#13 Lock

[Tucker]

https://x.com/NBWT__/status/1739884254698561902?s=20

Api mentions here how Benji's style of coaching is more based around structure than Sheens.

Geeze Api sounds like a dumbarse when speaking lol…
I don’t think he was saying the systems will all be structured this year…more so in the first few rounds until they all find their feet.
He also said Benji will do what everyone does because he thinks differently 🤣🤣🤣

 

[king_sirro]

I may be in the minority but I think Seyfarth could be our dark horse 13 and a strategic re-signing.

While not as effective as Pole as a metre eater, I was really impressed with his ball distribution and straightening of our attack. His ability to pass at the line was better than other forwards.

Given we have a new halves combination - and I think both Bud and Latu are both “eyes up” players (Sezer is more structured), Seyfarth may well provide the room and time for them to play their natural games.

Your right.
I understand how some criticise Seyfarth to a degree, but I don't understand those that go really hard at him. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Seyfarth has not been used correctly once, not once. Those expecting a big aggressive metre eater will always be critical, instead of opening your eyes to what he does bring and how badly he has been used. Seyfarth is a ball playing middle with a big motor and big work rate. I'm not sure he is a long term option at 13 for us with so much talent in that spot, but he is definitely good enough to be a regular NRL 13 if used correctly and may fill the role until Kit is ready.

 

[Tigerwould]

Definition: Locks are forwards that play at the back of the scrum and are often the hardest-working player on the team, because they need to be fit and mobile, and combine size & strength with ball skills and an ability to step/break the line. Defensively, they'll often make more tackles than any other player.

What type of lock do you think this team needs?

We've been playing front rowers in this position over the past few seasons - Twal, Joffa & Fonua.

Do you consider the lock a third prop?
Or would you prefer more of a ball player.

My favourite #13 are players like Elijah Taylor & Dene Halatau - backrowers with some ball playing ability and the potential to play hooker.

Looking back at 2023 Top4 teams (Panthers, broncos, Storm and NZ).. as you would imagine they all have very strong players In this position. Pat Carrigan, Tohu Harris, Isaah Yeo and Josh King. All are quite big and can play long mins with linking/passing game.

 

[bbobb]

Your right.
I understand how some criticise Seyfarth to a degree, but I don't understand those that go really hard at him. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Seyfarth has not been used correctly once, not once. Those expecting a big aggressive metre eater will always be critical, instead of opening your eyes to what he does bring and how badly he has been used. Seyfarth is a ball playing middle with a big motor and big work rate. I'm not sure he is a long term option at 13 for us with so much talent in that spot, but he is definitely good enough to be a regular NRL 13 if used correctly and may fill the role until Kit

I have only seen Kit play once. He looks to be a very effective ball runner. I thought he looked like a potential edge with his footwork and tackle breaking ability? I know he is a highly rated junior but does he play as a ball playing forward or more a hard runner?

 

[king_sirro]

I have only seen Kit play once. He looks to be a very effective ball runner. I thought he looked like a potential edge with his footwork and tackle breaking ability? I know he is a highly rated junior but does he play as a ball playing forward or more a hard runner?

For such a young guy he is a very good ball player. He is the player I'm excited about the most. If Benji plays a link player at 13, I can see Seyfarth starting with Kit getting some time off the bench. If he plays a front rower type, then Pole would be the obvious choice IMO.

 

[king_sirro]

Looking back at 2023 Top4 teams (Panthers, broncos, Storm and NZ).. as you would imagine they all have very strong players In this position. Pat Carrigan, Tohu Harris, Isaah Yeo and Josh King. All are quite big and can play long mins with linking/passing game.

You know what I find interesting? The ball playing link man lock is important, but becomes less important in the big games. I've noticed that the game becomes so fast at semi final and Origin level that there seems to be a lack of time for the role. That's why it's important to have your link man as a tough bastard too, so he can be adaptable. Yeo can do it, but I rate Murray much higher for this reason.

I guess what I'm saying is, it's helpful in getting to the finals, but not necessarily important once you get there. Power and speed become much more relevant.

 

[innsaneink]

I may be in the minority but I think Seyfarth could be our dark horse 13 and a strategic re-signing.

While not as effective as Pole as a metre eater, I was really impressed with his ball distribution and straightening of our attack. His ability to pass at the line was better than other forwards.

