jonh wrote:Can’t say I’ve ever seen him play or heard of him before however he seems to be the kind of player that has gone well for us in the past.

Looks a big mobile impact secondrow who has a very good pedigree behind him with age group rep rugby at QLD level. Highlights look impressive, but given they are highlights they should.

Looks like he was going to be included in the Titans top 30 squad for 2025 but they do seem to have a number of very good young forwards coming through plus the likes of Tino and Fafita on huge contracts so they look to be cutting him lose to spend cap space in other areas.

I’d say this move signifies the end of one of our overseas signings at the club, probably Boothroyd. Never really got that signing if I’m honest but it was done very early in the tenure of the new regime. Appreciate he’s had his injury problems but the fact he had an Australian accent seemed to indicate to some he was a shoe in for week in week out first team, despite the fact he had only ever played junior rugby.

Trojan Horse wrote:Think that’s a bit harsh on Boothroyd tbh. Although you may not have got it he has contributed well.

He has shown up well and looked strong both at prop and second row. Can’t remember him missing a single tackle all season and made solid yards etc. for a first season against men he’s been very good. But for his injury he could have been the one with a contract for 2025 and beyond. There’s definitely a SL player in there somewhere.

As for Niketemo he’s about as experienced as Boothroyd is as it stands although does have more rep/pedigree. Really looking forward to seeing how he goes in 2025. Let’s hope we have unearthed a young star.

jonh wrote:Did he not take a quota spot he’d be worth retaining but he does.

When we have a fully fit squad this year I personally don’t see where Boothroyd fits in and that will be more evident next year as the squad improves.

Personally don’t think he’s a SL standard player yet and doubt he will be, time/opportunity will tell I guess.

Niketemo isn’t really comparable at he’s been in the Titans top 30 squad this year and so playing for the Ipswich Jets in a league that is probably a similar standard if not ahead of Championship so he’s had at least a year in a full time environment training and playing against men.

Trojan Horse wrote:But hasn’t Boothroyd has exactly the same? A year playing full time against men with a similar amount of games at a similar level and far more tries?

The only difference I guess is that the coaching team must feel that Niketemo is more ready or has a higher ceiling or potential.

Despite that I’m sure Boothroyd will have got a lot out of this year and will be interesting to see where he goes.

I do think he is capable of SL in the near future. He’s far ahead of any of our other young forwards and most in SL at his age imo.

Think he’s just the victim of quota spots here.