Team style: Wakeham or Brooks

[Bigscreentv]

I am not really worried about the dropped balls.

I am worried about the first 20 mins where we were camped down there and had all the ball.

Luke came up with absolutely nothing and failed to control a set.

I.e. the same as always.

True that. Looks like he needs to relax a bit

 

[jadtiger]

Meh hastings/Brooks not much difference

Over 500k difference

 

[sparci]

can will smith play halves hehe

 

[ElleryHanley]

True that. Looks like he needs to relax a bit

Looks like he needs to learn how to count numbers and read plays.

It is too late in his career to hope though.

There was a segment on FOX a couple of years ago where Cooper Cronk did a video on Luke vs 12 men. The opp had a player binned and Cronk showed the video...and pointed out Brooks went to the side WITH all their defenders every time. I.e. he never attacked the side that was short a man.

He has no footy IQ.

And he runs our team.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Api chose to go to Tway multiple times. API WAS DISGRACEFUL TODAY

agree thought Api was very ordinary
As for Brooks if he doesn't play well come round 8 or 10 then he won't be signed that simple. But to say drop him for Wakeham is absolutely idiotic, wakeham is Jock Madden 2.0 and not first grade standard

 

[Camel2281]

lol you had your mind made up well before today haha

I was hoping for the best

 

[tony soprano]

Wakeham is Jock Madden 2.0, everybody wants him to replace Brooks until he does. Brooks may not be one of the top halves but he's the best we have at the moment. If he doesn't produce in the next 6-8 weeks I suspect he won't be with us next year.

He playing great

 

[gallagher]

agree thought Api was very ordinary
As for Brooks if he doesn't play well come round 8 or 10 then he won't be signed that simple. But to say drop him for Wakeham is absolutely idiotic, wakeham is Jock Madden 2.0 and not first grade standard

It's a bit of a worry if he can't be dropped though.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

It's a bit of a worry if he can't be dropped though.

if we had a gun 7 in reserve then drop him, we do not so he plays at least the first 8 to 10 games
Then he is either signed with Moses arriving in 2024 or he is not and let go

 

[gallagher]

if we had a gun 7 in reserve then drop him, we do not so he plays at least the first 8 to 10 games
Then he is either signed with Moses arriving in 2024 or he is not and let go

He's there for the year. The only pressure on him is up at newy.

 

[king_sirro]

agree thought Api was very ordinary
As for Brooks if he doesn't play well come round 8 or 10 then he won't be signed that simple. But to say drop him for Wakeham is absolutely idiotic, wakeham is Jock Madden 2.0 and not first grade standard

I have never and will never mention Wakeham

 

[Demps]

You didn't watch today of you think his support play is non existent. His support play today was the best it has ever been. He was constantly supporting through the middle much more than he ever has.

For FS watch the games closely before commenting.

I did watch the game closely.

He was no where to be seen multiple times.

I can think of two occasions I saw him in good position for support play of the ball carrier...

He favours Naden which isn't bad because Naden is one of the players who seems likely but he isn't a quality fullback.

 

[TrueTiger]

The only reason Wakeham doesnt get a go in the NRL side is because the old boys club has put all their faith in Luke the boy wonder who wants to be a one club champion....
Wakeham would do no worse than Brooks,imo he would at least show some gusto when in a scoring position and may have smarts similar to Hastings,with a bit more speed and agility...

 

[69-05-41]

Mate it's too far gone come round 6. And secondly Brooks has never been Robinson Carusso and never will be. Need to make changes sooner rather than later.

I think these Robinson Crusoe analogies might be onto something. If Brooks was the said castaway he would have been marooned on an island for the last decade and not stinking it up here.

 

[aturkey]

The good thing about this era and why I am still looking forward to the future is the fact that Luke is not signed, Laurie is not signed and Doueihi is only 1 year. We will look completely different in these positions, whether it's these players but good, or entirely new players, within 2 years depending on who earns it.

 

[aturkey]

Here's to hoping Sheens makes crazy changes. I sense there is a better team lineup with the current players i.e Brooks somewhere other than 7.

 

[weststigerman]

At this point I think Benji is a better option than either of them.

And no I don’t want Benji out of retirement.

 

[sleeve]

Brooks and Api were far from fit, and had very little pre-season. Let's give them some time, calf injuries have limited their training with the side. We lack penetration, speed and ability in the backs , that is our biggest problem. This was our first game, many expected too much.

 

[earl]

What are your thoughts of moving Laurie to 6, AD 7 and Staines at fullback?

Personally I think this is the best option. Two running halves but that is what we have now anyway. There is a lot to like about Laurie but I don't think he is going to make it as an NRL fullback.

 

[earl]

Would we be better without all his touches in the opp 20? Would we be better without his final play options? (atrocious history on final plays)

This is the issue. Way too many mistakes when executing critical plays. You nailed it though yesterday when you stated he'll play good at some point. He'll get some space and make a great bust. He'll put on a play or two.