Given we have a new halves combination - and I think both Bud and Latu are both “eyes up” players (Sezer is more structured), Seyfarth may well provide the room and time for them to play their natural games.

Are you thinking like Mark O'Neills role in 2005?

 

[bbobb]

Are you thinking like Mark O'Neills role in 2005?

Similar but I think Buckets was probably had better go froward than Seyfarth. Also we had Scott Prince who was dominant (and miles ahead of what he have today). I think Seyfarth will have to be more involved than Buckets to be effective.

 

[Demps]

So we're likely to miss out on Kobe Hetherington...

Could Seyfarth, Latu or Sione be the move for us, focusing on within?

 

[Blooey]

So we're likely to miss out on Kobe Hetherington...

Could Seyfarth, Latu or Sione be the move for us, focusing on within?

I think we should start Twal and rotate with Latu.
With the goal of Latu eventually playing 80 as lock.

 

[Tucker]

I think we should start Twal and rotate with Latu.
With the goal of Latu eventually playing 80 as lock.

I couldnt disagree more.
Latu should be our 10+ year halfback.
I would not waste his time learning to play 13.

 

[Blooey]

I couldnt disagree more.
Latu should be our 10+ year halfback.
I would not waste his time learning to play 13.

We have Luai coming to play 7 and Galvin will be playing 6.
He could potentially take the 6 from Galvin depending on how the season plays out, but not a chance he gets a go at 7..
Would you rather play him centre, lock, reserves or let him go to another team?

 

[Tucker]

We have Luai coming to play 7 and Galvin will be playing 6.
He could potentially take the 6 from Galvin depending on how the season plays out, but not a chance he gets a go at 7..
Would you rather play him centre, lock, reserves or let him go to another team?

Reserve grade 7 - full season apprenticeship. I’d then move Luai to 6 in 26 where he belongs and Galvin to centre or backrow.

 

[Blooey]

Reserve grade 7 - full season apprenticeship. I’d then move Luai to 6 in 26 where he belongs and Galvin to centre or backrow.

Honestly, I wouldn’t be against that idea.
Only concern I’d have is what if Luai and Galvin excel together?
Do we still break them up for an untested halves combo?
And would that mean Latu keeps playing reserves?

 

[Tucker]

Honestly, I wouldn’t be against that idea.
Only concern I’d have is what if Luai and Galvin excel together?
Do we still break them up for an untested halves combo?
And would that mean Latu keeps playing reserves?

If that occurs, we will lose one of them.
Thats Life.

 

[Jolls]

If that occurs, we will lose one of them.
Thats Life.

I'm not sure that is the case. This is where Benji and Richo need to show some leadership and sit Galvin and Latu down and show them the pathway. They will have to make a hard call but if Latu turns out to be as good as many claim we simply need to fit both of them into the team and develop a game plan to make a Latu, Galvin, Luai combination work.

This wouldn't be achievable under someone like Madge. While I can't say Benji has been setting the workd on fire as a coach I do think he probably has the vision to develop an attacking model to fit all three in. I'm not a real fan of Galvin to lock.

I like the idea of using Galvin as a "second fullback". A Tommy Turbo sort of role when he plays centre for NSW and Australia. He has the fitness and with time could develop nicely in that sort of role - or reverse it and have Latu play that role while he understudies Luai at 7.

Regardless of the longer term plan; Latu should be 7 in Cup for 2025 so he can develop his skills. He will get enough chances to play first grade due to injuries, suspensions and SOO duties. Lets not rush this they are still young.

 

[upthetigers]

So I revived this thread because I want to know who everyone considers to be our long term lock?

 

[426Tlgerland]

Pole now with Seyfarth working towards it mid year and pole in the rotation up front

 

[SeanT]

So I revived this thread because I want to know who everyone considers to be our long term lock?

This year not fussed. But next year id still go for Hetherington. I've seen him play and he would be great at 13.

I don't see any internal play at the Tigers to play it yet. Recruit from outside.

 

[SeanT]

So we're likely to miss out on Kobe Hetherington...

Could Seyfarth, Latu or Sione be the move for us, focusing on within?

Have we missed on him? 2026 I'd put it in front of him. He's got the size, skill and endurance to nail the spot. With Hunt going to Broncos they would be near over the cap.

Seyfarth doesn't have the endurance. The other two aren't genuine locks. I'd look outside.