OFFICIAL SG Ball Cup

[Kelce68]

What a load of rubbish !
In the last two or three years - our catchment has produced - Makasini, Da Silva, Galvin, the Large brothers, Mason, Tavana ...

Despite your insufferable doom & gloom (cheered on by your little groupy - The Fisherman) there’s talent across both the Wests & Balmain squads. You watch, there will be a couple of wins this weekend 🤣 (Wests play Balmain on Saturday)

The problem is Wests Ts seeming inability to hold on to the talent - and that has nothing to do with HBG

At the same time, we've pinched quality talents like the Fainus, Attard, Logan Brookes, Andrews, etc, from other systems, just on the verge of pushing into senior footy.

This stuff is multi-facetted and as a club, I reckon we're doing pretty well.

 

[Vicious]

To be fair mate , it’s really hard for edge players to show much if thier halves aren’t great in juniors .
The Balmain halves , with Godinet , Tapau Moors and Havea , I’d love to see how that one goes. We won’t see it until flegg but yea .
My guess is that the 3 mentioned plus many others who will be apart of the flegg setup are probably treated Sgball as a lengthened pre season .
I find that a bit frustrating though , as I’d like to think that they would come back and excel at thier age groups footy .
Who knows , it might be a club directive that it’s a long season and the older competitions are where we are putting our emphasis this year .

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Christian Taiupau-Moors and Phoenix Godinet look to be players that play much better with and against better quality players.
They both showed they were up to NSW Cup standard late last season and they should only be better for that experience.
The Wests Magpies SG Ball team have a few more good quality players aside from these 2 and Havea Jr, however I think they are struggling in a couple of positions which is never easy to carry.
Adding their young, but highly talented halfback Curtis Lakeman is virtually carrying the spine. Lakeman is a better prospect than the 2 current Balmain halves in my opinion.

 

[Tigerstigerstigers]

At the same time, we've pinched quality talents like the Fainus, Attard, Logan Brookes, Andrews, etc, from other systems, just on the verge of pushing into senior footy.

This stuff is multi-facetted and as a club, I reckon we're doing pretty well.

ok i will say it. i think we have a premiership window opening up.

 

[Lestronge]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Christian Taiupau-Moors and Phoenix Godinet look to be players that play much better with and against better quality players.
They both showed they were up to NSW Cup standard late last season and they should only be better for that experience.
The Wests Magpies SG Ball team have a few more good quality players aside from these 2 and Havea Jr, however I think they are struggling in a couple of positions which is never easy to carry.
Adding their young, but highly talented halfback Curtis Lakeman is virtually carrying the spine. Lakeman is a better prospect than the 2 current Balmain halves in my opinion.

I think that Balmain are better coached/ have implemented systems that seem to be getting though to the kids . To go from Shane sultana to Roy Asotasi , and really let’s be honest , have a much weaker team on paper , but they appear to be in and amongst it , there has to be something going on at Balmain .
This needs to be emulated/replicated at wests . Even if it is sacking the coach . They sacked the Flegg coach last year , and that appeared to be the right decision . I’m not advocating for this btw , but there’s a lot of names in that SG ball side and they really shouldn’t be struggling like they currently are .
Or maybe the cream has been taken out of this age group already . I mean in a perfect world we stack one of those does Balmain or wests and the others is wests tigers2. But that would piss off too many people .
We’d have a much more competitive team though instead of halving our bets .

 

[Vicious]

I think that Balmain are better coached/ have implemented systems that seem to be getting though to the kids . To go from Shane sultana to Roy Asotasi , and really let’s be honest , have a much weaker team on paper , but they appear to be in and amongst it , there has to be something going on at Balmain .
This needs to be emulated/replicated at wests . Even if it is sacking the coach . They sacked the Flegg coach last year , and that appeared to be the right decision . I’m not advocating for this btw , but there’s a lot of names in that SG ball side and they really shouldn’t be struggling like they currently are .
Or maybe the cream has been taken out of this age group already . I mean in a perfect world we stack one of those does Balmain or wests and the others is wests tigers2. But that would piss off too many people .
We’d have a much more competitive team though instead of halving our bets .

I’m not sure if coaching is the problem.
Wests Magpies SG Ball just look to lack quality in a couple of positions, including a couple of key positions and it can be very hard to overcome no matter how good the coaching is.
Put the Large brothers, Thomas Goodfield, Tyson Walker, possibly Alex Isdale, Ali Karnib, Maddox Fui and Stirling Faumui back in that team and I’m pretty sure they would be undefeated on top of the ladder.
That is 8 exceptional to good quality players lost to rival clubs from this team over the past 1-2 seasons and I’m sure there would be a couple of others that I have not mentioned.
No team will recover from losing 8 quality players from their line up.

