pawsandclaws1
Well-known member
Absolutely. Laurie is a tough player and has saved many tries with his defence. Let's be honest, with Doueih at 5/8, the benchmark is not high for defence but I have no doubt Laurie is a far better defender.
Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion
- Thread starter MacDougall
- Start date
K
Except from 10 metres out. My lord he kicked it dead that often I thought he was on the take there for awhile 😂
Tiger-ferret
Well-known member
I agree. I feel Laurie is caught out of position in defence as a number 1 but he has brought down much bigger players or saved a try number of times.
The Chad
Well-known member
I think Laurie is WILLING. Is he great? Is any smaller framed defender great? Probably not. But he'll have his bodyguards either side- Blore, Papali'i etc to assist.
I think the focus will be attack. Does he ADD to the attack? Probably.
AdelaideTiger
Well-known member
Yeah I think too many people here are confusing his poor positioning at fullback with being a poor defender. His tackling efficiency would be above average as a half. He defends in the line all the time, which is probably why he too often gets caught out of position.
Mighty_Tiger
Well-known member
AD is deceptive with his speed, he isn't a flash but he isn't a slug either - he also holds his speed over distance as well. Mix his actual speed with his strength it works in 1-1 or when he hits a defender side on well.
I think he could be a very very good centre but also can see why 5/8th & fullback is a calling option for him because of how effective he is with the ball in hand.
I also think Laurie skill set is under utilised & we could benefit from his agility & speed off the mark if he was closer to the ball.
Mighty_Tiger
Well-known member
In 22, Laurie had the hardest position in the NRL to deal with. Trying to organise people in defence, whilst trying to cover defensive weaknesses, defending in the line more than any other fullback and then trying to chime into the attack where we changed hookers/halves/backs every few weeks.
Yeah probably made more tackles than he should have at the back due to the line leaking like a sieve. I think he would do well in the 6 though, would like to see him more involved.
His defensive liabilities at the back lie in being caught out of position.
Mighty_Tiger
Well-known member
He showed positive signs he could defend in the line this year.
Hastings was fine in the middle, the issue was his foot/leg issues limiting him.
Staines a game changer - no, I wouldn't be putting expectations on the 20yr like that especially in a rookie year as fullback (if that's where he plays, maybe Ken talk could be for Staines), but do think he could offer us something different at the back not in a bad way.
earl
Well-known member
Maybe losing him is the right thing to happen as well. He is such a hard player to get a read on. At his best he is our captain and a guy who can turn games.
At his worst he is an overpaid liability in defense and drifts out of games all the time.
I think we have to stick with him but geez he should be paid for his performances and not on promise.
earl
Well-known member
Doueihi is a big body though who can hit. If he starts moving better he'll be a good defender. I agree his defense is atrocious right now but that can change.
pawsandclaws1
Well-known member
You mentioned previously about his renumeration. After the WC, I assume he'll be seeking an upgrade or upgraded offers from other clubs. It's a watershed moment for the club to let him leave. I don't believe he is worth more to WTs.
earl
Well-known member
You are correct. He also gets run over the top of. He isn't a big guy. It happens to Brooks who looks bigger than Laurie and he is a good defender.
tony soprano
Well-known member
Brandy confirmed today on radio
earl
Well-known member
I think he is overpaid now. He is being paid on potential.
There is so much upside though. When he runs the ball he consistently makes something happen. He can do a nice little offload in traffic plus he can ball play. He has an awesome bomb. The only one who can put up a better kick is Burton. He can throw a great long pass to his right.
I hope we keep him because if he gets his game together he can be a weapon.
It's such a tough decision though because of the money he is already on.
Roar_Power
Well-known member
Don't know if there'll be suitors paying an upgrade. He was red carded and will miss a match. Not the greatest stage for him so far....
earl
Well-known member
I'm assuming this is a done deal. It's an improvement for us.
Roar_Power
Well-known member
Very interesting that Staines is for 1 year only. A mere stop-gap solution it seems. Appears even the WT's dont see him as a viable long-term replacement. Maybe waiting for Teddy to recommit lol.
balmain boy
Well-known member
Stand corrected on Lui. He looked faster than I recalled. Not fast, but good acceleration over 10-20m, which is enough to make a break/score/try assist.