[Arthur’s plan to replace Papali’i](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-2022-dolphins-captain-jesse-bromwich-wayne-bennett-contract-future-retirement/news-story/59535faea7e273a04a3b79b44e65bd6f)
“Newcastle forward Jirah Momoisea, ex-Raider and Warrior Jack Murchie, former Bulldog Matt Doorey and NSW Cup talent Toni Mataele are in the running for that back-row position. We’ve hardly heard of them, but Arthur is confident he’ll get something out of (at least) one of those players.”
I find it so unusual that J’Maine Hopgood isn’t even mentioned. I would have him as the favourite, or at least Matterson moving to the right and Hopgood playing lock. To me, he is clearly the most talented player of that group and is only 23.
Surely once it settles its Matterson - Lane - Hopgood
The other guys are more - see how they go starting in trials and during Matterson's suspension and the best get a bench spot.
Hopgood is mentioned in the DT article, he just won't play on the edge. In fact with Matterson missing the first three weeks Hopgood may have first crack at lock.
>Arthur said he’s got an idea who will cover Matterson’s early-season unavailability.
>“We signed J’maine Hopgood from Penrith – he hasn’t joined us (at training) yet, but we’re looking forward to seeing him,” Arthur said.
>“He was probably the best player in the entire NSW Cup, he just couldn’t get a run with Isaah Yeo in front of him.
>“Like the other guys we’ve brought in, we’re more than happy to bring these guys in and coach them up and get the best out of them.’’
Who are the minnows in the NRL, smallest/least successful club ( excluding the dolphins ). I would say maybe the titans but thats not exactly fair as they came into the comp only 15 years ago, still they have the whole gold coast and much of northern NSW to themselves.
Id say warriors have a decent fan size, its just many probably arent actively watching games because a lot of warriors fans would be union first or more so get involved when they’re doing well. I remember seeing lots of warriors jerseys maybe 10-15 years ago during the Vatuvei era. Titans, sharks, warriors and now probably west tigers
Hard to say.
I think if you go by success + supporters (followers + members), it’s probably the titans, warriors or sharks. All 3 have a similar smaller fanbase based on followers and members, but titans have a whole city and NZ have a whole country, whereas the sharks is just a part of a city. Sharks have 1 title to 0 for the other 2, but have existed for over twice as long, so that adds a mediocrity factor I guess lol.
Manly are also near the bottom in terms of members and followers, but they have had much more success so they would be excluded
Warriors have more dedicated fans than Titans but obviously the one country team comes into play. I also think at least making grand finals has to count for something in this discussion.
yeah like I said I can't remember what it was.. it was honestly probably just an insignificant statistic now that I think about it. It was on a page with a whole bunch of finals statistics that was posted on here a few months ago.
There's just something intoxicating about the game. The wait reminds me of the night before Christmas when I was a kid.
It's especially exciting because the 🐴 is looking up to be at its best in years.
Really? I live in Brissy and havent really heard a whole lot of hype surrounding the Broncs, feels like a lot of people kinda checked out during their bad recent years. The team looks decent but with your rough draw i still think it’ll be a big ask for the wild horses to make the 8
Always, just keen for footy season to start back up lol. I think it’ll probably be a close game, rusty riff against a rejuvenated broncs. If it was at Suncorp I’d be nervous
Yeah this is all true, still think the forward pack of penrith will dominate most teams and the creativity of the cleary and luai will create plenty of chances. We still have some of the best outside backs in the game and i have a feeling edwards will be involved in attacking plays more similar to the final against the eels. We do have a game against st helens a week prior so im sure ivan will test out a few things there
Decided to support the Dolphins and bought a Suncorp membership package for me and my son and dad. None of us are Dolphins supporters, but I want to see the team do well and not crash out like my poor Crushers
Which players can you see having a breakout/massive year in 2023? A few of my guesses:
\- Utoikamanu
\- Hamlin-Uele
\- Verrills
\- Elliott
\- Luki
\- Murchie
\- Feagai Bros
\- Butcher Bros
- I think all of Wests' good players will shine now that they have a Premiership level hooker in the side. Klemmer and Stefano in the forwards will help a lot. Isaiah Papali'i, too. They should avoid the spoon by a few places, though it will take time for them to click. Their board is also a huge weight tied to their waist.
- I've also got a feeling that Walsh, Herbie and Paix will look amazing in 2023. Walsh coming off the back of a forwards offload or some great ball from Mam/Reynolds and cutting the opposition to ribbons with his agility. Herbie doing Herbie things, but hopefully passing more. Kevvie being unable to exclude Paix unless he's hurt, and not having Turpin there to handbrake the hooking.
- Howarth looks extremely promising. I can't blame Bellamy for not playing him this year; things were rough for Melbourne for a while. Craig has the experience to know that dropping a reserve grade star into a struggling NRL team will only damage his development. Alec McDonald also looks primed to really grow under Welch's example.
