LIVE GAME Trial 2 vs. Dragons

gregjm87 said:

Completely disagree with the comments regarding Papalii (besides the first contact not good enough part). A backrower should not be worrying about just himself, they should be doing the bulk of the tackling for the half next to him. I don't recall the last time one of our halves had a body guard and it shows when a smaller player is left isolated against bigger bodies as Sullivan was last night.

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TrueTiger said:

What can we say,everybody bagged the hell out of Madge for being to tough and giving us the 5 hit ups and a bomb...he got sacked and now I feel history is repeating itself only we are a weaker side...
I certainly hope Benji can toughen this lot up and teach them some passing and flair in attack...

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Lestronge said:

???? Disagree all you want . If he’s focused on covering for Sullivan every time a play is run , his focus is on the wrong thing . He should be worried about where he is in relation to everyone else , communicating and making sure his contact is good upon impact . He should not be over compensating because of worries about his half , and should be trusting his half to make the tackle . That’s not to say leave him isolated , but you shouldn’t jump the shark either .

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carltonleach said:

Agree to disagree I guess. I think he's a good player and people are very harsh on him but we are all entitled to our own opinions and I respect urs. Not all players but some I believe would benefit from a positional change. I could be so wrong but couldn't hurt trying him there in NSW cup or something

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gregjm87 said:

i agree with this phrasing much more.

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The Chad said:

I didn't sign in last night because I was too annoyed. I'm generally pretty positive, so I didn't want to kill my online vibe...

I think the 2 trials are cementing a couple of things but there are still a couple of open doors that need closing asap.

Bula is set at fullback. Those complaining he isn't Reese Walsh yet...fair enough. But he's the best we have & still learning to play. He ISN'T the problem. And he's one of the best defensive fullbacks I've seen (not simply tackling, but being in position to do so..). Olam if fit is one centre. Tupou if fit is one winger. Sezar is Hastings with a kicking game. He's fine. Papali'i is a better attacking player than defender- but ALWAYS has been. Utoikamanu, Klemmer, Twal & Pole offers a good prop rotation. Api is fine, but was rubbish yesterday. Bateman should assist in stiffening the defence.

One positive nobody is talking about- our LEFT side defence (Tupou, Olam, AJ, Sezar) was SOLID. Our right side was abysmal. But the left showed steel- not JUST the Olam/Tupou hits.

The forwards are still pretty much set- and ARE competitive to good. Stef, Klemmer, Twal & Pole are at worst, solid. Papali'i will HOPEFULLY be running off some good ball from the halves & start to look like the dangerous edge runner he actually is. Bateman will be Bateman- which hopefully stiffens up his side of defence. Lock is still up for grabs. Seyfarth probably holds it until he doesn't. Outside of Suli running through him, he's generally a solid defensive option. People have starting buying into my Simpkin at 13 idea. To clarify- I think it's probably as a bench option. He doesn't have the running game or ball skills to dominate any better than Seyfarth. BUT- he IS a solid defender & offers a dummy half run option. AJ was better yesterday. I think he offers a nice option in the backrow/bench & can cover the backs as well. Our 4 man bench is going to be between AJ, Simpkin, TDS, Sam Fainu, Sione Fainu, Twal & Pole/Seyfarth to begin with. You need cover at 9 & in the backs, so AJ might win that 4th bench spot.

Sam Fainu is not far from being a must-include option. We fundamentally lack the ability to dominate. He offers the right attitude & flexibility. It will be interesting if Bateman/Papali'i DON'T live up to expectations, if they are easier for management to move on to make way for Sam Fainu. Sione could be the absolute bolter there.

All that said, the club needs Luali'ili & Fa'agutu to develop. Once they do- our forward dynamics start to change dramatically. I would think by mid-season one or both will be knocking on the door.

There ARE some real question marks though, right now.

Staines/Lobb as wingers. I'm still completely unimpressed with what Staines has offered. He was more involved, but that just highlighted how average he really is. He is, right now, the back-up fullback. Lobb at least offers at height target. But seems very mechanical & could be exposed. Some have suggested Naden. I think Naden is better served in the centres. Maybe To'a is the better option on the wing?

Which leads me to..

To'a is just average & continues to spend more time worrying what the touch judge should see than what he should be reading of the game. No doubt, he has ability. But he needs an attitude shift, or he's a liability. No surprise that To'a/Staines side was overrun by physical runners. Both are weak in those match ups. Naden at least offers some ability to run a good line in attack. To'a seems to like to beat players with a step at the line & catches it flat. Naden looks to penetrate the line from deeper. Naden and Olam for mine in the centres. I think, for now, To'a is my preferred wing option. But I'm not 100% on that. But geez, our options are slim. If only we had Hymel Hunt..

