Sharks NRL Prospects
Hammerhead
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2025
- Messages
- 451
- Reaction score
- 577
HM's review.
A reminder of my position for pathways players:
- I have no inside information other than what is publicly available on the web either for free or by buying a subscription (BarTV, Code Sports, etc.)
- I watch 100% of the available pathways games/content available and some school games (u16-u19 aged players)
- I have played the game at a high level and also spent time learning from a lot of former NRL players/coaches employed as current NRL pathways or Cup-level coaches. This doesn't make my opinion worth any more than someone else's, and I can still be wrong about things - but it does mean I see the game differently and look at different things than what the NRL commentators will tell you makes a good footballer
- I may mention where players need to improve or state an opinion about how a player may better be used, but I try not to ever be openly critical of a player on a pathways only contract; a player on a contract which takes them past their Flegg eligibility is fair game (there are no HM's players with contracts like this).
2026 Team
The team finished 13th on the ladder with 2 wins and 6 losses. It wasn't quite as bad as it looks on paper though. They had a few close losses, and outside of their final round loss against the Raiders (down 28-0 at half time) they were in every match. Even in the heavy loss to the Panthers it was 18-10 until the Panthers put on a late flurry of points - and their round 1 loss to the top of the table Knights was a result of a chip and chase on full time.
In my opinion there were three main things holding this team back:
1. Ball control / errors
2. Halves
3. Outside backs
1) If the ball control in the u19's team was disappointing, it was downright frustrating in the u17's. Some games I'd say their completion rate was under 20%. They mountain of errors, sometimes forcing their hand but also way too many simple unforced errors. Even in the games they won their ball control was abysmal. They were just able to defend their line for large stretches. It's not on any player or group of players. It was a team wide thing. Even the best players were guilty of some lazy errors and some bonehead plays. They are 15-17 year old boys though. so we'll forgive them. They just need to get better as they get older.
2) I think I was spoiled last season watching Liam Challenor lead this team around the park, and to a lesser extent the slick ball-playing of Spencer Swann. The 2026 halves were "OK" but weren't up the mental standard I'd set. Continuity was an issue too. The combination I feel did the best job only got to play about 90 minutes together healthy, and the team also had to do a bit of in game and late season shuffling for injuries. It's a development comp and some of the halves are only turning 16 so they can be patient - but the team got way too many errors and not enough positives out of their halves, and at least one I don't think was up to rep footy (yet) defensively.
3) The strength of this team was their forward pack. They defended fairly well in and around the ruck, and were able to move the ball up field with their forwards well (when they didn't drop it) but other than two players (Ethan Mullins and Charlie Sasse) the back 5 was a rotating cast. There were some great single game performances and some of the outside backs had some great physical tools - and the mid-season signing of Cayden Cross helped a lot - but the chopping and changing didn't help with continuity, and it was often diamonds and rocks in the backline. It may be a bit unfair of me to call out the outside backs in a team where there is so much change, the forwards can't hold the ball and the halves aren't really creating opportunities for them - but the backs contributed to the poor ball control too, and it did feel a lot like the coach was trying to plug leaks with frequent team changes in the back 5.
Fullback
- Koa Cooper (5 games)
- Xavier Young (3 games)
Koa Cooper played the first 5 games of the season and was the first choice goalkicker. He is a dangerous and elusive ball runner, good support player and has a developing passing game. He needs to round out his game, but it is worth keeping an eye on. I don't know whether he was injured or just replaced in the team for round 6.
Xavier Young played the final 3 games, including the win over the Storm which was one of the better all around team performances. He handled himself well and was better on yardage than some of the guys used earlier in the year. In hindsight (assuming he was available) he may have been a better option to start on the wing in round 1.
Centre/Wing
- Ethan Mullins (8 games @ right centre)
- Charlie Sasse (7 games @ wing)
- Chad Kamara (4 games @ wing)
- Cayden Cross (3 games @ left centre)
- Gabriel Asmar (2 games @ left centre)
- Hamilton Kingi (1 game @ centre, 1 @ game wing)
- Kilifi Fetuuaho (2 games @ centre, 1 @ game wing)
- Lenny Bucher (1 game @ wing)
- Ashton Taylor (1 game @ wing)
Ethan Mullins was a staple on the right side all season. He's a tall lean build and reminds me a bit of Nikora Williams. He's handy on the yardage runs and has a good all around game, but a big feature of his game is his defence. His edge got exposed a lot, in part because his halves and wing partners were always changing... but he made a lot of smart defensive decisions and shutdown way more chances than he let through. He is a highly rated League and Union prospect and was player of the comp in the u15's ASSRL tournament last season. Definitely one to try to hold on to and keep from leaving to Rah Rah. He will still be eligible for HM's next season.
