Do we have the depth required

[Nelson]

No

And we all know it

Take a look the Cowboys or Storm team for their depth and you will see they aren't better off than us

The Cows have quality experienced NRL players in their feeder team and every player on their bench would walk into our side

Like who? They're much the same mix as everyone else in that they have talented youngsters like Ponga, Gela-Mosby and Jensen and then a bit of NRL experience like Thompson and Bowen. Who is their NRL experienced depth that we should be envious of?

It's hard to keep quality depth because guys that aren't top 17 are always looking for a top 17 spot so they'll go elsewhere if they aren't seeing a pathway. Brenko Lee, Tautau Moga, Carlin Anderson, Jacob Gagan, Ben Hampton, Richie Kennar and others all moved over the course of this off season. We've done well to keep guys like MCK and JLJ who are versatile players and don't look out of place in the NRL. McIlwrick was actually not bad recruitment either given we are going to be running a 2 hooker rotation this season.

 

[ricksen]

I'm more worried about the team at full strength tbh - as stated earlier, our depth isn't too bad compared to others, which is more a symptom of the CBA/Salary Cap than anything else.
Each club effectively has 8 backup players before running into 2nd tier issues, which is a tad ridiculous.

 

[happy_tiger]

No

And we all know it

Take a look the Cowboys or Storm team for their depth and you will see they aren't better off than us

The Cows have quality experienced NRL players in their feeder team and every player on their bench would walk into our side

Like who? They're much the same mix as everyone else in that they have talented youngsters like Ponga, Gela-Mosby and Jensen and then a bit of NRL experience like Thompson and Bowen. Who is their NRL experienced depth that we should be envious of?

It's hard to keep quality depth because guys that aren't top 17 are always looking for a top 17 spot so they'll go elsewhere if they aren't seeing a pathway. Brenko Lee, Tautau Moga, Carlin Anderson, Jacob Gagan, Ben Hampton, Richie Kennar and others all moved over the course of this off season. We've done well to keep guys like MCK and JLJ who are versatile players and don't look out of place in the NRL. McIlwrick was actually not bad recruitment either given we are going to be running a 2 hooker rotation this season.

The Blackhwaks have players like Anthony Mitchell , Blake Leary and Sione Lousi

The Cowboys have players like Coen Hess (who will be a superstar ) , John Asiata (who offers more than any of our current backrowers ) and Javid Bowen who would start before everyone bar Nofoaluma or Idris in our 2-5

 

[PD77]

No

And we all know it

Correct. I am confident of a top 8 finish with our top 17 but we are going to need luck with injuries, the stars to align and for players like Luke Brooks to finally live up to their potential.

Off topic, but I'm punting on Idris in my supercoach team….I'm a born risk taker. :righton:

 

[Nelson]

Take a look the Cowboys or Storm team for their depth and you will see they aren't better off than us

The Cows have quality experienced NRL players in their feeder team and every player on their bench would walk into our side

Like who? They're much the same mix as everyone else in that they have talented youngsters like Ponga, Gela-Mosby and Jensen and then a bit of NRL experience like Thompson and Bowen. Who is their NRL experienced depth that we should be envious of?

It's hard to keep quality depth because guys that aren't top 17 are always looking for a top 17 spot so they'll go elsewhere if they aren't seeing a pathway. Brenko Lee, Tautau Moga, Carlin Anderson, Jacob Gagan, Ben Hampton, Richie Kennar and others all moved over the course of this off season. We've done well to keep guys like MCK and JLJ who are versatile players and don't look out of place in the NRL. McIlwrick was actually not bad recruitment either given we are going to be running a 2 hooker rotation this season.

The Blackhwaks have players like Anthony Mitchell , Blake Leary and Sione Lousi

The Cowboys have players like Coen Hess (who will be a superstar ) , John Asiata (who offers more than any of our current backrowers ) and Javid Bowen who would start before everyone bar Nofoaluma or Idris in our 2-5

Hess and Asiata will be in their starting 17 this season, they are not depth players. That's like saying Jessie Sue and Tim Grant are good depth players. Javid Bowen sure he's a good player.

