BY DAN

By now you’re well aware that Albert Hopoate will be missing round one for the birth of his child, as first reported by the Daily Telegraph. A positional battle for the chance to run out in Vegas is forecast by the paper. But it if he hasn’t already won, Savelio Tamale is sitting pretty and ready to take what he’s earned.

The Tele suggests that taking Bert Hopoate’s position will be a Battle Royale between Tamale, Michael Asomua and Jed Stuart. Over the next few weeks this will play out. Stuart and Asomua will play in trial one, the game that has often been reserved for fringe squad players. Tamale is expected to play the second trial, opposite either Hopoate or Xavier Savage.

This flags that from pre-trial form, Tamale is the preferred option of the chasing pack. That’s an indication that the investment in Tamale is already pleasing the club. There’s always a risk new players, especially young ones, will take time. Tamale is hitting right away.

It also suggests that Seb Kris will keep his job, as Tamale was the biggest pressure on that, despite many seeing that as the most open spot in the back five. Savelio wants to play centre (and has played more of that than winger in Cup footy) but for now it seems likely he’ll he pushing for Hopoate’s wing spot.

This can of course be usurped by injury or form, but for the time being it seems Tamale will be the first of the new breed to make their way to first grade (just like that fortune teller said). This is good news. He’s an incredibly talented footballer, with dexterous footwork and pace and power to match. He’s got an error in him (38 in the 2024 NSW Cup year) but he won’t get them out of his game without getting a chance to get used to the challenge of the NRL game.

There’s a world in which you might argue that Asomua or even Stuart is still a shot to play, and to an extent that’s fair. Asomua in particular is also incredibly talented and could push for a first grade spot this year. Stuart’s case is less certain. As we said last year he’s a solid footy player and could play top line at some point. But he’s not the future of the club at this or any position. Unless something dramatic has changed, pursuing stopgap measures *now* is certifiably insane goes against the entire intent of this roster shape.

Now comes the interesting thing. We presume Bert Hopoate will be back for round two (not that he has to, we support parental leave in all its forms). But say Tamale brains it in Vegas. Who knows, maybe the smaller ground or some equally diminutive miracle means he gets enough ball to prove he’s not a prospect but a present. Hopoate found his starting gig hard to hold last year, and played more games in Cup (11) than in first grade (9) in 2024. While he’s probably entering his ‘prime’ there’s nothing to suggest his hold on the position is written in title. Good form in the trials, and in round one, might be enough for Tamale to hold his spot. Stick would love the competition regardless.

It’s a good outcome. By all accounts Tamale has the greatest upside of the quartet fighting to share a spot opposite Savage. Michael Asomua is likely to pitch a battle too, and there’s a world in the future where he and Tamale play in the same side. Hopoate and Stuart represent different kinds of player – more focused on certainty now than potential outcomes in the future.

We’ve written the club has structured its roster in such a way that playing the new kids is inevitable. This is just the start of that. Once upon a time the devil said there is no alternative. This time it may just be right.

Shouts to Brenton (@sloanefather on twitter) for putting this in my head. Sign up to the mailing list and I’ll tell you the four words you need to know to be able to beatbox. Do me a favour and like the page on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, or share this on social media. Don’t hesitate to send us feedback (dan@sportress.org) or comment below if you think we are stupid. Or if we’re not.