Vaalepu is an interesting one, has all the physical traits to be a good middle, is in what is supposed to be the best system in the NRL. What i have seen of him when he played first grade he looks very good, yet they seem to keep recruiting props to keep him out of the team....anyone watch enough QLD cup to offer an opinion?
Fair point TS. It's just the whole 'rob Peter to pay Paul' scenario. Yes AD would be the ideal depth right centre if To'a is injured but what happens if he's killing it at lock or half next season. I guess another unknown is whether Benji feels Makasini, Turuva, Bird or even Skelton are options at right centre.
AD will be playing 13. with the size he'll be required to put on he's going to be more of a backrower than he is a centre. Saukuru's also converted to the edge. we're losing Feledy, Faataape, Staines and likely Naden from the 30, Olam too if you count him. Makasini and May are getting upgrades, but as you can see, we're light on.
It's somewhat disappointing whatever has gone down between the club & Bud Sullivan too, obviously partially to get his $500K+ off our books with the halves we already have. But he would almost be the ideal bench player to play 15-20 mins at dummy half to give Api a break. The problem is his 2nd positional cover would be in the halves which we'll likely have AD/Latu on the bench to cover.
Andrew johns also says starford toa is the greatest thing to come out of newy unfortunately johnsys views are a bit tainted by various substances
They went all in on Ronaldo and tore apart an awesome team to afford him, been in decline ever since, now they're trying to build a winning team on value transfers. We can thank that muppet Andrea Agnelli for this disaster he caused all this. Elkan as well for allowing it as the owner. Sorry wrong thread. I'll stop now.
agree on Bud but his salary's just too high to carry on the bench. think he's better off at Souths where he's a good chance of being Cody's successor.
You do realise Andrews played 5/8 and was completely outplayed by his halfback, up until the half got a concussion with 10 to go and then he started contributing...?
With another big pre-season I think Hope can develop to be Api's understudy next season. He is one of the best hookers in NSW Cup.
I think Latu will be given every opportunity to play halfback with AD to do the bulk of his reps at 13. they might decide Latu isn't ready by R1 but it's prolonging the inevitable.
I'd honestly like a right centre to replace Toa and he be the depth centre if I am honest
Don't forget Perth come in 2027. So it may be a case where Mav wanted options to head there if he goes ok for us too
you don't rate him I take it?
Not defensively. And he's too hot and cold. I'd love someone with a higher workrate and played at a higher intensity like Taylan. The Broncos have Grant Anderson coming so Shibusaki, Arthurs and Deine Mariner are shooting out for limited spots. I'd kill for one of those three
Everyone would rate him higher if he could get through a season with no injuries, that's the only drawback.
