After Sione was forced to play out of position at 2nd row, his confidence really grew when he came back to the middle. I remember a lot of people wanting him to start at prop or 13 at the back half of the season.
good questions...stay tuned
I think so as they underperformed for mine last year. With an extra pre season together I’d be hoping they improve enough to make the 8.
He did show glimpses last year that this answer could be yes. He should be fully fit and raring to go. I’m interested in his story this year.
Short answer is no, however the answer should be more nuanced. We had some under performers in these roles last year. Twal is at his ceiling. Love to see him maintain that. Love to see May get a rest and become more effective. Love to see Pole find consistent form early and see Fainu used more. Bunty and Hunt need big years off the bench.
Hasn’t been for many years. Was at his most effective with Tallyn relieving him. Finding someone who can effectively play that role is key this season.
He has never really impressed me, however, he did stand up in the Kangaroo Test Matches and that was encouraging as Australia’s backrowers were on kill crazy rampages for the majority of the tour.
Toa is highly talented but seems a bit of a puss. He lets his team mates down during games regularly. For the first couple of months last year he was our attack. Need more of that. Maka will get his chance. I wouldn’t rush him.
I’ve been a big advocate for this kid, especially when most of our fans were riding Galvin’s pony but he is starting to concern me. His development is behind where it should be and that’s mostly due to lack of game time. Some guys are just simply let down by their bodies - it is not unprecedented. Let’s hope he can recover and put a solid 4 months together so we can actually determine what he can offer.
Latu should spend the season learning in NSW cup along side madden / Andrew’s . I disagree his development is behind . There is a huge bias , caused by the Toyota/Holden Cup where if you haven’t established yourself by 21 , youre done . When in actuality the best halves in the league are all 30 plus , and even prodigious talents like Katoa can’t keep it up for long periods of time . Galvin is basically a triathlete in an nrl players body . I’m interested to see if he’s a one trick pony , like a fitter faster Hastings . Touching the ball way too much so people go ooo ahh , but literally sweet F A is actually happening .
i don't think so - NRL has him listed as 14
Yea my bad
no big deal - hopefully he is good enough to rack up a few more with us.
If we have a backup dummy half it needs to be a real dummy half, not a halfback pushed into the role.
I agree, well put.
I agree with your comments about Latu. Can't agree with you on Mason. I don't think he'll ever be a regular first grader. Hope he proves me wrong, though.
It will be interesting who is given reps at dummy half in the pre-season trials for both our NRL & Cup teams.
I'd like to see Latu have a crack at it he has passing ability from his halves experience and would suit the team to give Api a rest from the bench or switch from lock.
My thoughts too, ease Latu into first grade off the bench
Yeah given the likely new 6-man bench (with 4 able to be used), Latu makes sense as our #14 when he is ready to return.
The thing is if the club is serious that Latu is the long term 7 of the club then I don't see how utilising him as a bench utility is developing him as a half.
If he is a team player he will do whats best for the team like Douhie
