OFFICIAL Starford To’a #253

Funnily enough I think Samuela was effective last year because we had sezer and Galvin in the halves. Sezer whilst isn't amazing, he's a better number #7 than Luai, whilst Luai is a better #6. And Galvin could play off him as a ball running 6.

Its why I think Latu needs to move to 7.. I know he's traditionally a 6 but he has the qualities to be a good 7.. and it just isn't working with Luai there... Put Luai at 6 and I think Samuela and who ever our right edge ends up being - start looking alot more of an attacking threat
I tend to agree, luai at 6 is more potent. We just need a real 7 to jump out of the ground.
 
Funnily enough I think Samuela was effective last year because we had sezer and Galvin in the halves. Sezer whilst isn't amazing, he's a better number #7 than Luai, whilst Luai is a better #6. And Galvin could play off him as a ball running 6.

Its why I think Latu needs to move to 7.. I know he's traditionally a 6 but he has the qualities to be a good 7.. and it just isn't working with Luai there... Put Luai at 6 and I think Samuela and who ever our right edge ends up being - start looking alot more of an attacking threat
Whilst Sezer might be a more traditional 7, I don't think he's a better number 7 than Luai.

Most definitely at his peak. But overall, what we got out of Aidan last year vs what we're getting out of Luai this year, whilst very different, is probably a wash, at least to the eye test. And that may even be generous to Aidan. He wasn't wonderful.

Re; Samuela - I think he's building nicely. His type of trajectory is the way that great players are made in my opinion. Big first year, super impressive. Then reverting back to small, incremental increases as they grow into understanding more of the idiosyncrasies of not only their position on the field, but what it takes to play first grade each week. I fully expect him to continue to build into one of the better edges in the comp over the next couple of years. Long term, in 3 years, he'll be 23/4 with 5 seasons under his belt and considering what we've seen of him as a raw-boned rookie, he could be anything.

Personal opinion.
 
Whilst Sezer might be a more traditional 7, I don't think he's a better number 7 than Luai.

Most definitely at his peak. But overall, what we got out of Aidan last year vs what we're getting out of Luai this year, whilst very different, is probably a wash, at least to the eye test. And that may even be generous to Aidan. He wasn't wonderful.

Re; Samuela - I think he's building nicely. His type of trajectory is the way that great players are made in my opinion. Big first year, super impressive. Then reverting back to small, incremental increases as they grow into understanding more of the idiosyncrasies of not only their position on the field, but what it takes to play first grade each week. I fully expect him to continue to build into one of the better edges in the comp over the next couple of years. Long term, in 3 years, he'll be 23/4 with 5 seasons under his belt and considering what we've seen of him as a raw-boned rookie, he could be anything.

Personal opinion.

WHat Luai brings as a player, on the whole, he is head over heels above Sezer..

I just think how he has played as a 7, in the traditional sense (comparing to a Joey johns or cooper Cronk) it's chalk and cheese. Where as Sezer had more of the 7 traits in his cap

But can agree to disagree no issues there mAte
 
Interesting… that wasn’t my recollection of his play apart from the Cowboys game …if I have some time today I might go back and check some highlights and stats of the games in the lead up to that game and after …. Any game in particular?
Probably start rd 8 v Manly and read the stat lines each week up to the 2nd cows game. If youre watching highlights again start rd 8. He was strong in 9,10 and 11 but not sure how often will feature on the highlights but when watching also pay attention to where we are conceding breaks and points on the highlights. Rd 11 he was our only player that looked like scoring but was held up. I believe there are a couple times over this period where Nofo scores after the defence bites in on Toa as a decoy (as he had been hard to stop all game prior) so look out for that as well.
 
Perfect example how quality in one position breeds quality in another. Turuva and toa are dual threats and keep the opposition in 2 minds, they make each other look great...now if we had an edge forward inside of them to draw defenders that duo would be unstoppable.
See his stats above when he was playing between Wakeham and Nofoaluma. Its not the addition of Turuva.
 
WHat Luai brings as a player, on the whole, he is head over heels above Sezer..

I just think how he has played as a 7, in the traditional sense (comparing to a Joey johns or cooper Cronk) it's chalk and cheese. Where as Sezer had more of the 7 traits in his cap

But can agree to disagree no issues there mAte
I agree, I was being generous to Sezer.
 
That's a fair argument.

So you were more pointing out the areas he is still not excelling, rather than his outstanding output so far. Fair enough.

It's probably a little more accurate though to look holistically if we're making comparisons in my opinion, because if he's doing better than current 'elite' centres in other metrics, maybe that brings the gap a lot closer.
The question marks I have over him are one, consistency and two, work rate. A guy like Critta has put years of good footy together while not being the most involved centre. While Herby is your classic energetic player, always on the stats sheet.

To’a has played really good footy this year after glimpses in the past. I suppose it makes his contract negotiations a bit trickier.
 
Even having to discount him being in elite company is OTT. He’s had a couple good games, and he’s still contracted for next year. I don’t understand the fuss over needing to extend him ASAP.
Forget the Nov1 BS...just like Galvin,someone is negotiating on other clubs behalf rite now
Need to be ahead of the game,particularly when theyres not exactly a conga line at our front door for replacements
 
Forget the Nov1 BS...just like Galvin,someone is negotiating on other clubs behalf rite now
Need to be ahead of the game,particularly when theyres not exactly a conga line at our front door for replacements
I don’t see To’a being the kind of player clubs would be looking to poach 18 months out. Some of you need to cool your jets with this guy. He’s starting to get talked up like he’s an origin player. And I like him, but let’s not go crazy.
 
So you would choose Mariner ahead of To’a.
I would too, he’s faster and a more dangerous attacking player.
I think that's kinda the wrong way to think of it.

Starford + Turuva is working. Ok it's working better then AD/whoever benji picks + Skelton/whoever's not injured.

I woudln't break the combo. infact I would coach and strongly encourage combo's as I don't think our players have a feel for the players around them. Knowing when to move in with defense and when to trust the guy next to you is invaluable.
 
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