How the Magpies will fit in the points cap and what their 2025 lineup could look like

Cameron Greenhalgh's side has been the most spoken about during the Peter McDonald Premiership off-season after a huge turnover of players.

Eight players have been signed and almost all of them have either played for the Western Rams in the past or are of a representative standard.

So, what does it mean for 2025?

A lot of people have been asking how the Magpies will be able to fit all these players in under the NSW Rugby League Player Points Index System.

All clubs get 100 points to play with but can use a certain percentage of those the following year based on where they finished on the ladder. That reduction only counts for teams who finished in the top five the previous season so Forbes, after finishing sixth last season, will have their full allocation in 2025.

Forbes also played with virtually zero points last season given almost the entire team was made-up of local juniors. Local juniors don't count towards the points cap.

The bulk of the signings made for 2025 are also juniors, further boosting the club.

The players who will impact the cap in the biggest way are Nick Booth and Porter brothers Chad and Jake.

Former Bathurst St Pat's prop Booth played rep footy for the Rams last year so he's worth 30 points. There is, however, some hope at Forbes that total could be reduced in fitting with the PPIS's special considerations.

The guidelines state "a deduction in a player's point quota where a job transfer has changed the residency of the player".

Given Booth moved to Forbes for work and wasn't head-hunted by the Magpies, his value could potentially be reduced by a third.

The Porter brothers will both be worth 25 points given neither has played representative footy in recent years.

The trio takes up potentially 80 points between them, but given the presence of local juniors the Magpies should be okay.

However, should any more signings be made (and we've heard that's not out of the question) there could be problems for coach Greenhalgh.

By digging into the Magpies' off-season a little, it quickly becomes clear this side needed to make signings.

Six first grade regulars from 2024 have left the club. Yes, one or two are maybe because they wanted regular minutes rather than battle with the new signings, but they're losses regardless.

Jake Haddrill, Tom Hopkins, Tom Phillips and Campbell Rubie are no longer part of the forward pack. Tom Toohey's versatility won't feature in the backs and hooker Toby Hurford is also gone.

The Magpies had to act and they certainly have done so.

You can check out what a potential Forbes side for 2025 could look like in the graphic below.

It's highly unlikely the team there will be the one which runs out in round one this season, but it gives you can idea of the options Cameron Greenhalgh has at his disposal.

While Greenhalgh is happy with the squad there is a chance one more player could be added yet. Watch this space.

Here are some of the players not mentioned in the above team who could easily play first grade this year. There will also no doubt be more potential PMP players emerge as the season progresses.

Hayden Bolam: The biggest omission from the team chosen above. Purely because of his fitness status. He hasn't played since midway through 2023 due to a serious knee injury, but prior to that he was the reigning Group 10 Player of the Year and one of the best hookers in the competition. Lock him in if he's right to go.

Jordan Hartwig: A reliable performer for a number of years. Hartwig has played five-eighth, hooker and even on the wing. The perfect kind of player for coach Greenhalgh, his versatility could be a bonus in 2025.

Coopa Martin: Another 2024 regular who misses out here. Do not be surprised at all if he starts as part of the backline this season.

Marty Herbert: Another old head in the forward pack, Herbert always provided plenty of punch any time he entered play. If he's there again in 2025 he could also easily nab a spot on the bench.

David White: After joining from Condobolin for 2024, White quickly developed into a key part of the Magpies lineup. Comfortable in the back-row or at centre, he's another who's likely to get plenty of first grade minutes.

Joe Morrison: He was the hooker in reserve grade last season but also got plenty of first grade minutes. Will be waiting in the wings and certainly wouldn't be a bad choice in the top grade.

Tom Caldwell: Like the previously mentioned Morrison, Caldwell split his time between the two top grades in 2024. There's a wealth of options in the halves, so Caldwell might find himself a regular in reserve grade if he goes around again this year.

Sam Hampson: A real unknown. A former professional rugby sevens player from Britain who has turned up out west, Hampson has plenty of size about him. Could be an absolute wild card if he rips in during pre-season and impresses those in the top grade.

Jonah Little: The 2024 under 18s halfback, Little is primed to make an impact in the senior grades. Regular first grade minutes might be hard to come by, but don't be surprised to see him make the odd appearance.

Matty Duke: Another young gun, Duke can also play a few positions. A former under 18s standout, Duke also wouldn't be out of place in the top grade.

Harrison Scott: Much like others here, Scott has tasted first grade before and could easily slot back in. A real competitor.

Greenhalgh got a look at his new-look squad at the first pre-season training sessions last week.

He's aware a lot of other people are talking about the Magpies and some have gone as far as saying they're favourites for the title, but hes not paying too much attention.

"It's not so much pressure as I've just got to do my job and make sure these boys are right to play and play the game we want," he said.

"I don't buy into that stuff too much because it's a strong comp and every side is improving every year and signing players from everywhere.

"First of all, I've got to get the players to buy into what they're doing and work with the blokes around them and try to find those combinations.

"It's why we'll play a few trials and we're not going to be playing our best football early in the competition.

"I'd like to be right up there but it will take a little while for things to click ... it's the old saying of the attack will come later, as long as you've got your defence right.

"If we can score some good tries and get some good plays together off the back of our defence early on, I'll be happy."