The Luai dilemma...

[Wezt]

Just remember this is a good problem to have.

Not if we are in the same situation as Metcalf & the Warriors

It all depends on how we perform when Luai comes in

 

[Tweed_Tiger]

Not if we are in the same situation as Metcalf & the Warriors

It all depends on how we perform when Luai comes in

Coming back from an long term injury is rough, Luia should be good to go.

 

[tig_prmz]

I don't think Pole has been one of our strengths. The forwards have but not Pole. Frequent dropped balls and inconsistent, sometimes lazy defense. Also, Douehi is wasted on the bench. Both Jock and Adam have to be in the team. They are both playing extremely well so, as I've said many times, Luai back in at 6, Madden stays at 7 and Douehi to centre. Easy peasy. No dilemma! Having said all that, I think Benji, sadly, will pick Jock at 14.

Pole definitely has been the weakest of all forwards but I don't want to put Twal at front row. