Broncos star Pat Carrigan has lost his vice-captaincy status at the club, with new coach Michael Maguire electing to make the role vacant.
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Maguire hasn’t been afraid to shake things up since arriving at Red Hill, and the move to demote Carrigan is an example.
In 2024, Carrigan was vice-captain under skipper Adam Reynolds and wore the ‘C’ when Reynolds was out injured over the final nine games of the season.
However, with former coach Kevin Walters fired, his replacement elected to rid Carrigan of the vice-captaincy, instead naming him in a five-man leadership group.
Reynolds will remain the skipper, with Carrigan, Kotoni Staggs, Payne Haas and new recruit Ben Hunt making up Maguire’s new leadership group.
“I like the strength of the players around Reyno,” Maguire told Code Sports.
“We have a lot of experience around him with Payne, Patty, Benny Hunt and Kotoni.”
While Carrigan was believed to be the successor to Reynolds when the veteran half hangs up the boots, that’s not so certain now after this latest development.
What’s more is that it’s unknown who will be asked to step up and captain the side this season if Reynolds is absent.
FEARS FOR FUTURE OF STRUGGLING PRODIGY
Souths recruit Josh Schuster has been left out of club’s Pre-season Challenge team for the second straight week amid concerns the 23-year-old has lost his passion for the game.
After securing $1 million from the Sea Eagles when he was cut loose early from his $800,000 a year deal, Schuster signed a one-year prove-it deal with Souths.
That gave Schuster a chance to revitalise his career under Wayne Bennett.
But according to Code Sports, Schuster “can’t commit internally” to an NRL future despite Bennett’s mentoring.
Schuster’s close circle have reportedly told Code Sports that Schuster’s mind is elsewhere amid some challenging family issues.
Despite this, the Rabbitohs are willing to stick solid with Schuster given his massive potential, even though his work ethic and application hasn’t been where it needs to be in the NRL.
Schuster hasn’t played in the NRL in 18 months.
It’s believed that Schuster is dealing with a couple of injury concerns as the season approaches, but it’s unclear where he is in the Rabbitohs’ pecking order.
Following Cam Murray’s brutal training injury which will likely rule him out for the season, Schuster, who has shifted to the back row, could be in contention for a bench spot for Round 1 although it’s unlikely.
MANLY UNLEASH 201CM GIANT AS STAR RACES RD 1 CLOCK
The Sea Eagles have unveiled another towering winger with plenty of promise after 201 centimetre Navren Willett impressed in Manly’s Pre-season Challenge win over Souths.
Manly already have 199cm speedster Jason Saab on the roster but Willett has Saab covered by two centimetres.
Willett scored two tries for the Sea Eagles on Saturday, and coach Anthony Seibold is predicting big things for the Taree product.
“He’s got great potential. We identified him playing SG Ball last year, and we bought him because we feel like he can be a first-grader, and it was a really good debut for him in a Manly jersey,” Seibold told the SMH.
“He’s got a lot of height, he’s really fit, he’s fast, athletic, and he’s got great hands.
“There’s plenty of weapons that he brings, and now it’s about educating him about being a first-grade player – the way they prepare and all that sort of stuff. That’s our next job.”
Willett, who is the second tallest player in the NRL behind Broncos forward Ben Te Kura, will be up against it to crack first grade in 2025 given Manly’s depth at wing and centre.
However, the Sea Eagles could be down one winger in Round 1, with Saab in doubt for the start of the season.
Saab suffered an ankle injury late last season but he’s had a few setbacks in his recovery.
If Saab can’t play, it’s expected the Sea Eagles will roll with young gun Lehi Hopoate and Raymond Tuaimalo-Vaega on the wings in Round 1.
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STAR PROP DETAILS “DREAM” NRL SCENARIO
Broncos star Payne Haas has revealed the “goal” he wants to achieve in the NRL outside of winning a premiership.
Ahead of a huge 2025 season for the Broncos under new coach Michael Maguire, Haas says he’d love to one day play with his brothers in the NRL.
Haas’ brother Klese is already in the NRL with the Titans. He has two younger brothers in Geejay and Hans.
“I do want to play with my brothers one day,” Haas told Zero Tackle.
“It’s a goal I really want. I really want to do it now with my brothers.
“I don’t know how it’s going to happen, but obviously, just playing with Klese is one of my big goals.
“I really want it to happen. I just don’t know when and I don’t have time to worry about what I’m going to do.”
Hans Haas is already one step closer to appearing in the NRL, with the 15-year-old signing a multi-year deal with the Broncos to join their junior academy program.
“It was pretty cool to see and a proud moment for our family,” Haas said.
“That’s his first contract and I’m real proud of him but he’s still got a long way to go.
“He’s just going to be his own man and he’s got his own journey now.”
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