 

[PrattenParkMagpie]

I think that Balmain are better coached/ have implemented systems that seem to be getting though to the kids . To go from Shane sultana to Roy Asotasi , and really let’s be honest , have a much weaker team on paper , but they appear to be in and amongst it , there has to be something going on at Balmain .
This needs to be emulated/replicated at wests . Even if it is sacking the coach . They sacked the Flegg coach last year , and that appeared to be the right decision . I’m not advocating for this btw , but there’s a lot of names in that SG ball side and they really shouldn’t be struggling like they currently are .
Or maybe the cream has been taken out of this age group already . I mean in a perfect world we stack one of those does Balmain or wests and the others is wests tigers2. But that would piss off too many people .
We’d have a much more competitive team though instead of halving our bets .

Bit early to tell which of the 2 teams may be better, this weekend will give a clearer insight into that...

You need to guage who the sides have played up to this point, in Ball 2 of 3 sides Wests have played are 3 from 3, the other is Newcastle and they are 2 from 3, their only loss being the Storm who are also 3 from 3, Balmain should be commended for their first up win but the fact is the CC Roosters are currently last having conceded 140 points.

It's a similar scenario in Matthews, Eels and Knights are both 3 from 3 and the Bunnies 2 from 3, for Balmain you have the CC Roosters (1 from 3) and the Eels (3 from 3).

 

[hammertime]

What a load of rubbish !
In the last two or three years - our catchment has produced - Makasini, Da Silva, Galvin, the Large brothers, Mason, Tavana ...

Despite your insufferable doom & gloom (cheered on by your little groupy - The Fisherman) there’s talent across both the Wests & Balmain squads. You watch, there will be a couple of wins this weekend 🤣 (Wests play Balmain on Saturday)

The problem is Wests Ts seeming inability to hold on to the talent - and that has nothing to do with HBG

Not completely, but the board does come into it. Of course it does. For a kid wanting to have a career, not just in football, but after life, that board does make an impact.

Media opportunities, financial advice, jobs for the boys.... I mean, Uncle Nick owns a bunch of car dealerships - you think that a few of them don't slide into sales roles? I can tell you, I know they do. You want to be a Yellow Brick Road broker? You've got Bouris there. Those opportunities are a big part of why Teddy left.

It's particularly relevant during those younger years when they are being guided by their parents, who get the importance of life after footy early.

... no idea how you separate HBG from WT. That's a big stretch... and maybe a reason why you keep arguing their case.

 

[Bellend]

There is a solid talent across Flegg,Ball,Matthews, but it is how West Tigers mold, extract that talent is the real issue because currently we are under funded compared to the Panthers, Eels, Roosters.

 

[wstigers11]

There is a solid talent across Flegg,Ball,Matthews, but it is how West Tigers mold, extract that talent is the real issue because currently we are under funded compared to the Panthers, Eels, Roosters.

Exactly

 

[Bus 2 Terrigal Lagoon]

I think that Balmain are better coached/ have implemented systems that seem to be getting though to the kids . To go from Shane sultana to Roy Asotasi , and really let’s be honest , have a much weaker team on paper , but they appear to be in and amongst it , there has to be something going on at Balmain .
This needs to be emulated/replicated at wests . Even if it is sacking the coach . They sacked the Flegg coach last year , and that appeared to be the right decision . I’m not advocating for this btw , but there’s a lot of names in that SG ball side and they really shouldn’t be struggling like they currently are .
Or maybe the cream has been taken out of this age group already . I mean in a perfect world we stack one of those does Balmain or wests and the others is wests tigers2. But that would piss off too many people .
We’d have a much more competitive team though instead of halving our bets .

Nonsense 🤷‍♂️

 

[Bus 2 Terrigal Lagoon]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Christian Taiupau-Moors and Phoenix Godinet look to be players that play much better with and against better quality players.
They both showed they were up to NSW Cup standard late last season and they should only be better for that experience.
The Wests Magpies SG Ball team have a few more good quality players aside from these 2 and Havea Jr, however I think they are struggling in a couple of positions which is never easy to carry.
Adding their young, but highly talented halfback Curtis Lakeman is virtually carrying the spine. Lakeman is a better prospect than the 2 current Balmain halves in my opinion.

It’s also worth factoring in that Lakeman is playing up a year

 

[Bus 2 Terrigal Lagoon]

As I’ve said previously, five of Souths seven tries against Wests on Saturday were scored on our left edge. Another was up the guts and the final try, with the game done and dusted was on the right.

Our left edge defence on Saturday was Tauaifaiga/Taai, Tiberti Lele & Richards. None of these guys are high profile members of the team (ie haven’t been hyped like some of their team-mates, although Cruz Tauaifaiga was recruited from Keebra Pk).

All the Magpie players being mentioned as prospects were on the other side or in the middle. Wests scored three tries: two on the right and one up the middle.

Bottom line - Wests have a weak left side.

 

[Jolls]

As I’ve said previously, five of Souths seven tries against Wests on Saturday were scored on our left edge. Another was up the guts and the final try, with the game done and dusted was on the right.

Our left edge defence on Saturday was Tauaifaiga/Taai, Tiberti Lele & Richards. None of these guys are high profile members of the team (ie haven’t been hyped like some of their team-mates, although Cruz Tauaifaiga was recruited from Keebra Pk).

All the Magpie players being mentioned as prospects were on the other side or in the middle. Wests scored three tries: two on the right and one up the middle.

Bottom line - Wests have a weak left side.

