Latu Fainu #282

pawsandclaws1 said:
It is injury which has prevented Fainu from making his debut earlier. I have watched Fainu quite a few times; at WTs, at Manly and in the NSW U19s game where his sublime passing was on display. The club must also rate him highly to secure the early release from Manly for his services. Gould during commentary on our game a couple of weeks ago said Fainu is a NRL halfback. No doubt Marshall will work it out.
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No doubt 👍
 
bbobb said:
I am most interested in seeing his second year. Lots of players who have strong debut seasons seem to struggle in year 2. I think it’s mostly because they get worked out by rival clubs and need to develop new aspects to their game.
I believe his development will be a little restricted as he does seem to lack a yard or two of pace so his running game will have a lower ceiling than other parts of his game.
I too see him as potentially an elite 13. Play both sides of the ruck, first receiver, direct play and can run the ball if required. Yeo 2.0 but with a more threatening passing game.
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I'm hoping this will be one of the anticipated benefits of Luai's arrival, to take some heat off Galvin & some of our other youngsters, as they develop.
 
Vicious said:
I’ve already stated this on the Galvin thread, but it’s clear to everyone that Latu is too good to leave out of our starting 13.
The obvious answer is to play him as our 13, but we really don’t want him defending in the middle making 40 plus tackles per game, he’s not used to it and it’s hard to see his body handling it.
He could play reduced minutes in this role to help reduce the defensive workload, but again we ideally want him playing 80 minutes each game in 2025.
I believe the only way it can be effectively done is to name him as a centre, he defends as a centre, but plays as a 3rd playmaker style of fullback in attack.
This could be done with Bula defending as our fullback, but swapping and playing as a centre in attack,
If we have have a decent team around them, the attacking trio of Luai, Galvin and Latu could be brilliant and we could have the added luxury of Bula’s pace and attacking ability wider of the ruck as a centre.
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I'd rather Galvin at 13 than latu. Latu is too small
 
Vicious said:
I’ve already stated this on the Galvin thread, but it’s clear to everyone that Latu is too good to leave out of our starting 13.
The obvious answer is to play him as our 13, but we really don’t want him defending in the middle making 40 plus tackles per game, he’s not used to it and it’s hard to see his body handling it.
He could play reduced minutes in this role to help reduce the defensive workload, but again we ideally want him playing 80 minutes each game in 2025.
I believe the only way it can be effectively done is to name him as a centre, he defends as a centre, but plays as a 3rd playmaker style of fullback in attack.
This could be done with Bula defending as our fullback, but swapping and playing as a centre in attack,
If we have have a decent team around them, the attacking trio of Luai, Galvin and Latu could be brilliant and we could have the added luxury of Bula’s pace and attacking ability wider of the ruck as a centre.
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3 pronged attack with 6. Gavin 7. Luai 13 latu 🔥
 
Kaito said:
3 pronged attack with 6. Gavin 7. Luai 13 latu 🔥
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I can potentially see us using Sione and Latu to fill that 13 role next year. Start Sione for first 15 to 20 to take some sting out of the middle. Then Latu plays the remainder of the game and Sione can come back on for a 2nd half stint in the prop rotation. *if Sione signs on again with us of course.

Interesting pre-season ahead for Benji to work out where these guys fit.
 
Yossarian said:
I see L Fainu as a perfect 14 for the next season or so. Once Galvin fills out he’ll be a great 13. He’s got that Brad Fittler look about him, beautiful passing game and a big body.
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Latu coming off the bench playing the last 20 minutes or so of each half as a ball playing lock next year would be very, very good. He is also more than capable of covering hooker and centre.
 
Tigers_Wests said:
I can potentially see us using Sione and Latu to fill that 13 role next year. Start Sione for first 15 to 20 to take some sting out of the middle. Then Latu plays the remainder of the game and Sione can come back on for a 2nd half stint in the prop rotation. *if Sione signs on again with us of course.

Interesting pre-season ahead for Benji to work out where these guys fit.
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Beat me to it
 
Tigers_Wests said:
I can potentially see us using Sione and Latu to fill that 13 role next year. Start Sione for first 15 to 20 to take some sting out of the middle. Then Latu plays the remainder of the game and Sione can come back on for a 2nd half stint in the prop rotation. *if Sione signs on again with us of course.

Interesting pre-season ahead for Benji to work out where these guys fit.
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I'm surprised we haven't announced resigned sione yet... wonder why it's taking so long to get pen on paper?
 
Roar_Power said:
I dont think there is a top 30 spot freed up for him yet. I might be wrong.
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There's one i think.

Sometimes smart to space out the good news. It's important for signing momentum and the stories to tell to potential players. You can sign and leave on a shelve for right announcement timing.

Lets hope Richo just waiting a bit for the Stefano defection to die down.
 
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Tigers_Wests said:
I can potentially see us using Sione and Latu to fill that 13 role next year. Start Sione for first 15 to 20 to take some sting out of the middle. Then Latu plays the remainder of the game and Sione can come back on for a 2nd half stint in the prop rotation. *if Sione signs on again with us of course.

Interesting pre-season ahead for Benji to work out where these guys fit.
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Sione doesn’t fit that role.
 
I am not a fan of moving Galvin, the kid is a natural 5/8 and has made a point of being an exceptional player in that position. Do not ruin his progression or give him any incentive to leave.

On the other hand, L Fainu is only 19. Luai is here for 5 years. Fainu will be 24 by the end of Luai’s contract.

If he has owned the lock position, the team is winning and his brothers are here, I see no reason for him to go anywhere. They have the potential to establish a family dynasty together.

He would be guaranteed the starting halves jersey at the age of 24 with a long career ahead of him.

NRL is a funny game, if all three are excelling, Luai may get an offer from another club which would allow both to get an earlier crack at the halves.

Luai may do absolutely crap and need a fresh start elsewhere after a little while.

Who knows what happens, I say just enjoy the ride. I am sure the coaching staff have had numerous conversations with the players about where they see them
 
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