He had another brilliant game today.. especially defensively. He is a fantastic young player.. and it will be a blow to lose him... But he IS replaceable.

also, you cant blame a young player for turning down an NRL deal.

England's potential World Cup back row might all be playing in the NRL next year...Nicholson, Pearce-Paul, Smithies.

The double tackle to stop Romano from scoring (along with Dufty etc) was truely immense.

Who's gonna take his spot next year? Reckon we'll sign someone or just run with Holroyd next year?

It’s seems like Currie or Luke Yates will cover 13 and backrow.

Confirmed to Canberra for '25.

Shame, but good luck to the lad.

Gutted good luck to the lad.

Can’t see Nicholson playing 13 at the Raiders, with Smithies only joining them at start of season.

Currie to keep at 13 with Yates at second row for 2025 season.

Be surprised if Yates was given a spot in the back row, he’s a prop or 13 all day long. You would think considering we were looking to increase Nicholsons contract we have cap space spare to bring in a direct back row replacement.

Could always promote Holroyd, he’s certainly done nothing wrong this year, either way - We must have cap space to play with.

If Yates has come into prop, why give Bullock a two year extension. When he can’t even make the match day roster. Even Burgess was vocal about Bullock been abit lackadaisical in and around training.

Don't remember seeing Yates play 2nd row in Superleague?

He hasn't got the speed to play their for Wire.

He has a decent defensive game, but he could be isolated and exposed playing a wide role to the skill and foot work of one-on-one defence.

His best position is 13 and he should play there for us with Currie playing second row.

Currie has played well at loose forward and doesn't deserve to be moved from there.

I think Smithies wasn't expected to be starting 13 for Raiders this year but Corey Horsborough missed the first few games and Smithies has performed very well. Even when Horsborough has been available, Smithies has still started.

Just watched the Dolphins/ Canberra game and Smithies had a good game. Now Nicholson’s desire is to be a 13 so unless they going to move Smithies he will have to settle at 2nd row or in NRL I don’t think he would be out of place at centre.