1st trial thoughts?

This is not directly related to the actual WT vs Dogs Trial but instead to the NRL video highlights package across all games. The NRL posts highlights (4 mins) extended HL (11 mins) and full match replays. I watched them all, which was painful because the video quality was rubbish. I was wondering has anyone else experienced this poor-quality video and is there any reason why the NRL would permit Fox Sports to produce such a poor-quality product given the $$$ they have invested in the game? I am thinking that they were using the crappy KAYO stream instead of the Foxsport High Definition service.
 
jadtiger said:
This time last year there were 3 or 4 people on here predicting Lobb to be on the wing in FG for us each week,i honestly don't think any of them had watched him play (i had watched him at the dragons in reggies and he was the same there).
I don't dislike him but i can't see him ever being FG standard
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He's quite talented in terms of aerial ability and his goal kicking.

He just doesn't seem to have the will for contact. It just looks like he doesn't want to get hurt.

For a guy his size, that's disappointing.
 
Tucker said:
Yeah no doubt.
Nathan’s ability to be clutch in massive moments will be missed as well. That will add a lot of pressure.
He’ll likely have to adjust his play which will be tough after so much sustained success with those guys.
Click to expand...

True, I remember Panthers bringing Nathan cleary early on. He stood so far back and was only doing kicking/field positioning. It really seemed, give him a small role till he gets it perfect. He then was given more duties and became the full package he is today.

With Luai, yes he will have lost Cleary's organisation as well as Ivan Cleary's ability to coach an organised team. Yet don't forget what he is getting:
Api, a hooker he has worked with before, who he has combinations with and can capitalise on opportunities.
Turuva, A winger he knows and can get good ball.
Galvin, a high energy 5/8.

If Naden hits form, it would be damn good to see a backline that can make the most out of Luai. 2022 we came last due to not having forward OOmph. 2023/2024 we were just a shambles. 2025, were just starting to come together.
 
Masterton said:
Lobb was on the right outside Faatape, wasn't he?
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Gah what!

Nrl.com has Faatape with Skelton and Lobb with Feledy.
www.nrl.com

Bulldogs v Wests Tigers

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs versus Wests Tigers match centre includes live scores and updates. Includes official live player and team stats. Run metres, fantasy points scoring.
www.nrl.com www.nrl.com

Now it's harder to work out which combo works and pick people on the field 🙁

We really need names on jerseys
 
weststigers said:
He's quite talented in terms of aerial ability and his goal kicking.

He just doesn't seem to have the will for contact. It just looks like he doesn't want to get hurt.

For a guy his size, that's disappointing.
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Our entire team is a little tackle shy.

Till we loose that we wont' win.
 
crazycat said:
True, I remember Panthers bringing Nathan cleary early on. He stood so far back and was only doing kicking/field positioning. It really seemed, give him a small role till he gets it perfect. He then was given more duties and became the full package he is today.

With Luai, yes he will have lost Cleary's organisation as well as Ivan Cleary's ability to coach an organised team. Yet don't forget what he is getting:
Api, a hooker he has worked with before, who he has combinations with and can capitalise on opportunities.
Turuva, A winger he knows and can get good ball.
Galvin, a high energy 5/8.

If Naden hits form, it would be damn good to see a backline that can make the most out of Luai. 2022 we came last due to not having forward OOmph. 2023/2024 we were just a shambles. 2025, were just starting to come together.
Click to expand...
I'm looking forward to Friday night. This will tell us what impact Luai will have.

New recruits Hunt, May and Bird will be interesting as well.

On paper, the top 17 looks pretty good. Let's see if it translates to results.
 
crazycat said:
Gah what!

Nrl.com has Faatape with Skelton and Lobb with Feledy.
www.nrl.com

Bulldogs v Wests Tigers

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs versus Wests Tigers match centre includes live scores and updates. Includes official live player and team stats. Run metres, fantasy points scoring.
www.nrl.com www.nrl.com

Now it's harder to work out which combo works and pick people on the field 🙁

We really need names on jerseys
Click to expand...
It's easy to pick Lobb and Feledy they both had standout ordinary games.
 
Rock Hopper Steve said:
Think he has played in the forwards underneath 1st grade we are short there you would think they would have run him there during the off season.
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I know it's not the time for experiments but I'd love to see Naden given a crack at right edge backrow.

He seems to have bulked up a bit this pre-season. He has played every position in the backline including halves in NSW Cup so has defended a bit closer.

His speed, acceleration & skill could bring an x-factor. Not my idea but I liked it when I saw NBWT post the idea on X.
 
crazycat said:
True, I remember Panthers bringing Nathan cleary early on. He stood so far back and was only doing kicking/field positioning. It really seemed, give him a small role till he gets it perfect. He then was given more duties and became the full package he is today.

With Luai, yes he will have lost Cleary's organisation as well as Ivan Cleary's ability to coach an organised team. Yet don't forget what he is getting:
Api, a hooker he has worked with before, who he has combinations with and can capitalise on opportunities.
Turuva, A winger he knows and can get good ball.
Galvin, a high energy 5/8.

If Naden hits form, it would be damn good to see a backline that can make the most out of Luai. 2022 we came last due to not having forward OOmph. 2023/2024 we were just a shambles. 2025, were just starting to come together.
Click to expand...
Goey Naden has a real chance to reinvent himself.

Just needs to play to his potential.

His chase down the other night was impressive.
 
Rock Hopper Steve said:
Hope we get another look at him in the next trial he is a big body we could really use in the outside backs.
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He is a monster up around the 110kg mark and moves well for a big man, but has an issue getting caught out with slowish lateral movement when defending.
That is where he needs big improvement to ensure he is not a constant defensive liability.
We seem to have about 6 NRL centre contenders who all have plenty to like about them in attack, but all are very suspect defenders.
 
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If we include the All Stars crew I would suggest Hunt went a bit better than I anticipated and hopefully the run and conditioning helps for 2025. Porter was solid without being bad but should be a starter in KOE without injuries in the NRL team.

Naden had a great game and showed he could be an asset in 2025 if he does not have the brain snaps. His chase and tackle along with his efforts off the ball showed he was switched on. Just know he has it in him just not sure about how consistent he can be but worth being in the mix.

Yesterdays trial was a fitness drill as we saw very little of what the NRL team will be, whereas Friday will be close to what we should look like in Round 1 barring Api being suspended.

I was disappointed in the attack where we stood around and had very few running onto the ball aside from Kit's second stint and Skelton who was good. Lobb is unfortunately slow and whilst tall he cannot be in FG as he was found out by a reserve grade Dogs side.

Latu needs to find his voice and maybe as KOE halfback he can demand more and I think this is where he needs to start but it was good to see him running freely and his defence was strong.

Some of the young kids had a taste which is what it is all about and can take it back to Ball or KOE to develop further.
 
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