OFFICIAL Pathways - KOE General Discussion

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cobarcats
  • Start date Start date
As in the last 4 years our KOE cup team is deadset crap, applying zero pressure to any of the first grade team…look at the Dogs, we are no where near that level…tgey should sack the underperforming playing group with the coach and start again
 
Magpies lost 52-26 to Manly this afternoon. Watched the game on Bar TV and was getting excited after 15 mins that this team had turned the corner. I could say so much, mostly negative, but I don't have the time so here are a few points.

- Made Brandon Wakeham look like Adam Reynolds and Raymond Vaega always plays like Brian To'o against us.
- Reuben Porter, deadset shithouse performance, at least 2 dreadful efforts in defence for line breaks to Manly for tries, crucified a try late with an unnecessary attempted flick pass.
- We looked good when Vaka Aho, Kit Laulilii & Jaxson Rahme were on as our middles (first 20 mins, last 20 mins). All 3 played well and were our best in a well-beaten team along with Faataape.
- A number of Manly's tries were scored off poor individual efforts. Tui'tupou too far in from the wing, Faataape 1-on-1 miss, Mason blundered a kick through another try on a platter for Manly, Hope 1-on-1 miss and Porter see above.
- Faataape actually was visibly pissed at himself for the miss and dug deep to make amends & scored two strong tries.
- Tavana looks better than Mason at fullback.
- Our new backrower Elie El-Zakhem also looked good off the bench in his 1st game. Physically he looks a decent backrow depth prospect with ball skills (and more intent than Porter).
- Tui'tupou made a few handling errors too and also countered it with some strong carries and a long break. Rocks'n diamonds, older version of Junior Tupou maybe.
- Tim Johannssen via the eye test has gone a bit backwards from last season, not as many PCM and struggles to win the contact in D but effort is still there. IMO not being used right & possibly spent too much time on fitness in pre-season rather than gym for strength & power???
- Something is not working on the coaching side. On paper this side is much better than the results it is dishing out and the 'air in the team's balloon' seems to be sucked right out when things go against us in games - visible lack of intent & IQ around the 20 min of games.
- Heath Mason is on a Dev contract for this year (nowhere have I seen that he shifts to top 30 next year). He has a lot to prove over the coming months to be in the running for a top 30 IMO. At the moment, his form is more aligned to a T&T for next year.
- Thought Jaxson Rahme was very good at lock and Aho & Laulilii keep improving as our starting middles. A lot to like there.

Be interested in other's thoughts on this game.
I saw El Zakhem a few months ago training with Rahme

Another cedar.
Wonder where Tasipale went ?
 
The last decent coach we had in reserves was Gardner and they (think it was Madge) got rid of him because he was becoming too much of a threat to his coaching style 😜
But in all seriousness … this is just rubbish and as I said in number of my earlier posts our pathways coaching, development of players and identification of talen is just plain atrocious.
We have one of if not the biggest catchment areas to pick from for NRL talent and we get year after year poor Pathways results and coaching.
That is one if our major Achilles and needs to change drastically for us to become a successful development club such as Penrith, Raiders and Parra have on line.
 
The last decent coach we had in reserves was Gardner and they (think it was Madge) got rid of him because he was becoming too much of a threat to his coaching style 😜
But in all seriousness … this is just rubbish and as I said in number of my earlier posts our pathways coaching, development of players and identification of talen is just plain atrocious.
We have one of if not the biggest catchment areas to pick from for NRL talent and we get year after year poor Pathways results and coaching.
That is one if our major Achilles and needs to change drastically for us to become a successful development club such as Penrith, Raiders and Parra have on line.
Sheens got rid of Gardiner to bring in some old boys, it was a shit decision nearly as bad as bringing Bateman over from the old dart.
 
Magpies lost 52-26 to Manly this afternoon. Watched the game on Bar TV and was getting excited after 15 mins that this team had turned the corner. I could say so much, mostly negative, but I don't have the time so here are a few points.

