While he isn't the quickest he isn't slow either. Early doors when he was getting good ball from Croft there were several times he did give space to his winger. it was just unfortunate that it was mainly Roberts on the outside

The big thing IMO was Newman getting through a full season without any big injuries which touch wood he has done so up to now. BA on the podcast with JJB singled out Newman and Handley as the players who have impressed him the most since he arrived. Saying Harry has massive potential it is just a case of getting him to a consistent level.

RCG and Matterson would be perfect signings for us. I hope it happens

The Club seem very determined to get back on track after a terrible transition over the past decade or so. With Brad Arthur future confirmed for 2025 it seems plenty of wheels have began turning on the 2025 playing squad. I'm not surprised we are linked with current Parramatta players especially RCG, Sivo & Matterson all players who play in position we are keen on strengthening.

We couldn't sign all 3 of those stated above as we currently only have 2 quota spots open with Martin & Fusitu'a leaving obviously unless we released any of Miller, Momirovski, Croft, Frawley or Lisone that's why I've given Riley Lumb the 2 shirt in my squad below because the club do rate him very highly and wanted him to play regular SL before his injury and hence why he was given a long term contract this season and with the signing of Ryan Hall it also allows Lumb to develop another year learning from Hall and Handley.


Kieron Hudson has requested a release for his contract and it has been granted by the club so at the end of the season he will move on, the club is expected to release David Fusitu'a, Luis Roberts, Corey Johnson along with Rhyse Martin & James Donaldson which has already been confirmed. There's obviously still plenty of time before 2025, we still haven't finished the current season so other player movements could easily happen but I'd imagine our squad next year could look something like this.


1. Miller
2. Lumb/ Sivo/ new winger
3. Newman
4. Momirovski
5. Handley
6. Croft
7. Frawley
8. Oledzki
9. Ackers
10. RCG/ New Prop
11. Bentley
12. Mcdonnell
13. C.Smith
14. O'Connor
15. Lisone
16. Matterson/ New middle
17. Sangare
18. Goudemond
19. Holroyd
20. Gannon
21. Sinfield
22. Edgell
23. Ruan
24. Nicholson-Watton
25. Hall
26. N.Mccormack
27. Warren
28. Simpson
29. Littlewood
30. J.Smith

Our pack will get more surgery than that I think. I could see both the French players going as they will only have 1 year left. I think we will get 2 new props and a new back rower, at least.

Listening to BA presser, I think people might be disappointed if they think there will be a lot of changes

We'll see a couple of quality additions, but the main change will be a really hard off season. When you add Holroyd and Gannon (hopefully) into the mix we don't look too bad off for numbers, particularly in the back row - Bentley, McDonnell, Gannon, Littlewood and Ruan seems like plenty. If we sign a back rower as well as a prop I'd be surprised if all of them are here next year, as they won't all get many games.

We'll no doubt see some players thrive on a tougher pre season, and others not so much, but the team as a whole will be a lot more energetic and able to play to the style Arthur wants for longer.

A shame Hudson hasn't worked out. I assume he's asked for a release because he's nowhere near getting a game despite us having only two fit props. It will be interesting to see where he ends up.

Not sure if we have an injury thread. Apparently Holroyd and Handley out for reastr of season

Had heard that Hudson was given 2 weeks off recently to go on holiday and 'recharge' despite being back fully fit and ready for full training, this being during our prop injury crisis too. So his release isn't much of a surprise.

Yeah Rohan’s recruitment has left us in a pickle for a year or 2….

I honestly don't think we need a lot of changes, though. A couple of key additions plus a hard preseason will see us a completely different proposition.

Yes I posted it on the Cats at home thread.

Holroyd can't be relied up. Neither can Gannon. All for RCG and Matterson.

Those two would make a huge difference

Under BA, and with his work on the rest of the squad, we'd be transformed.

What this team needs more than anything is a serious half back that can organise the attack - Croft is OK but he is not an organiser. Neither Frawley nor Sinfield are of sufficient quality to propel the team into the top 4.

All I here on here is a clamour for more props - how many do you need? Given the backs seem to do all the yard making what are they actually bringing to the party?