It’s a tough sample box as we’ve seen limited games of combos so far and AD/Luai and AD/Madden have both shown positives. One thing is certain is our inside 20 attack needs a lot of work.
I feel a bit like Madden or AD are a bad game away from supporters wanting a constant chop and change.
I personally think AD has been at his best when he’s in the middle of the field picking off tired defenders with his forwards. He’s also had a bit of joy on a sweep play with a few line breaks. He likes being the guy in charge.
Where I think he falls short is he has that run first mentality and has missed a few opportunities of shifting early ball to the outside backs. A few times he’s drawn defenders and should’ve passed to his wing unmarked. Hamstring is obviously still an issue as he’s handed off the kicking and not utilising his bombs or big boot for long range kicks.
Madden - in his 2 starting games has really helped direct the play well and his long kicking game has been effective. Seems to have matured as a player, but the question mark is will he improve, take the opportunity for a first grade career or regress to a state cup level. One thing he has proven, is that he is a very capable backup so far.
Luai - back to running, ad-lib. Short kicking game will improve us. He’s our 5/8 and leader. Brings so much confidence to our side. He can’t be left out.
I think AD needs to play like a 7, but as a roving 13. Manage the forwards in the middle and act as a link man between Madden and Luai, whilst still being able to roam.. He plays with tempo, attacks defenders and will go to the line. He’s the only one big enough to handle the forwards and defensively he’s improved. Has a bit of Yeo about his game.
Twal can still continue doing what he’s doing at prop.
Latu on the bench at 14 and can come on to give Api and AD breaks. Provides halves cover too. Api seriously struggles with 80mins.
Makasini to the wing for now to simplify his game.
Tavana has been solid, but I think we need Skelton out there this year. Just offers a bit more grunt returning the ball.
My side once all are healthy.
1. Bula
2. Makasini (for now)
3. May
4. Turuva
5. Skelton
6. Luai
7. Madden
8. May
9. Api
10. Twal
11. Samuela Fainu
12. KPP
13. AD
14. Latu Fainu
15. Fonua Pole
16. Sione Fainu
17. Royce Hunt
18. Bunty Afoa/Seyfarth (alternate in Cup)
19. Tavana/LL (alternate in Cup)
I feel a bit like Madden or AD are a bad game away from supporters wanting a constant chop and change.
I personally think AD has been at his best when he’s in the middle of the field picking off tired defenders with his forwards. He’s also had a bit of joy on a sweep play with a few line breaks. He likes being the guy in charge.
Where I think he falls short is he has that run first mentality and has missed a few opportunities of shifting early ball to the outside backs. A few times he’s drawn defenders and should’ve passed to his wing unmarked. Hamstring is obviously still an issue as he’s handed off the kicking and not utilising his bombs or big boot for long range kicks.
Madden - in his 2 starting games has really helped direct the play well and his long kicking game has been effective. Seems to have matured as a player, but the question mark is will he improve, take the opportunity for a first grade career or regress to a state cup level. One thing he has proven, is that he is a very capable backup so far.
Luai - back to running, ad-lib. Short kicking game will improve us. He’s our 5/8 and leader. Brings so much confidence to our side. He can’t be left out.
I think AD needs to play like a 7, but as a roving 13. Manage the forwards in the middle and act as a link man between Madden and Luai, whilst still being able to roam.. He plays with tempo, attacks defenders and will go to the line. He’s the only one big enough to handle the forwards and defensively he’s improved. Has a bit of Yeo about his game.
Twal can still continue doing what he’s doing at prop.
Latu on the bench at 14 and can come on to give Api and AD breaks. Provides halves cover too. Api seriously struggles with 80mins.
Makasini to the wing for now to simplify his game.
Tavana has been solid, but I think we need Skelton out there this year. Just offers a bit more grunt returning the ball.
My side once all are healthy.
1. Bula
2. Makasini (for now)
3. May
4. Turuva
5. Skelton
6. Luai
7. Madden
8. May
9. Api
10. Twal
11. Samuela Fainu
12. KPP
13. AD
14. Latu Fainu
15. Fonua Pole
16. Sione Fainu
17. Royce Hunt
18. Bunty Afoa/Seyfarth (alternate in Cup)
19. Tavana/LL (alternate in Cup)
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