Is there a potential fix? Being rural I get my pathways info though here and the boys on the Wests Tigers Faithful Poddy so don't know enough to provide alternate options.

 

[Bus 2 Terrigal Lagoon]

Is there a potential fix? Being rural I get my pathways info though here and the boys on the Wests Tigers Faithful Poddy so don't know enough to provide alternate options.

Not too sure what options they have.

I really don’t like Tiberti & Lele together defensively.

Lele is a five eighth trying to play in the centres, while Tiberti (a former Canterbury player) is so slender he’s in danger of being lifted over the back fence by the slightest puff of wind.

In saying that, both these lads will probably have blinders this weekend. I wish them and their team mates all the best 👍

 

[426Tlgerland]

I’m not sure if coaching is the problem.
Wests Magpies SG Ball just look to lack quality in a couple of positions, including a couple of key positions and it can be very hard to overcome no matter how good the coaching is.
Put the Large brothers, Thomas Goodfield, Tyson Walker, possibly Alex Isdale, Ali Karnib, Maddox Fui and Stirling Faumui back in that team and I’m pretty sure they would be undefeated on top of the ladder.
That is 8 exceptional to good quality players lost to rival clubs from this team over the past 1-2 seasons and I’m sure there would be a couple of others that I have not mentioned.
No team will recover from losing 8 quality players from their line up.

There is the problem , losing top kids , this is the real problem , you can’t win games with left overs ,

 

[Bus 2 Terrigal Lagoon]

There is the problem , losing top kids , this is the real problem , you can’t win games with left overs ,

Would I be correct in saying we lost the Large brothers, Goodfield,Walker, Fui, etc (along with Galvin, DaSilva) while Richo was weaving his magic

 

[Lestronge]

Nonsense 🤷‍♂️

lol “magpies .. slob slob , gulp gulp , you’re the bestest ,slob slob , … everyone always picks on you …. Gulp gulp , slurp, slurp …. But I love you forever and ever and ever and ever …. No matter if the sky is falling ….. “
Jesus Christ bro … it’s embarrassing reading your posts . Get some perspective .

 

[Bus 2 Terrigal Lagoon]

lol “magpies .. slob slob , gulp gulp , you’re the bestest ,slob slob , … everyone always picks on you …. Gulp gulp , slurp, slurp …. But I love you forever and ever and ever and ever …. No matter if the sky is falling ….. “
Jesus Christ bro … it’s embarrassing reading your posts . Get some perspective .

Nice contribution.

 

[Vicious]

I’m not sure if coaching is the problem.
Wests Magpies SG Ball just look to lack quality in a couple of positions, including a couple of key positions and it can be very hard to overcome no matter how good the coaching is.
Put the Large brothers, Thomas Goodfield, Tyson Walker, possibly Alex Isdale, Ali Karnib, Maddox Fui and Stirling Faumui back in that team and I’m pretty sure they would be undefeated on top of the ladder.
That is 8 exceptional to good quality players lost to rival clubs from this team over the past 1-2 seasons and I’m sure there would be a couple of others that I have not mentioned.
No team will recover from losing 8 quality players from their line up.

And I forgot to mention Heamasi Makasini would be part of this team if he was not already promoted to NRL.
So the point is there is plenty of talent coming through our pathways, particularly within the Wests Magies junior reps, but it’s up to our NRL recruitment and pathways team to try and keep the best of them with us through to Jersey Flegg/NSW Cup or NRL levels.
I think we have been doing a reasonable job, but there is still plenty of room for improvement, particularly when you see some of the high profile young players have departed over the past couple of years.

 

[Jolls]

Would I be correct in saying we lost the Large brothers, Goodfield,Walker, Fui, etc (along with Galvin, DaSilva) while Richo was weaving his magic

To be fair I think most of the circumstances predated Richo but you are right it did happen on his watch. I admire Shaun's goal to produce the best pathways system in the world - it is a lofty goal but we need to break down what pathways really means.

Pathways in more than a means to get your best juniors into the NRL. Any approach focussed on that will have some wins but more losses. I believe pathways is about talent identification, recruitment as required, identification of the pathway, retention and support of those that drop off - no matter at what point they drop off.

When we have a wholistic system and players feel supported, especially if they drop out of the system, like most will, then we can realistically become a destination club as we can hold the system up as the gold standard for player care. It will provide the point of difference between us and other clubs.

Unfortunatley, it all takes time but as long as WT are able to undertake a process of spiral development/continuous improvement we are on route to achieving this aspect of being a top 4 club. There is plenty more to work on - but $ are limited at present.

This is a two way street - it is not just HBG that needs to change. Shaun needs to turn WT around and change the us v them attitude into "we" and HBG need to get over their reluctance to spend $ on WT and live up to the consitutional mandate to support rugby league in the region.

When HBG are coming to WT and asking how much more can we give to make it happen and WT say, no we have the resources we need, use that for other community needs will we have finally reached a mature state.

Long answer, but I really think we are at the start of the journey and if we can get both sides of the coin to act in the best interests of WT we will finally be able to address our ability to attract, maintain and convert our pathways players into NRL stars.