Here are some points from my perspective (got a bit carried away haha) …
Firstly, this season there is a big gap between our NRL players dropping back & our 20yos coming up from JF. This has been exascerbated by our large top 30 injury toll and chopping & changing our young guys to give them experience.
Ogden has ability especially in attack but is prone to the odd mistake especially in defence. I’d still consider promoting him to a T&T contract for next season (as I think he could improve training with the top squad. I see his development similar to Albert Hopoate at Raiders where patience & commitment is required.
Not sold on Peni. Has good qualities but was found out in defence and looks like he is not blessed with great speed which he would require to progress into NRL. I’d offer him NSW Cup contract next season.
Happy with the development of Reilly. He’s still learning how to play this level rugby league but looks like he possesses strength, skill & ok speed to be a decent centre. He just looks hesitant to use his strength in defence. A full pre-season and consistent NSW Cup game time again next year & he could be something for our top 17 in 2024.
Well Gildart surprised me. 5/8 could be his position. Still prone to come out of the line in defence and miss but was very impressed with his passing & running. If he isn’t moved on to the Dolphins next season, he could be a handy backup for Douehi (should be given the rest of this season to learn the position in case).
Not sold on Camroux. Despite his age, I always like halves to show some confidence, actually show something when they come up – acceleration, good kicking game, good passing. Haven’t seen any of the above. NSW Cup contract at best.
Jake Simpkin is becoming an enigma. Shows plenty of signs of ability, is a workhorse but his efforts in defence today left plenty of questions (has he been told where he stands at the Tigers). Based on today, I’d be happy with Korisau, Brown & Ngakuira above him (with Tannous the next in line).
I’d give Aitasi James a T&T for next season. Has the benefit of a few years on the likes of Maanaima but has power & effort, just prone to the odd defensive lapse. But he’s on an improvement curve and we need players of his type.
O’Kane is a slow burn. I think Tumeth will progress faster but O’Kane is worth persisting with as he has the attributes and is obviously lacks a bit of confidence to find the ball. He has the body shape that will fill out nicely in a strong hole-running backrower. Just lacks a bit of physicality in defence at this level. He should be maintained on a Development contract and have a full season in NSW Cup.
Liddle has the qualities for a good Lock just prone to effort lapses in defence. If we can’t offload him, this could be his position as depth for us next season. He is still a strong tackler, good/fast runner & decent ball skills.
Not sure about the potential of Maanaima and why he was given such little time today.
I would like to see us play for more offloads in our game moving forward too – this is another area that our club lacks & I’m sure Sheens/Marshall/Farah want to encourage it.
Also the Mounties’ 25yo backrower Dane Aukafolau caught the eye. For a part time player, gee he has some strength, speed, power & offload in his game. His full season stats are good too not just against our team. He could be worth a T&T. Was previously with Eels in NYC and then Manly.
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Suzie-QModerator