Charlie Sasse played the first 7 games on the wing and was 18th man in the final game (they put a lot of depth guys into that one and left out quite a few starters). He was the best of the wingers this year. Got through his work. Will need to get bigger/stronger but plenty of time for that.
Cayden Cross wasn't part of the squad when it was announced, but was signed mid season (from the Raiders I believe) and joined the team for the final three games of the season at left centre. He's a solid, nuggety player who runs hard and has some good skills. He reminds me a bit of Kaden Garner in his build, haircut and running style. Quicker than he looks. He's another one with a Rugby Union pathway (ACT junior Brumbies). Plays a bit of wing in Union too so has a kick in him. Good player. I think he's 2009 so goes up to SG Ball next season.
Halves
- Randy Ennis (6 games on the right)
- Cooper Shepherd (2 games on the left, 2 games on the right)
- Jack Whitaker (4 games on the left)
- Jack McKevett (1 game on the left)
- Jayden Best (1 game on the left)
Leaving Jayden Best aside (he's the starting hooker but moved around a bit to cover) Jack Whitaker was the pick of the halves. He wore #6 and played on the left, but the team were at their best when he was doing more of the kicking and more involved in the attack. He's quick, dangerous attacking around the ruck, has a good passing game and can create space for his outside men. The team's play was improving when he joined, even if the scoreboard results weren't always there. Unfortunately he suffered a leg injury (knee I think) in round 7 and didn't play the last 2 games. He's 2009 I think, so SG Ball eligible next year.
Cooper Shepherd was the best of the players to partner Whitaker. He wasn't great playing on the left early on when paired with Ennis, but when he moved to the right he was a lot better. He doesn't have a huge boot but is selective with his kicks and ball plays at the line well. It was unfortunate he and Whitaker only got about a game and a half together healthy. 2010 so still young. Should be back next year in a starting role.
Randy Ennis had some nice moments ball playing. He has a good short pass in him and has a good sized boot for such a small player. Tough year from him otherwise though. I think he was a little out of his depth at this level. He did some good stuff but it might have suited him to have been the third guy from the get go. More knowledgeable people than me are picking these teams though, so I'll trust their call. Ennis is also very young. Another off season of getting bigger and stronger will help him immensely.
Jayden Best was creative and dangerous when asked ot play in the halves. The sort of guy who can do a job in half a dozen different positions. More on him below.
Hooker
- Jayden Best (6 games)
- Nate Horsey (8 games)
- Talakai Fauonuku (1 game)
Jayden Best was one of the leaders on this team. and was regularly one of the better players on the park for them. He's aggressive in defence and creates chances in attack. He would often play as a running forward when Horsey was on the field and played one game starting at five-eighth. He was equally as dangerous in those roles. The only game he missed was due to suspension. I am a big fan of his game, but if I have one criticism it would be that he can overplay his hand a bit. A lot of the attack centres around him and that's great - but sometimes he will take that scoot on the last or put through a kick for himself when maybe using a teammate would have been a better option. He's young so will find a balance - but if I had to pick one guy from this squad who I think has the tools to play at a higher level it is probably him. Reminds me a bit of Berrell or Billy Mags in that he'll give you an 8/10 in his main position but can give you a 7/10 is a few others. He is 2009 so SG Ball aged next season.
Nate Horsey came off the bench most weeks and did some great stuff in that role. He was a threat to run - especially close to the line - and he kept the marker defence honest. He is 2010 so will be back next year. Wouldn't be out of place as the starter.
