OFFICIAL Solomone Saukuru #313

[LeichhardtTiger]

He goes missing a lot. The last Turbo Try, he was nowhere in the line. Yes, he did a nice legs tackle on Teddy but seemed all at sea for most of the game. In attack, he had limited opps. The obstruction try was nice to see in terms of his courage to take them on, running a terrific line. But he didn't get many chances. Donohue seemed happy to bypass him in the 2nd half. Still a work in progress.

 

[Tigers_Wests]

Evident again tonight, if Saukuru does not learn how to tackle a) using his shoulder, and b) copybook tackles around the legs, he will not fulfil his ability. Benji & coaches, FFS get Solo some specific coaching in this area.

Yep, agreed. Surely our coaches can see it...now they need to get planning and start sorting it in the pre-season.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Do we have the coaching staff that can teach this guy (and many others) how to defend at this level?
I see zero evidence so far that we do.

Not to this point. It has to from this point forward with a new Pathways Coaching Director & Asst Coach (Defence).

Saukuru’s weakness is glaringly obvious. If he isn’t given specific coaching in this area, I would be a combination of gobsmacked, disappointed & angry.

 

[jadtiger]

Not to this point. It has to from this point forward with a new Pathways Coaching Director & Asst Coach (Defence).

Saukuru’s weakness is glaringly obvious. If he isn’t given specific coaching in this area, I would be a combination of gobsmacked, disappointed & angry.

I am sure any other club in the NRL would be working overtime on his defence during the off season however with Benji running things that may not be the case (sigh).

 

[TheEnz]

Seems to have the goods in attack and always runs a solid line and positions himself well. As most have stated he really needs to work on his defence, he is a big body, just needs to use his shoulders.

 

[fjdiehard]

Evident again tonight, if Saukuru does not learn how to tackle a) using his shoulder, and b) copybook tackles around the legs, he will not fulfil his ability. Benji & coaches, FFS get Solo some specific coaching in this area.

Agree. Let in two tries . Shame he is very good in attack , threatens the line every time he runs onto the ball

 

[Telltails]

I think he has plenty of upside. Great experience for him playing against the best. Some defensive lapses but very few young centres transition without getting exposed at times in D - even the best will be beaten against quality opposition. The expectations on young players needs to be realistic.

 

[Tiger Stripes]

I think he has plenty of upside. Great experience for him playing against the best. Some defensive lapses but very few young centres transition without getting exposed at times in D - even the best will be beaten against quality opposition. The expectations on young players needs to be realistic.

Agree, look what happened to Makasini.
Hopefully Averillo and May can stay healthy long enough for Saukuru and Makasini learn [from our expert coaches] how to stay alert, mark-up, size up and muscle up?

 

[Speed2burn]

I think he has plenty of upside. Great experience for him playing against the best. Some defensive lapses but very few young centres transition without getting exposed at times in D - even the best will be beaten against quality opposition. The expectations on young players needs to be realistic.

Agree, there is a player in him. If we gave up on him so easily he would probably carve up elsewhere. Last night against a team full of origin players he had his usual lapses in defense but I thought he carried the ball well in attack

 

[Oldman]

Agree, look what happened to Makasini.
Hopefully Averillo and May can stay healthy long enough for Saukuru and Makasini learn [from our expert coaches] how to stay alert, mark-up, size up and muscle up?

Agree
If Saukuru and Makasini are going to be centre’s for our future they should be working on their defence 💯 and applying their trade in ressies until they are anywhere near NRL level.
Because IMO they are no where near that from what I have seen from both of them.

 

[Spacecub]

I've seen enough of him to say we need to piss him off, if you get to this level and you still can't defend, it ain't going to happen

 

[Tiger_claws]

As everyone has said he runs great lines. He had Staggs all over the place & had him beaten multiple times. He created that space for his winger because he had both Staggs & Turbo second guessing themselves. The try conceded when he just stuck out his arm was disappointing but not unexpected. A definite keep though. I wouldn’t let him touch a ball this off season until he nails his defence

 

[orange&black]

Edge players need great technique in D as they often have players coming at them who have had room to wind up or multiple attackers as part of set plays or block plays with decoy runners etc. They also often don’t have as much support in D and need to effect solid 1on1 tackles. They need foot speed, strength, good footy IQ, tackle skills, communication skills, focus and plenty of intent in collision. They need the desire to attack with their D for 80 mins.
The really good centres are very difficult to get past.
Ultimately as much as many of the above required skills can be trained and coached, some are purely genetic and if you don’t possess them, you’re never going to be the full package.