@Russell said:
That's just my opinion in answer to your opinion.
Quoting for conversation's sake
Yea I mentioned I was hesitant to include him, but I can't help but think that with proper management/development he wouldn't have wanted to leave in the first place. Either way, Naiqama-Fine is definitely more of a solid combination.
I've not seen a lot of Drinkwater but in that team I don't need a lot either, just an ability to play a steady, controlled game and kick to the corners/at goal. If he can do that he gets the nod, if not then it's Moses or Brooks in that order.
Akauola has a ways to go as an NRL player but he brings an undeniable X-factor to the side. He's a different body type, is more than capable of ball playing and has more utility value than Funaki (who I'd be reluctant to move from the back row anyway).
It's not a side that will likely get in the grind and defend its way to victory, but it's a side that could blow the other off the park in a matter of minutes and play good, recognizable Tigers footy.
It's also a side that would not have been held scoreless for 80 minutes by a near-reserve grade Cowboys team.
Koro is suspect under the high ball
Fine may lack the out and out speed of a top class centre
Austin lacks the ball playing instinct/ability of an NRL half
Drinkwater lacks the X-factor to break a game open
Cherrington lacks the experience to control a game for 80 minutes all season
Galloway lacks the leg speed/impact of a top class prop
Sue lacks the hands/hole running of a great edge forward
Ava can have defensive lapses around the middle of the ruck
Lodge hasn't yet learned how to use his frame/ball playing ability to advantage the team, or which arm to carry the ball with/not fend across himself
Akauola has constant defensive troubles and Funaki is completely untested.
I'm picking players who undoubtedly have their flaws, but they also have the most potential (bar Drinkwater), and it's the coaches job to help them realize it.
I can honestly say that I think this team would be travelling better than ours is at the moment, playing a better brand of footy, drawing better crowds/sponsors and likely at a cheaper cost. They might not have a better for and against, but that counts for nothing once you make the semi's.
Of course not everyone would agree but that's the beauty of a forum :slight_smile:
