Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

Ink I never forget the start of the season after Cleary had us for his first pre season. We beat Melbourne twice and the Roosters we were just winning by 1 or 2 points in real low scoring grinding games, we were defending our guts out till injuries hit, we have never defensively looked that good before or after.
Yeah defense was outstanding start of that season I know he stuffed us when he defected, but his defensive strategies were good.
 
Ink I never forget the start of the season after Cleary had us for his first pre season. We beat Melbourne twice and the Roosters we were just winning by 1 or 2 points in real low scoring grinding games, we were defending our guts out till injuries hit, we have never defensively looked that good before or after.
Yea I remember that it was great, 2018... I was in Cairns for a bit at that time, but it was scrambling desperate hectic defense....not a controlled and consistent brick wall wave.
I feared at the time we wouldnt be able to keep up that frantic panicky D
 
Ink I never forget the start of the season after Cleary had us for his first pre season. We beat Melbourne twice and the Roosters we were just winning by 1 or 2 points in real low scoring grinding games, we were defending our guts out till injuries hit, we have never defensively looked that good before or after.
2010 and 11, our D noticeably lifted for both final series. Steve Folkes was head Trainer for both seasons.
Ivan had us in the grind and winning, even Packer was killing it. Then the wheels fell off the bus.
You win more games on good D than you lose.
 
2010 and 11, our D noticeably lifted for both final series. Steve Folkes was head Trainer for both seasons.
Ivan had us in the grind and winning, even Packer was killing it. Then the wheels fell off the bus.
You win more games on good D than you lose.
I think D is more about the connection within the group than systems/coaching. The players have had plenty of coaching when they make the grade.

i.e. how much do I really want to stop this try for my mates. If it’s not 100%, there’s your issue.
 
I think D is more about the connection within the group than systems/coaching. The players have had plenty of coaching when they make the grade.

i.e. how much do I really want to stop this try for my mates. If it’s not 100%, there’s your issue.
I reckon it’s the whole combo, inter player connection, fitness, past and current coaching, and current structure. All of it goes into good D.
 
I think D is more about the connection within the group than systems/coaching. The players have had plenty of coaching when they make the grade.

i.e. how much do I really want to stop this try for my mates. If it’s not 100%, there’s your issue.
Shouldn’t it be I wanna stop this try bcoz I wanna be the best player I can be?
But yeah I agree I want that mate ship connection too.
 
If the 'big signings' are done for 2025, I'd be surprised if Seyfarth isn't starting in the 2nd row, at least at first. Him or Bird- but that kind of makes them interchangable- one plays #13, one in the 2nd row.

The development of a couple of the younger players could be key- Kit Lualili'i, Matamua & Sukkar. If even 1 of these guys steps up into a 1st grade level, our forward pack takes good shape. There are others, obviously, but these 3 seem the most likely, not include Tim J.

I don't mind our forward pack. But I think we are light on for depth & aggression. My biggest complaint was how easily we got beaten up on without firing back any form of intimidation. I don't see who in our pack makes the opposition look up & worry about contact. Maybe Hunt helps. Maybe Seyfarth. Maybe Klemmer. I don't see too many JWH's in our pack. It's not like we didn't TRY to fix that, just that those types of players didn't come here. Horsborough was a miss.

Laugh all you like- I'd be adding Liam Knight on a T&T right now.
 
2010 and 11, our D noticeably lifted for both final series. Steve Folkes was head Trainer for both seasons.
Ivan had us in the grind and winning, even Packer was killing it. Then the wheels fell off the bus.
You win more games on good D than you lose.
If memory serves me correctly I'm pretty sure Folkes used to flog the guys, can't remember where I read it but one of the players said they never trained harder than under Folkes, he was a fitness freak.
 
If the 'big signings' are done for 2025, I'd be surprised if Seyfarth isn't starting in the 2nd row, at least at first. Him or Bird- but that kind of makes them interchangable- one plays #13, one in the 2nd row.

The development of a couple of the younger players could be key- Kit Lualili'i, Matamua & Sukkar. If even 1 of these guys steps up into a 1st grade level, our forward pack takes good shape. There are others, obviously, but these 3 seem the most likely, not include Tim J.

I don't mind our forward pack. But I think we are light on for depth & aggression. My biggest complaint was how easily we got beaten up on without firing back any form of intimidation. I don't see who in our pack makes the opposition look up & worry about contact. Maybe Hunt helps. Maybe Seyfarth. Maybe Klemmer. I don't see too many JWH's in our pack. It's not like we didn't TRY to fix that, just that those types of players didn't come here. Horsborough was a miss.

Laugh all you like- I'd be adding Liam Knight on a T&T right now.
Liam Knight would be a great addition on a T&T to add experience and a bit of aggression to show our younger forwards the way.
 
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If memory serves me correctly I'm pretty sure Folkes used to flog the guys, can't remember where I read it but one of the players said they never trained harder than under Folkes, he was a fitness freak.
Remember when they were in the weights room the players were scared to ask if they could put on the aircon.
 
Maybe Richo should ask Terrell if Tyrone is interested in playing backrow..
Tyrone has made his career out of being a ball player, he doesn’t offer much in way of running the ball and does not share the same aggression as his 2 younger brothers.
Does not really have any characteristics of an NRL edge back rower.
But I do agree it would be nice to find a hidden gem somewhere to add some depth and competition to our edge back row stocks.
 
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Tyrone has made his career out of being a ball player, he doesn’t offer much in way of running the ball and does not share the same aggression as his 2 younger brothers.
Does not really have any characteristics of an NRL edge back rower.
But I do agree it would be nice to find a hidden gem somewhere to add some depth and competition to our edge back row sticks.
Put him on the carnivore diet and add in some face slapping RIP Tommy.
 
2010 and 11, our D noticeably lifted for both final series. Steve Folkes was head Trainer for both seasons.
Ivan had us in the grind and winning, even Packer was killing it. Then the wheels fell off the bus.
You win more games on good D than you lose.

Where has this illusion come from that Packer was killing it for us at any given time? His first month was slightly above average at best.
 
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