Don't love the change at fullback

[simonthetigerrrr]

Do you kids reckon Lolo will kick goals??

 

[supercoach]

We certainly need a creative no1 if we are going to compete with the big guys, but is Tui the answer?? I am sure he can add some skill but I am also worried that he may fall down in other areas that Thomo has been strong in.

Anyway changes had to be made, our attack was horrible against Penrith. I think Cleary, now he has made the call has to stick with Tui for at least a month. Anyway we should all have a better idea on Sunday

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

The benefit is that if Tui has a stinker we have a very capable bloke ready to step back into the role.

Of course I am hoping that is not the case and he puts in an effort that keeps Thompson out for the rest of the season.

 

[Tigerdon]

I’m unsure how Tui will go in defence however the timing seems right to test him out. Hope he kills it.
At the back end of last season and during the WC I actually thought Tui was one of the form 5/8’s going around. If we had a marquee fullback this year….I would have like to have seen Brooks and Tui team up again behind Packerlino. With Thompson on the wing.

 

[TigerCast]

I find it hilarious that a 22 year old professional footballer like Tui would be as unfit and slow as he was last year, then after a supposedly tough pre season he is still the same but now with some mystery injury. He is either injured or fit and ready to play, cant be both ?

he spent most of pre season at the world cup. its been said a number of coaches have said they werent happy with the state in which guys from developing nations came back to the clubs.

 

[jirskyr]

The issue I have with Thommo, which I have stated before, is he is not much of a threat in attack set pieces. Good on support, good with a jinking run against a staggered line, takes smart options, but he has limited physical threat in the backline. He doesn't kick and he doesn't have a slick pass.

In defence he's a terrific fullback: can tackle, well-positioned, knows where the football will be on kick defence.

But when we run attack the oppositions really don't need to mark up on Thommo, so they swarm Benji and Brooks. Both of those guys need space, I mean all halves do, but Benji and Brooks esp fall in a heap under sustained line pressure.

So I do feel Tui is important in our attack plans. He's not as good a defensive fullback as Thommo, but he's much more of a 1-1 threat and he will cause the defence to split their focus.

Tui played rounds 1, 4 and 5, which were all wins (Roosters, Parra #1, Storm #2). Without him we have also won 3 (Storm #1, Manly, Cowboys), but lost 5 (Broncos, Knights, Parra #2, Warriors, Panthers). Maybe it's just coincident, maybe the reason for our positive record is that our defence and go-forward were superior in the early rounds where Tui played (I haven't checked game-by-game).

But certainly last week, Penrith gave us plenty of opportunity the first 20 mins and we failed to challenge their line. They gained confidence, then basically shut us out of the last 50-60 minutes. We needed more attack threat, though we defended fairly well for all the ball they had, I feel that last week was lost from being unable to convert early possession into pressure and points.

 

[supercoach]

Cleary might also swap Thomo and Tui around during the game a little. Push Thomo back in defence and Tui in attack if things are not going to plan

 

[Kul]

This thread title gives me an aneurism

 

[HabboTiger]

The issue I have with Thommo, which I have stated before, is he is not much of a threat in attack set pieces. Good on support, good with a jinking run against a staggered line, takes smart options, but he has limited physical threat in the backline. He doesn't kick and he doesn't have a slick pass.

In defence he's a terrific fullback: can tackle, well-positioned, knows where the football will be on kick defence.

But when we run attack the oppositions really don't need to mark up on Thommo, so they swarm Benji and Brooks. Both of those guys need space, I mean all halves do, but Benji and Brooks esp fall in a heap under sustained line pressure.

So I do feel Tui is important in our attack plans. He's not as good a defensive fullback as Thommo, but he's much more of a 1-1 threat and he will cause the defence to split their focus.

Tui played rounds 1, 4 and 5, which were all wins (Roosters, Parra #1, Storm #2). Without him we have also won 3 (Storm #1, Manly, Cowboys), but lost 5 (Broncos, Knights, Parra #2, Warriors, Panthers). Maybe it's just coincident, maybe the reason for our positive record is that our defence and go-forward were superior in the early rounds where Tui played (I haven't checked game-by-game).

