Fifita is our best prospect in a long time
I am not sure I agree with this statement. Fifita has potential but to my mind he is an _unusual_ style of front rower. If you consider some of the great front rowers lazarus, Webcke, Civa, Price et al they all had great leg drive and could constantly get over the advantage line. They also had good lateral speed in the defensive line as well.
Fifita has enormous upper body strength coupled with good timing for his fends and the ability to change direction quickly but I do questions his leg drive and ability to cross the advantage line with players hanging off him. He actually may be better suited playing on the edge of the ruck rather than tight - which is what we need.
I have watched him closely and when plays more direct he has actually not as effectual than when he runs across the field swatting players looking for holes in the defensive line. That coupled with his past weight issues and the fact that he is not a noted defender makes me more keen to secure Groat and Woods. I believe have the ability to have roll across the advantage line consistently providing a much needed platfrom for Robbie, Benji and Lui.
I believe that with the retirement of Payten that Gibbs is more a loss from an experential and defensive point of view. As things stand, we are going to have lots of potential but not much experience. Gareth aside, Keithy is only 25 as is Blair (if we indeed secure him) as our forward leaders.
I am not sure I agree with this statement. Fifita has potential but to my mind he is an _unusual_ style of front rower. If you consider some of the great front rowers lazarus, Webcke, Civa, Price et al they all had great leg drive and could constantly get over the advantage line. They also had good lateral speed in the defensive line as well.
Fifita has enormous upper body strength coupled with good timing for his fends and the ability to change direction quickly but I do questions his leg drive and ability to cross the advantage line with players hanging off him. He actually may be better suited playing on the edge of the ruck rather than tight - which is what we need.
I have watched him closely and when plays more direct he has actually not as effectual than when he runs across the field swatting players looking for holes in the defensive line. That coupled with his past weight issues and the fact that he is not a noted defender makes me more keen to secure Groat and Woods. I believe have the ability to have roll across the advantage line consistently providing a much needed platfrom for Robbie, Benji and Lui.
I believe that with the retirement of Payten that Gibbs is more a loss from an experential and defensive point of view. As things stand, we are going to have lots of potential but not much experience. Gareth aside, Keithy is only 25 as is Blair (if we indeed secure him) as our forward leaders.
