That's the reality of the vast gap in wages between the NRL and SL. Just about every club is doing it. I remember people pouring scorn on Jai Field, who was in the low single figures in NRL appearances, when were chasing him a few years ago. Safe to say people were very wrong. Iapape at Leigh has never played a game in the NRL, yet he's been outstanding. I'm not saying it's the way forward for every recruit, but nowadays there has to be a balance. If you haven't already seen it, I would recommend watching the state championship GF. He looked like a good player to me. Arthur seemed very keen on him as Blease noted that he was paranoid that we hadn't been gazumped on Monday morning.

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Can't really agree with this. Palasia came off the bench for Brisbane in last years Grand Final.

3 clubs came in for him after Sundays final, we had already signed him.

Yep. He did two twenty minute stints in hot conditions, carried the ball hard and through the line, didn't miss a tackle or drop a ball, and his dummy running (unlike Sangare and Lisone) was full of purpose. Admittedly just one game, but a lot to like.

My point is he isn't 18/19 he is 23 and still hasn't played even one game in the NRL. Newcastle are hardly Penrith - if he can't get a game there how good is he?

The difference in standard between the two leagues is significant so he may well go well here.

Field was always thought to be potentially the best player in the league when he came - IIRC he got injured pre-season and didn't in his first year.

Arthur must see something in him - fingers crossed

Cas, Wakey and London?

From him to play in the reserve comp?

Its certainly a gamble to use a quota spot on a player with zero NRL experience. Interesting to see it play out next season..

Watch the final and make your judgement he’s exactly what we need imo

I do need to at some point.

Palasia playing for Samoa in a few weeks isn't he aswell ?

Garbutt had only played a handful of nrl games (I know that’s more than none) and he went ok.

kylie hadn't had a great deal

78 NRL games .57 for Manly in two seasons before he signed for us.

dont remember too many enthused southstanders when he came over though.

Think it may have been on this very site something about another "Turkey" Gawwy had stuffed or something WRT Leuluai.

Man went on to be one of the most successful players Weve ever had.