But certainly last week, Penrith gave us plenty of opportunity the first 20 mins and we failed to challenge their line. They gained confidence, then basically shut us out of the last 50-60 minutes. We needed more attack threat, though we defended fairly well for all the ball they had, I feel that last week was lost from being unable to convert early possession into pressure and points.

Up vote.

 

[TIGERPOWER]

People questioning his fitness is as certain as the sun rising in the east. It’s getting pretty boring.

Not as boring as you defending him with your eyes closed.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

People questioning his fitness is as certain as the sun rising in the east. It’s getting pretty boring.

Not as boring as you defending him with your eyes closed.

I guess the coach has his eyes closed too. Said the reason why he struggled was due to coming back too early from a knee injury. Never said anything about a lack of fitness 😕

 

[TheHawk]

I just think Thompson has been outstanding this year at fullback. He has saved so many tries through last minute efforts and failed to drop even one high ball. All these little things sometimes go unnoticed until maybe he is not there anymore. His positional play is really sound and he competes on every play. For me alongside Lawrence he has been our most consistent player.

I know Tui has has his fans on here however he has done next to nothing this year to convince me be is any where near as good an option at fullback as Corey has been. I understand we need to make some changes after 4 losses in 5 but I'm wondering if this could backfire.

Were a side that does need an injection of skill however I would still much prefer we compete on every play. Anyway lets see how it goes I have enjoyed the way Cleary has kept everyone on their toes this year in regards to selections. There isn doubt Lolihea has the ability to set up a try however its the other things in his game that worries me.

I can see this backfiring if Lolihea is not 100% fit. I dont think he is a fullback I tninkhe should more of an option for 6 or the bench if Benji and Reynolds continue to struggle . This is a season defining game for me for the squad so its an interesting trigger to pull now.

The modern fullback is seen as a ball player and as much as Thompson has been safe and runs well, that isn't a facet of his game. For mine, Tui is fast becoming an enigma able to produce glimpses of brilliance mixed with quite lazy play. I think Coach Cleary realises that our attack is limited and is possibly looking to create more opportunities with Tui.

While not wanting to be flamed, I see Tui as a centre. I think his body shape, explosive running and ability to position an outside player make him an ideal fit - all without the pressure of five-eight or the running of a fullback. It would allow him to inject himself when he saw opportunity.
\
\
Masters to back row and Tui to centre would be worth looking at imho.

Yep because James Tedesco, Josh Dugan, Michael Gordon, RTS, Josh Wighton, Alex Johnston and Matt Duffy are all noted ball players.

This nonsense of the modern fullback being a ball player is a fallacy. I've just named you seven fullbacks out of the sixteen clubs that aren't ball players.

It's determined on how your team is structured. Thompson is the perfect fullback when the halves are correct. This year they were until Benji went full derp.

 

[stevied]

We certainly need a creative no1 if we are going to compete with the big guys, but is Tui the answer?? I am sure he can add some skill but I am also worried that he may fall down in other areas that Thomo has been strong in.

Anyway changes had to be made, our attack was horrible against Penrith. I think Cleary, now he has made the call has to stick with Tui for at least a month. Anyway we should all have a better idea on Sunday

If he can get anywhere near his 2016 form, it will be a master stroke. He definitely has the ability. I hope that he is finally fit, medically and aerobically, and that he can add the dimension to the attack that the team desperately needs. As I have said many times, I like him, and I hope he kills it. Time will tell whether this decision is the right one because his form in ISP certainly didn't earn the promotion.

 

[Russell]

I just think Thompson has been outstanding this year at fullback. He has saved so many tries through last minute efforts and failed to drop even one high ball. All these little things sometimes go unnoticed until maybe he is not there anymore. His positional play is really sound and he competes on every play. For me alongside Lawrence he has been our most consistent player.

I know Tui has has his fans on here however he has done next to nothing this year to convince me be is any where near as good an option at fullback as Corey has been. I understand we need to make some changes after 4 losses in 5 but I'm wondering if this could backfire.