Middle Forwards
- Eparame Neemia (8 games)
- Ryan Lillis (8 games)
- Logan Longbottom (7 games)
- Tyrell Dudley (7 games)
- Reuben Pale Eli (7 games)
- Tahi Leef (6 games)
- Chase Jr Stanley (6 games)
- Jayden Best (moved to the middle mid-game)
The Sharks were able to keep a fairly consistent rotation amongst their middles. They moved some of the bench guys in and out of 18th man some weeks, but only used the 7 middles in total, pus Jayden Best - who never started in the middle but spent plenty of time there. The middle forwards moved the ball well and worked their freckles off defensively, but were very much part of the problem when it came to ball control. They made a lot of errors in contact, threw some wild passes, and had a lot of fumbles in the play the ball. The fundamentals were there across the board, but as a group they all need to work on holding the ball, making better decisions and getting cleaner play the balls.
Eparame Neemia is a tall, ranging prop from Queensland. I don't know whether he will come home now that the junior reps are done, but if he does I will get to see plenty of him. He plays on the right edge for his club team up here... and my boy in the same comp just happens to have moved from the halves to playing on the left edge this season. It gets worse: the halfback next to him is Charlie Webb from the Roosters (who is considered the best player in the country for this birth year). If they both come come for the club season good luck son. On Neemia, what I said above sums it up really. He carries the ball with venom and works his butt off in defence - but was prone to a handling error. Along with Mullins and the two second rowers he started every game in the same jersey number, and was the most consistent middle on the team. There is definitely some potential there. He's young and raw but worth keeping an eye on. 2009 so will compete for an SG Ball spot next season.
Ryan Lillis started the first game at lock and then every other game from the bench as the first or second interchange. While he can do the hard stuff, he is a more mobile player and more of a worker than a battering ram. He has a pass in his game and can contribute in a few different roles, including covering on edges in-game and throwing a tip on or link man pass when needed. He's the sort of guy who many fans may not notice, but I'm sure his coach values.
It was a mixed season for Logan Longbottom. He has amazing timing and tackle technique and is a real worker. He's still one of my favourites, and maybe I'm just setting the bar too high because of how much I loved his play last season - but I was a bit disappointed with his first month. I just felt watching the trials and early rounds that he was a little underdone. It could be growth, or learning to play bigger, or he could have had off-season injury - but he looked a step behind to start the year and didn't hit his straps until the team has already dug themself into a hole. By the end of the year though he was back to his normal self. he was whacking blokes, taking really strong carries, pushing up in support, getting through a mountain of defensive work and getting to the play that one step earlier. He's still a beast and his highlight reel for the year will be impressive but we are always toughest on the ones we love. Also ditched the headgear late in the year.
If there is a "both coaches hold their breath" player in the Sharks system it is Tyrell Dudley. The kid is a man-mountain who skittles defenders like bowling pins, strikes fear into opposition halves and wins contact in defence, but he struggled with his ball control. If he can get that part of his game right and keep improving the little parts of his game the sky is the limit. I don't want this to sound like I am bagging the kid. As I said about Jamie Curran in the SG Ball season review, it's OK for these big boys to have errors in them at this age but we want to see them minimize them as the season goes on and as they get older. Having that intimidating big body in the pack is an important part of the game so sometimes you just have to ride out the errors in their development. It can be frustrating to watch for a coaches and fans (like me) who want the team to win, but I need to keep reminding myself that all developing players are going to make both technical and decision-making errors; it's how they look at 22 that matters and Tyrell Dudley has a lot of assets to his game that other players don't.
Reuben Pale Eli and Tahi Leef were solid bench rotation options in the middle most weeks without necessarily moving the needle in either direction. They held their own and got through their work with minimal fuss. Leef had some really nice moments later in the year. His play the ball speed improved through the year, and he made some really noticeable effort plays defensively.
Chase Jr Stanley was a second year player. He played mostly centre and halves last season, but was a bit heavier this season and was handy in a "skilled and mobile lock" role. He didn't play the first 2 games, but he was yet another player who I think improved the team once he was added.
Again, Jayden Best played a lot as a running forward and wouldn't be out of place staring in #13 or coming from the bench if he can't get a starting hooker spot next season.
Edge Forwards
- William Webber (8 game son the right)
- Haiden Woolridge (8 games on the left)
The edges were a big strength. Even when the middle defence got a bit loose, most times the second rowers were there to mop things up. Both guys were highly rated second year players coming in to the season. Both are tall, fast athletic players who get through plenty of work on both sides of the ball, run good lines, and trouble opposition defences. Billy Webber was the captain and played on the right side. Haiden Woolridge was the left. He is the taller of the two and has the speed of an outside back. These two can hold their heads high.
