magpies forever
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2016
- Messages
- 302
Don't disagree with those thoughts. Definitely need to get Fainu more time, and maybe try to squeeze in an early release for Matamua and replace with a solid enough back rower from somewhere. I'm assuming current work to fill the remaining vacant squad position is for a speedy, tall backline player.So our top 6.
Utoikamanu, Koroisau, Klemmer, Bateman, Papalii, Pole?
Our 9 is as good as any, better than most. But this is countered with the13 as poor as any, worse than most.
Despite the criticism of them on here, i believe we've 2 decent enough backrowers. However id not be able to rate them as better than any other club. I'd suggest just about every club has one better than either of our 2. (Nikora, Katoa, Young, Nanai, Kaufusi, Martin, Capewell, Olakuatu, Crichton, Piakura, Sua, Frizzell, Kikau, Fifita, Koloamatangi). A lot of clubs also have a 2nd as good or better than either of ours.
That leaves our front row pairing. Again our two are decent enough but hard to see many teams they are clearly better then. Dogs the only obvious pick. Could make a case against Rabbitohs, Titans, Dragons and possibly Sharks. Thats about it.
So i see our top 6 forwards as worse than most. How do you see them?
Edit I wouldn't be surprised if Bateman finished up end of season and heads back to ESL for a swansong. His family is there and he obviously misses them and wants to be with them. Noting his long absences in off season to visit, which does disrupt our preparations.