the final round, this suddenly becomes a top 4 team. One signing. That's all it takes." - Neutral observer (suspiciously sounds like Ryno)

Click to expand...

This roster needs Michael Hagan. Built the Knights dynasty around Andrew Johns, and this team is literally built around Andrew Johns. Same playbook, different decade.

Alternative: Craig Bellamy - he could turn Gallen into a one-man defensive system and get GI to play fullback properly instead of wherever he feels like.

Hodges Hot Take: Ryno bidding from Norway at 4:45 AM deserves a medal. But the coach for this team is actually just an alarm clock. Set it for 4:44 AM and don't miss another winger in the draft.

Click to expand...

Defence has been through the wars this game. The Kotoni Staggs goal-kicker controversy nearly caused an international incident. The "grooming" relationship with Chris Hodges has been... educational.

The spine is actually excellent - Billy Slater, Brandon Smith, Munster, Fittler. That's a genuine premiership-caliber combination. The outside backs with Tuqiri, Sailor, Staggs, and Farnworth are powerful if not flashy.

The forward pack is underrated - JFH is elite, Carrigan is an Origin lock, Nanai and Hudson Young provide edge aggression. Tony Williams on $10K is the meme signing of the competition.

Strengths:

• Billy Slater is the GOAT fullback
• Munster at halfback is creative and dangerous
• Outside backs are BIG
• Forward pack is quietly solid

Weaknesses:

• Goal kicking controversy remains unresolved
• Fittler at five-eighth in 2025? Bold choice
• Tony Williams is genuinely on this roster
• $470K limits final round options

Click to expand...

1.  Billy Slater (FB)
2.  Lote Tuqiri (W)
3.  Kotoni Staggs (C)
4.  Herbie Farnworth (C)
5.  Wendell Sailor (W)
6.  Brad Fittler (FE)
7.  Cameron Munster (HB)
8.  James Fisher-Harris (PR)
9.  Brandon Smith (HK)
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho (PR)
11. Jeremiah Nanai (SR)
12. Hudson Young (SR)
13. Patrick Carrigan (LK)

14. Jerome Hughes (INT)
15. Nicho Hynes (INT) - GOAL KICKER
16. Haumole Olakau'atu (INT)
17. Tony Williams (INT) - vibes only

CAPTAIN: Brad Fittler (Origin legend)
GOAL KICKER: Nicho Hynes (Career 220/275 - 80%) or Kotoni Staggs (82% in limited attempts)

• Hazem El Masri - Solves the goal kicking issue PERMANENTLY
• Jesse Bromwich - Prop depth
• Greg Bird - Edge forward upgrade

"I've been groomed, haven't I? Chris Hodges keeps asking for increasingly embarrassing favors in exchange for advice." - Defence, finally achieving self-awareness

"82% from 100 attempts over 8 years is ELITE goal kicking. You know what's also elite? Hazem El Masri. Just saying." - Everyone, constantly

"The Staggs goal-kicker debate has produced more content than most team's entire bidding history. At this point, I'm emotionally invested." - Forum lurker

"Tony Williams at $10K. That's either the steal of the draft or... no, wait, that's just $10K wasted. But what a story!" - Optimistic intern

"Defence missed a bid increment because he was filming his son's BMX tricks. Most wholesome excuse in competition history. Can't even be mad." - Chris Hodges, briefly showing human emotion

"He's one El Masri away from silencing every critic. The question is: will he admit he needs him?" - Goal kicking analytics department

Click to expand...

This roster needs Billy Slater himself. Player-coach vibes are strong here. Slater at fullback coaching Munster in the halves? That's a Storm reunion tour that actually makes sense.

Alternative: Craig Bellamy (again) - because when you have Billy Slater, Cameron Munster, and Brandon Smith, you're basically running a Storm alumni club. Might as well get the band back together.

Hodges Hot Take: The relationship between Defence and Chris Hodges has produced more drama than the actual game. This team doesn't need a coach - it needs a couples counselor and an El Masri intervention specialist.

Click to expand...

The Warriors Strikeforce has assembled the most authentic "Warriors fan" roster possible. Stacey Jones, Ruben Wiki, Isaac Luke - the nostalgia is palpable.

The forward pack is legitimately frightening. Jason Taumalolo at lock is a bulldozer. Shane Webcke was the best prop of his era. David Fifita is an $85 million edge forward getting paid $250K here.

The spine is... interesting. Stacey Jones is a legend. Ben Hunt at hooker is unorthodox but workable. Todd Carney at five-eighth is brave (and comes with a comprehensive social media policy).

Three wingers and no clear second centre suggests some lineup juggling is needed.

