Team Selections

[innsaneink]

I think there is heaps of evidence he is unfit. 1\. Body shape 2\. Decision making 3\. Lack of involvement 4\. Lack of energy

I just hate the way he skips around…you got to run at gaps and commit defenders....we already have a player who thinks running across field is the go all it does is confuse your own players and take their space. Works in touch footy when there is only 7 players but not in nrl

Yep.
Looking to avoid contact, might work if you have the pace off the mark of a damien cook or james roberts.
Hes a 5/8, no fullback

 

[underdog]

Lolihea is by far his worst selection. The rest I can understand to an extent. Lolihea is unfit, lazy slow and cost us dearly today in a big game. I don’t care how many injuries there are - we can’t carry passengers . Kev would be better at the back if we refuse to move Thompson back . Ivan should be on the phone to Mbye now.

You can criticise his game all you like, but the barbs about his fitness are boring. There is no evidence to suggest he is unfit besides the fact he’s a little chubby. That’s just his body shape. What’s so hard to understand about that? As ordinary as Cleary’s team selections have been, I don’t think he would constantly persist with a guy in first grade who isn’t fit.

I have heard it all now - he is fit but he is a little chubbie. newsflash this is the NRL not Park footy !!!

So why’s the coach picking an unfit player then?

At least Kev Naiqama would have given 100% at Fullback today even knowing he's off to Super League -that guy has more heart than brains.

There were times there where Lolohea didn't have a crack. Josh Reynolds might get scolded for his penalty right on half time, however LOLO didn't even play at the kick in a contest, which directly lead to the next play.

I've been looking forward to a sharp Lolohea chiming in from fullback, and hitting the ball back with pace and I've been a staunch defender of Lolo's for months and months waiting patiently for him to find the form he was finding towards the end of last year.

As a fan, I'm now broken. He's got to go.

He's looking more heartless than Tim Moltzen at the moment - and that's a big call.
Unfortunately due to Injury to Nofoaluma he'll get a crack next week, but If I named the side it would be

1\. Thompson
2\. MWZ
3\. Fonua
4\. Marsters
5\. Naiqama

6\. Reynolds
7\. Brooks

8\. Packer
9\. Liddle or Killa
10\. Mautilino
11\. Lawrence
12\. Taylor
13\. Eisenhuth

14\. Gamble
15\. Twal
16\. Grant
17\. Aloiai

18\. MCK
19\. Sue
20\. Felise
21\. Marshall

I mean, I understand Cleary's selections - I really do - however only if the players have a red hot go. I just hope Cleary sees the same things that we see.

 

[larrycorowa]

I think there is heaps of evidence he is unfit. 1\. Body shape 2\. Decision making 3\. Lack of involvement 4\. Lack of energy

I just hate the way he skips around…you got to run at gaps and commit defenders....we already have a player who thinks running across field is the go all it does is confuse your own players and take their space. Works in touch footy when there is only 7 players but not in nrl

Yep.
Looking to avoid contact, might work if you have the pace off the mark of a damien cook or james roberts.
Hes a 5/8, no fullback

He’s not a first grader. Bad call to put him at 1 in front of Thompson

 

[Spud_Murphy]

Sounds harsh, but it almost feels like we deserved to lose that one, based off Cleary’s team selections. It’s become his first real blemish. Not quite as bad as Sheens, but continuing to persist with ET at hooker when he cannot pass, Marshall whose shine has worn off, and MCK who proved once again that he is not the answer on the right edge is costing us big time. I know most of you don’t rate Tui either, but if Noffa is sidelined, he probably retains his place.

100% we deserved to lose. Ivan has done a great job overall, much better than any of us months could. However, let's not hide from some of his howlers. He has had some real howlers. I'm not gonna go through them again as i have in other threads, but we are a horrible team the past 5 or 6 weeks, with no improvement shown at all, that has to be a concern.

I wish I was a supporter that could say "I won't watch another game that Benji is playing", but I know I couldn't do that. Its how i feel, but I know I'll tune in next week to be punished again.

Our mistake rate and ill-discipline is killing us! What do they do at training all week??