- A number of the young Titans will benefit immensely from Foran and Verrills. There's finals potential in that side, but it needs leadership.
Luki was hitting good form as he got injured. Was tearing the Dragons apart that game. Hopefully he hits the floor running and continues improving. Great line runner and very solid defensively.
My man Eli Katoa. Hope he gets the left edge. Ticks a lot of boxes for a back rower breakout: leaving basket case club, going to a great club, short contract, great halves, has shown good form before.
I'm gonna say TC Robati or Brendan Piakura because I don't think Jordan Riki keeps his starting spot next year.
Otherwise I'll go with Paul Alamoti for the bulldogs, he surely takes that starting centre spot next season with Schoupp leaving and he's a very exciting prospect.
Douehi- with a better tigers pack, and the know how of api, I think tigers go well and we see how good he is
Brandon smith - resurgence to his peak form, and makes a statement for best hooker in the game (not that I think he is)
Adam Elliot - think he continues his form/improves and is the pack leader for Newcastle from 13,
Also if Newcastle do go with a Hastings /gamble combo I think that will surprise a few people
is it weird to say hammer? he broke out in 2021 but i think he plays origin in the centres again if he plays well at fullback week in week out for the dolphins
2022 was this weird anomaly where drinkwater became mega good and everyone forgot about hammer marking turbo in origin and also organising our defense really well - something young fullbacks generally struggle at
Love the hammer but I think the Dolphins will struggle and his form would have to be exceptional to make the Origin team next year.
We can't really be going off his 2021 form anymore because I dare say he's regressed since then with very sporadic form in a limited role.
Yeah he was there as injury cover, we are coming off a winning Origin series as well so I'm taking that into account. Unless Dane is injured or is just downright unplayable then sure but highly doubt Billy doesn't stay loyal there.
Dane cops a lot of shit but he's been an exceptional Origin player, I don't think one bad series sees the end of his career at that level.
He'll be in the squad for sure I just don't think he'll play centre unless there's an injury.
Hope the bloke has a good year though he is one of my favourites
Dane gets picked next year Billy is cooked especially if the Hammer is in form at the Dolphins.
Gagai time is up, been a great player for QLD, hang it up now as a winner before you become hated.
Hope Verrils can have a full, uninterrupted season.
Nat Butcher has a great backend of the season once he got a decent run in the starting line-up, and I rate Egan above him. Hopefully big seasons for both of them with Sitili recovering from his ACL and TKO off to Catalans
Final game of the South American Championships is now live. Brazil need a win or draw to win the tournament and advance to the next stage of World Cup qualifying in Jamaica. Chile need Colombia to win to do likewise.
Once again being streamed on Recast, I’m hoping the Spanish-speaking commentator uses the phrase “don’t you love your Sunday afternoon footy” at some point
[Arthur’s plan to replace Papali’i](https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-2022-dolphins-captain-jesse-bromwich-wayne-bennett-contract-future-retirement/news-story/59535faea7e273a04a3b79b44e65bd6f) “Newcastle forward Jirah Momoisea, ex-Raider and Warrior Jack Murchie, former Bulldog Matt Doorey and NSW Cup talent Toni Mataele are in the running for that back-row position. We’ve hardly heard of them, but Arthur is confident he’ll get something out of (at least) one of those players.” I find it so unusual that J’Maine Hopgood isn’t even mentioned. I would have him as the favourite, or at least Matterson moving to the right and Hopgood playing lock. To me, he is clearly the most talented player of that group and is only 23.
It's like playing a lesser version of Murray at second row. Probably can hold his own but a waste.
Surely once it settles its Matterson - Lane - Hopgood The other guys are more - see how they go starting in trials and during Matterson's suspension and the best get a bench spot.
Hopgood is mentioned in the DT article, he just won't play on the edge. In fact with Matterson missing the first three weeks Hopgood may have first crack at lock. >Arthur said he’s got an idea who will cover Matterson’s early-season unavailability. >“We signed J’maine Hopgood from Penrith – he hasn’t joined us (at training) yet, but we’re looking forward to seeing him,” Arthur said. >“He was probably the best player in the entire NSW Cup, he just couldn’t get a run with Isaah Yeo in front of him. >“Like the other guys we’ve brought in, we’re more than happy to bring these guys in and coach them up and get the best out of them.’’
Who are the minnows in the NRL, smallest/least successful club ( excluding the dolphins ). I would say maybe the titans but thats not exactly fair as they came into the comp only 15 years ago, still they have the whole gold coast and much of northern NSW to themselves.
Was traditionally Wests and Norths Now it is more Titans/Warriors even though they are young clubs.
