Few Quick thoughts from the Trial

[TIGER]

Just re-watched the game, due to the cows being penalised 5 or 6 times for incorrect ptb and just not completing sets we never really got to see Tui have to do much, I'm pretty sure he never fielded a kick on the full or had to do any fullback work at all, he just wasn't tested at all. So everybody who is already making the call after that game that he's better at fullback i don't know how you can say that yet.

Gamble, Rochow and Thompson went better than i thought they would.

Really no use trying to get a gauge on how we'll go with so many missing and the Cows literally handing us the ball for the entire game.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

**A few years ago Rochow was one of the best 2nd rowers in the game** and Newcastle were throwing everything at him to stay with them, but he got a few injuries changed clubs and had gone oof the radar. Personally i really like him and he is a REAL smokey for round 1.

I wouldn’t go that far, but he was very solid.

 

[Red88_Tiger]

**A few years ago Rochow was one of the best 2nd rowers in the game** and Newcastle were throwing everything at him to stay with them, but he got a few injuries changed clubs and had gone oof the radar. Personally i really like him and he is a REAL smokey for round 1.

I wouldn’t go that far, but he was very solid.

Worked with a bloke a few years ago who went to school with rochow. Said he was fairly grounded and easy to talk to. About the time he was going great guns at newcastle.

 

[balmain boy]

Well if Gamble wants to play first grade he's either going to have to play halfback or fullback. No chance of Reynolds being moved in the next couple of years. If Gamble has a good short and long kicking game and kicks goals then why not play him at halfback. Not much different these days, and both playmakers will float around the pitch in any case.

 

[Bob]

Well if Gamble wants to play first grade he's either going to have to play halfback or fullback. No chance of Reynolds being moved in the next couple of years. If Gamble has a good short and long kicking game and kicks goals then why not play him at halfback. Not much different these days, and both playmakers will float around the pitch in any case.

Was gamble a 7 at dolphins with Benji the 6?

 

[king_sirro]

Well if Gamble wants to play first grade he's either going to have to play halfback or fullback. No chance of Reynolds being moved in the next couple of years. If Gamble has a good short and long kicking game and kicks goals then why not play him at halfback. Not much different these days, and both playmakers will float around the pitch in any case.

No chance? Ivan has already spoken to Reynolds about playing hooker. Thats even before he's played a game at 6 for us. So dont be so sure Reynolds is a lock down for five eighth. He will start the year there, but Ivan appears open to changing it if its best for the team.

 

[TIGER]

I can see Benji starting on the bench and coming on and shifting Reynolds to hooker for a stint.
While Benji is on i can see Reynolds Benji and Tui combining back through the middle off the back of quick ptb with short passes and speed

 

[jrtiger]

Anyone who thinks that Brooks short kicking game was bad needs to realise that it was hindered by 6 metre ingoals. The commentator says it midway through the first half. Wait until there's actually reasonably sized ingoals before we truly have an indication on his kicking game.

 

[Geo]

Anyone who thinks that Brooks short kicking game was bad needs to realise that it was hindered by 6 metre ingoals. The commentator says it midway through the first half. Wait until there's actually reasonably sized ingoals before we truly have an indication on his kicking game.

I'm shocked he was the only half to get a repeat set in the entire game..fluke I'd say..

 

[Spartan117]

Highlights courtesy of WestsTigers official website

https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2018/02/19/wests-tigers-v-cowboys–-trial-match-highlights/

 

[Cairnstigers]

Anyone who thinks that Brooks short kicking game was bad needs to realise that it was hindered by 6 metre ingoals. The commentator says it midway through the first half. Wait until there's actually reasonably sized ingoals before we truly have an indication on his kicking game.

I'm shocked he was the only half to get a repeat set in the entire game..fluke I'd say..

I was at the game and watched on tv that most of his kicks would have gone dead in goal at any ground
In practice before the game Gamble was pinpoint with his bombs landing just before the try line but no pressure on him
He will definitely be one to watch this season

 

[jrtiger]

Anyone who thinks that Brooks short kicking game was bad needs to realise that it was hindered by 6 metre ingoals. The commentator says it midway through the first half. Wait until there's actually reasonably sized ingoals before we truly have an indication on his kicking game.

I'm shocked he was the only half to get a repeat set in the entire game..fluke I'd say..

100% fluke. Until he's creating 3 tries, a game scoring 3 of his own, causing 3 repeat sets, 2 40/20s, 0 missed tackles and giving his jerseys away at half time and full time he hasn't been good enough :unamused:

 

[newtiger]

this just me thinking out loud, i wish we had not signed Reynolds, thought tui was playing well at 5/8 last year and we have a few who can slot into fullback. so if tui fails at fullback does Ivan drop josh and play tui or does he just get pumped from spot to spot. his running game at 5/8 is so much better than josh's.

Tui looked much better at fullback then he did at 6\. He's a runner, not a half.

I have to agree that Tui is better at the back than at 5/8\. Also, I think those critising Reynolds and questioning his signing are underestimating just what he brings to the team as a whole. Mark my words, he will be a huge asset to us as the season rolls on.

X2

 

[Tigerdon]

Highlights courtesy of WestsTigers official website

https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2018/02/19/wests-tigers-v-cowboys–-trial-match-highlights/

Cheers!

 

[TYGA]

Anyone who thinks that Brooks short kicking game was bad needs to realise that it was hindered by 6 metre ingoals. The commentator says it midway through the first half. Wait until there's actually reasonably sized ingoals before we truly have an indication on his kicking game.

I'm shocked he was the only half to get a repeat set in the entire game..fluke I'd say..

100% fluke. Until he's creating 3 tries, a game scoring 3 of his own, causing 3 repeat sets, 2 40/20s, 0 missed tackles and giving his jerseys away at half time and full time he hasn't been good enough :unamused:

Brooks has not been good enough he has now played 80+ games. His general game was much better actually resembled an NRL halfback. His short kicking game is woeful and was on the weekend. He won’t get the benefit of any doubt until he performs for an entire season. His running game is first class but won’t save him as a halfback. I think this is the season he stands up personally but to date he wouldn’t get an NRL game with any top 8 side.

 

[jrtiger]

Anyone who thinks that Brooks short kicking game was bad needs to realise that it was hindered by 6 metre ingoals. The commentator says it midway through the first half. Wait until there's actually reasonably sized ingoals before we truly have an indication on his kicking game.

I'm shocked he was the only half to get a repeat set in the entire game..fluke I'd say..

100% fluke. Until he's creating 3 tries, a game scoring 3 of his own, causing 3 repeat sets, 2 40/20s, 0 missed tackles and giving his jerseys away at half time and full time he hasn't been good enough :unamused:

Brooks has not been good enough he has now played 80+ games. His general game was much better actually resembled an NRL halfback. His short kicking game is woeful and was on the weekend. He won’t get the benefit of any doubt until he performs for an entire season. His running game is first class but won’t save him as a halfback. I think this is the season he stands up personally but to date he wouldn’t get an NRL game with any top 8 side.

I agree, this year is the year of no excuses, but it's also the first year that the stars have aligned for him. I don't think it'll be a coincidence IF he pulls it all together this year, simply due to what's happened around him. But I do believe that plenty of people have been hard on him, he tends to do very good things very often, it's just that he doesn't string together 80 minute performances, just like every player in the squad last season bar Tedesco. Time will only tell.

 

[cktiger]

I'm shocked he was the only half to get a repeat set in the entire game..fluke I'd say..

100% fluke. Until he's creating 3 tries, a game scoring 3 of his own, causing 3 repeat sets, 2 40/20s, 0 missed tackles and giving his jerseys away at half time and full time he hasn't been good enough :unamused:

Brooks has not been good enough he has now played 80+ games. His general game was much better actually resembled an NRL halfback. His short kicking game is woeful and was on the weekend. He won’t get the benefit of any doubt until he performs for an entire season. His running game is first class but won’t save him as a halfback. I think this is the season he stands up personally but to date he wouldn’t get an NRL game with any top 8 side.

I agree, this year is the year of no excuses, but it's also the first year that the stars have aligned for him. I don't think it'll be a coincidence IF he pulls it all together this year, simply due to what's happened around him. But I do believe that plenty of people have been hard on him, he tends to do very good things very often, it's just that he doesn't string together 80 minute performances, just like every player in the squad last season bar Tedesco. Time will only tell.

Early days yet, and I know the team needs to gel, but I didn't think Brooks played too well.
A few decent runs but still a terrible kicking game and some atrocious passing.
Gamble looks like he might put more of a blowtorch on him than Marshall.

 

[Tigerdon]

100% fluke. Until he's creating 3 tries, a game scoring 3 of his own, causing 3 repeat sets, 2 40/20s, 0 missed tackles and giving his jerseys away at half time and full time he hasn't been good enough :unamused:

Brooks has not been good enough he has now played 80+ games. His general game was much better actually resembled an NRL halfback. His short kicking game is woeful and was on the weekend. He won’t get the benefit of any doubt until he performs for an entire season. His running game is first class but won’t save him as a halfback. I think this is the season he stands up personally but to date he wouldn’t get an NRL game with any top 8 side.

I agree, this year is the year of no excuses, but it's also the first year that the stars have aligned for him. I don't think it'll be a coincidence IF he pulls it all together this year, simply due to what's happened around him. But I do believe that plenty of people have been hard on him, he tends to do very good things very often, it's just that he doesn't string together 80 minute performances, just like every player in the squad last season bar Tedesco. Time will only tell.

Early days yet, and I know the team needs to gel, but I didn't think Brooks played too well.
A few decent runs but still a terrible kicking game and some atrocious passing.
Gamble looks like he might put more of a blowtorch on him than Marshall.

If Gamble does get the number 7 jumper, How long do you think think it will be before people are jumping up and down saying "why is Cleary playing two 5/8's and we don't have a halfback"?

 

[cktiger]

If Gamble does get the number 7 jumper, How long do you think think it will be before people are jumping up and down saying "why is Cleary playing two 5/8's and we don't have a halfback"?

On the other hand, how long will it take for people to be jumping up and down if Brooks continues playing poorly?
Like nearly everyone else I've been hoping (for a long time)that Brooks gets it all together and becomes a good all round half.
Gamble will only get the nod if he's playing great and Brooks isn't.
It will need to be deserved… unless Brooks implodes and hands it too him on a platter.

 

[The_Patriot]

Watching the replay yesterday Lolohea played a lot of minutes for a trial. Obviously fitness is a bit of an issue and they are trying to get him ready for 80.

The other thing of note was his style of play. Looked more like Brett Hodgson than James Tedesco.

Looking forward to seeing him with the starting forward pack. He was sweating on the forwards for offloads, shadowing all their runs