Strengths:

• Forward pack is absolutely loaded
• Three hookers provides depth (Hunt, Isaac Luke, Robson)
• $980K war chest allows for flexibility
• Warriors heritage players add intangibles

Weaknesses:

• Centre depth is concerning (Casey McLean?)
• Todd Carney at five-eighth is a gamble
• Too many wingers, not enough structure
• Taumalolo was technically ineligible? (played 2025)

Click to expand...

1.  Anthony Minichiello (FB)
2.  Alex Johnston (W)
3.  Ronaldo Mulitalo (C)
4.  Brent Tate (C)
5.  Mark Nawaqanitawase (W)
6.  Todd Carney (FE)
7.  Stacey Jones (HB)
8.  Shane Webcke (PR)
9.  Ben Hunt (HK)
10. Ruben Wiki (PR)
11. David Fifita (SR)
12. Luke Lewis (SR)
13. Jason Taumalolo (LK)

14. Isaac Luke (INT)
15. Liam Martin (INT)
16. Cameron Murray (INT)
17. Terrell May (INT)

CAPTAIN: Stacey Jones (Warriors legend)
GOAL KICKER: Ben Hunt (Career 24/32 - 75%) or need to acquire

• Hazem El Masri - Reliable goal kicker
• Darius Boyd - Versatile outside back
• Trent Barrett - Five-eighth upgrade option

"Stacey Jones, Ruben Wiki, Isaac Luke... Warriors55 doesn't have a team, he has a museum exhibition. And honestly? I'm here for it." - Nostalgia department

"Three essays due, a full day of work, and Todd Carney required a social media policy. The man was drowning. Mr. Brownstone swooped in like a savior. Extremely suspicious timing." - Office conspiracist

"We got Taumalolo for $1.4M. Wait... was he even eligible? He played 2025. Are we checking eligibility now? Did anyone ask?" - Legal, nervously flipping through rule book

"Casey McLean starting at centre. That's either a draft oversight or a deep cut Warriors heritage pick. We're calling it 'intentional' for PR purposes." - Public relations

"The forward pack of Webcke, Wiki, Taumalolo, and David Fifita could legitimately win a game by themselves. The problem is rugby league requires backs too." - Tactical analyst

"Todd Carney's social media policy is 47 pages long. FORTY-SEVEN. It specifically addresses situations we didn't know existed." - HR department, still traumatized

Click to expand...

This roster needs Stacey Jones himself. Player-coach is the only answer here. The Warriors legend guiding his own team with Wiki, Isaac Luke, and $3M worth of himself in the halves? It's poetic.

Alternative: Stephen Kearney - understands Warriors DNA, managed difficult personalities (hello Todd Carney), and would get every last ounce of nostalgia out of this roster.

Hodges Hot Take: This team was built with pure emotion. No analytics. No strategy meetings. Just "who did I love watching as a kid?" That's not a roster - it's a love letter to the Warriors. And you know what? It might work. Because intangibles are real and Stacey Jones at Carlaw Park would make grown men cry.

Click to expand...

Muddogz has the biggest war chest ($2.7M) but the smallest roster (12 players). This is either strategic genius or a catastrophic failure to click "submit bid" on time.

The halves pairing of Nathan Cleary and Shaun Johnson is elite - $6.9M of pure playmaking brilliance. Ryan Papenhuyzen at fullback adds another dimension. Semi Radradra might be the most talented player in any backline.

THE PROBLEM: No hooker. None. Zip. Nada. This team literally cannot field a starting 13 right now because THERE IS NO HOOKER.

Danny Buderus has been the target since Round 1. If Muddogz doesn't get him in the final round, this whole campaign has been an elaborate exercise in self-sabotage.

Strengths:

• Cleary + Johnson is arguably the best halves combo (fight me, Brownstone)
• $2.7M war chest is enormous
• Semi Radradra is a cheat code
• Papenhuyzen is electric when healthy

Weaknesses:

• NO HOOKER - CRITICAL FAILURE
• Only 12 players - needs 5+ more
• Forward pack depth is thin
• The Beast (Manu Vatuvei) on the wing is nostalgia, not strategy

Click to expand...

1.  Ryan Papenhuyzen (FB)
2.  Manu Vatuvei (W)
3.  Semi Radradra (C)
4.  Nigel Vagana (C)
5.  Jack Wighton (W)
6.  Nathan Cleary (FE)
7.  Shaun Johnson (HB)
8.  Addin Fonua-Blake (PR)
9.  [NEED - HOOKER - DANNY BUDERUS]
10. Petero Civoniceva (PR)
11. Josh Curran (SR)
12. [NEED - second row]
13. Junior Paulo (LK)

14. Marty Taupau (INT)
15. Liam Henry (INT)
16. [NEED]
17. [NEED]

CAPTAIN: Nathan Cleary (Premiership winner, Origin captain)
GOAL KICKER: Nathan Cleary (Career 539/665 - 81.1%)