- Made Brandon Wakeham look like Adam Reynolds and Raymond Vaega always plays like Brian To'o against us.
- Reuben Porter, deadset shithouse performance, at least 2 dreadful efforts in defence for line breaks to Manly for tries, crucified a try late with an unnecessary attempted flick pass.
- We looked good when Vaka Aho, Kit Laulilii & Jaxson Rahme were on as our middles (first 20 mins, last 20 mins). All 3 played well and were our best in a well-beaten team along with Faataape.
- A number of Manly's tries were scored off poor individual efforts. Tui'tupou too far in from the wing, Faataape 1-on-1 miss, Mason blundered a kick through another try on a platter for Manly, Hope 1-on-1 miss and Porter see above.
- Faataape actually was visibly pissed at himself for the miss and dug deep to make amends & scored two strong tries.
- Tavana looks better than Mason at fullback.
- Our new backrower Elie El-Zakhem also looked good off the bench in his 1st game. Physically he looks a decent backrow depth prospect with ball skills (and more intent than Porter).
- Tui'tupou made a few handling errors too and also countered it with some strong carries and a long break. Rocks'n diamonds, older version of Junior Tupou maybe.
- Tim Johannssen via the eye test has gone a bit backwards from last season, not as many PCM and struggles to win the contact in D but effort is still there. IMO not being used right & possibly spent too much time on fitness in pre-season rather than gym for strength & power???
- Something is not working on the coaching side. On paper this side is much better than the results it is dishing out and the 'air in the team's balloon' seems to be sucked right out when things go against us in games - visible lack of intent & IQ around the 20 min of games.
- Heath Mason is on a Dev contract for this year (nowhere have I seen that he shifts to top 30 next year). He has a lot to prove over the coming months to be in the running for a top 30 IMO. At the moment, his form is more aligned to a T&T for next year.
- Thought Jaxson Rahme was very good at lock and Aho & Laulilii keep improving as our starting middles. A lot to like there.

Be interested in other's thoughts on this game.
Very good summation as always BlackWhiteGold.
Only player I disagree with you on is Heath Mason.
He might not be a fullback long term, but I think he has plenty of upside with his high energy style of play and always running the ball with plenty of intent.
I agree with you in saying Faatape at least tries hard to make up for his errors such as defensive misses etc, but I suppose you have to ask the question does he have more upside and NRL potential than our Flegg centres in Saukuru and Max Taotua who are both much bigger bodies?
The other thing I don’t understand is we already have two smaller attack minded hookers in Korisau and Da Silva, when recruiting a 3rd string hooker why do we want another one with similar traits ? Surely a bigger bodied hooker who is very strong defensively would be the better option as a point of difference for our NRL team when required ?
We already have this type of player in Bailey Hodges who was developing nicely and showing plenty of potential.
We have since shat on him giving him no game time.
 
Last edited:
The last decent coach we had in reserves was Gardner and they (think it was Madge) got rid of him because he was becoming too much of a threat to his coaching style 😜
But in all seriousness … this is just rubbish and as I said in number of my earlier posts our pathways coaching, development of players and identification of talen is just plain atrocious.
We have one of if not the biggest catchment areas to pick from for NRL talent and we get year after year poor Pathways results and coaching.
That is one if our major Achilles and needs to change drastically for us to become a successful development club such as Penrith, Raiders and Parra have on line.
90% of our players who play NSW Cup go backwards at a rapid rate. It’s been this way for the past 3 seasons and not showing any signs of improvement.
It has to be a combination of poor talent ID, poor coaching and poor player development.
 
Very good summation as always BlackWhiteGold.
Only player I disagree with you on is Heath Mason.
He might not be a fullback long term, but I think he has plenty of upside with his high energy style of play and always running the ball with plenty of intent.
I agree with you in saying Faatape at least tries hard to make up for his errors such as defensive misses etc, but I suppose you have to ask the question does he have more upside and NRL potential than our Flegg centres in Saukuru and Max Taotua who are both much bigger bodies?
The other thing I don’t understand is we already have two smaller attack minded hookers in Korisau and Da Silva, when recruiting a 3rd string hooker why do we want another one with similar traits ? Surely a bigger bodied hooker who is very strong defensively would be the better option as a point of difference for our NRL team when required ?
We already have this type of player in Bailey Hodges who was developing nicely and showing plenty of potential.
We have since shat on him giving him no game time.
Look I hope Mason comes good, he certainly has the talent and speed but from what I have seen this season is not top 30 material YET. He doesn't look a natural fullback and has cost the Magpies 2 or 3 tries this season with dropped balls laid on a platter for tries. Personally would rather he be allowed to play 5/8 for the rest of the season with some cameos at dummyhalf to give Hope a rest to see his utility value.

