I haven’t seen much of him. Came off the bench when he played for NZ Warriors. I think he will go well for us. He needs regular game time. Coming to a good environment with a coach who will get the best out of him.

I assume he is an upgrade on Ben "20 Minutes" Nakubuwai.

Here's a bit more reporting on the signing https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... a-29230320

Here's a bit more reporting on the signing https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... a-29230320

Of what I have seen of Ben, yes definitely more grunt, so I would say an upgrade. Coming from a good system of Melbourne Storm.

Can’t say that I have seen a lot of this guy to be honest. He’s done two stints at Melbourne and two years in between at the NZ Warriors. Don’t think he’s featured in the starting group for Melbourne this season but I have seen some comments from fans saying he has a great style of prop play for the modern game. Some injuries have held him back from regular first team I have heard also.
Bottom line, we have signed a fast mobile prop, who is only 28 and wants to prove himself. So much, that he is willing to come here mid season.
If you search Queensland Rugby League and SC Falcons, you will see his stats for this season. They look very solid, especially meters made, post contact meters and tackle/tackle efficiency. All areas that unfortunately Big Ben did not shine at.
I think we have a good’un who will not have broken the bank.

David Armstrong has been offered a contract by Newcastle, for how long and how much is unknown as yet. Once Ponga is fit he won’t play fullback, but they have said he could probably play wing in the same team. What has been said is that they haven’t much room on the cap due to others being given new deals. If we can go in with a multi year deal, with decent money, he could still come.

Hope he does, but can't see it with his scoring form since breaking into the team at Newcastle.

https://leighleopards.co.uk/ben-nakubuw ... s-on-loan/ Ben Nakubuwai - season long loan. Does that mean he can be de-registered?

https://leighleopards.co.uk/ben-nakubuw ... s-on-loan/ Ben Nakubuwai - season long loan. Does that mean he can be de-registered?

Here would appear to be the answer https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/le ... ewest-name

Here would appear to be the answer https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/le ... ewest-name

I have heard talk of us having three marquee players. I do not see us having a club trained marquee player for at least three seasons. As far as I understand the ‘Club Trained’ marquee dispensation, a player needs to have been on the club’s register for three years up to the end of the season in which he is no longer eligible for Under 21s. This player would count £50,000 on the salary cap. Even then we would need to sign one of the most talented 17 or 18 year olds and keep him for three years before he could count as a ‘club trained marquee player’ This player would then need to be on quite a bit more than £50,000 to make it worthwhile.

This was what I was trying to say, that we have nobody who fits the 3rd category marquee, but on numerous occasions, Deggsy has stated that we will have all 3 marquee positions filled. Go figure.

The three marquee players do not have to be one from each category. The only requirement is to have one "federation trained" player with a marquee contract. We managed to swing it so Lam has Fed trained status, so he will be one marquee. The other two can be overseas, which this season will be Asiata and Moylan.

I'd be looking to tie up Ipape on a marquee contract extension once this season is done.

So far, it seems we have for 2025;

1) O'Brien
2) Hanley
3) McIntosh
4) ?
5) Charnley
6) Moylan
7) Lam (though he may be free to leave if an NRL offer comes in)
Mulhern
9) Ipape
10) Trout
11) Hughes (rumoured extension not announced)
12) Halton
13) Davis

S - Dwyer
S - Norman
S - Martin (rumoured signing from Cas)
S - Pene (rumoured signing to come in this year)

Plus McNamara, Brogan

Then no idea what is happening with the likes of Nisbet, Brand, Gannon, etc.

I make it that we need to bring in 2 centres, a second row, loose forward and 1 maybe 2 props.

We have an extensive building job to do, Hull KR seem to be snapping up any talent early, I hope we sign some genuine starting 17 quality this time round and not just go for numbers like last time. We desperately need some pace.

Leythig, Thanks for clarifying the marquee player rules. I mistakenly thought the allowance was for one of each category, not three in total.