upthetigers
Well-known member
Is it a battle between Latu and Mason? Obviously it will depend on how their pre-seasons go, but if you were to guess who do you think gets picked?
Bench utility role - who gets it?
- Thread starter upthetigers
- Start date
jrtiger
Well-known member
Tallyn by the length of the Flemington straight.
upthetigers
Well-known member
How versatile is TDS?
jrtiger
Well-known member
he’ll spell Api and do a bit of time at 13 I think.
if we sign Hetherington then Bird will likely fill the Garner role at Penrith, playing edge, middle and backs if required. can also cover in the halves if need be.
Jimmy
Well-known member
Latu Looks rock solid and could definitely play the loose forward roll but I think with bird in the 17 we can afford to have a specialist 9 on the bench in TDS. Would benefit Both himself and api to share the roll
Can't make up my mind on this one...
I think Latu is too valuable to our team, long term.
But a specialist #9 would be so beneficial.
I don't think Mason gets the nod.
Its wither Latu or TDS.
I think I'm leaning towards Latu because he's skilfull and seems to spark things when on field.
Really not sure though.
I think Latu is too valuable to our team, long term.
But a specialist #9 would be so beneficial.
I don't think Mason gets the nod.
Its wither Latu or TDS.
I think I'm leaning towards Latu because he's skilfull and seems to spark things when on field.
Really not sure though.
Jolls
Well-known member
For mine we are wasting Latu on the bench - he really needs a full season in Reggies to get his body used to the grind and be able to step up when Romey is on origin duties. He will get his crack at FG - no need to rush him. TDS on the bench on a rotation with Api is my choice. I think Penrith had it right - let TDS get through the grind and bring Api on to close out the half and then play it by ear.
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balmain boy
Well-known member
TDS is a long way ahead at present.
What we need is to spell Api more. Latu and Mason both need gametime and continuity in their positions. It's a shame they're both 5/8s, but maybe with time Mason can learn to play fullback and eventually be a 14 too.
With all his injury issues Latu needs to just start the season playing 6 full matches in Cup in a row. Playing 10 mins off the bench in first grade won't help him in any way. With Bird being a utility to cover backs and forwards we don't need a 14 who can play anywhere on the field. If Tal doesn't start getting more gametime he'll walk too.
What we need is to spell Api more. Latu and Mason both need gametime and continuity in their positions. It's a shame they're both 5/8s, but maybe with time Mason can learn to play fullback and eventually be a 14 too.
With all his injury issues Latu needs to just start the season playing 6 full matches in Cup in a row. Playing 10 mins off the bench in first grade won't help him in any way. With Bird being a utility to cover backs and forwards we don't need a 14 who can play anywhere on the field. If Tal doesn't start getting more gametime he'll walk too.
Tigerwould
Well-known member
If everyone is fit TDS for R1. Latu and Mason start the season doing 80mins in SC. We need a much stronger State Cup team winning and putting pressure on the NRL players.
Latu and Mason will get there chances in 2024 but they need to start in SC and build their game from there.
Latu and Mason will get there chances in 2024 but they need to start in SC and build their game from there.
happy_tiger
Well-known member
You can't have a back up hooker and utility on the same bench .....especially the WTs
Tigers_Wests
Well-known member
TDS gets the start at 9 in rd 1 with Api suspended. Latu probably off the bench in that game.
But when Api is available, TDS at 14 for me. Api needs to have reduced minutes to maintain his effectiveness. He was absolutely gassed in games last year and this lead to a bit more ill discipline, missed tackles etc. The succession plan should start happening over the next 2 years. Give Api 50 to 60 minutes and TDS the remainder. Then in 2026 the minutes increase for TDS again.
Latu needs to punch out big minutes after an injury plagued year. I am a massive fan and he will hopefully be a big part of our future. Giving him some game time in KOE Cup for a while isn't going to hurt.
But when Api is available, TDS at 14 for me. Api needs to have reduced minutes to maintain his effectiveness. He was absolutely gassed in games last year and this lead to a bit more ill discipline, missed tackles etc. The succession plan should start happening over the next 2 years. Give Api 50 to 60 minutes and TDS the remainder. Then in 2026 the minutes increase for TDS again.
Latu needs to punch out big minutes after an injury plagued year. I am a massive fan and he will hopefully be a big part of our future. Giving him some game time in KOE Cup for a while isn't going to hurt.
king_sirro
Well-known member
It isn't even a question. Latu will be on the bench if fit.
Kaito
Well-known member
Birdy can cover every position basically, start 13
TDS on the bench with Hunt & pick your other 2
happy_tiger
Well-known member
I still think Bird was doing sprit training for a reason ......to play centre
Kaito
Well-known member
I'm leaning with Latu on the bench, especially in the
beginning of the year, spell Api midseason when
he starts to level out. We have to take a horses for
courses approach, plus it's a long ass season
Kaito
Well-known member
He mentioned in an interview with 9 during sprint
training that he wants to play lock, suits me...
I can't believe how many people have Tallyn on the bench
- Plus a Utility Player (Latu or Mason) With Bird in the starting side...
Good way to get 3/17 Players into the side to cover one Position.
crazycat
Well-known member
I keep thinking Jack Bird as well.
No idea how this is going to play out.
If it's a battle between Latu and Mason, I only see Mason winning if Bula or a wing is injured.
Latu has shown potential but hasn't reached anything yet. ... ~ lets see what 2025 brings but kid it's time to earn the paycheck.
