Api transition to DaSilva

[rugbygoated]

Hope not.
We need to see what TDS has to offer over 80 min. For 3 weeks!

It will be a blessing in disguise for us to start the year with a new hooker. It's an unknown period where you can try new combinations. Putting TDS in the middle or end of season has a lot more pressure. I'd let him get a bit more comfortable with first grade, let api have a break start of the year, then api can take over and gain some form. I think api is finding it hard to play 20+ rounds a season at nearly 80 minutes. He can be a danger if he is used in a 1-2 combo with TDS at 14

 

[hank37w]

Haywood, Hope and TDS to all nip at Api's heels in 2025, which is good.

Api has had, on the whole, a pretty awful season, punctuated by moments of brilliance. Multiple sin bins, multiple and major unforced errors, he has been the barometer for the entire season.

He's got two years left. Hopefully he can be used more strategically in 2025 and beyond, not trotted out, fatigued, injured and trying to carry the team like he has the last two years.

I don't think I am being too harsh when I say that you can put it down to Benji's shit team management, with out a doubt he has run Api into the ground.

 

[hank37w]

For sure. Lack of depth and inexperience have been the underscore of our season

With both the playing squad and the coaching staff.

 

[Kelce68]

I don't think I am being too harsh when I say that you can put it down to Benji's shit team management, with out a doubt he has run Api into the ground.

Possibly, though when you've got a sparse and underperforming roster and your captain and best player is the type that hates to come off, especially in games that we're in, and you've only got kids to fall back on, sometimes you take the punt that he'll fight off fatigue and come up with a late, game defining play or two.

He has a couple of times, especially last season.

But it has backfired this year and there needs to be a new approach to Api's game management in 2025.

 

[magpiesteve]

TDS plays with a lot of heart.
We see it with Galvin.

The 14 is his for the taking.
Just don't know where that leaves Latu.
13 perhaps.

Agree Latu for 13 great tackler & schemer ideal spine member

 

[Oldman]

If we don’t end up with another forward
Next year to me looks like this for our middle rotation
Klemmer - f/r
Twal - f/r
Hunt -f/r
Seyfarth -f/r
Pole - lock
L.Fainu - lock

Edge forwards (80 min)
Sam.Fainu
J.Bird

Reserve forwards
Sione Fainu

Think we still need an Edge forward to allow Bird to play as a centre if we don’t get anyone better.

Hoping either of the Hetherington’s get signed to give the forward some aggression.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

Preferably the Broncos one.

 

[TIGERS]

Api's an absolute legend. He's won footy games for this club by himself. Done it sick and injured. He absolutely grew into his captaincy role this season. He'll be back better than ever next year.

I have a weird theory that hookers can win the big battles but they can't win the war alone. They can't carry a season for you. I'd rather have a bang average hooker and great halfback than the other way around. Api's great but put him on with poor old Bud Sullivan or Brandon Wakeham steering the ship... different story. Stoked to see him with Luai next year.

Is TDS same level as Farah as a youngster?