A reminder of my position for pathways players:
- I have no inside information other than what is publicly available on the web either for free or by buying a subscription (BarTV, Code Sports, etc.)
- I watch 100% of the available pathways games/content available and some school games (u16-u19 aged players)
- I have played the game at a high level and also spent time learning from a lot of former NRL players/coaches employed as current NRL pathways or Cup-level coaches. This doesn't make my opinion worth any more than someone else's, and I can still be wrong about things - but it does mean I see the game differently and look at different things than what the NRL commentators will tell you makes a good footballer
- I may mention where players need to improve or state an opinion about how a player may better be used, but I try not to ever be openly critical of a player on a pathways only contract; a player on a contract which takes them past their Flegg eligibility is fair game (there are no HM's players with contracts like this).
2026 Team
The team finished 13th on the ladder with 2 wins and 6 losses. It wasn't quite as bad as it looks on paper though. They had a few close losses, and outside of their final round loss against the Raiders (down 28-0 at half time) they were in every match. Even in the heavy loss to the Panthers it was 18-10 until the Panthers put on a late flurry of points - and their round 1 loss to the top of the table Knights was a result of a chip and chase on full time.
In my opinion there were three main things holding this team back:
1. Ball control / errors
2. Halves
3. Outside backs
1) If the ball control in the u19's team was disappointing, it was downright frustrating in the u17's. Some games I'd say their completion rate was under 20%. They mountain of errors, sometimes forcing their hand but also way too many simple unforced errors. Even in the games they won their ball control was abysmal. They were just able to defend their line for large stretches. It's not on any player or group of players. It was a team wide thing. Even the best players were guilty of some lazy errors and some bonehead plays. They are 15-17 year old boys though. so we'll forgive them. They just need to get better as they get older.
2) I think I was spoiled last season watching Liam Challenor lead this team around the park, and to a lesser extent the slick ball-playing of Spencer Swann. The 2026 halves were "OK" but weren't up the mental standard I'd set. Continuity was an issue too. The combination I feel did the best job only got to play about 90 minutes together healthy, and the team also had to do a bit of in game and late season shuffling for injuries. It's a development comp and some of the halves are only turning 16 so they can be patient - but the team got way too many errors and not enough positives out of their halves, and at least one I don't think was up to rep footy (yet) defensively.
3) The strength of this team was their forward pack. They defended fairly well in and around the ruck, and were able to move the ball up field with their forwards well (when they didn't drop it) but other than two players (Ethan Mullins and Charlie Sasse) the back 5 was a rotating cast. There were some great single game performances and some of the outside backs had some great physical tools - and the mid-season signing of Cayden Cross helped a lot - but the chopping and changing didn't help with continuity, and it was often diamonds and rocks in the backline. It may be a bit unfair of me to call out the outside backs in a team where there is so much change, the forwards can't hold the ball and the halves aren't really creating opportunities for them - but the backs contributed to the poor ball control too, and it did feel a lot like the coach was trying to plug leaks with frequent team changes in the back 5.
Fullback
- Koa Cooper (5 games)
- Xavier Young (3 games)
Koa Cooper played the first 5 games of the season and was the first choice goalkicker. He is a dangerous and elusive ball runner, good support player and has a developing passing game. He needs to round out his game, but it is worth keeping an eye on. I don't know whether he was injured or just replaced in the team for round 6.
Xavier Young played the final 3 games, including the win over the Storm which was one of the better all around team performances. He handled himself well and was better on yardage than some of the guys used earlier in the year. In hindsight (assuming he was available) he may have been a better option to start on the wing in round 1.
Centre/Wing
- Ethan Mullins (8 games @ right centre)
- Charlie Sasse (7 games @ wing)
- Chad Kamara (4 games @ wing)
- Cayden Cross (3 games @ left centre)
- Gabriel Asmar (2 games @ left centre)
- Hamilton Kingi (1 game @ centre, 1 @ game wing)
- Kilifi Fetuuaho (2 games @ centre, 1 @ game wing)
- Lenny Bucher (1 game @ wing)
- Ashton Taylor (1 game @ wing)
Ethan Mullins was a staple on the right side all season. He's a tall lean build and reminds me a bit of Nikora Williams. He's handy on the yardage runs and has a good all around game, but a big feature of his game is his defence. His edge got exposed a lot, in part because his halves and wing partners were always changing... but he made a lot of smart defensive decisions and shutdown way more chances than he let through. He is a highly rated League and Union prospect and was player of the comp in the u15's ASSRL tournament last season. Definitely one to try to hold on to and keep from leaving to Rah Rah. He will still be eligible for HM's next season.