• DANNY BUDERUS - NON-NEGOTIABLE
• Sam Burgess - Transforms the forward pack
• Greg Bird - Second row option
• Jesse Bromwich - Prop depth
• Matt Bowen - Utility coverage

"We'll get Danny Buderus. Eventually. One day. Please." - Muddogz, every single round since Round 3

"$2.7 million war chest. TWELVE players. No hooker. I've seen strategic gambles before, but this is either 4D chess or a man who forgot to submit bids." - Financial analyst, genuinely confused

"Cleary and Shaun Johnson is $6.9M of pure halves brilliance. The kind of spine that wins premierships. Shame about the whole 'cannot field a starting 13' situation." - Hodges scouting department

"Semi Radradra is on this team. SEMI RADRADRA. And people are still talking about the hooker. Priorities, people!" - Muddogz, deflecting

"The Beast on the wing brings nothing but vibes and memories. Sometimes that's enough. This is probably not one of those times." - Nostalgia enthusiast with concerns

"If Muddogz misses out on Buderus in the final round, we're witnessing the most elaborate 11-round setup for disappointment in competition history." - Drama department, preparing popcorn

"At least the goal kicking is sorted. Nathan Cleary at 81%. One less thing to worry about. Only twelve other things to worry about." - Silver linings specialist

Click to expand...

This roster needs Ivan Cleary. And not just because Nathan is on the team. Ivan's ability to build systems around elite halves would maximize the Cleary + Johnson combination. Plus he's used to managing expectations during rebuilds.

Alternative: Andrew McFadden - the Warriors heritage pick. Managed SJ before, knows New Zealand talent, and would understand why The Beast is on the wing even if it doesn't make tactical sense.

Hodges Hot Take: Muddogz has $2.7M and no hooker. That's not a coaching issue - that's a procurement failure. Get Buderus. Get Burgess. Get anyone who can play the position. THEN we can discuss coaching philosophy. Right now, this team needs a hooker more than it needs a head coach.

Click to expand...

• Sam Burgess - The biggest name available. Expect $1.5M+ bidding war
• Danny Buderus - Muddogz NEEDS him. Others might bid to block
• Matt Bowen - Sneaky good value at $400-600K
• Ben Barba - Elite but controversial. Could go cheap
• Greg Bird - Solid second row option
• Jesse Bromwich - Quality prop depth
• Nathan Blacklock - Winger solution for Ryno
• Darius Boyd - Versatile outside back
• Trent Barrett - Five-eighth option

• Preston Campbell - Utility value
• Hazem El Masri - GOAT goal kicker
• Brett Stewart - Fullback depth
• Scott Prince - Halfback backup

• Dylan Brown - 2025 GOLDEN BOOT WINNER - Elite five-eighth value (if you only account for 2025 and 2025 alone)
• Lachy Galvin - Utility
• Various minimum wage options - For cap management

Chris Hodges said:

Gentlemen,

After 11 rounds of manipulation, intervention, and questionable essay assignments, we approach the endgame.

MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE FINAL ROUND:

1. Danny Buderus will go to Muddogz unless someone pays $1.2M+ to block them. They NEED him.

2. Sam Burgess will spark the bidding war of the competition. Cces and Naumai have the funds and the need. Expect $1.5M+.

3. Nathan Blacklock is Ryno's only hope. If they don't get a winger, that 4:45 AM alarm in Norway was all for nothing.

4. Hazem El Masri could be the sneaky value pick for Defence - solves their goal kicking problem forever.

5. Mr. Brownstone is a contender but the $5K increment debacle showed he's beatable. The competition is wide open.

GAME STATE:

This is genuinely anyone's competition now. Brownstone has Immortals but also has holes. Cces has the brutal forward pack. Wizard has JT+Cam. Apex Predators have the 2025 Dally M winner in Reece Walsh. And Muddogz could emerge from nowhere with that massive war chest if they finally get Buderus.

Muddogz could be the wildcard if they nail the final round. Cleary + Johnson + Buderus + Burgess would be terrifying.

Everyone else is playing for bronze.

May your bids be strategic and your alarm clocks reliable.

- C. Hodges
Managing Director, Hodges Agency
"We take 15%, but we give 100% of the manipulation"

Click to expand...

Chris Hodges said:

Didgeridoo CHRIS HODGES AGENCY - ROUND 5 REPORT

Please note that these tasks to be actioned/communicated by Saturday midday NZT.



