OFFICIAL Jarome Luai - #295

[Tweed_Tiger]

Just remember this is a good problem to have.

 

[stevied]

AD creates everything on the right. Luai will do likewise on the left. He’s just a better player than Jock and a leader on the field. Madden is the backup he’s done a tremendous job so far. It’s not a dilema it’s what good teams are supposed to have.

Douehi is a better runner than Madden, but not a better organiser, which is what a number 7 should do.

 

[mtd#2]

The strongest pArt of our game this year has been Pole, Twal, May and Api. That's a killer front row for now and I wouldn't change that.

Douehi is taking his opportunities but he's not kicking goals or taking kicks. He's not running at full strength.

Id get him to rehab/ rest his hamstring all week and then play him off the bench in the game. He's not a lock, he doesn't straighten the attack much and definitely cannot defend.

I would have Hunt, Seyfarth, Douehi, Latu and Sukkar on the bench. We can use Latu and/or Douehi depending on whether we need more attack in the middle or on the edges.

Madden has to be 7 until Douehi is 100% but then if Madden continues like this then he stays regards of how good Douehi is going.

Thats not a bad idea actually. Its a new workload for AD playing #7 and a week off may not be a bad thing. In saying that, he has been one of our most in form players. I dont know how happy he would be to be rested.

One thing is for sure, all these ideas are a massive headache for benji.

Bloody Jock, no one saw this coming .

 

[stevied]

Probably controversial but this is my take.

Luai is the best 5/8 at the club and when fit he starts.

Jock stays at 7, has earnt the right. Plays direct, organises the team, gets them deep, has the best kicking game at the club and kicks goals.

AD goes to lock, strong running game, erratic in accurate kicking game. Can kick goals.

TWAL to the bench, gives AD a breather at lock.

Latu stays as the 14

Sayfarth enjoy NSW cup.

It's literally the best solution for the team but I don't think it's likely to happen. I think it was a big mistake to virtually guarantee AD the number 7......

I like some of your ideas but Twal to the bench - there'd be an outcry! Douehi to centre with Madden at 7 is what I'd do.

 

[stevied]

The strongest pArt of our game this year has been Pole, Twal, May and Api. That's a killer front row for now and I wouldn't change that.

Douehi is taking his opportunities but he's not kicking goals or taking kicks. He's not running at full strength.

Id get him to rehab/ rest his hamstring all week and then play him off the bench in the game. He's not a lock, he doesn't straighten the attack much and definitely cannot defend.

I would have Hunt, Seyfarth, Douehi, Latu and Sukkar on the bench. We can use Latu and/or Douehi depending on whether we need more attack in the middle or on the edges.

Madden has to be 7 until Douehi is 100% but then if Madden continues like this then he stays regards of how good Douehi is going.

I don't think Pole has been one of our strengths. The forwards have but not Pole. Frequent dropped balls and inconsistent, sometimes lazy defense. Also, Douehi is wasted on the bench. Both Jock and Adam have to be in the team. They are both playing extremely well so, as I've said many times, Luai back in at 6, Madden stays at 7 and Douehi to centre. Easy peasy. No dilemma! Having said all that, I think Benji, sadly, will pick Jock at 14.

 

[Wezt]

Just remember this is a good problem to have.

Not if we are in the same situation as Metcalf & the Warriors

It all depends on how we perform when Luai comes in

 

[Tweed_Tiger]

Not if we are in the same situation as Metcalf & the Warriors

It all depends on how we perform when Luai comes in

Coming back from an long term injury is rough, Luia should be good to go.

 

[tig_prmz]

I don't think Pole has been one of our strengths. The forwards have but not Pole. Frequent dropped balls and inconsistent, sometimes lazy defense. Also, Douehi is wasted on the bench. Both Jock and Adam have to be in the team. They are both playing extremely well so, as I've said many times, Luai back in at 6, Madden stays at 7 and Douehi to centre. Easy peasy. No dilemma! Having said all that, I think Benji, sadly, will pick Jock at 14.

Pole definitely has been the weakest of all forwards but I don't want to put Twal at front row. Mentally, he needs to keep his job the same and having Douehi at lock would make him think he needs to do more ball carrying instead of doing what he's doing now.

Douehi imo is not a good centre either. He's a very good playmaker and he has certain strengths. He needs options inside and outside him whereas at centre he only has one option outside him.

 

[Viva_Zapata]

People moving Twal are absolutely tripping.

 

[Tigerstigerstigers]

I don't think Pole has been one of our strengths. The forwards have but not Pole. Frequent dropped balls and inconsistent, sometimes lazy defense. Also, Douehi is wasted on the bench. Both Jock and Adam have to be in the team. They are both playing extremely well so, as I've said many times, Luai back in at 6, Madden stays at 7 and Douehi to centre. Easy peasy. No dilemma! Having said all that, I think Benji, sadly, will pick Jock at 14.

While I agree the good news is he is definitely back on the up in respect to his form . Over due but he’s playing much better . I’m hearing he wants to stay as well

 

[upthetigers]

While I agree the good news is he is definitely back on the up in respect to his form . Over due but he’s playing much better . I’m hearing he wants to stay as well

Forget who think maybe Turuva but Pole kissed him after scoring a try. That looks like someone who wants to stay at the club.

 

[Viva_Zapata]

Last time Douehi played centre we didn't have forwards dominating like now, nor a genuine halfback digging into the line and putting the ball out in front. That, with his current form and confidence, he'd kill it now as a roving centre.

 

[Tim Sheens]

I really don’t know what they should do, but bunji so far doesn’t change a winning team. I know Luai is a strong leader for the club. I reckon Luai either sits out this game and rests his knee longer or he plays the 14 for this week. I reckon Luai would cop that fairly. This creates a great culture at the club. If we are going poorly against the donkeys u bring him on. If we smash them rest him. Keep the winners in, unless they screw up like Skelton!
Just my call

So Skelton goes, Makasini to his wing and Doueihi to centre accommodates our returning best five-eighth.

 

[Tired Tiger]

Don’t agree, Doubie has been our best player this season. He has earned his spot, and it’s his to lose. Keep winning and playing well, keep your spot!
Simples
Rest Luai another week, not hard really

AD needs to stay in our team but not at half back or 5/8 when Luai is fit.

AD is benefiting from having a proper half back in the team and good go forward.

He isn't an organiser, his kick game isn't accurate and is erratic. He doesn't dig into the line or get our players deep.

He is a good strong and effective runner with an improving passing game. He isn't a half back.

Keep him at 7 and we get a repeat of the South's game.

 

[Tired Tiger]

I like some of your ideas but Twal to the bench - there'd be an outcry! Douehi to centre with Madden at 7 is what I'd do.

Either or, not really fussed as long as Jock stays 7.

I think ADs ego is to big for both. The other thing that concerns me is as well as Benji is going this year he can be rather stubborn.

I have a feeling he will stick with AD and Jock will go back to the bench......

 

[stevied]

Either or, not really fussed as long as Jock stays 7.

I think ADs ego is to big for both. The other thing that concerns me is as well as Benji is going this year he can be rather stubborn.

I have a feeling he will stick with AD and Jock will go back to the bench......

You are correct on all counts I think. I want Madden at 7, I think, based on past history, Douehi expects and demands a half position and I think Benji may be a bit stubborn/ immovable.

 

[stevied]

While I agree the good news is he is definitely back on the up in respect to his form . Over due but he’s playing much better . I’m hearing he wants to stay as well

Madden? Great!

 

[crazycat]

Either or, not really fussed as long as Jock stays 7.

I think ADs ego is to big for both. The other thing that concerns me is as well as Benji is going this year he can be rather stubborn.

I have a feeling he will stick with AD and Jock will go back to the bench......

I don't like changing halfbacks.

I see AD had 7 on his back. I suspect he will stay 7 with Jock and Latu on the bench.

So:
Latu keeps developing and is happy at the club.
The team performs equally well with AD, which they won't because he doesn't have the Jock's kicking game.

I don't want to move AD to lock, particularly as Twal has found his position. Although a reserve lock, AD makes some sense.

 

[stevied]

Pole definitely has been the weakest of all forwards but I don't want to put Twal at front row. Mentally, he needs to keep his job the same and having Douehi at lock would make him think he needs to do more ball carrying instead of doing what he's doing now.

Douehi imo is not a good centre either. He's a very good playmaker and he has certain strengths. He needs options inside and outside him whereas at centre he only has one option outside him.

What to do then?

 

[old_man_tiger]

Have been on all sides of this debate, now gotta trust Benji.
My only hope is no changes to the pack and if Sam is injured then something simple like Tony S or Seyfarth in.
Very excited to see the team, get the sense coach will have genuine evidence to show they've earned it and that's a great position to be in.