Totally agree with this. I think it would be sensible to start the year with Simpkin at 14. Latu and TDS then to shoot out for 14 2nd half of the year. There's alot to be gained from Latu, TDS and Galvin forming some partnerships in lower grades.
But we would tell him "you are ONLY the cup player, you WILL NOT be even considered to play 10 minutes a game" and this will extend to how long: the whole season, 5 games, 10 games ??
It's always a balancing act, but I'd say Api probably plays 3 Origin games this year (think Cook is past it and Robson is handy but Api is a better player) that's a minimum of 240 minutes of NRL up for grabs, probably more like 350-400min considering he wont play 80 mins when he backs up. Api is also likely to be playing more like 55-60 mins during the middle/latter part of the year when the body starts feeling a bit second hand. At that point 20-25 mins of super-sub footy would be as good if not far better than you're going to get anywhere else.
Up to Benji to communicate a clear plan to him and the rationale. I think that will be one of Benjis strengths. I daresay Simpkin is still in the shop window so there is a clear pathway to firsts for him. But hey, if he ends up coming off the bench a few games into the season and playing 15-20 minutes a game I won't be too upset.
It's never sensible to start Simpkin anywhere near a first grade squad.
I have never understood the fascination for Simpkin on here,to me he always suffered from white line fever and on the rare times he passed the ball it was awful
I agree he's not up to it as 1st string player. We are pretty thin on utilities though. Would you prefer Da Silva or Fainu in there from the start?
Absolutely.
Fair enough. They have huge potential and Simpkin has hit his ceiling. I guess the original point was that they might benefit from playing a together 60-80 minutes in reserves for a few rounds rather than 10-15 minutes in firsts. I think I'd prefer to see Fainu in there before TDS, if I was choosing, as he seems a little further along.
Thats the big question everytime isnt it? All the fringe players from #14 upwards aside from the starting 13 in many ways are works in progress. Are they better playing more time in State Cup or is the taste and experience of NRL interchange better for their development. Each players different and differing coaching approaches needed. Wouldnt be hard to get it wrong sometimes I suspect. Hopefully in those instances I trust remedied very quickly.
Agree there is no hard and fast rule (except the actual age cut off rule) and it needs to be on a case by case basis. There is also the actual physical element that has to be considered. Are their bodies up to playing against proper first graders? No point playing TDS only for him to get injured and Simpkin play anyway. Coaches are the only people with that insight.
We used to hand out our top 30 spots to all development players, it was absurd. We've rightfully tightened things, but it's also something you have to do to secure elite juniors long term. You don't lock them into a 4 year train and trial contract!
Nah, as long as the Sharks don’t get mentioned, he won’t say anything.
Probably not, best chance I reckon for the Bears is Perth.
Was it partly their fault?
Apparently that is one of their clauses that they want. At least 2-4 games a year to be played at North Sydney Oval regardless where they are based.
Good on them.