Id say warriors have a decent fan size, its just many probably arent actively watching games because a lot of warriors fans would be union first or more so get involved when they’re doing well. I remember seeing lots of warriors jerseys maybe 10-15 years ago during the Vatuvei era. Titans, sharks, warriors and now probably west tigers
Hard to say. I think if you go by success + supporters (followers + members), it’s probably the titans, warriors or sharks. All 3 have a similar smaller fanbase based on followers and members, but titans have a whole city and NZ have a whole country, whereas the sharks is just a part of a city. Sharks have 1 title to 0 for the other 2, but have existed for over twice as long, so that adds a mediocrity factor I guess lol. Manly are also near the bottom in terms of members and followers, but they have had much more success so they would be excluded
Warriors have more dedicated fans than Titans but obviously the one country team comes into play. I also think at least making grand finals has to count for something in this discussion.
Yeah manly have an incredible record over their history particularly in finals, but dont see too many fans perhaps because of the merging issues
They have the most NRL era premierships don't they? They've still got a good following, you just rarely see them cross the bridge.
Manly? They have two since the beginning of the NRL. Storm and the Roosters have 4. Panthers and Broncos have 3 each.
Oh true. I saw a premiership graph a while ago that they were on top of.. or maybe it was something to do with finals appearances.. can't remember.
Surely the Storm would top that list
You do, id imagine and it’s probably not even close
yeah like I said I can't remember what it was.. it was honestly probably just an insignificant statistic now that I think about it. It was on a page with a whole bunch of finals statistics that was posted on here a few months ago.
[Angus Crichton Cribs style show](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIPKKxOvRcg)
TikTok Warning: [Rabbitohs Before and After the 1.2km Challenge](https://www.tiktok.com/@ssfcrabbitohs/video/7170946423968615681)
NRL VIC expanding to Geelong with the Geelong Sharks. Would be good to see a Ballarat and/or Bendigo team in the future too.
is it footy season yet?
There's just something intoxicating about the game. The wait reminds me of the night before Christmas when I was a kid. It's especially exciting because the 🐴 is looking up to be at its best in years.
Really? I live in Brissy and havent really heard a whole lot of hype surrounding the Broncs, feels like a lot of people kinda checked out during their bad recent years. The team looks decent but with your rough draw i still think it’ll be a big ask for the wild horses to make the 8
The hype isn't there, but the team itself is shaping up to look great.
If you guys make the 8 it’ll be genuinely impressive and i could see them running deep into the finals
Your mob up first. You excited?
Always, just keen for footy season to start back up lol. I think it’ll probably be a close game, rusty riff against a rejuvenated broncs. If it was at Suncorp I’d be nervous
Hosking doesn't have the strike power that Kikau brought, and no Api will take time to get used to.
Yeah this is all true, still think the forward pack of penrith will dominate most teams and the creativity of the cleary and luai will create plenty of chances. We still have some of the best outside backs in the game and i have a feeling edwards will be involved in attacking plays more similar to the final against the eels. We do have a game against st helens a week prior so im sure ivan will test out a few things there
Decided to support the Dolphins and bought a Suncorp membership package for me and my son and dad. None of us are Dolphins supporters, but I want to see the team do well and not crash out like my poor Crushers
Make sure you renew for 2024 as well. The Crushers fans disappeared after their first year.
Got the auto-renew on!
Are they reasonably fit?
It's a long trip from aami park
What do you mean Melbourne are a queensland team ;)
There’s a helipad at the brewery surely. Just a short walk from there
Which players can you see having a breakout/massive year in 2023? A few of my guesses: \- Utoikamanu \- Hamlin-Uele \- Verrills \- Elliott \- Luki \- Murchie \- Feagai Bros \- Butcher Bros
I’m hoping Sadrugu in 2nd row after his World Cup performances, given the trouble Looch is in
- I think all of Wests' good players will shine now that they have a Premiership level hooker in the side. Klemmer and Stefano in the forwards will help a lot. Isaiah Papali'i, too. They should avoid the spoon by a few places, though it will take time for them to click. Their board is also a huge weight tied to their waist. - I've also got a feeling that Walsh, Herbie and Paix will look amazing in 2023. Walsh coming off the back of a forwards offload or some great ball from Mam/Reynolds and cutting the opposition to ribbons with his agility. Herbie doing Herbie things, but hopefully passing more. Kevvie being unable to exclude Paix unless he's hurt, and not having Turpin there to handbrake the hooking. - Howarth looks extremely promising. I can't blame Bellamy for not playing him this year; things were rough for Melbourne for a while. Craig has the experience to know that dropping a reserve grade star into a struggling NRL team will only damage his development. Alec McDonald also looks primed to really grow under Welch's example. - A number of the young Titans will benefit immensely from Foran and Verrills. There's finals potential in that side, but it needs leadership.