Mitchell hasn't played a game at NRL level for more than two seasons and neither Lousi nor Leary could get much of a look in at clubs with ordinary packs last season (Manly and the Warriors). I'd prefer to see Felise, Tatola, Marsters, Paseka or Sironen given a run over players like that.

 

[happy_tiger]

The Cows have quality experienced NRL players in their feeder team and every player on their bench would walk into our side

Like who? They're much the same mix as everyone else in that they have talented youngsters like Ponga, Gela-Mosby and Jensen and then a bit of NRL experience like Thompson and Bowen. Who is their NRL experienced depth that we should be envious of?

It's hard to keep quality depth because guys that aren't top 17 are always looking for a top 17 spot so they'll go elsewhere if they aren't seeing a pathway. Brenko Lee, Tautau Moga, Carlin Anderson, Jacob Gagan, Ben Hampton, Richie Kennar and others all moved over the course of this off season. We've done well to keep guys like MCK and JLJ who are versatile players and don't look out of place in the NRL. McIlwrick was actually not bad recruitment either given we are going to be running a 2 hooker rotation this season.

The Blackhwaks have players like Anthony Mitchell , Blake Leary and Sione Lousi

The Cowboys have players like Coen Hess (who will be a superstar ) , John Asiata (who offers more than any of our current backrowers ) and Javid Bowen who would start before everyone bar Nofoaluma or Idris in our 2-5

Hess and Asiata will be in their starting 17 this season, they are not depth players. That's like saying Jessie Sue and Tim Grant are good depth players. Javid Bowen sure he's a good player.

Mitchell hasn't played a game at NRL level for more than two seasons and neither Lousi nor Leary could get much of a look in at clubs with ordinary packs last season (Manly and the Warriors). I'd prefer to see Felise, Tatola, Marsters, Paseka or Sironen given a run over players like that.

You need to re read what I said

I said they had quality players on their bench

Hess and Asiate will be on their bench …..

 

[Geo]

You can't class them as depth players if they are in the starting 17… :unamused: Which was the point of this thread...

I think our depth is solid than in previous years not spectacular but it never has been...Injuries play a key part in any Clubs chances the more minimal and less disruption to combinations week in week out the better it is especially out wide...

Look at the Roosters last Year missing JWH and Pearce for the first half of the Year and couldn't beat an Egg...

 

[king_sirro]

Like who? They're much the same mix as everyone else in that they have talented youngsters like Ponga, Gela-Mosby and Jensen and then a bit of NRL experience like Thompson and Bowen. Who is their NRL experienced depth that we should be envious of?

It's hard to keep quality depth because guys that aren't top 17 are always looking for a top 17 spot so they'll go elsewhere if they aren't seeing a pathway. Brenko Lee, Tautau Moga, Carlin Anderson, Jacob Gagan, Ben Hampton, Richie Kennar and others all moved over the course of this off season. We've done well to keep guys like MCK and JLJ who are versatile players and don't look out of place in the NRL. McIlwrick was actually not bad recruitment either given we are going to be running a 2 hooker rotation this season.

The Blackhwaks have players like Anthony Mitchell , Blake Leary and Sione Lousi

The Cowboys have players like Coen Hess (who will be a superstar ) , John Asiata (who offers more than any of our current backrowers ) and Javid Bowen who would start before everyone bar Nofoaluma or Idris in our 2-5

Hess and Asiata will be in their starting 17 this season, they are not depth players. That's like saying Jessie Sue and Tim Grant are good depth players. Javid Bowen sure he's a good player.

Mitchell hasn't played a game at NRL level for more than two seasons and neither Lousi nor Leary could get much of a look in at clubs with ordinary packs last season (Manly and the Warriors). I'd prefer to see Felise, Tatola, Marsters, Paseka or Sironen given a run over players like that.

You need to re read what I said

I said they had quality players on their bench

Hess and Asiate will be on their bench …..

