Jahream Bula #269

[Vicious]

Someone else brought up Dylan Edwards. You could probably argue he’s a similar type of fullback, albeit a little better.

They’ve won a lot of footy games without an x-factor fullback.

I don’t think it’s comparable as Dylan Edwards generally gets man of the match a minimum of 3 or 4 times each season, that is not a player without x-factor.
He is not lightning fast, but runs the ball aggressively and challenges to break tackles or make a line break almost every time he touches the ball.
Luke Laulilli runs the ball very similarly to how Dylan Edwards does, it’s a pity he never got the opportunity to play fullback for us before we let him sign with Perth Bears.

 

[EllisFan]

I don’t think it’s comparable as Dylan Edwards generally gets man of the match a minimum of 4 or 5 times each season, that is not a player without x-factor.
He is not lightning fast, but runs the ball aggressively and challenges to break tackles or make a line break almost every time he touches the ball.
Luke Laulilli runs the ball very similarly to how Dylan Edwards does, it’s a pity he never got the opportunity to play fullback for us before we let him sign with Perth Bears.

LL drops every third ball that comes his way. All players have faults and Jahreams is probably his speed at collision isn’t elite. But he’s better than a lot of his peers in other areas.

 

[ancient_magpie]

Vicious has her party dress on again , twirling the tease

Is vicious really a she im shocked😆

 

[Merlot]

Is vicious really a she im shocked😆

above this pay grade ,you do you. Not a fan of computers , but some just go on rotate about what they think.Wooden spoon ,stir the pot lol

 

[ancient_magpie]

above this pay grade ,you do you. Not a fan of computers , but some just go on rotate about what they think.Wooden spoon ,stir the pot lol

I still love vicious terrific posts.

 

[Merlot]

I still love vicious terrific posts.

me 2

 

[Merlot]

Jahream - will he go or will he stay. And for how much ,LOL.

 

[tigerman80]

Is he worth $900k probably not? Do we need to sign him, absolutely!! Keep the spine together for another few years and we could be anything.

 

[Merlot]

Is he worth $900k probably not? Do we need to sign him, absolutely!! Keep the spine together for another few years and we could be anything.

that's his choice christian boy doing best for his family.
Doubt the club offered him that ,

 

[stevied]

He’s doing a fine job there. I’m only moving him because I couldn’t drop Madden on form and need to find a spot for Doobie.

He's doing a serviceable job at 3 and his defense, in particular has been solid but I still think he's better on the wing.

 

[TurnStyle]

Yes the yardage has been great, but where is the balance in having one or two players who are a genuine tackle break or line break threat each time they touch the ball ?
...
Is Bula good enough to come up with special plays when our team is struggling to score points or needing a special play when the game is on the line ?
If he is genuinely worth 900k or more that should be happening, no questions asked.

You're right - there is a lack of players who always look as though they'll break through. Skelton is probably the closest they have to a Marzhew.

While he can use a good fend, Bula hasn't shown himself to be that explosive off the mark, tackle buster type by any means.

I defend him a lot, but even I have to admit he really bombed that try early on - could also explain why he was so pass happy afterwards.

He also isn't the "grab a game by the scruff of the neck" type like Walsh or other fullbacks can be, but he has shown he is capable of some pretty damn good try and line break assists.

But as I've said before, he is the guy you want the halves to put through the gap at pace. And who you want backing up for the KPP offload.

I probably watch closer than most, but he is always there for it. It is always Bula contesting attacking bombs too.

Bigger picture I see a player who if used right has the makings of a great attacking weapon.

He is just the end of a good play - not the start of one.

 

[crazycat]

Are you watching this game ?

I feel half the arguments in this forum are from people watching different games.

 

[Vicious]

You're right - there is a lack of players who always look as though they'll break through. Skelton is probably the closest they have to a Marzhew.

While he can use a good fend, Bula hasn't shown himself to be that explosive off the mark, tackle buster type by any means.

I defend him a lot, but even I have to admit he really bombed that try early on - could also explain why he was so pass happy afterwards.

He also isn't the "grab a game by the scruff of the neck" type like Walsh or other fullbacks can be, but he has shown he is capable of some pretty damn good try and line break assists.

