Brits in the NRL

[marklaspalmas]

Ive just started watching the NRL on a regular basis, and tbh I thought there'd be more British players on view.

Without counting players like Farnworth, Radley and King who didn't come through the UK system, and with Lewis and Murphy yet to break through, and Sutton and Bateman injured, we're down to five players.

Smithies, Whitehead, Young, Burgess & KPP. Out of say 350 players +

This must be the smallest number in recent season.

This thread suggests that it's about 80 players the other way round. Out of say 250 players +

https://www.totalrl.com/forums/index.php?/topic/385795-nrl-imports-2024/

 

[Futtocks]

On 22/05/2024 at 23:09, burnleywelsh said:

Merge them ??

We'll march in the streets! 

[Dunbar]

Actually, let's keep them separate, it can be our Judean People's Front and People's Front of Judea.

Edited May 26, 2024 by Dunbar

[marklaspalmas]

22 hours ago, Dunbar said:

Actually, let's keep them separate, it can be our Judean People's Front and People's Front of Judea.

Pffff.

I no longer want anything to do with this thread.

Yours,

The Popular Front of Judea.

[Dunbar]

John Bateman has signed a 2 year deal with the North Queensland  Cowboys.

[Damien]

40 minutes ago, Dunbar said:

John Bateman has signed a 2 year deal with the North Queensland  Cowboys.

With Wests still subsidising his wages. Its really not worked out there for him.

[Futtocks]

8 hours ago, Damien said:

With Wests still subsidising his wages. Its really not worked out there for him.

Nothing has worked out for anyone at Wests.

[Dunbar]

9 hours ago, Damien said:

With Wests still subsidising his wages. Its really not worked out there for him.

 

55 minutes ago, Futtocks said:

Nothing has worked out for anyone at Wests.

It hasn't worked out for him at Wests, and I guess we will never get to know the full picture.

What I will say though, is that whatever his form or ability, the combative and competitive nature of Bateman is exactly what they need.

The fact that Wests fans are celebrating a player who never takes a backwards step leaving is a bit worrying... after 3 wooden spoons in a row.

[NRLandSL]

4 hours ago, Futtocks said:

Nothing has worked out for anyone at Wests.

They’re offering Jayden Sullivan 900,000 grand to leave the club. The club is in absolute shambles.

[Worzel]

3 hours ago, Dunbar said:

 

It hasn't worked out for him at Wests, and I guess we will never get to know the full picture.

What I will say though, is that whatever his form or ability, the combative and competitive nature of Bateman is exactly what they need.

The fact that Wests fans are celebrating a player who never takes a backwards step leaving is a bit worrying... after 3 wooden spoons in a row.

Benji can do nothing wrong in their eyes.

Unfortunately having a great flick pass doesn’t translate into being a good coach…

[ghost crayfish]

It'll be interesting to see how Bateman goes at the Cowboys. They've got a lot of talented young forwards, but they have looked a bit 'comfortable' over the last couple of years - Nanai in particular. Bateman's greatest value might not even be what we see from him on the field - it might just be having someone around to force Nanai to play to his potential.

[StandOffHalf]

Really good signing from the Cows. An old head around some really talented players who have blown too hot and cold to be serious contenders.

Hope it works out well for him there.

[dkw]

I expect the signing of Bateman is as much to do with the training ground as the playing pitch. It looks like a fairly young pack so he will bring a lot of aggression an mongrel to them.

[Dunbar]

As we approach 2025, I don't expect any more major movements for Brits into the NRL and so here is a list and some thoughts on their 2025 aspirations.

Morgan Smithies (Raiders):  With the move of Elliot Whitehead to Super Leage, Smithies is the senior Brit at the Raiders now – a team which has had British representation for some time.  We think that Smithies had a good year 1 but the Raiders fan base were really down on him… partly because he was keeping their folk hero Corey Horsburgh out of the starting 13.  I hope Smithies wins them over this year.

Matty Nicholson (Raiders):  Joining Smithies at the Raiders is Nicholson who is a very talented back rower.  I would expect Nicholson to play on an edge rather than 13 and so slot into the spot vacated by Whitehead – although he has some competition in Zac Hosking to partner Hudson Young in the second row.

Ryan Sutton (Bulldogs):  Sutton has had a tough time at the Bulldogs since his move from the Raiders and has only managed 13 appearances over two seasons and none in 2024.  But at only 29, he is capable of putting the injuries behind him and performing at some point in 2025.