5/8. Well, here's a mess that could be sorted & could either catapult the team forward...or we get stuck in a season long mire of trying to figure out who fits. Sullivan had the spot. Until yesterday. Now Galvin looks to be at least a decent challenge to the spot. He might even be ahead. Sullivan's defence was awful & was targetted on that weak defensive side all day. And from the clouds could come Latu Fainu to trump them all. This is the conundrum Benji needs to solve fastest, because it will impact the effectiveness of our attack all season. I like Sullivan's short kicking. He has been VERY good in that department all through the trials. But he needs to realise he's a running half. He is only mildly effective as a ball player. That's Sezar's role. Sullivan needs to straighten the attack. He's a cheap Brooks right now. Galvin is the ball player. I still think he needs development. And 5/8 might not be his ultimate spot (centre still appeals- particularly if Olam struggles through injury). So Fainu...I think he's the mix of both. And the best overall option. I really wish we had seen him in the trials. It would not surprise me if we see him in Round 2.

Wing (major issue), centre (not far behind), settle on a 5/8 & lock, get the balance on the bench.

Sounds like 2023 at this stage. By the end of the year, it wouldn't surprise me if there are a number of players we hadn't expected to be counting on, starting. The juniors time might be sooner than expected.

Lastly- we lack genuine quality/star players. Bula fits. Api too. Luai next season. The more genuine star players we get on the field, the better. Utoikamanu has 'it'. Sam Fainu maybe. Latu Fainu, from what we have seen. Galvin. Fa'agutu & Lualili'i. Tallyn Da Silva has 'it'. The more of these guys we have on the field, the better the quality of the team. Given the players coming through, the positions we have available, Galvin into the centres is appealing more & more.

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Lestronge said:

How do you have a body guard when the opposition is running block plays and shape ? There hasn’t been bodyguards since Lockyer was protected , and before the Newcastle block play became synonymous with attacking structures . The only way to defend it is not engage early way for the play to present itself and tackle in numbers wrapping the ball up . Otherwise if you “bodyguard” there’s a freeway right where you’re supposed to be standing .

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weststigers said:

If I'm not mistaken, Sheens tried Simpkin at lock from the bench didn't he? Or was it Maguire?

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Todd Packer said:

Simpkin still hasn't worked out how to play hooker. I've never seen a hooker more clueless and devoid of any deception attacking the try line. He sends a letter to the opposition telling them what he's about to do.

For the sake of everything holy we don't need 5 years of him working out how to play lock.

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The Chad said:

I didn't sign in last night because I was too annoyed. I'm generally pretty positive, so I didn't want to kill my online vibe...

I think the 2 trials are cementing a couple of things but there are still a couple of open doors that need closing asap.

Bula is set at fullback. Those complaining he isn't Reese Walsh yet...fair enough. But he's the best we have & still learning to play. He ISN'T the problem. And he's one of the best defensive fullbacks I've seen (not simply tackling, but being in position to do so..). Olam if fit is one centre. Tupou if fit is one winger. Sezar is Hastings with a kicking game. He's fine. Papali'i is a better attacking player than defender- but ALWAYS has been. Utoikamanu, Klemmer, Twal & Pole offers a good prop rotation. Api is fine, but was rubbish yesterday. Bateman should assist in stiffening the defence.

One positive nobody is talking about- our LEFT side defence (Tupou, Olam, AJ, Sezar) was SOLID. Our right side was abysmal. But the left showed steel- not JUST the Olam/Tupou hits.

The forwards are still pretty much set- and ARE competitive to good. Stef, Klemmer, Twal & Pole are at worst, solid. Papali'i will HOPEFULLY be running off some good ball from the halves & start to look like the dangerous edge runner he actually is. Bateman will be Bateman- which hopefully stiffens up his side of defence. Lock is still up for grabs. Seyfarth probably holds it until he doesn't. Outside of Suli running through him, he's generally a solid defensive option. People have starting buying into my Simpkin at 13 idea. To clarify- I think it's probably as a bench option. He doesn't have the running game or ball skills to dominate any better than Seyfarth. BUT- he IS a solid defender & offers a dummy half run option. AJ was better yesterday. I think he offers a nice option in the backrow/bench & can cover the backs as well. Our 4 man bench is going to be between AJ, Simpkin, TDS, Sam Fainu, Sione Fainu, Twal & Pole/Seyfarth to begin with. You need cover at 9 & in the backs, so AJ might win that 4th bench spot.

