2026 Wishlist and Priorities

[HunchoRooster]

With the signing of one of the games best hookers for 2026 all but confirmed, things are looking slightly rosier. The 9 position has been a recurring issue since Friend retired.

It appears that the general consensus is that 2025 is somewhat of a write-off year. Whilst we don't want to see a repeat of 2016, it does seem like we are almost in the middle of the field in terms of the premiership race and a spot in the 8 would be an achievement on paper.

2026 seems like the year we go full tilt. Sam Walker will be that much older and will have all the keys to make it his team. Teddy looks like only a serious injury can slow him down and he continues to be one of the most consistent fullbacks in the comp. We appear to be stacked with strike power with Young and Mark N, who by then will have a year of NRL under his belt. Our young forwards will be growing and well supported by experienced heads like Rads, Angus, Spencer and Collins.

So that leads to the question - what are the top priorities for 2026? I feel like we are a strike centre short and I hold question marks over Sandon long term at 6. I'm a fan of his but 2 small halves in this day and age are near impossible to run, and Sam is the superior one with the highest ceiling.

I think a big body 6 and an outside back are the two priorities. This is assuming Joey Manu doesn't return. As well as a better defensive system that Robbo has failed to adapt in the last 3-4 seasons.

[Bates]

I'd love a big scary talented Prop with good discipline. Someone like JFH!

Perhaps one of our young bucks will develop into that style of player.

[Thirteen]

I want an experienced front rower.

We need a centre.

We need a back up fullback. If Teddy goes down we have nobody. Ideally a utility who can cover fullback competently.

We need a 6 who can kick long and high.

We need a back up goal kicker. Behind Walker there isn’t much.

We can also welcome back all the bang wagon supporters who will no doubt jump off in 2025.

[Bates]

Stefano Utoikamanu would've been ideal. The perfect replacement for JWH! We had the cash and dropped the ball in that instance imo.

Also thought Jerome Luai would've been the signing of the decade. Again we had the cash and missed another great opportunity.

[theGman]

Dylan Brown or Kalyn please.

They're both under contract however, they have clauses.
They're the right age to play through until retirement.

[Chook2]

I don’t think we will need to buy a lot
Marky n will be a huge centre and if smith and toia stay on the field I think we will have centre covered
with the 6 if sandon doesn’t make it Elliot and Rodwell will be waiting in the wings to take over
with the front row the Vaa bros should be stronger in 2026

in a weird way I don’t think we will need to buy a lot - more player retention of the younger guys as they develop into nrl players

[Thirteen]

I don’t think we will need to buy a lot
Marky n will be a huge centre and if smith and toia stay on the field I think we will have centre covered
with the 6 if sandon doesn’t make it Elliot and Rodwell will be waiting in the wings to take over
with the front row the Vaa bros should be stronger in 2026

in a weird way I don’t think we will need to buy a lot - more player retention of the younger guys as they develop into nrl players

This is the patient and sensible approach. I’m neither.

[Mr Whippet]

I don’t think we will need to buy a lot
Marky n will be a huge centre and if smith and toia stay on the field I think we will have centre covered
with the 6 if sandon doesn’t make it Elliot and Rodwell will be waiting in the wings to take over
with the front row the Vaa bros should be stronger in 2026

in a weird way I don’t think we will need to buy a lot - more player retention of the younger guys as they develop into nrl players

I think we will be OK, our turn to fly under the radar.

[ARD]

Bobby T not locked up beyond 25, from memory. Egan Butch also one off contract too.

[King Salvo]

Only strategic signings should be considered as you want the bulk of your squad being players who come through the pathway systems i.e like Penrith. That is the blueprint for success and not a buying sprees which is old hat and often fails.

[Rooster_6]

A lot of water to go under the bridge first as I think some of our issues can be solved internally but the areas of need as it stands if we’re going to play devils advocate;

Centres - Tommy Talau, Albert Hopoate*, Zac Laybutt

Dummy Half - Blake Mozer, Jayden Brailey, Reece Robson*

2nd Row - Briton Nikora, Ryan Couchman*

Prop Forward - Oregon Kaufusi, Leo Thompson, Fonua Pole*

Asterix next to the player who would be my first choice.

My wish list from earlier in the season. Can tick one off the list.

Fonua Pole has re-signed with the Tigers. I don't see us going after Kaufusi given there seems to be bit of a truce between Robbo & Fitzy but I'd be very happy with Leo Thompson.

I like Albert Hopoate as a centre who can provide depth at fullback (not even sure who our backup fullback will be this year)

Couchman would present a good value for money purchase and a genuine edge player of which we don't have many coming through the lower grades.

[Swamptrout]

Dylan Brown and Leo Thompson

[Bates]

Only strategic signings should be considered as you want the bulk of your squad being players who come through the pathway systems i.e like Penrith. That is the blueprint for success and not a buying sprees which is old hat and often fails.

Broncos have invested heavily in their pathway systems and haven't won a comp since 2006.

It definitely takes more than the above. Ivan Cleary is the key ingredient imo! A mastermind coach who is the best in the business.

[bondi paul]

A credible replacement outside of the old boys club for outgoing Matt King.

[Bates]

Dragons did well to sign Sharks player Daniel Atkinson. The kid is a future star! Big body running five eighth who can also play halfback and has a big boot. The Sharks looked better when Hynes was out and Atkinson played in the halves.

Potentially another missed opportunity by us.