 

[hobbo]

Sounds harsh, but it almost feels like we deserved to lose that one, based off Cleary’s team selections. It’s become his first real blemish. Not quite as bad as Sheens, but continuing to persist with ET at hooker when he cannot pass, Marshall whose shine has worn off, and MCK who proved once again that he is not the answer on the right edge is costing us big time. I know most of you don’t rate Tui either, but if Noffa is sidelined, he probably retains his place.

100% we deserved to lose. Ivan has done a great job overall, much better than any of us months could. However, let's not hide from some of his howlers. He has had some real howlers. I'm not gonna go through them again as i have in other threads, but we are a horrible team the past 5 or 6 weeks, with no improvement shown at all, that has to be a concern.

I wish I was a supporter that could say "I won't watch another game that Benji is playing", but I know I couldn't do that. Its how i feel, but I know I'll tune in next week to be punished again.

Our mistake rate and ill-discipline is killing us! What do they do at training all week??

Play X-Box

 

[Cairnstigers]

I have no doubt that Thompson should be our fullback till Mbye gets here

Would have MWZ in for Nofo

Masters and Funoa in the centers

Kev to wing until Thompson takes over

Brooks and Reynolds in the halves and Benji to 14

8 Matalino
9 Liddle If injured then MM
10 Twal
11 Aloiai
12 Lawrence
13 Eisenhuth

14 Benji
15 Packer
16 Grant
17 Taylor

 

[Demps]

You can criticise his game all you like, but the barbs about his fitness are boring. There is no evidence to suggest he is unfit besides the fact he’s a little chubby. That’s just his body shape. What’s so hard to understand about that? As ordinary as Cleary’s team selections have been, I don’t think he would constantly persist with a guy in first grade who isn’t fit.

I have heard it all now - he is fit but he is a little chubbie. newsflash this is the NRL not Park footy !!!

So why’s the coach picking an unfit player then?

At least Kev Naiqama would have given 100% at Fullback today even knowing he's off to Super League -that guy has more heart than brains.

There were times there where Lolohea didn't have a crack. Josh Reynolds might get scolded for his penalty right on half time, however LOLO didn't even play at the kick in a contest, which directly lead to the next play.

I've been looking forward to a sharp Lolohea chiming in from fullback, and hitting the ball back with pace and I've been a staunch defender of Lolo's for months and months waiting patiently for him to find the form he was finding towards the end of last year.

As a fan, I'm now broken. He's got to go.

He's looking more heartless than Tim Moltzen at the moment - and that's a big call.
Unfortunately due to Injury to Nofoaluma he'll get a crack next week, but If I named the side it would be

1\. Thompson
2\. MWZ
3\. Fonua
4\. Marsters
5\. Naiqama

6\. Reynolds
7\. Brooks

8\. Packer
9\. Liddle or Killa
10\. Mautilino
11\. Lawrence
12\. Taylor
13\. Eisenhuth

14\. Gamble
15\. Twal
16\. Grant
17\. Aloiai

18\. MCK
19\. Sue
20\. Felise
21\. Marshall

I mean, I understand Cleary's selections - I really do - however only if the players have a red hot go. I just hope Cleary sees the same things that we see.

Gamble?
Waste of a bench spot.

 

[jirskyr]

I don't really get these threads at this time honestly.

Firstly, Cleary has dropped at least 10-12 blokes this season already, so he's clearly willing to demote and promote. He's said many times the whole roster will probably get a run. He's moved blokes into different positions and tried out new combos, something the old coaches almost never did.

So fine, call out some selections. If you reckon Lolo isn't fit or involved enough, ok, put Thommo back there? I will agree that Thommo is an admirable little footballer, but also note we've won 2 lost 5 with him at the back.

Who else? Drop Benji? OK sure, for whom? Reynolds is barely fit, so maybe it's an option from this week forwards. Put Gamble in their? Big nope for me, kid is not doing enough in ISP. Move Tui to 5/8th? Well half his critics would howl here as well.

Hooker - lots of "no" to Taylor. I personally think the experiment should end now, but we all know Liddle is playing hurt and has he actually finished a game where he started? Your options otherwise are then Godinet - who people were already calling to drop weeks ago, and Killer, who was also dropped previously.

I'm just not clear who the "obvious" option is to insert into today's team, apart from Moses Mbye if he comes early. It's an average roster, it has a lot of decent but unexciting depth, and they are performing a bit above average, which is alright.

 

[Eddie]

I don't really get these threads at this time honestly.