Sam Fainu is not far from being a must-include option. We fundamentally lack the ability to dominate. He offers the right attitude & flexibility. It will be interesting if Bateman/Papali'i DON'T live up to expectations, if they are easier for management to move on to make way for Sam Fainu. Sione could be the absolute bolter there.

All that said, the club needs Luali'ili & Fa'agutu to develop. Once they do- our forward dynamics start to change dramatically. I would think by mid-season one or both will be knocking on the door.

There ARE some real question marks though, right now.

Staines/Lobb as wingers. I'm still completely unimpressed with what Staines has offered. He was more involved, but that just highlighted how average he really is. He is, right now, the back-up fullback. Lobb at least offers at height target. But seems very mechanical & could be exposed. Some have suggested Naden. I think Naden is better served in the centres. Maybe To'a is the better option on the wing?

Which leads me to..

To'a is just average & continues to spend more time worrying what the touch judge should see than what he should be reading of the game. No doubt, he has ability. But he needs an attitude shift, or he's a liability. No surprise that To'a/Staines side was overrun by physical runners. Both are weak in those match ups. Naden at least offers some ability to run a good line in attack. To'a seems to like to beat players with a step at the line & catches it flat. Naden looks to penetrate the line from deeper. Naden and Olam for mine in the centres. I think, for now, To'a is my preferred wing option. But I'm not 100% on that. But geez, our options are slim. If only we had Hymel Hunt..

5/8. Well, here's a mess that could be sorted & could either catapult the team forward...or we get stuck in a season long mire of trying to figure out who fits. Sullivan had the spot. Until yesterday. Now Galvin looks to be at least a decent challenge to the spot. He might even be ahead. Sullivan's defence was awful & was targetted on that weak defensive side all day. And from the clouds could come Latu Fainu to trump them all. This is the conundrum Benji needs to solve fastest, because it will impact the effectiveness of our attack all season. I like Sullivan's short kicking. He has been VERY good in that department all through the trials. But he needs to realise he's a running half. He is only mildly effective as a ball player. That's Sezar's role. Sullivan needs to straighten the attack. He's a cheap Brooks right now. Galvin is the ball player. I still think he needs development. And 5/8 might not be his ultimate spot (centre still appeals- particularly if Olam struggles through injury). So Fainu...I think he's the mix of both. And the best overall option. I really wish we had seen him in the trials. It would not surprise me if we see him in Round 2.

Wing (major issue), centre (not far behind), settle on a 5/8 & lock, get the balance on the bench.

Sounds like 2023 at this stage. By the end of the year, it wouldn't surprise me if there are a number of players we hadn't expected to be counting on, starting. The juniors time might be sooner than expected.

Lastly- we lack genuine quality/star players. Bula fits. Api too. Luai next season. The more genuine star players we get on the field, the better. Utoikamanu has 'it'. Sam Fainu maybe. Latu Fainu, from what we have seen. Galvin. Fa'agutu & Lualili'i. Tallyn Da Silva has 'it'. The more of these guys we have on the field, the better the quality of the team. Given the players coming through, the positions we have available, Galvin into the centres is appealing more & more.

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davey_farrell said:

Great stuff!! enjoyed the read and agreed on most of it!!

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bbobb said:

Good post - would be interested to know if you rate Douiehi in any of this dependent on a successful return from injury?

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bbobb said:

Good post - would be interested to know if you rate Douiehi in any of this dependent on a successful return from injury?

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BAGNF05 said:

I did not say they are growing on trees but it’s been obvious for years we’ve lacked strike power since Noffa started to decline badly. Scoring points will be our problem again and as we saw tonight the heads drop when you can’t score. Our biggest line break threat left for Manly 😂

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Tcat said:

Settle lads. We will go alright in rd1, trust me.

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Bellend said:

BAGNF05 said:

Our biggest line break threat left for Manly 😂

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The Chad said:

I didn't sign in last night because I was too annoyed. I'm generally pretty positive, so I didn't want to kill my online vibe...

I think the 2 trials are cementing a couple of things but there are still a couple of open doors that need closing asap.

Bula is set at fullback. Those complaining he isn't Reese Walsh yet...fair enough. But he's the best we have & still learning to play. He ISN'T the problem. And he's one of the best defensive fullbacks I've seen (not simply tackling, but being in position to do so..). Olam if fit is one centre. Tupou if fit is one winger. Sezar is Hastings with a kicking game. He's fine. Papali'i is a better attacking player than defender- but ALWAYS has been. Utoikamanu, Klemmer, Twal & Pole offers a good prop rotation. Api is fine, but was rubbish yesterday. Bateman should assist in stiffening the defence.