Kai Pearce-Paul (Knights):  After a solid year 1 in the NRL, KPP has the opportunity to become one of the best edge players in the competition in 2025.  He did very well last season despite a pre-season effected by a toe injury.  If the Knights can use him more as an attacking option then expect some big things.

Will Pryce (Knights):  Will Will Pryce remain a fringe figure in the Knights squad or will he start to make a position in the 17 his own.  You would imagine he has to go after the #6 spot with Ponga nailed on for #1 when fit.  Pryce has all the talent in the world but his mistakes can be costly and blowing hot and cold in a game is a reputation he has to throw off.

John Bateman (Cowboys):  Will the switch to the Cowboys re-ignite Bateman’s NRL career after a disappointing stint at the Tigers. Everyone knows what Bateman offers, tenacity and competitiveness that the Cowboys may use to add a bit of mental steel into a very talented squad.  The Tigers fans are happy to see the back of Bateman – will they come to regret that.

Lewis Dodd (Souths):  This is the big one to watch for me.  The first time a play maker has gone to the NRL since George Williams.  Will Dodd take his chance.  Certainly at the end of his time at Saints the fans were frustrated with his performances but he is a talented and confident player and with Cody Walker next to him in the halves, Latrell Mitchell at full back and Wayne Bennett back in the coaching box, he really could be part of a Souths revival.

Dominic Young (Roosters):  Still only 23, Young has scored 63 tries already in just 73 appearances in the NRL.  Who knows where he will be at the end of his time in the competition.  The Roosters have had a shake up in their backline in 2025 losing their two first choice centres (Manu and Sua'ali'i) from this year.  But they have some excellent attacking players and I am sure that Young will be on the end of a good few chances.  The Roosters have Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daniel Tupou and Young and so one will go into the centre.  The expectation is that it will be Nawaqanitawase but I would like to see Young get a chance in the centre (the position he came through the junior ranks) as he has better ball skill than we have seen so far.  I expect him to stay on the wing though.

Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins):  Not much left to say about Farnworth.  He is one of the elite players in the competition and the consummate professional.  If he stays injury free, he will be one of the best again.

Edited December 19, 2024 by Dunbar

[Jonty58]

12 minutes ago, Dunbar said:

As we approach 2025, I don't expect any more major movements for Brits into the NRL and so here is a list and some thoughts on their 2025 aspirations.

Morgan Smithies :(Raiders):  With the move of Elliot Whitehead to Super Leage, Smithies is the senior Brit at the Raiders now – a team which has had British representation for some time.  We think that Smithies had a good year 1 but the Raiders fan base were really down on him… partly because he was keeping their folk hero Corey Horsburgh out of the starting 13.  I hope Smithies wins them over this year.

Matty Nicholson: (Raiders):  Joining Smithies at the Raiders is Nicholson who is a very talented back rower.  I would expect Nicholson to play on an edge rather than 13 and so slot into the spot vacated by Whitehead – although he has some competition in Zac Hosking to partner Hudson Young in the second row.

Ryan Sutton: (Bulldogs):  Sutton has had a tough time at the Bulldogs since his move from the Raiders and has only managed 13 appearances over two seasons and none in 2024.  But at only 29, he is capable of putting the injuries behind him and performing at some point in 2025.

Kai Pearce-Paul (Knights):  After a solid year 1 in the NRL, KPP has the opportunity to become one of the best edge players in the competition in 2025.  He did very well last season despite a pre-season effected by a toe injury.  If the Knights can use him more as an attacking option then expect some big things.

Will Pryce (Knight):  Will Will Pryce remain a fringe figure in the Knights squad or will he start to make a position in the 17 his own.  You would imagine he has to go after the #6 spot with Ponga nailed on for #1 when fit.  Pryce has all the talent in the world but his mistakes can be costly and blowing hot and cold in a game is a reputation he has to throw off.

John Bateman (Cowboys):  Will the switch to the Cowboys re-ignite Bateman’s NRL career after a disappointing stint at the Tigers. Everyone knows what Bateman offers, tenacity and competitiveness that the Cowboys may use to add a bit of mental steel into a very talented squad.  The Tigers fans are happy to see the back of Bateman – will they come to regret that.