Firstly, Cleary has dropped at least 10-12 blokes this season already, so he's clearly willing to demote and promote. He's said many times the whole roster will probably get a run. He's moved blokes into different positions and tried out new combos, something the old coaches almost never did.

So fine, call out some selections. If you reckon Lolo isn't fit or involved enough, ok, put Thommo back there? I will agree that Thommo is an admirable little footballer, but also note we've won 2 lost 5 with him at the back.

Who else? Drop Benji? OK sure, for whom? Reynolds is barely fit, so maybe it's an option from this week forwards. Put Gamble in their? Big nope for me, kid is not doing enough in ISP. Move Tui to 5/8th? Well half his critics would howl here as well.

Hooker - lots of "no" to Taylor. I personally think the experiment should end now, but we all know Liddle is playing hurt and has he actually finished a game where he started? Your options otherwise are then Godinet - who people were already calling to drop weeks ago, and Killer, who was also dropped previously.

I'm just not clear who the "obvious" option is to insert into today's team, apart from Moses Mbye if he comes early. It's an average roster, it has a lot of decent but unexciting depth, and they are performing a bit above average, which is alright.

I agree with the premise that Cleary is generally pretty willing to promote and demote.

I also agree that we have punched above our weight.

However I have a slight gripe. You like to break down stats when it suits you/

You say we are 2 and 5 with Thompson at the back.

Firstly Im sure we beat Melbourne (first time), Manly and the Cowboys with him at the back. Also 3 of our losses him him at the back were by 2 points or in Golden Point. We also managed to score 20 or more points 4 times with Thompson at fullback. With Tui at fullback we have have scored 20 points just once in 5 games. So your stats are a little misleading. Tui victories have come against the likes of Parra and Bulldogs as well.

 

[Droppy]

You can criticise his game all you like, but the barbs about his fitness are boring. There is no evidence to suggest he is unfit besides the fact he’s a little chubby. That’s just his body shape. What’s so hard to understand about that? As ordinary as Cleary’s team selections have been, I don’t think he would constantly persist with a guy in first grade who isn’t fit.

I have heard it all now - he is fit but he is a little chubbie. newsflash this is the NRL not Park footy !!!

So why’s the coach picking an unfit player then?

At least Kev Naiqama would have given 100% at Fullback today even knowing he's off to Super League -that guy has more heart than brains.

There were times there where Lolohea didn't have a crack. Josh Reynolds might get scolded for his penalty right on half time, however LOLO didn't even play at the kick in a contest, which directly lead to the next play.

I've been looking forward to a sharp Lolohea chiming in from fullback, and hitting the ball back with pace and I've been a staunch defender of Lolo's for months and months waiting patiently for him to find the form he was finding towards the end of last year.

As a fan, I'm now broken. He's got to go.

He's looking more heartless than Tim Moltzen at the moment - and that's a big call.
Unfortunately due to Injury to Nofoaluma he'll get a crack next week, but If I named the side it would be

1\. Thompson
2\. MWZ
3\. Fonua
4\. Marsters
5\. Naiqama

6\. Reynolds
7\. Brooks

8\. Packer
9\. Liddle or Killa
10\. Mautilino
11\. Lawrence
12\. Taylor
13\. Eisenhuth

14\. Gamble
15\. Twal
16\. Grant
17\. Aloiai

18\. MCK
19\. Sue
20\. Felise
21\. Marshall

I mean, I understand Cleary's selections - I really do - however only if the players have a red hot go. I just hope Cleary sees the same things that we see.

I like this team. Best available provided 'killa' plays . He is our best option at hooker. Can pass,tackle and play 80 minutes. Was our best no. 9 last season. I don't know why Cleary won't give him a go in the first grade. Also would have Benji at No.14.

 

[jirskyr]

I don't really get these threads at this time honestly.

Firstly, Cleary has dropped at least 10-12 blokes this season already, so he's clearly willing to demote and promote. He's said many times the whole roster will probably get a run. He's moved blokes into different positions and tried out new combos, something the old coaches almost never did.

So fine, call out some selections. If you reckon Lolo isn't fit or involved enough, ok, put Thommo back there? I will agree that Thommo is an admirable little footballer, but also note we've won 2 lost 5 with him at the back.