One positive nobody is talking about- our LEFT side defence (Tupou, Olam, AJ, Sezar) was SOLID. Our right side was abysmal. But the left showed steel- not JUST the Olam/Tupou hits.

The forwards are still pretty much set- and ARE competitive to good. Stef, Klemmer, Twal & Pole are at worst, solid. Papali'i will HOPEFULLY be running off some good ball from the halves & start to look like the dangerous edge runner he actually is. Bateman will be Bateman- which hopefully stiffens up his side of defence. Lock is still up for grabs. Seyfarth probably holds it until he doesn't. Outside of Suli running through him, he's generally a solid defensive option. People have starting buying into my Simpkin at 13 idea. To clarify- I think it's probably as a bench option. He doesn't have the running game or ball skills to dominate any better than Seyfarth. BUT- he IS a solid defender & offers a dummy half run option. AJ was better yesterday. I think he offers a nice option in the backrow/bench & can cover the backs as well. Our 4 man bench is going to be between AJ, Simpkin, TDS, Sam Fainu, Sione Fainu, Twal & Pole/Seyfarth to begin with. You need cover at 9 & in the backs, so AJ might win that 4th bench spot.

Sam Fainu is not far from being a must-include option. We fundamentally lack the ability to dominate. He offers the right attitude & flexibility. It will be interesting if Bateman/Papali'i DON'T live up to expectations, if they are easier for management to move on to make way for Sam Fainu. Sione could be the absolute bolter there.

All that said, the club needs Luali'ili & Fa'agutu to develop. Once they do- our forward dynamics start to change dramatically. I would think by mid-season one or both will be knocking on the door.

There ARE some real question marks though, right now.

Staines/Lobb as wingers. I'm still completely unimpressed with what Staines has offered. He was more involved, but that just highlighted how average he really is. He is, right now, the back-up fullback. Lobb at least offers at height target. But seems very mechanical & could be exposed. Some have suggested Naden. I think Naden is better served in the centres. Maybe To'a is the better option on the wing?

Which leads me to..

To'a is just average & continues to spend more time worrying what the touch judge should see than what he should be reading of the game. No doubt, he has ability. But he needs an attitude shift, or he's a liability. No surprise that To'a/Staines side was overrun by physical runners. Both are weak in those match ups. Naden at least offers some ability to run a good line in attack. To'a seems to like to beat players with a step at the line & catches it flat. Naden looks to penetrate the line from deeper. Naden and Olam for mine in the centres. I think, for now, To'a is my preferred wing option. But I'm not 100% on that. But geez, our options are slim. If only we had Hymel Hunt..

5/8. Well, here's a mess that could be sorted & could either catapult the team forward...or we get stuck in a season long mire of trying to figure out who fits. Sullivan had the spot. Until yesterday. Now Galvin looks to be at least a decent challenge to the spot. He might even be ahead. Sullivan's defence was awful & was targetted on that weak defensive side all day. And from the clouds could come Latu Fainu to trump them all. This is the conundrum Benji needs to solve fastest, because it will impact the effectiveness of our attack all season. I like Sullivan's short kicking. He has been VERY good in that department all through the trials. But he needs to realise he's a running half. He is only mildly effective as a ball player. That's Sezar's role. Sullivan needs to straighten the attack. He's a cheap Brooks right now. Galvin is the ball player. I still think he needs development. And 5/8 might not be his ultimate spot (centre still appeals- particularly if Olam struggles through injury). So Fainu...I think he's the mix of both. And the best overall option. I really wish we had seen him in the trials. It would not surprise me if we see him in Round 2.

Wing (major issue), centre (not far behind), settle on a 5/8 & lock, get the balance on the bench.

Sounds like 2023 at this stage. By the end of the year, it wouldn't surprise me if there are a number of players we hadn't expected to be counting on, starting. The juniors time might be sooner than expected.

Lastly- we lack genuine quality/star players. Bula fits. Api too. Luai next season. The more genuine star players we get on the field, the better. Utoikamanu has 'it'. Sam Fainu maybe. Latu Fainu, from what we have seen. Galvin. Fa'agutu & Lualili'i. Tallyn Da Silva has 'it'. The more of these guys we have on the field, the better the quality of the team. Given the players coming through, the positions we have available, Galvin into the centres is appealing more & more.

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