ROUND 5 SUMMARY
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
• Players Drafted: 4
• Total Spent: $9,850,000
• Interventions: 4 ( 0 | 0 | 4)

HODGES LEGENDS DRAFTED THIS ROUND

@wizard of Tauranga ( Good - 70 rep)
Total Spent This Round: $5,800,000

• Cameron Smith - $5,000,000
Positions: Hooker

INTERVENTION: Cameron Smith Special Demand - Ego
As one of the greatest players in the NRL era, demands an additional $250,000 as 'ego management fee'
Fine if refused: Walkout
Status: PENDING

• Matt Scott - $800,000
Positions: Prop

INTERVENTION: Matt Scott Special Demand - No mention
The quiet achiever demands no interviews - you cannot mention him by name/initials at all in this thread. Confirm you understand.
Fine if refused: $400,000
Status: PENDING

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

@Defence ( Good - 60 rep)
Total Spent This Round: $4,050,000

• Billy Slater - $3,000,000
Positions: Fullback

INTERVENTION: Immunity
Protected from Chris Hodges intervention. No action required.
Status: Actioned

• Wendell Sailor - $1,050,000
Positions: Wing

INTERVENTION: Wendell Sailor Special Demand - Try Celebration
Dell demands a try celebration - Post a video of you performing your own special try celebration.
Fine if refused: Walkout
Status: PENDING

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

TEAM STANDINGS

Warriors55: 5 players | $6,910,000 | Rep: 80
Muddogz: 4 players | $5,600,000 | Rep: 70
Naumaifooty: 4 players | $7,260,000 | Rep: 70
Wizards: 4 players | $10,000,000 | Rep: 70
Wrighty: 4 players | $3,900,000 | Rep: 80
Defence: 3 players | $4,750,000 | Rep: 60
Cces: 2 players | $2,890,000 | Rep: 70
Ryno 2.0: 2 players | $5,960,000 | Rep: 70
Mr Brownstone: 1 players | $820,000 | Rep: 60
Updawahs: 0 players | $0 | Rep: 50


With legendary regards,
C. Hodges
Hodges Agency
"Fifty Years of Extracting Value"

Click to expand...

Inruin said:

Also coincided with SJ's best year creating the space for him and DWZ. Berry did well with the quick hands passes but I don't think he is one to create the space himself.

Click to expand...

SJ2k said:

Squad is extremely meh on paper. We're absolutely a marquee player short, probably 2. Can't blame the recruitment, all their signings are sharp. Just no one wants to come here when they can stay in Aus, apart from when we're lucky. Webby's doing fantastic things with very average squads.

Real question is why are none of the kiwi backs (apart from the worst one by far CNK, no offense to him he's just cooked) play for us. A bunch of young stars playing for other teams. I'm sure the club is doing everything it can to mitigate it, but there is plenty of kiwi talent not playing for us.

Click to expand...

Playdaball said:

Papal’ii is doing very well by someone who is limited by size and a powerlifting master.
One of the Kiwis best in the recent series .

Click to expand...

Five&Last said:

Papalii ceiling was still limited by size. EIT can get in the gym and add strength, Papalii can't add inches to his height.

Plus I don't actually think being a master in power lifting is that valuable on a rugby league pitch.

Click to expand...

Wrighty said:

Ok I had a rough finish to the working year if that makes sense, so please be patient with me if I say something incorrect.

TSS stats wise has not done well. His tackle efficiency is 91% which sounds high but is very low as far as middle forwards go. Most top middle forwards are around 95% and the very best are around 97%. Only N00b middle forwards are around 90% or 91%. So TSSs Defence has been poor and I am looking forward to him having another pre-season so he can improve a couple of percentage points and be around 93 or even 94% this year. If he doesn't improve to those percentages this season then I would label him a defensive concern.
FInally his run metres which you said were 10M per run were about 8metres per run when I ran the numbers. 10M per run is only for the truly eite props like AFB. You are still a very very good prop if you can average 9metres per run. Metres per run is a key statistic I follow and track that tells you everything you need to know about a prop's hit ups. 8 metres is what Noob props or fringe props average and he is around there. Yes you are correct he has the fastest PTB in the team and the fastest PTB I have ever seen in my short time following league. So I give him that.

EIT I have not run the numbers on. So I can't respond with anything other than eye test comments and those are subjective. So I have nothing concrete to say other than at this stage he does not bend the line with his hit ups but is a good little tackler.

Yes Crosby - high light reel block busting runs on a consistent basis. Needs to be converted to an edge as he simply did not show he had the motor to even be a strong 40 minute prop. He was frequently out of gas and needs a position such as edge where he can catch his breath and also run amok against defenders. He has a huge projectory and has great personal values based on his interviews and personal values are very important to the priojectory of a player.

Click to expand...

Noitall said:

There’s been massive excitement for the potential of Toby Crosby I’ve seen on their forum but Kalani Going is one many are talking about. I think the overall thought is they picked up some great recruits from us

Click to expand...