Broncos Roster, Signings and Rumours Discussion 2024

[BooKhaki]

Oates isn't skilful enough to play edge, IMO. Once his time is done on the wing, he could make a go at playing prop, if he could handle the defensive side of things.

 

[MrRobot]

IMO losing Flegs, Palasia and Capes in one off-season is way too much of a loss. He’s a good guy who helped us right the ship so if he really wants to leave at the end of 2024 - we should all respect that and thank him for his service. But no early release!!!!

 

[Santa]

Peak media win if they announce Walsh/Mam signed until 2027 at 10pm Xmas Eve

 

[mrtij]

Oates isn't skilful enough to play edge, IMO. Once his time is done on the wing, he could make a go at playing prop, if he could handle the defensive side of things.

I agree his edge days are over, but I also think it’s too late for him to transition to prop also.

 

[Sproj]

J.Hunt can play second row can’t he?

 

[Mum-the-meatloaf]

Could we ever run Oates in the bench, can cover wing and second row. I'm sure he could cover lock for 20min as well.

 

[Wolfie]

J.Hunt can play second row can’t he?

He can. Should be ok for depth, but bit of a worry he wasnt good enough to crack such a poor side as the Dragons.

 

[BroncsFan]

Ezra is only signing for that amount for one of two reasons. He's got no other offers elsewhere, or he is getting some good kickbacks elsewhere to stay at the Broncos.

Dolphin fan alert

 

[BroncsFan]

Riccio and Read say that Capewell had dinner with Warriors coach Andrew Webster (his former assistant coach at Penrith), toured the Warriors' facilities in Auckland, they are offering him a three year deal and want him to break his contract immediately to join them.

Break his contract... surely not.. what about the integrity of the league!!!!!

 

[Gaz]

He can. Should be ok for depth, but bit of a worry he wasnt good enough to crack such a poor side as the Dragons.

Is a worry - politics maybe. Much has been going on in that club.

 

[Lockysillegitimatechild]

Is a worry - politics maybe. Much has been going on in that club.

I don't think he's going to crack the 17 or anything but using that as an indication of how good/bad a player is doesn't work.
Bad sides make bad selections, different sides value different qualities in players. Lots of great players have changed sides and then been recognised and got opportunities which they've grabbed.
I haven't seen him play but sounds like the dragons fans thought he was good enough to be in the top 17 definetly, but his intensity could only last 10 or 15 mins. Well that might suck for them as their starters need more support, but for us we only need 15 mins out of our 3rd forward on the bench with all the others capable of playing big quality minutes.

 

[Wolfie]

Dolphin fan alert

I think he will get some good kickbacks to stay here!

 

[broncos4life]

He can. Should be ok for depth, but bit of a worry he wasnt good enough to crack such a poor side as the Dragons.

Judging anyone based on decisions The Dragons make is frankly ridiculous. If the overwhelming evidence from the last decade isn’t enough then Jackson Ford should be all you need.

 

[Sproj]

Let's say Capewell does leave, we would be skinny in the backrow for sure but still a decent side:

1. Walsh
2. Oates/Arthars
3. Staggs
4. Cobbo
5. Mariner
6. Mam
7. Reynolds
8. Haas
9. Walters
10. Baker/Willison
11. Piakura
12. Riki
13. Carrigan

14. Smoothy/Mozer
15. Willison/Baker/Jensen
16. Hetherington
17. Taupau/Te Kura

If either Riki or Piaks go down though, the team is in a bit of trouble with only really J.Hunt, Oates and Te Kura that could fill in there at a stretch and none would inspire confidence.

 

[McHunt]

Let's say Capewell does leave, we would be skinny in the backrow for sure but still a decent side:

1. Walsh
2. Oates/Arthars
3. Staggs
4. Cobbo
5. Mariner
6. Mam
7. Reynolds
8. Haas
9. Walters
10. Baker/Willison
11. Piakura
12. Riki
13. Carrigan

14. Smoothy/Mozer
15. Willison/Baker/Jensen
16. Hetherington
17. Taupau/Te Kura

If either Riki or Piaks go down though, the team is in a bit of trouble with only really J.Hunt, Oates and Te Kura that could fill in there at a stretch and none would inspire confidence.

What do you do if Walsh, Oates, Staggs, Cobbo or Mariner is injured 5 minutes after kickoff?

 

[theshed]

Let's say Capewell does leave, we would be skinny in the backrow for sure but still a decent side:

1. Walsh
2. Oates/Arthars
3. Staggs
4. Cobbo
5. Mariner
6. Mam
7. Reynolds
8. Haas
9. Walters
10. Baker/Willison
11. Piakura
12. Riki
13. Carrigan

14. Smoothy/Mozer
15. Willison/Baker/Jensen
16. Hetherington
17. Taupau/Te Kura

If either Riki or Piaks go down though, the team is in a bit of trouble with only really J.Hunt, Oates and Te Kura that could fill in there at a stretch and none would inspire confidence.

My worry would be the edge of Piakura, Mam, Mariner defending together

 

[mrtij]

What do you do if Walsh, Oates, Staggs, Cobbo or Mariner is injured 5 minutes after kickoff?

Not ideal but you’d probably be forced to carry Oates on the bench.

With all this chat I’m starting to believe we don’t see Capewell leaving this year. There’s just too much risk being so light in second rowers, even with all 3 of them this year we still had to throw Carrigan at second row for a few games.

I think we keep him for next year (possibly longer if he’s willing to take a paycut/ reluctant to relocate again) and if he leaves then we try find a similar “mr. fix it” player. Keeping him for next year would at least give us some time and would get Piakura more experienced before we review our options.

Also maybe Paix not leaving yet is really starting to throw a spanner in the works.

 

[Lockysillegitimatechild]

Niukora would be a great trade if we shave off even 50,000 but it would never happen. Jackson Ford might be a shout if he has told them he isn't going to re-sign (they have a young guy they have high hopes for and capewell could take fords spot) although he doesn't provide utility value.