But as I've said before, he is the guy you want the halves to put through the gap at pace. And who you want backing up for the KPP offload.

I probably watch closer than most, but he is always there for it. It is always Bula contesting attacking bombs too.

Bigger picture I see a player who if used right has the makings of a great attacking weapon.

He is just the end of a good play - not the start of one.

Very good summary.
As you have correctly stated, he is a player who can finish off good plays, not one who can create them.
This being the case, would you pay him 900k or higher ?

 

[crazycat]

Is he worth $900k probably not? Do we need to sign him, absolutely!! Keep the spine together for another few years and we could be anything.

Well this is the thing.

Bula is about 700-800k value. at 900k sure sign him and keep him...

EXCEPT:

Looking at our team there are players we NEED to keep:
Makasini, you ask me if Bula or Makasini is worth the 900k, I am saying Makasini.
The other Fainu's, we have resigned Sione and are close to Samuela...
Did we sort out Terrell May?

If we are looking at priorities. Bula isn't NR1 and I would rather us lock down Makasini and Tavana as we clearly need solid wingers.


Not saying Bula isn't good. Bula is good, yet we have some players that are playing Great football at the moment.

 

[user118245]

Got a feeling about today, genuinely have no info just a hope

 

[bptiger 0]

Got a feeling about today, genuinely have no info just a hope

It’s about time the club comes out with some info

 

[Airport05]

It’s very simple, teams that win premierships have fullbacks who have elite attacking talent, we don’t have one and supposedly don’t want one, so don’t whinge when we cannot score points against good defensive teams.

Mate, Penrith have won four with Dylan Edwards at the back, and while his game has evolved considerably during this time, I still wouldn't call him an elite attacking talent. Also, he's 29 and the most visible parts of his transformation as a player have happened over the last few years.

The game isn't as black and white as your painting it. Not every team needs a Reece Walsh at fullback to be successful, just like not every team needs a backline with 'elite speed' to be successful, which you've claimed before. The Tigers need to harness their individual strengths and play as a team to give themselves the best shot. Right now, they're doing the second part really well, and I'm confident with time they'll get the first part right too.

 

[Rusty]

I don’t think it’s comparable as Dylan Edwards generally gets man of the match a minimum of 3 or 4 times each season, that is not a player without x-factor.
He is not lightning fast, but runs the ball aggressively and challenges to break tackles or make a line break almost every time he touches the ball.
Luke Laulilli runs the ball very similarly to how Dylan Edwards does, it’s a pity he never got the opportunity to play fullback for us before we let him sign with Perth Bears.

Edwards greatest ability is his fitness, which translates into effort, a bit like a half we recently let go. Bula has athletic ability yes, but I fear his "footy IQ"is not evolving as quickly as everyone would like.
Yes he is still young, yes he is still learning his craft but after watching MAY Day podcast, my thoughts have not changed... he comes across as a fine upstanding young man that is loved by everyone, but we need to see more of that bloke that stood up and grabbed that log and said follow me. That's what I want to see from him and that what the team needs from him and throw in a little mongrel / desperation in clutch moments wouldn't hurt.
For me, Bula is better suited as a right centre/wing that can play fullback. $700/750 max... Im not paying overs on what he might become, otherwise this has glimpses of becoming another Will Kennedy.

time will tell.

 

[Betterdays22]

I told you our forward pack was our strength and our 1-5 was our problem 6 months ago.
Nothing has changed and I have been proven correct.

Our backs out of yardage have been outstanding Vicious and have allowed our forwards to play the high energy defensive game that is needed. Makasini and Laulili are both consistently leading the metres and post contact metres. This is with our starting centres out.

There are obviously issues with the edge defence, Bula is far from the complete fullback currently, then there is a lack of polish and execution, but that is as much an issue with the halves and injuries. Overall they have been serviceable to a man with huge improvements still left

 

[tig_prmz]

The only way I feel like I can sum him up is that he's a better athlete than a footballer.

He doesn't have the positioning sense, the subtle kick, the subtle or even a long pass.

He's freakish with his speed and agility.

I thought Hodgo would have been able to coach the finer art of fullback into him by now..