@balmainjnr said in [Signing Suggestions & Rumours](/post/1449676) said:
This thread feels more and more like it was merged with the lament thread.
Let’s get it back on track.
I think we need a middle, 2 centres, a winger with pace and a good 2nd rower. Thompson and Lomax would be great signings for next year.
Luke Thompson, a dynamic second rower who can tackle , and a world class centre. Then these young guys just need to keep improving and we’re pushing the likes of Souths and Parra.
I think we’re still short a couple of top line players, but it’s probably an unrealistic expectation until we start winning games.
AD and Stef could become rep caliber. Brooks with better players around him is starting to play well. I really think we’re only about 3 short in the spots I mentioned. One of these hookers also needs to find consistency.
I think those two and Blore and Laurie could all be top players in the future. I think they need a couple of top line players around them though.
Both coming along ok. Laurie had a good season but realistically I don’t think his ceiling will get him into the top echelon of fullbacks. They’re just so good.
I think Laurie will go to another level when his combinations with our halves get more time. He’d also benefit from an improved backline
Just not sure he’s got the physical attributes of Teddy/Turbo, or the brilliance of Ponga/Paps.
If he could land in that next group of FB’s will do us.
I like him but he is never going to that level.
Good player, but the forum criminally overrates him.
Not really , he’s a rookie , and his ability under the high ball , and ability to make a player miss for such a small man , is truely unique . Even Ponga doesn’t do that , he beats you with deception and elusiveness. Laurie has this uncanny ability to have a 120kg behemoth fall off him or get bamboozled in tight spaces .
But his defensive communication , and general laziness / lack of elite fullback fitness , needs vast improvement .
IMO, this is what mbye offers over Laurie at the back. He’s far better at organising the numbers , and perpetually moving near the line . He will make the tackle , shift out of the way , slightly walk and then jog , adjacent to the play .
This could be experience as well. Laurie will get trapped at the ruck a lot , so it’s happy days for the grubber behind the line .
But mbye kills our attack , he’s never clicked in this team , for whatever reason . Hopefully Laurie can learn when to stay in the ruck close to the line , and when to drop out and begin following the ball .
I think in summary , it’s the potential that is what everyone is getting excited about ,I don’t think anyone can say he’s the finished product yet.
By the way it’s Turbo , then daylight to any other fullback . When teddy is out the roosters win, when turbo is out manly come 14th .
The eye test says this as well for me . Lattrell should have this kind of influence as well, but he’s just not fit enough unfortunately.