What will happen to Jack Howarth and Brendan Piakura?

Jack Howarth and Brendan Piakura are names that rugby league nuffies will already be familiar with None of these incredibly talented footballers impress the National Rugby League.

In 2022, Howarth signed a five-year deal with the Melbourne Storm for a reported $500,000 per season. The same goes for the Broncos’ Piakura, who signed a 2021 report for $1.2 million through the end of 2024.

When you delve deep into the first-round teams picked by both the Broncos and the Storm, you start scratching your head as to where they sit in their respective clubs’ pecking orders.

Both Trent Loiero and new recruit Eli Katoa were both named to start in the back row for the storm. Chris Lewis sat on the bench.

The assumption was that after signing that huge contract, Howarth would move into the second row, with Tariq Sims on the other side of the field. But he doesn’t look likely at all.

questions are asked. Maybe he’s hurt??

However, the thought of a possible injury was thrown out the window when he was selected in a trial for the Sunshine Coast Falcons just two weeks ago.

This was the same weekend that Melbourne selected a 26-man squad who flew to New Zealand to play a Test against the Warriors, meaning he’s really lost a beat at the club.

Sure, young players have to earn the right to play and maybe he’s not ready for first grade. But it’s an attempt. Is there no trust in the child? Does he have an attitude problem?

Piakura is at a similar point, Given only two first-grade games in two years, one of which he spent ten minutes in the Sin Box.

The tests didn’t prove to anyone that he will certainly play a lot of minutes this year, despite the fat purse not promising.

This should be an exciting year for these two youngsters, a year of departure, a year of proving to themselves and the competition that they are ready.

Unfortunately, it feels like déjà vu.