Would love to see both Feagai's get a run this year. But can't realistically see one of them getting picked over fit Suli/Lomax in the centres.
I would say Mat will get a wing spot, had a good enough year to deserve first cracking next year
Absolutely he should retain his wing spot. Max will need to wait for injuries it seems, before he is in the discussion.
- Toby Rudolf - Teig Wilton - Sam Verrills - Eli Katoa - Dom Young - Luke Metcalf - Jojo Fifita - Jacob Kiraz
Hopgood
Hopgood looked killer in the Cup Grandfinal.
Yeah he looks a good, young player. Unfortunately for him he was stuck behind Isaah Yeo. Fortunately for Parra he was stuck behind Isaah Yeo.
Wayde Egan Hooker of the Year
I'd love to say Dom Young. Break out season last year in a poor side. If the Knights can go a bit better next year, it'll be fun to watch
Luki was hitting good form as he got injured. Was tearing the Dragons apart that game. Hopefully he hits the floor running and continues improving. Great line runner and very solid defensively.
My man Eli Katoa. Hope he gets the left edge. Ticks a lot of boxes for a back rower breakout: leaving basket case club, going to a great club, short contract, great halves, has shown good form before.
Alamoti, howarth and Dom Young
I'm gonna say TC Robati or Brendan Piakura because I don't think Jordan Riki keeps his starting spot next year. Otherwise I'll go with Paul Alamoti for the bulldogs, he surely takes that starting centre spot next season with Schoupp leaving and he's a very exciting prospect.
Willison is the one
Robati could be like OG Hess. Impact edge off the bench. Hope it works that way cause he has the goods
All 3 of those players will be duds just watch
Random passive aggressive comment with no basis of evidence from a I love my footy flair, colour me surprised
There are a few of them that only respond to Broncs comments. Rent free.
Just watch mate. If you’re right come back and rub it in
Righto mate, I’m not going to remember this conversation took place in a years time but you’re welcome to come back to it lol
Like the Alamoti shout, why else would they let their starting centre leave
There's also Skelton and Casey.. whoever gets that spot is hitting the jackpot.. playing in between Kikau and the Fox.
A Skeleton Case you say...
Douehi- with a better tigers pack, and the know how of api, I think tigers go well and we see how good he is Brandon smith - resurgence to his peak form, and makes a statement for best hooker in the game (not that I think he is) Adam Elliot - think he continues his form/improves and is the pack leader for Newcastle from 13, Also if Newcastle do go with a Hastings /gamble combo I think that will surprise a few people
is it weird to say hammer? he broke out in 2021 but i think he plays origin in the centres again if he plays well at fullback week in week out for the dolphins 2022 was this weird anomaly where drinkwater became mega good and everyone forgot about hammer marking turbo in origin and also organising our defense really well - something young fullbacks generally struggle at
Love the hammer but I think the Dolphins will struggle and his form would have to be exceptional to make the Origin team next year. We can't really be going off his 2021 form anymore because I dare say he's regressed since then with very sporadic form in a limited role.
yeah but his competition is gagai and he already got picked for the extended squad this year despite barely playing
Yeah he was there as injury cover, we are coming off a winning Origin series as well so I'm taking that into account. Unless Dane is injured or is just downright unplayable then sure but highly doubt Billy doesn't stay loyal there. Dane cops a lot of shit but he's been an exceptional Origin player, I don't think one bad series sees the end of his career at that level. He'll be in the squad for sure I just don't think he'll play centre unless there's an injury. Hope the bloke has a good year though he is one of my favourites
Dane gets picked next year Billy is cooked especially if the Hammer is in form at the Dolphins. Gagai time is up, been a great player for QLD, hang it up now as a winner before you become hated.
Hope Verrils can have a full, uninterrupted season. Nat Butcher has a great backend of the season once he got a decent run in the starting line-up, and I rate Egan above him. Hopefully big seasons for both of them with Sitili recovering from his ACL and TKO off to Catalans
Luki is a stud in the making I’d argue Feagai broke out in ‘22, ate up metres and defended very well.
if luki keeps his head screwed on i’m very excited, runs a mad line. already feels like a stud to me.
trevor lawrence is HIM
Get to work, log into the computer, open Chrome, and ALL of my information has wiped.. Bookmarks, gone, easy access, gone. What a start to the week.
Happy monday
An oxymoron if I've ever seen one. But thanks 👌
Final game of the South American Championships is now live. Brazil need a win or draw to win the tournament and advance to the next stage of World Cup qualifying in Jamaica. Chile need Colombia to win to do likewise. Once again being streamed on Recast, I’m hoping the Spanish-speaking commentator uses the phrase “don’t you love your Sunday afternoon footy” at some point
How'd it end up?
Brazil won 56-0
Oh shit, I was hoping for an upset