Agree on Hodges. He was one of our best in Cup last year at only 21yo, apparently trained really well in pre-season but has dropped down pecking order behind Hope & Lovodua and been pushed into lock/backrow during trials. Not knowing what goes on behind-the-scenes, Bailey Hodges is being let down by the coach's selections. I'd put money on if he was given an opportunity at hooker in tandem with Hope, he would kill it!
 
Magpies lost 52-26 to Manly this afternoon. Watched the game on Bar TV and was getting excited after 15 mins that this team had turned the corner. I could say so much, mostly negative, but I don't have the time so here are a few points.

- Made Brandon Wakeham look like Adam Reynolds and Raymond Vaega always plays like Brian To'o against us.
- Reuben Porter, deadset shithouse performance, at least 2 dreadful efforts in defence for line breaks to Manly for tries, crucified a try late with an unnecessary attempted flick pass.
- We looked good when Vaka Aho, Kit Laulilii & Jaxson Rahme were on as our middles (first 20 mins, last 20 mins). All 3 played well and were our best in a well-beaten team along with Faataape.
- A number of Manly's tries were scored off poor individual efforts. Tui'tupou too far in from the wing, Faataape 1-on-1 miss, Mason blundered a kick through another try on a platter for Manly, Hope 1-on-1 miss and Porter see above.
- Faataape actually was visibly pissed at himself for the miss and dug deep to make amends & scored two strong tries.
- Tavana looks better than Mason at fullback.
- Our new backrower Elie El-Zakhem also looked good off the bench in his 1st game. Physically he looks a decent backrow depth prospect with ball skills (and more intent than Porter).
- Tui'tupou made a few handling errors too and also countered it with some strong carries and a long break. Rocks'n diamonds, older version of Junior Tupou maybe.
- Tim Johannssen via the eye test has gone a bit backwards from last season, not as many PCM and struggles to win the contact in D but effort is still there. IMO not being used right & possibly spent too much time on fitness in pre-season rather than gym for strength & power???
- Something is not working on the coaching side. On paper this side is much better than the results it is dishing out and the 'air in the team's balloon' seems to be sucked right out when things go against us in games - visible lack of intent & IQ around the 20 min of games.
- Heath Mason is on a Dev contract for this year (nowhere have I seen that he shifts to top 30 next year). He has a lot to prove over the coming months to be in the running for a top 30 IMO. At the moment, his form is more aligned to a T&T for next year.
- Thought Jaxson Rahme was very good at lock and Aho & Laulilii keep improving as our starting middles. A lot to like there.

Be interested in other's thoughts on this game.
I've said on a number of occasions, Mason is not a fullback. You just can trust him to defuse a contested bomb! This must mentally effect those putting a big effort around him. Not good.
When will the penny drop for our coach/selectors? Nice guy etc. BUT Not at fullback.

Faataape does not tackle head on. Lets them pass and does a last ditch tackles around the legs. Looks OK when it comes off. But too often they either get the pass away, are too quick for him or to smart?
He tries hard but IMO his ability has peaked and not quite NRL level. A fill in at best.
 
I've said on a number of occasions, Mason is not a fullback. You just can trust him to defuse a contested bomb! This must mentally effect those putting a big effort around him. Not good.
When will the penny drop for our coach/selectors? Nice guy etc. BUT Not at fullback.

Faataape does not tackle head on. Lets them pass and does a last ditch tackles around the legs. Looks OK when it comes off. But too often they either get the pass away, are too quick for him or to smart?
He tries hard but IMO his ability has peaked and not quite NRL level. A fill in at best.
Anybody know how long the Tautoa bros are contracted for.
 