Were a side that does need an injection of skill however I would still much prefer we compete on every play. Anyway lets see how it goes I have enjoyed the way Cleary has kept everyone on their toes this year in regards to selections. There isn doubt Lolihea has the ability to set up a try however its the other things in his game that worries me.

I can see this backfiring if Lolihea is not 100% fit. I dont think he is a fullback I tninkhe should more of an option for 6 or the bench if Benji and Reynolds continue to struggle . This is a season defining game for me for the squad so its an interesting trigger to pull now.

The modern fullback is seen as a ball player and as much as Thompson has been safe and runs well, that isn't a facet of his game. For mine, Tui is fast becoming an enigma able to produce glimpses of brilliance mixed with quite lazy play. I think Coach Cleary realises that our attack is limited and is possibly looking to create more opportunities with Tui.

While not wanting to be flamed, I see Tui as a centre. I think his body shape, explosive running and ability to position an outside player make him an ideal fit - all without the pressure of five-eight or the running of a fullback. It would allow him to inject himself when he saw opportunity.
\
\
Masters to back row and Tui to centre would be worth looking at imho.

Yep because James Tedesco, Josh Dugan, Michael Gordon, RTS, Josh Wighton, Alex Johnston and Matt Duffy are all noted ball players.

This nonsense of the modern fullback being a ball player is a fallacy. I've just named you seven fullbacks out of the sixteen clubs that aren't ball players.

It's determined on how your team is structured. Thompson is the perfect fullback when the halves are correct. This year they were until Benji went full derp.

So does that mean the majority are ball playing full backs then?

 

[TheHawk]

I just think Thompson has been outstanding this year at fullback. He has saved so many tries through last minute efforts and failed to drop even one high ball. All these little things sometimes go unnoticed until maybe he is not there anymore. His positional play is really sound and he competes on every play. For me alongside Lawrence he has been our most consistent player.

I know Tui has has his fans on here however he has done next to nothing this year to convince me be is any where near as good an option at fullback as Corey has been. I understand we need to make some changes after 4 losses in 5 but I'm wondering if this could backfire.

Were a side that does need an injection of skill however I would still much prefer we compete on every play. Anyway lets see how it goes I have enjoyed the way Cleary has kept everyone on their toes this year in regards to selections. There isn doubt Lolihea has the ability to set up a try however its the other things in his game that worries me.

I can see this backfiring if Lolihea is not 100% fit. I dont think he is a fullback I tninkhe should more of an option for 6 or the bench if Benji and Reynolds continue to struggle . This is a season defining game for me for the squad so its an interesting trigger to pull now.

The modern fullback is seen as a ball player and as much as Thompson has been safe and runs well, that isn't a facet of his game. For mine, Tui is fast becoming an enigma able to produce glimpses of brilliance mixed with quite lazy play. I think Coach Cleary realises that our attack is limited and is possibly looking to create more opportunities with Tui.

While not wanting to be flamed, I see Tui as a centre. I think his body shape, explosive running and ability to position an outside player make him an ideal fit - all without the pressure of five-eight or the running of a fullback. It would allow him to inject himself when he saw opportunity.
\
\
Masters to back row and Tui to centre would be worth looking at imho.

Yep because James Tedesco, Josh Dugan, Michael Gordon, RTS, Josh Wighton, Alex Johnston and Matt Duffy are all noted ball players.

This nonsense of the modern fullback being a ball player is a fallacy. I've just named you seven fullbacks out of the sixteen clubs that aren't ball players.

It's determined on how your team is structured. Thompson is the perfect fullback when the halves are correct. This year they were until Benji went full derp.

So does that mean the majority are ball playing full backs then?

Yes genius. Majority of people believe in a god too, doesn't make them real.

 

[Russell]

The modern fullback is seen as a ball player and as much as Thompson has been safe and runs well, that isn't a facet of his game. For mine, Tui is fast becoming an enigma able to produce glimpses of brilliance mixed with quite lazy play. I think Coach Cleary realises that our attack is limited and is possibly looking to create more opportunities with Tui.

While not wanting to be flamed, I see Tui as a centre. I think his body shape, explosive running and ability to position an outside player make him an ideal fit - all without the pressure of five-eight or the running of a fullback. It would allow him to inject himself when he saw opportunity.
\
\
Masters to back row and Tui to centre would be worth looking at imho.

Yep because James Tedesco, Josh Dugan, Michael Gordon, RTS, Josh Wighton, Alex Johnston and Matt Duffy are all noted ball players.

This nonsense of the modern fullback being a ball player is a fallacy. I've just named you seven fullbacks out of the sixteen clubs that aren't ball players.

It's determined on how your team is structured. Thompson is the perfect fullback when the halves are correct. This year they were until Benji went full derp.

So does that mean the majority are ball playing full backs then?

Yes genius. Majority of people believe in a god too, doesn't make them real.

Touchy!!!

 

[bbobb]

I just think Thompson has been outstanding this year at fullback. He has saved so many tries through last minute efforts and failed to drop even one high ball. All these little things sometimes go unnoticed until maybe he is not there anymore. His positional play is really sound and he competes on every play. For me alongside Lawrence he has been our most consistent player.

I know Tui has has his fans on here however he has done next to nothing this year to convince me be is any where near as good an option at fullback as Corey has been. I understand we need to make some changes after 4 losses in 5 but I'm wondering if this could backfire.

Were a side that does need an injection of skill however I would still much prefer we compete on every play. Anyway lets see how it goes I have enjoyed the way Cleary has kept everyone on their toes this year in regards to selections. There isn doubt Lolihea has the ability to set up a try however its the other things in his game that worries me.

I can see this backfiring if Lolihea is not 100% fit. I dont think he is a fullback I tninkhe should more of an option for 6 or the bench if Benji and Reynolds continue to struggle . This is a season defining game for me for the squad so its an interesting trigger to pull now.

The modern fullback is seen as a ball player and as much as Thompson has been safe and runs well, that isn't a facet of his game. For mine, Tui is fast becoming an enigma able to produce glimpses of brilliance mixed with quite lazy play. I think Coach Cleary realises that our attack is limited and is possibly looking to create more opportunities with Tui.

While not wanting to be flamed, I see Tui as a centre. I think his body shape, explosive running and ability to position an outside player make him an ideal fit - all without the pressure of five-eight or the running of a fullback. It would allow him to inject himself when he saw opportunity.
\
\
Masters to back row and Tui to centre would be worth looking at imho.

Yep because James Tedesco, Josh Dugan, Michael Gordon, RTS, Josh Wighton, Alex Johnston and Matt Duffy are all noted ball players.

This nonsense of the modern fullback being a ball player is a fallacy. I've just named you seven fullbacks out of the sixteen clubs that aren't ball players.

It's determined on how your team is structured. Thompson is the perfect fullback when the halves are correct. This year they were until Benji went full derp.

Hmm…it's interesting that Thompson himself said that he wanted to develop that part of his game. A ball playing fullback is someone who can set up his outside men. Slater also felt he was better player when he could do this....and BTW Teddy fits the mould as does RTS. The rest of your list are not what I would call top shelf.

 

[TheHawk]

I just think Thompson has been outstanding this year at fullback. He has saved so many tries through last minute efforts and failed to drop even one high ball. All these little things sometimes go unnoticed until maybe he is not there anymore. His positional play is really sound and he competes on every play. For me alongside Lawrence he has been our most consistent player.

I know Tui has has his fans on here however he has done next to nothing this year to convince me be is any where near as good an option at fullback as Corey has been. I understand we need to make some changes after 4 losses in 5 but I'm wondering if this could backfire.

Were a side that does need an injection of skill however I would still much prefer we compete on every play. Anyway lets see how it goes I have enjoyed the way Cleary has kept everyone on their toes this year in regards to selections. There isn doubt Lolihea has the ability to set up a try however its the other things in his game that worries me.

I can see this backfiring if Lolihea is not 100% fit. I dont think he is a fullback I tninkhe should more of an option for 6 or the bench if Benji and Reynolds continue to struggle . This is a season defining game for me for the squad so its an interesting trigger to pull now.

The modern fullback is seen as a ball player and as much as Thompson has been safe and runs well, that isn't a facet of his game. For mine, Tui is fast becoming an enigma able to produce glimpses of brilliance mixed with quite lazy play. I think Coach Cleary realises that our attack is limited and is possibly looking to create more opportunities with Tui.

