Latu Fainu #282

[batboy]

I agree Tom, he deserves that chance. However, I feel that he's had a few bites at the cherry and missed his opportunity.

So in that case, who will be our long term hooker? Rumours are that Api is going to Perth to finish his career.

Now you’re just making shit up…
We’ve been playing Lanyon at hooker to rest Api, and have Haywood in development.
Very clear to all and sundry…

 

[Leck]

Thought it’s very clear,
Read it twice maybe?

I read it thrice, and it still confused me. However @Suzie-Q explained my mistake.

 

[Leck]

Now you’re just making shit up…
We’ve been playing Lanyon at hooker to rest Api, and have Haywood in development.
Very clear to all and sundry…

Lanyon is a good prospect and played some ok minutes against the Dragons, I think he played in the Titans game too.

Haywood hasn't played first grade though - but I might be wrong.

Regardless, they are still kids and don't have any runs on the board.

 

[batboy]

Lanyon is a good prospect and played some ok minutes against the Dragons, I think he played in the Titans game too.

Haywood hasn't played first grade though - but I might be wrong.

Regardless, they are still kids and don't have any runs on the board.

And API is still signed for another 18 months…
There are zero rumours of him going to the Bears since he resigned some time back.

 

[You Know Who]

I agree Tom, he deserves that chance. However, I feel that he's had a few bites at the cherry and missed his opportunity.

So in that case, who will be our long term hooker? Rumours are that Api is going to Perth to finish his career.

Name the times Latu has had a few bites of the cherry in the halves and missed his opportunity.

Or are you judging him based on being played out of position in a few scrap minutes?

 

[Tiger_claws]

I don't agree. You can't expect AD to play on song after a severe injury. Even Cleary has fallen apart in tough games and injuries, especially in Origin.

We won't make the 8 this year, so we might as well start blooding our youngsters. However, Latu isn't a half in my opinion. He will be Api's replacement at 9.

Latu is the best half at the club. Just needs some reps there at Nrl level. I respect your opinion but I disagree on AD. I totally understand the point of him only just coming back after injury but that doesn’t mean he should ball hog. I respect AD I really do & don’t want to slam the bloke but right now he should be at centre. Again just my opinion.

 

[cktiger]

AD kills our attack. He bombed opportunities against Cowboys & Raiders but because we won it doesn’t get mentioned. He is such a selfish player that needs to play centre. Latu needs to be the 7. He has to be given multiple games there because one off stop gap games are hindering his development. He didn’t just knock on the door yesterday he kicked it down, his performance should have him in at 7. Bula, Romey, Latu should be our 1,6,7 for the remainder of the year. If Benji rolls out either AD or Jock in the halves this week then he not only does it kills off this year but kills off development for next year as well.

We have scored three tries in the last two and he has scored two of them and set the other up.
What are the other guys doing?

 

[mtd#2]

AD kills our attack. He bombed opportunities against Cowboys & Raiders but because we won it doesn’t get mentioned. He is such a selfish player that needs to play centre. Latu needs to be the 7. He has to be given multiple games there because one off stop gap games are hindering his development. He didn’t just knock on the door yesterday he kicked it down, his performance should have him in at 7. Bula, Romey, Latu should be our 1,6,7 for the remainder of the year. If Benji rolls out either AD or Jock in the halves this week then he not only does it kills off this year but kills off development for next year as well.

He was the only reason we scored points in the first 10 round...

 

[Halbrowne61]

Fair enough Suzie, I just don't think he's a great half, however his body would be perfect for hooking.

I do agree that AD can be a hog at times and that's something that Benji as a coach needs to look at closely.

Before AD's injury he was on fire, even that try/injury where he dislocated his shoulder was gold.

AD can play 6, 7, 3, 4 and 1. He's an important asset. Latu is still learning his craft but I see him as a 9.

I believe the 9 is actually the most pivotal position in any team.

I think AD feels it’s on him to make things happen coz he doesn’t rate those around him ! Selfish in one way, honest in another!
Just my opinion, I think Latu is a ball playing 7 but won’t get near it as long as Luai and Douehi are there.

 

[Odessa]

Whilst this might be going down memory lane, Robbie Farah played most of his junior footy in the halves, however as his shape, height, and low centre of gravity changed, he was coached to play 9.

That worked out beautifully.

When I watch Latu play, I feel the same way. He has all the crafty and creative skills of both Robbie and Api combined, but he just needs to finesse his passing and kicking game.

Cam Smith has a 7 and Cronk a 9 go figure

 

[Tom Shines]

He was the only reason we scored points in the first 10 round...

He was certainly our best attacking player when we started the season well..

As a half though ..he is a very unorthodox one wouldn’t you agree ?

I think we need to find another spot for him …or if he needs shoulder surgery I’d even be tempted for him to get it as soon as they are definitely out of finals contention , which might be after one more loss

 

[mtd#2]

He was certainly our best attacking player when we started the season well..

As a half though ..he is a very unorthodox one wouldn’t you agree ?

I think we need to find another spot for him …or if he needs shoulder surgery I’d even be tempted for him to get it as soon as they are definitely out of finals contention , which might be after one more loss

Yes he is unrothodox, but it has been working.
I don't think Adam at #7 is the problem though, we have no structure or depth.
There are systematic issues within the side's structure.

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

I don't agree. You can't expect AD to play on song after a severe injury. Even Cleary has fallen apart in tough games and injuries, especially in Origin.

We won't make the 8 this year, so we might as well start blooding our youngsters. However, Latu isn't a half in my opinion. He will be Api's replacement at 9.

If Latu is viewed as a NRL hooker we are stuffed.
He will need a fitness, tackle technique and ball distribution massive overhall.

He will be totally wasted playing in the middle, everyday of the week he should be playing in the halves.

 

[Tom Shines]

There are systematic issues within the side's structure.

Yes there are …how are we addressing those ?

We need to consider who might be the best half moving forward next season …and that might mean giving Latu an opportunity at the position now ..I don’t see how there is a lot to lose at this stage