"We’ve got a number of guys in NSW Cup who are NRL players and that’s what you want and that’s how you build a successful club,” he said.

“Anytime Canterbury has been successful in the past it’s had strong NSW Cup teams and Jersey Flegg teams and that’s what we’re trying to build and we feel like we’re getting closer."

- Cameron Ciraldo

We still have plenty of catch up to do
 
The last decent coach we had in reserves was Gardner and they (think it was Madge) got rid of him because he was becoming too much of a threat to his coaching style 😜
But in all seriousness … this is just rubbish and as I said in number of my earlier posts our pathways coaching, development of players and identification of talen is just plain atrocious.
We have one of if not the biggest catchment areas to pick from for NRL talent and we get year after year poor Pathways results and coaching.
That is one if our major Achilles and needs to change drastically for us to become a successful development club such as Penrith, Raiders and Parra have on line.
I think a few people are being hard on our pathways teams, our Laurie Daly and Andrew johns teams, were in the Grand final and semis, then with the Matthews Cup and SG Ball teams, take in consideration that we are the only team that has there teams split into two, ie Balmain and Wests, and if we had a combined team, we would be alot higher, however I feel better to leave as, as it gives more opportunities for players to develope and come through. We also have our feeder club Ryde Eastwood, there going well in Massey Cup , not so well in Shield. Jersey Flegg are in the top 8, and beat Manly this weekend well to leapfrog them, and our Knock on team has not gone well for a few years now, we were once regulary into the finals in the Sheens era, however in recent years, we seem to go well in Flegg, and then we promote all our youngers players to Knock on, there not really ready for it. Maybe they should leave the younger ones in Flegg, let them get into the finals and then promote them, the following year. Most of the current Knock on team could be playing Flegg, players like Matamua, Tannous, Wilson are all playing in Massey cup.
 
Elie El-Zakhem is an interesting one. Was a starting second rower for Castelford all of 2024.

With a couple of games under his belt he probably could be a strong chance of nrl later in the year, experience at that next level, big solid second rower.

Be interesting to see how he goes
For sure. I thought he was an NRL prospect a couple of seasons ago when he was at the Roosters & played for Lebanon at the World Cup. IMO he's a level above a Reuben Porter so if he's committed to an NRL dream, he could become a good depth prospect for the backrow.

If I was Aaron Payne, I'd be promoting him to the starting lineup in Cup this week and shift Porter to the bench (Porter as a rocket for his performance yesterday).
 
"We’ve got a number of guys in NSW Cup who are NRL players and that’s what you want and that’s how you build a successful club,” he said.

“Anytime Canterbury has been successful in the past it’s had strong NSW Cup teams and Jersey Flegg teams and that’s what we’re trying to build and we feel like we’re getting closer."

- Cameron Ciraldo

We still have plenty of catch up to do

I’m expecting Richo to force some changes soon.
We cannot continue to be uncompetitive and poor results anymore.

Winning needs to be in the dna of every grade. It’s a culture change we must perform.

Our development structure is wrong and needs to be fixed.
 
I’m expecting Richo to force some changes soon.
We cannot continue to be uncompetitive and poor results anymore.

Winning needs to be in the dna of every grade. It’s a culture change we must perform.

Our development structure is wrong and needs to be fixed.
Our NSW Cup Team has been leaking plenty of points virtually every game for 3 years and although they can score some points, our Flegg Team has also been poor defensively over the past 3 seasons.
We have had and still have plenty of players during this time that have good qualities in certain areas of their games, but also areas not up to standard that need plenty of attention and improvement.
Granted some players have bad attitudes and can’t be helped, but our failure rate is too high for it to be a coincidence.
Incoming fringe player talent ID and players placed on Train & Trial and Development Contracts also plays a big part of this problem.
This is no different to most other clubs, the difference being the success rate of other clubs fixing their emerging players problem areas and turning them into NRL players has been much higher than ours.
This being the case there is a definite development problem within our club and regardless of how good our top 17 is, we will not have the required depth to become a genuine top 8 team until this is acknowledged and rectified.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top