While not wanting to be flamed, I see Tui as a centre. I think his body shape, explosive running and ability to position an outside player make him an ideal fit - all without the pressure of five-eight or the running of a fullback. It would allow him to inject himself when he saw opportunity.
\
\
Masters to back row and Tui to centre would be worth looking at imho.

Yep because James Tedesco, Josh Dugan, Michael Gordon, RTS, Josh Wighton, Alex Johnston and Matt Duffy are all noted ball players.

This nonsense of the modern fullback being a ball player is a fallacy. I've just named you seven fullbacks out of the sixteen clubs that aren't ball players.

It's determined on how your team is structured. Thompson is the perfect fullback when the halves are correct. This year they were until Benji went full derp.

Hmm…it's interesting that Thompson himself said that he wanted to develop that part of his game. A ball playing fullback is someone who can set up his outside men. Slater also felt he was better player when he could do this....and BTW Teddy fits the mould as does RTS. The rest of your list are not what I would call top shelf.

A ball playing fullback who couldn't hit a hole would tell you that he wants to develop that aspect of his game. I'm great at having sex but terrible at foreplay, I would like to develop that part of my game.

Teddy and RTS do not fit this mould. Who also said anything about top shelf? They're the first choice fullbacks for their teams.

 

[Tim Sheens]

The modern fullback is seen as a ball player and as much as Thompson has been safe and runs well, that isn't a facet of his game. For mine, Tui is fast becoming an enigma able to produce glimpses of brilliance mixed with quite lazy play. I think Coach Cleary realises that our attack is limited and is possibly looking to create more opportunities with Tui.

While not wanting to be flamed, I see Tui as a centre. I think his body shape, explosive running and ability to position an outside player make him an ideal fit - all without the pressure of five-eight or the running of a fullback. It would allow him to inject himself when he saw opportunity.
\
\
Masters to back row and Tui to centre would be worth looking at imho.

Yep because James Tedesco, Josh Dugan, Michael Gordon, RTS, Josh Wighton, Alex Johnston and Matt Duffy are all noted ball players.

This nonsense of the modern fullback being a ball player is a fallacy. I've just named you seven fullbacks out of the sixteen clubs that aren't ball players.

It's determined on how your team is structured. Thompson is the perfect fullback when the halves are correct. This year they were until Benji went full derp.

Hmm…it's interesting that Thompson himself said that he wanted to develop that part of his game. A ball playing fullback is someone who can set up his outside men. Slater also felt he was better player when he could do this....and BTW Teddy fits the mould as does RTS. The rest of your list are not what I would call top shelf.

A ball playing fullback who couldn't hit a hole would tell you that he wants to develop that aspect of his game. I'm great at having sex but terrible at foreplay, I would like to develop that part of my game.

Teddy and RTS do not fit this mould. Who also said anything about top shelf? They're the first choice fullbacks for their teams.

Maybe you should add a bit of ball playing to your sex life.

 

[TheHawk]

Yep because James Tedesco, Josh Dugan, Michael Gordon, RTS, Josh Wighton, Alex Johnston and Matt Duffy are all noted ball players.

This nonsense of the modern fullback being a ball player is a fallacy. I've just named you seven fullbacks out of the sixteen clubs that aren't ball players.

It's determined on how your team is structured. Thompson is the perfect fullback when the halves are correct. This year they were until Benji went full derp.

Hmm…it's interesting that Thompson himself said that he wanted to develop that part of his game. A ball playing fullback is someone who can set up his outside men. Slater also felt he was better player when he could do this....and BTW Teddy fits the mould as does RTS. The rest of your list are not what I would call top shelf.

A ball playing fullback who couldn't hit a hole would tell you that he wants to develop that aspect of his game. I'm great at having sex but terrible at foreplay, I would like to develop that part of my game.

Teddy and RTS do not fit this mould. Who also said anything about top shelf? They're the first choice fullbacks for their teams.

Maybe you should add a bit of ball playing to your sex life.

It is something I want to develop in my game.