Coen Hess is the worst backrow defender i have ever seen so far in his career. He just cant make the right decisions the poor kid. He needs to improve massively. Looks great in attack though. If he can mature and sort his defence out he will be great, but until then…..

 

[Harvey]

I think our depth across the board is poor. Particularly weak in the outside backs & backrow. A couple of injuries could cruel the season before it gets started.

 

[happy_tiger]

The Blackhwaks have players like Anthony Mitchell , Blake Leary and Sione Lousi

The Cowboys have players like Coen Hess (who will be a superstar ) , John Asiata (who offers more than any of our current backrowers ) and Javid Bowen who would start before everyone bar Nofoaluma or Idris in our 2-5

Hess and Asiata will be in their starting 17 this season, they are not depth players. That's like saying Jessie Sue and Tim Grant are good depth players. Javid Bowen sure he's a good player.

Mitchell hasn't played a game at NRL level for more than two seasons and neither Lousi nor Leary could get much of a look in at clubs with ordinary packs last season (Manly and the Warriors). I'd prefer to see Felise, Tatola, Marsters, Paseka or Sironen given a run over players like that.

You need to re read what I said

I said they had quality players on their bench

Hess and Asiate will be on their bench …..

Coen Hess is the worst backrow defender i have ever seen so far in his career. He just cant make the right decisions the poor kid. He needs to improve massively. Looks great in attack though. If he can mature and sort his defence out he will be great, but until then…..

Unlike all of our back rowers he has potential KS , all of our back rowers are either has been or never wills

Everyone seems to want to ignore or pussyfooty around our issues , but we lack quality in key defensive positions and it will show when push comes to shove

If that comment makes me a bad supporter , I'm a bad supporter then

Our only true seasons 2010-2011 and look , hey presto , quality back row , funny that

No coincidence boys and girls

 

[Jam_Wowz]

Man… Ellis and Dwyer was the biggest double whammy to hit the club, with Tuiaki the cherry on top.

 

[boonboon]

Man… Ellis and Dwyer was the biggest double whammy to hit the club, with Tuiaki the cherry on top.

It's amazing Dwyer is only 28 - would still be playing for us and prob for Aus and NSW if he hadn't had that injury

 

[king_sirro]

Hess and Asiata will be in their starting 17 this season, they are not depth players. That's like saying Jessie Sue and Tim Grant are good depth players. Javid Bowen sure he's a good player.

Mitchell hasn't played a game at NRL level for more than two seasons and neither Lousi nor Leary could get much of a look in at clubs with ordinary packs last season (Manly and the Warriors). I'd prefer to see Felise, Tatola, Marsters, Paseka or Sironen given a run over players like that.

You need to re read what I said

I said they had quality players on their bench

Hess and Asiate will be on their bench …..

Coen Hess is the worst backrow defender i have ever seen so far in his career. He just cant make the right decisions the poor kid. He needs to improve massively. Looks great in attack though. If he can mature and sort his defence out he will be great, but until then…..

Unlike all of our back rowers he has potential KS , all of our back rowers are either has been or never wills

Everyone seems to want to ignore or pussyfooty around our issues , but we lack quality in key defensive positions and it will show when push comes to shove

If that comment makes me a bad supporter , I'm a bad supporter then

Our only true seasons 2010-2011 and look , hey presto , quality back row , funny that

No coincidence boys and girls

I think your a little harsh saying all our backrowers dont have potential. I see Alioai has having as much potential as those dangerous Parrammatta backrowers who have burst lnto the scene very successfully. I also see potential in Lawrence considering the fact he has a year under his belt, so there could be improvement in him. Sue showed late last year he can run some tuff dangerous lines so if he was played there he has potential IMO. The key without doubt is Alioai being as good as we all hope.

There is one guy who is a little forgotton about who can play anyhwere in the pack and was promoted to the top squad this year, Wesley Lolo. What do you think of him? He looks to have all the physical attributes, but maybe he doesnt have the motor or work ethic? Someone might be able to help me with thoughts on Wes.