Charlie Sasse played the first 7 games on the wing and was 18th man in the final game (they put a lot of depth guys into that one and left out quite a few starters). He was the best of the wingers this year. Got through his work. Will need to get bigger/stronger but plenty of time for that.
Cayden Cross wasn't part of the squad when it was announced, but was signed mid season (from the Raiders I believe) and joined the team for the final three games of the season at left centre. He's a solid, nuggety player who runs hard and has some good skills. He reminds me a bit of Kaden Garner in his build, haircut and running style. Quicker than he looks. He's another one with a Rugby Union pathway (ACT junior Brumbies). Plays a bit of wing in Union too so has a kick in him. Good player. I think he's 2009 so goes up to SG Ball next season.
Halves
- Randy Ennis (6 games on the right)
- Cooper Shepherd (2 games on the left, 2 games on the right)
- Jack Whitaker (4 games on the left)
- Jack McKevett (1 game on the left)
- Jayden Best (1 game on the left)
Leaving Jayden Best aside (he's the starting hooker but moved around a bit to cover) Jack Whitaker was the pick of the halves. He wore #6 and played on the left, but the team were at their best when he was doing more of the kicking and more involved in the attack. He's quick, dangerous attacking around the ruck, has a good passing game and can create space for his outside men. The team's play was improving when he joined, even if the scoreboard results weren't always there. Unfortunately he suffered a leg injury (knee I think) in round 7 and didn't play the last 2 games. He's 2009 I think, so SG Ball eligible next year.
Cooper Shepherd was the best of the players to partner Whitaker. He wasn't great playing on the left early on when paired with Ennis, but when he moved to the right he was a lot better. He doesn't have a huge boot but is selective with his kicks and ball plays at the line well. It was unfortunate he and Whitaker only got about a game and a half together healthy. 2010 so still young. Should be back next year in a starting role.
Randy Ennis had some nice moments ball playing. He has a good short pass in him and has a good sized boot for such a small player. Tough year from him otherwise though. I think he was a little out of his depth at this level. He did some good stuff but it might have suited him to have been the third guy from the get go. More knowledgeable people than me are picking these teams though, so I'll trust their call. Ennis is also very young. Another off season of getting bigger and stronger will help him immensely.
Jayden Best was creative and dangerous when asked ot play in the halves. The sort of guy who can do a job in half a dozen different positions. More on him below.
Hooker
- Jayden Best (6 games)
- Nate Horsey (8 games)
- Talakai Fauonuku (1 game)
Jayden Best was one of the leaders on this team. and was regularly one of the better players on the park for them. He's aggressive in defence and creates chances in attack. He would often play as a running forward when Horsey was on the field and played one game starting at five-eighth. He was equally as dangerous in those roles. The only game he missed was due to suspension. I am a big fan of his game, but if I have one criticism it would be that he can overplay his hand a bit. A lot of the attack centres around him and that's great - but sometimes he will take that scoot on the last or put through a kick for himself when maybe using a teammate would have been a better option. He's young so will find a balance - but if I had to pick one guy from this squad who I think has the tools to play at a higher level it is probably him. Reminds me a bit of Berrell or Billy Mags in that he'll give you an 8/10 in his main position but can give you a 7/10 is a few others. He is 2009 so SG Ball aged next season.
Nate Horsey came off the bench most weeks and did some great stuff in that role. He was a threat to run - especially close to the line - and he kept the marker defence honest. He is 2010 so will be back next year. Wouldn't be out of place as the starter.
