Because that level isn’t about winning primarily . It’s about development . So what seems crazy might be about seeing a certain player Inc retain situations they’re not usually exposed to .
Tigers_Wests
Well-known member
Yeah I agree this grade should be focusing on development. But a gun 17 year old kid who has been playing left centre all his junior career would benefit from developing his game against men in the position he is familiar with in my opinion. At least to begin with.
TV Ted Ellery
Well-known member
Very strong team apart from the 9 and 11, and to a lesser extent, the 12. This week, Payne won't leave Lovodua on for 80 again, rather Rahme will go to lock and Murray to hooker. With Hope expected to play firsts for the rest of the year, Hodges or Haywood would've been a better replacement since both are first grade prospects unlike Lovodua who is Ron Masey Cup standard.
Faataape on the bench suggests that either Makasini or May will be given an early mark.
BlackWhiteGold
Well-known member
Could be some late changes too if Heath Mason drops back.
TV Ted Ellery
Well-known member
I'm thinking Mason will be 18th man for firsts. It he does drop back, Mapapalangi will make way.
Ron Brodrick's Spirit
Well-known member
It's a rare position that our backs are so stacked that a bloke who has been a standout for the past couple of weeks can't even jag a place on the bench.
BlackWhiteGold
Well-known member
I reckon you're on the money with your last sentence there @rihannafan1
From the outside looking in, I think recruitment & consistency has helped our Cup & Flegg teams turn the corner.
Richo spruiked in the offseason about needing experience & depth in our NSW Cup squad after a horrendous season last year. We brought in the likes of Tristan Hope, Charlie Murray, Kurt Falls, Izaak Tu'itupou & Jaxson Rahme who have all been instrumental in the turnaround at Cup level.
We also recruited / brought in players through this season who filled a void to the type of player lacking. For example, Peter Taateo as a fast leg speed, powerful middle in Cup. And we desperately needed some size in the middle in Flegg after being manhandled early in the season and in come Elijah Maataale & Shaq Tavita, and the tide turns.
Our Flegg form has also coincided with Shane Sultana coming in as interim coach in May.
The other point is consistency. Both those teams have had very stable lineups since at least May, barring a couple here and there coming in and out. Cup has had a stable halves pairing in Falls & Mapapalangi and also forward pack. Flegg has also had a stable forward pack and class dummyhalf in Haywood to direct them around.
IMO with our consistent form in both grades, it wouldn't surprise me if 90% of our remaining recruitment for NRL, Dev and T&T comes from within. I think players in these grades know there are opportunities if they put in, week in week out, and their form is showing it.
BlackWhiteGold
Well-known member
Most likely but the way KMapz has been playing, personally I'd play Mason off the pine in Cup and start his adaptation to a utility to replace Lovodua after 25 mins and then play a bit at lock in the 2nd half.
rihannafan1
Well-known member
Thanks for replying. You watch all of this so you'd know. You mention the stable lineups. I think we also have decent depth at the Flegg and Cup level now so when injuries have come we've done alright, and come to think of it, have had far less injuries in NRL this year.
Joelcainenumber1fan
Well-known member
what does benji see in Zakhem over Rahme ??? i mean Zakhem in the top 30 now right ??? hes also starting over Rahme
Different positions, one more edge forward and one middle. However longer term Rahme better chance of progressing
weststigerman
Well-known member
At the Members day today Makasini trained at right centre while May was on the left.
BAGNF05
Well-known member
How many teams qualify for the playoffs in this comp?
They play different positions
Interesting as I’ve never seen Makasini play on the right, but geez it would make him even more valuable if he adapts and becomes an efficient right sided player.
Joelcainenumber1fan
Well-known member
Rahme can play anywhere in the forward pack and do well
and even on the tigers website hes listed at 2nd row
Wow!!! 1st time I've had a good look at the table.
Thanks tiger_one:
If the Mighty Magpies with -86 points and the Warriors are +34 points, this will be a great win.
BirchgroveTigers
Well-known member
Think it's nothing more than they want May to be left centre in first grade in the next 2-3 weeks so are giving him the spot there for now. Assume when May goes to first grade, Makasini will take left centre at NSW cup. Who knows what happens to Douiehi in NRL, though if he does get dropped down to NSW cup - he can play either side so would probably slot in on the right.
Do wonder long term though if May goes left wing and Makasini left centre, skelton to NSW cup. Good problem to have. Probably one for 2027 though. Not sure Makasini will be play week in week out NRL next year though.