Lewis Dodd (Souths):  This is the big one to watch for me.  The first time a play maker has gone to the NRL since George Williams.  Will Dodd take his chance.  Certainly at the end of his time at Saints the fans were frustrated with his performances but he is a talented and confident player and with Cody Walker next to him in the halves, Latrell Mitchell at full back and Wayne Bennett back in the coaching box, he really could be part of a Souths revival.

Dominic Young (Roosters):  Still only 23, Young has scored 63 tries already in just 73 appearances in the NRL.  Who knows where he will be at the end of his time in the competition.  The Roosters have had a shake up in their backline in 2025 losing their two first choice centres (Manu and Sua'ali'i) from this year.  But they have some excellent attacking players and I am sure that Young will be on the end of a good few chances.  The Roosters have Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daniel Tupou and Young and so one will go into the centre.  The expectation is that it will be Nawaqanitawase but I would like to see Young get a chance in the centre (the position he came through the junior ranks) as he has better ball skill than we have seen so far.  I expect him to stay on the wing though.

Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins):  Not much left to say about Farnworth.  He is one of the elite players in the competition and the consummate professional.  If he stays injury free, he will be one of the best again.

Is this your work or a cut and paste from elsewhere?

[Dunbar]

1 hour ago, Jonty58 said:

Is this your work or a cut and paste from elsewhere?

I have never been so offended in my life!

[graveyard johnny]

21 hours ago, Dunbar said:

 

 

The fact that Wests fans are celebrating a player who never takes a backwards step 

how does he manage to line up in the defence then?

[hunsletgreenandgold]

On 19/12/2024 at 10:44, Dunbar said:

As we approach 2025, I don't expect any more major movements for Brits into the NRL and so here is a list and some thoughts on their 2025 aspirations.

Morgan Smithies (Raiders):  With the move of Elliot Whitehead to Super Leage, Smithies is the senior Brit at the Raiders now – a team which has had British representation for some time.  We think that Smithies had a good year 1 but the Raiders fan base were really down on him… partly because he was keeping their folk hero Corey Horsburgh out of the starting 13.  I hope Smithies wins them over this year.

Matty Nicholson (Raiders):  Joining Smithies at the Raiders is Nicholson who is a very talented back rower.  I would expect Nicholson to play on an edge rather than 13 and so slot into the spot vacated by Whitehead – although he has some competition in Zac Hosking to partner Hudson Young in the second row.

Ryan Sutton (Bulldogs):  Sutton has had a tough time at the Bulldogs since his move from the Raiders and has only managed 13 appearances over two seasons and none in 2024.  But at only 29, he is capable of putting the injuries behind him and performing at some point in 2025.

Kai Pearce-Paul (Knights):  After a solid year 1 in the NRL, KPP has the opportunity to become one of the best edge players in the competition in 2025.  He did very well last season despite a pre-season effected by a toe injury.  If the Knights can use him more as an attacking option then expect some big things.

Will Pryce (Knights):  Will Will Pryce remain a fringe figure in the Knights squad or will he start to make a position in the 17 his own.  You would imagine he has to go after the #6 spot with Ponga nailed on for #1 when fit.  Pryce has all the talent in the world but his mistakes can be costly and blowing hot and cold in a game is a reputation he has to throw off.

John Bateman (Cowboys):  Will the switch to the Cowboys re-ignite Bateman’s NRL career after a disappointing stint at the Tigers. Everyone knows what Bateman offers, tenacity and competitiveness that the Cowboys may use to add a bit of mental steel into a very talented squad.  The Tigers fans are happy to see the back of Bateman – will they come to regret that.

Lewis Dodd (Souths):  This is the big one to watch for me.  The first time a play maker has gone to the NRL since George Williams.  Will Dodd take his chance.  Certainly at the end of his time at Saints the fans were frustrated with his performances but he is a talented and confident player and with Cody Walker next to him in the halves, Latrell Mitchell at full back and Wayne Bennett back in the coaching box, he really could be part of a Souths revival.

Dominic Young (Roosters):  Still only 23, Young has scored 63 tries already in just 73 appearances in the NRL.  Who knows where he will be at the end of his time in the competition.  The Roosters have had a shake up in their backline in 2025 losing their two first choice centres (Manu and Sua'ali'i) from this year.  But they have some excellent attacking players and I am sure that Young will be on the end of a good few chances.  The Roosters have Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daniel Tupou and Young and so one will go into the centre.  The expectation is that it will be Nawaqanitawase but I would like to see Young get a chance in the centre (the position he came through the junior ranks) as he has better ball skill than we have seen so far.  I expect him to stay on the wing though.

Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins):  Not much left to say about Farnworth.  He is one of the elite players in the competition and the consummate professional.  If he stays injury free, he will be one of the best again.

I'm hoping Sutton has better luck with injuries this year - he was really starting to be a dominant forward and at 29 still 3 or 4 good years left in him. Make or break for Pryce already, in my mind. If he can't nail down a HB position early on in the season then he'll be resigned to NSW cup and probs be the end of the NRL dream. Reckon all the rest will go well and even with Souths signing Jayden Sullivan, still think Dodd will get the nod - his shirt to lose in that sense. Nicholson might have to be patient, he doesn't get that back row starting spot for me, but he's a great talent so not concerned longer term. 

Edited December 20, 2024 by hunsletgreenandgold

[Sports Prophet]

On 19/12/2024 at 18:58, Jonty58 said:

Is this your work or a cut and paste from elsewhere?

@Dunbar never said these were his thoughts  

Are you thinking chat GPT?

Edited December 20, 2024 by Sports Prophet

[Dunbar]

2 minutes ago, Sports Prophet said:

Are you think chat GPT?

I have read this sentence 10 times and still have no clue.

[Sports Prophet]

3 minutes ago, Dunbar said:

I have read this sentence 10 times and still have no clue.

I don’t think anyone has given a post of mine so much consideration  

edit* “thinking”

[Jonty58]

On 19/12/2024 at 22:14, Dunbar said:

I have never been so offended in my life!

We think that Smithies had a good year 1 but the Raiders fan base were really down on him… partly because he was keeping their folk hero Corey Horsburgh out of the starting 13.  I hope Smithies wins them over this year..

 

 

 

 

I couldn’t work out if you are a Husband and Wife team that posts as a couple or if you sometimes talk in the third person.

No offense intended.

 

[NRLandSL]

44 minutes ago, Jonty58 said:

We think that Smithies had a good year 1 but the Raiders fan base were really down on him… partly because he was keeping their folk hero Corey Horsburgh out of the starting 13.  I hope Smithies wins them over this year..

 

 

 

 

I couldn’t work out if you are a Husband and Wife team that posts as a couple or if you sometimes talk in the third person.

No offense intended.

 

He’s had a fantastic year IMO. Any Canberra fans who are let down by him have no idea. He is the second best tackler in the whole NRL at 96.8% efficiency, only behind Issah Yeo with an absurd 97.9. Started every game for Canberra, made 909 tackles. He is faultless in defence, is able to take strong carries and has to ability to ball play and link well with the spine. 

Though I get why the average fan wouldn’t rate him because he doesn’t do anything flashy. Never really passing short balls near the line, and he doesn’t really support players, which is why he has only scored 2 tries in 140 games.

[Dunbar]

1 hour ago, Jonty58 said:

We think that Smithies had a good year 1 but the Raiders fan base were really down on him… partly because he was keeping their folk hero Corey Horsburgh out of the starting 13.  I hope Smithies wins them over this year..

 

 

 

 

I couldn’t work out if you are a Husband and Wife team that posts as a couple or if you sometimes talk in the third person.

No offense intended.

 

Non taken.

I meant that the consensus opinion on here* is that Smithies did well but when you look at the Raiders fan forums they were all really negative about him.

* I cannot and would not speak for others, so maybe the wording was a bit lazy,  but I think it was the general view that he did well.

[AB90]

3 hours ago, Dunbar said:

Non taken.

I meant that the consensus opinion on here* is that Smithies did well but when you look at the Raiders fan forums they were all really negative about him.

* I cannot and would not speak for others, so maybe the wording was a bit lazy,  but I think it was the general view that he did well.

I think Smithies did really well his first year and was as advertised when they signed him - very solid defensively however fairly limited in attack.

Maybe Raiders fans are more so making negative comments (unfairly) as they are comparing him to the other top tier locks in the league - Yeo, Carrigan, Radley, Murray, Cotter, Trbojevic etc. Smithies will likley never reach the heights of these guys but will be a very solid ‘mid tier’ starting NRL lock.