G'day everyone,
Sorry for the lack of posting, I have been away with family in Queensland for majority of June. The good news is I am back & ready to answer all your burning questions!
1. Would shifting Milford to fullback & signing a new half be a good move for the Broncos? - Benni Mokalei
G'day Benni, absolutely mate. Milford has shown he is a natural fullback & that is his most dangerous position. If I was the Broncos, I'd be looking to sign Aidan Sezer from the Canberra Raiders from 2020 onwards. The arrival of English halfback George Williams will see Sezer in reserve grade & unhappy. The Broncos would be able to pick him up quite easily.
2. Moving Darius Boyd to 6, is this Seibold's way of saying do something soon Darius or bye bye? - Jason Bolton
Hi Jason, Boyd was reportedly set to be dropped for this weekend's clash for the Cronulla Sharks, but will retain his position due to an injury to Anthony Milford. Seibold definitely needs to have a tough talk with him this off season or earlier & tell him he is not up to the task of professional football week in, week out.
3. Do you think Cleary will play in the decider? - Mick Saint
Hey Mick, my mail says he will be ready to go at this stage. He has obviously worked overtime to rehabilitate his ankle & I expect him to line up at 7.
4. How far are Hull FC off signing Ligi Sao, Tevita Satae & Manu Ma'u? - Karl Brooks
G'day Karl, my mail is Joel Thompson is very close to signing with the club. He admitted on my Instagram story during a Q&A he wanted to head to the UK & Hull are set to acquire his services. As for the other three, Hull FC are very keen to lure players from the NRL & they will not be satisfied with just one or two. Every single mid-range footballer off contract at the end of 2019 is a target!
5. Do you think Brennan will be gone by the end of the month or last out this season? - Mitch Hardman
Hi Mitch, as you might as seen on my social media I toured the Titans facilities last week with Executive Chairman Dennis Watt. At this stage, Brennan's job depends on the investigation findings from Mal Meninga's report. Rule out Meninga as a possibility to coach, the big man looked too happy in his new office role. I'm hearing the favourites at this stage are Kevin Walters (head coach) & Neil Henry (assistant coach).
6. Will you see James Maloney at Panthers next year or Super League? - Anwar Ali
Hello Anwar, he will play one more NRL season for the Panthers before heading to the UK on a three-or-more-year deal in 2021.
7. Why did Dragons sign Kaufusi & not a better-known player? - Joe Garretty
Hi Joe, I know for a fact they really wanted former Blues prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard, but missed out. The biggest issue in luring someone for the club was the fact it was only a six-month contract. Kaufusi is very likely to head to the Super League at the end of this year., so that didn't bother him.
8. Trent Merrin to the Bulldogs in place of Rhyse Martin? - @nrl.bulldogs.column
No mate, young gun James Roumanos filled the Bulldogs' top 30.
9. Brimson for fullback for QLD? - @andrewjamhour
G'day Andrew, Brimson has just been bought in as 19th man earlier this morning. Unlikely Walters throws him in at fullback. There is just too much pressure in an Origin decider for someone of his experience level.
10. What is the latest with Tyrone Peachey & the Titans? - @insta_be4st1
Hey mate, he will be released at the end of this season & return to the Penrith Panthers. Titans are unhappy with his attitude & form.
Thank you for reading my weekly column on the best Rugby League website! I'll see you all next week, but if you can't wait that long - join over 116,000 other footy fans @clarkeys.nrl.column across social media.
Peachey is a tool, Penrith should not take him back.