2019 Hooker 9️⃣ - Farah or Liddle?

[airbus]

The Bulldogs have made Liddle an offer so he will get the first 6-8 weeks to prove he's worth keeping.

 

[Matto]

Since Farah is retiring at the end of year, Liddle has to step up his game

 

[Tiger_Steve]

I don’t understand the constant talk about Liddle having to step up etc etc. Last year he had 2 shoulder injuries - such a difficult injury to recover from physically, not to mention mentally. He was then brought back into first grade before he was ready and this further complicated his full recovery.
He then spent time in ISP and played some great footy.
He is a quality player who I believe has already shown enough to be told he is our future 9\. I understand under Cleary he was told this (according to Cleary - but I suppose that means nothing!)
Yep it’s time for him to make first grade - but even if that transition takes all season to develop I’m willing to back him.

 

[Geo]

So does that mean the Dogs will take him it he's not worth keeping seems like a solid recruitment strategy…

 

[Sunnycoast_tiger]

If Liddle goes to the Bulldogs, who do target /look at? IMO just keep Liddle and upgrade Soni Luke or Braden Robson as a back.

 

[Tim Sheens]

Didn't Liddle do his sternum in an early game as well, which further set him back?

 

[Guest]

Yes, Liddle also suffered a sternum injury early into the season - took him some time to recover from that. As far as who deserves to start, both layers get their chance in the trial and both have obviously impressed Madge at training - Liddle is one of the fittest players in the club and with an extra 5kg of muscle on him this year, I'm confident we'll see an improved player.

 

[hobbo]

Liddle should get first crack imo

Farah can sit in the bench with his mate Benji .

If Liddle doesn’t pass muster or does get poached by the Dogs ( I doubt it )
I’d be calling Segeyaro !

 

[Russell]

Agree with both Tiger Steve and Willow.

I think Liddle has already shown enough - it is just a matter of when Madge is going to play him, given Farah has to play x amount of games (not going to make 300 with the Tigers but still needs 17 to make 300 in the NRL). If no injuries that gives Liddle 7-8 games at least not counting any he starts from the bench.

 

[Matto]

Who will go No9 if Liddle doesn't get the job?

 

[earl]

Liddle to me has to get the role this season. The only question is if you start with Robbie at the start of the season to give Liddle a break. I can't see our best team having Robbie anywhere in the side including off the bench.

 

[The-moP]

We will start the year with both Liddle and Farah in the starting 17 .. !! I reckon we will start with Farah at 9, Liddle on the bench .. then when Liddle comes on Farah could either go back to the bench, or go to number 13 .. move Matterson or Eisenhuth up to the front to be a front row option .. Farah still is a very good defensive option for us.

Liddle looks to have put some weight by bulking up in the shoulders from last season .. here's hoping he's shoulders are strong enough and hold up for him this season.

 

[gallagher]

We will start the year with both Liddle and Farah in the starting 17 … !! I reckon we will start with Farah at 9, Liddle on the bench … then when Liddle comes on Farah could either go back to the bench, or go to number 13 … move Matterson or Eisenhuth up to the front to be a front row option … Farah still is a very good defensive option for us.

Liddle looks to have put some weight by bulking up in the shoulders from last season … here’s hoping he’s shoulders are strong enough and hold up for him this season.

Yeah, I reckon we'll start the season with Farah and Liddle off the bench aswell. I think Farah will just come off when Liddle comes on though, he's not up to quality 80 mins anymore.

 

[kiwitiger]

Start with Farah and if Liddle is any good he will prove himself better and replace him. Don't understand why you would select someone because he is the future…potential means you haven't actually done much yet.

 

[earl]

I think Liddle performed better than Robbie at the back end of last season. If it was just current ability Liddle to me is easily the better option.

The problem with Liddle is that it's a tough position to play 80 minutes every game over the course of the season.

 

[cqtiger]

For the life of me I can’t see a second hooker or a second five eight on the bench with Madge as coach.

I think he will start with Farah and Reynolds and only bring in Liddle and Benji due to injury or form.

 

[Harvey]

He played Farah with Cook at souths

 

[Tigerdon]

Competition for spots is what we have here. Last year it was obvious Liddle was coming off injury and could only play limited minutes. This year looks to be a different story. This preseason Liddle looks fit and strong. Hopefully he can put in between 60-80 minute performances week in week out.
Farah has been very durable for a long time.
If Liddle is playing faster and can manage the defensive load as well as Farah, then he should get the nod.

 

[Tigerdon]

How do you see the make up of the bench?

 

[jadtiger]

Hopefully on merit and to suit whatever style of play the coach has us playing.