Who else? Drop Benji? OK sure, for whom? Reynolds is barely fit, so maybe it's an option from this week forwards. Put Gamble in their? Big nope for me, kid is not doing enough in ISP. Move Tui to 5/8th? Well half his critics would howl here as well.

Hooker - lots of "no" to Taylor. I personally think the experiment should end now, but we all know Liddle is playing hurt and has he actually finished a game where he started? Your options otherwise are then Godinet - who people were already calling to drop weeks ago, and Killer, who was also dropped previously.

I'm just not clear who the "obvious" option is to insert into today's team, apart from Moses Mbye if he comes early. It's an average roster, it has a lot of decent but unexciting depth, and they are performing a bit above average, which is alright.

I agree with the premise that Cleary is generally pretty willing to promote and demote.

I also agree that we have punched above our weight.

However I have a slight gripe. You like to break down stats when it suits you/

You say we are 2 and 5 with Thompson at the back.

Firstly Im sure we beat Melbourne (first time), Manly and the Cowboys with him at the back. Also 3 of our losses him him at the back were by 2 points or in Golden Point. We also managed to score 20 or more points 4 times with Thompson at fullback. With Tui at fullback we have have scored 20 points just once in 5 games. So your stats are a little misleading. Tui victories have come against the likes of Parra and Bulldogs as well.

I like to let the stats speak for themselves if possible, so I break them down further when it helps for a good and consistent argument.

I don't believe breaking down the games here means anything, because it becomes so subjective. "He played in wins over lesser teams". For the record I pretty much agree with what you've said above. But there are counter-arguments too, e.g. that Manly "were having real off-field difficulties back then" and Thompson actually didn't score a single try against Manly despite the 38 points we laid on.

The point I was making was not that either Thompson or Lolohea is the better fullback. All I'm saying is that Cleary has a lack of obvious options in key positions. He has depth, but it's not match-winning depth, it's "no blowout results please" depth.

Thompson's a good footballer, I can live with him as our fullback. But he's not a top fullback, and we have lots of honest footballers in the team already. It's also a fact that we haven't won much with Thompson at fullback, so despite being a reasonable option for Cleary, it hasn't yet proven to be much of a a match-winning option, even if you break down each and every game. It's not about Lolohea, it's about not having a strong replacement for Lolohea.

And actually Thompson on the wing wins the first Roosters game and almost wins this one. What is really the interesting argument for me is whether Thompson is better utilised for us on the wing or at FB.

But like I said, if Mbye comes early, this is fairly moot because I assume he takes FB for the rest of the year.

 

[tonza]

Hasn't Mbye only played fullback this year. So he is not so experienced himself. He has played some ordinary games there including one against us.

 

[innsaneink]

Hasn't Mbye only played fullback this year. So he is not so experienced himself. He has played some ordinary games there including one against us.

Yes, he statrted at no.1 only this season…hardly what Id call an established fullback

I asked someone when we signed him 'what position does he play?' I wasnt sure -hes been everywhere in the backs and hooker

 

[jirskyr]

Hasn't Mbye only played fullback this year. So he is not so experienced himself. He has played some ordinary games there including one against us.

Yes, he statrted at no.1 only this season…hardly what Id call an established fullback

I asked someone when we signed him 'what position does he play?' I wasnt sure -hes been everywhere in the backs and hooker

Ivan's favourite type of footballer - covers multiple positions.

I believe he was predominantly a 5/8th in the juniors - he played there in the 2013 Junior Kangaroos (Nofo was in that side too).

Personally I feel after 2 seasons as HB for the Dogs, he doesn't have the temperament / patience to play in the halves, but he seems a pretty natural FB to me, like a more consistent version of Lachlan Coote - fast, agile, good kick, good pass, can move to halves if required, backup goal kicker.

Ticks a lot of boxes for us, including versatility.

 

[tonza]

Hasn't Mbye only played fullback this year. So he is not so experienced himself. He has played some ordinary games there including one against us.

Yes, he statrted at no.1 only this season…hardly what Id call an established fullback

I asked someone when we signed him 'what position does he play?' I wasnt sure -hes been everywhere in the backs and hooker

Maybe it would not be so bad to get him early to play Hooker because that where all our problems start from. As I have stated before, I believe we have got him because of his utility value, not because he is a star fullback.