Middle Forwards
- Eparame Neemia (8 games)
- Ryan Lillis (8 games)
- Logan Longbottom (7 games)
- Tyrell Dudley (7 games)
- Reuben Pale Eli (7 games)
- Tahi Leef (6 games)
- Chase Jr Stanley (6 games)
- Jayden Best (moved to the middle mid-game)
The Sharks were able to keep a fairly consistent rotation amongst their middles. They moved some of the bench guys in and out of 18th man some weeks, but only used the 7 middles in total, pus Jayden Best - who never started in the middle but spent plenty of time there. The middle forwards moved the ball well and worked their freckles off defensively, but were very much part of the problem when it came to ball control. They made a lot of errors in contact, threw some wild passes, and had a lot of fumbles in the play the ball. The fundamentals were there across the board, but as a group they all need to work on holding the ball, making better decisions and getting cleaner play the balls.
Eparame Neemia is a tall, ranging prop from Queensland. I don't know whether he will come home now that the junior reps are done, but if he does I will get to see plenty of him. He plays on the right edge for his club team up here... and my boy in the same comp just happens to have moved from the halves to playing on the left edge this season. It gets worse: the halfback next to him is Charlie Webb from the Roosters (who is considered the best player in the country for this birth year). If they both come come for the club season good luck son. On Neemia, what I said above sums it up really. He carries the ball with venom and works his butt off in defence - but was prone to a handling error. Along with Mullins and the two second rowers he started every game in the same jersey number, and was the most consistent middle on the team. There is definitely some potential there. He's young and raw but worth keeping an eye on. 2009 so will compete for an SG Ball spot next season.
Ryan Lillis started the first game at lock and then every other game from the bench as the first or second interchange. While he can do the hard stuff, he is a more mobile player and more of a worker than a battering ram. He has a pass in his game and can contribute in a few different roles, including covering on edges in-game and throwing a tip on or link man pass when needed. He's the sort of guy who many fans may not notice, but I'm sure his coach values.
It was a mixed season for Logan Longbottom. He has amazing timing and tackle technique and is a real worker. He's still one of my favourites, and maybe I'm just setting the bar too high because of how much I loved his play last season - but I was a bit disappointed with his first month. I just felt watching the trials and early rounds that he was a little underdone. It could be growth, or learning to play bigger, or he could have had off-season injury - but he looked a step behind to start the year and didn't hit his straps until the team has already dug themself into a hole. By the end of the year though he was back to his normal self. he was whacking blokes, taking really strong carries, pushing up in support, getting through a mountain of defensive work and getting to the play that one step earlier. He's still a beast and his highlight reel for the year will be impressive but we are always toughest on the ones we love. Also ditched the headgear late in the year.
If there is a "both coaches hold their breath" player in the Sharks system it is Tyrell Dudley. The kid is a man-mountain who skittles defenders like bowling pins, strikes fear into opposition halves and wins contact in defence, but he struggled with his ball control. If he can get that part of his game right and keep improving the little parts of his game the sky is the limit. I don't want this to sound like I am bagging the kid. As I said about Jamie Curran in the SG Ball season review, it's OK for these big boys to have errors in them at this age but we want to see them minimize them as the season goes on and as they get older. Having that intimidating big body in the pack is an important part of the game so sometimes you just have to ride out the errors in their development. It can be frustrating to watch for a coaches and fans (like me) who want the team to win, but I need to keep reminding myself that all developing players are going to make both technical and decision-making errors; it's how they look at 22 that matters and Tyrell Dudley has a lot of assets to his game that other players don't.
Reuben Pale Eli and Tahi Leef were solid bench rotation options in the middle most weeks without necessarily moving the needle in either direction. They held their own and got through their work with minimal fuss. Leef had some really nice moments later in the year. His play the ball speed improved through the year, and he made some really noticeable effort plays defensively.
Chase Jr Stanley was a second year player. He played mostly centre and halves last season, but was a bit heavier this season and was handy in a "skilled and mobile lock" role. He didn't play the first 2 games, but he was yet another player who I think improved the team once he was added.
Again, Jayden Best played a lot as a running forward and wouldn't be out of place staring in #13 or coming from the bench if he can't get a starting hooker spot next season.
Edge Forwards
- William Webber (8 game son the right)
- Haiden Woolridge (8 games on the left)
The edges were a big strength. Even when the middle defence got a bit loose, most times the second rowers were there to mop things up. Both guys were highly rated second year players coming in to the season. Both are tall, fast athletic players who get through plenty of work on both sides of the ball, run good lines, and trouble opposition defences. Billy Webber was the captain and played on the right side. Haiden Woolridge was the left. He is the taller of the two and has the speed of an outside back. These two can hold their heads high.
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