 

[Geo]

Coen Hess is the worst backrow defender i have ever seen so far in his career. He just cant make the right decisions the poor kid. He needs to improve massively. Looks great in attack though. If he can mature and sort his defence out he will be great, but until then…..

Unlike all of our back rowers he has potential KS , all of our back rowers are either has been or never wills

Everyone seems to want to ignore or pussyfooty around our issues , but we lack quality in key defensive positions and it will show when push comes to shove

If that comment makes me a bad supporter , I'm a bad supporter then

Our only true seasons 2010-2011 and look , hey presto , quality back row , funny that

No coincidence boys and girls

I'd be careful mentioning quality backrow which contained Heighington around KS if I were you..

Oh and we actually had a halfback who allowed Bunji to do his thing..we all know how that turned out..

You don't mention 2012..that included the Quality of Blair into that backrow.. 😕

 

[happy_tiger]

KS you bring Lolo up , how many interchanges are we going to use to get 40 minutes out of him

A season in NSW Cup building his motor up me thinks

For me the jury is still out on Aloiai , my concern is his work rate in defence

And Geo if Rhino was here he'd be our best back rower but the length of the Flemington straight

I know money was an issue , but I would of moved heaven and earth to try and get Luke Lewis for even 2 years

Risky at his age perhaps , but the guy is still quality and I have heard he is brilliant with the young blokes

 

[king_sirro]

KS you bring Lolo up , how many interchanges are we going to use to get 40 minutes out of him

A season in NSW Cup building his motor up me thinks

For me the jury is still out on Aloiai , my concern is his work rate in defence

And Geo if Rhino was here he'd be our best back rower but the length of the Flemington straight

I know money was an issue , but I would of moved heaven and earth to try and get Luke Lewis for even 2 years

Risky at his age perhaps , but the guy is still quality and I have heard he is brilliant with the young blokes

you talk like i said we should play Lolo mate, i merely asked some questions about him.

 

[Nelson]

KS you bring Lolo up , how many interchanges are we going to use to get 40 minutes out of him

A season in NSW Cup building his motor up me thinks

For me the jury is still out on Aloiai , my concern is his work rate in defence

And Geo if Rhino was here he'd be our best back rower but the length of the Flemington straight

I know money was an issue , but I would of moved heaven and earth to try and get Luke Lewis for even 2 years

Risky at his age perhaps , but the guy is still quality and I have heard he is brilliant with the young blokes

Heighington has been playing as a prop/lock for short minutes. He'd be garbage as a wide second rower these days. The grass is always greener with you happy…

 

[happy_tiger]

KS you bring Lolo up , how many interchanges are we going to use to get 40 minutes out of him

A season in NSW Cup building his motor up me thinks

For me the jury is still out on Aloiai , my concern is his work rate in defence

And Geo if Rhino was here he'd be our best back rower but the length of the Flemington straight

I know money was an issue , but I would of moved heaven and earth to try and get Luke Lewis for even 2 years

Risky at his age perhaps , but the guy is still quality and I have heard he is brilliant with the young blokes

Heighington has been playing as a prop/lock for short minutes. He'd be garbage as a wide second rower these days. The grass is always greener with you happy…

No not at all

Just time to kill all the weeds once and for all

 

[happy_tiger]

KS you bring Lolo up , how many interchanges are we going to use to get 40 minutes out of him

A season in NSW Cup building his motor up me thinks

For me the jury is still out on Aloiai , my concern is his work rate in defence

And Geo if Rhino was here he'd be our best back rower but the length of the Flemington straight

I know money was an issue , but I would of moved heaven and earth to try and get Luke Lewis for even 2 years

Risky at his age perhaps , but the guy is still quality and I have heard he is brilliant with the young blokes

you talk like i said we should play Lolo mate, i merely asked some questions about him.

You asked for an opinion , you got it bud

12 interchanges , yeah possibly

12 months in NSW Cup playing 60-70 minutes every week , lets think about it

As we spoke about last week we are going to have to turn some square pegs into round ones before Rd 1 :smiley:

 

[king_sirro]

Forever the optimist :unamused: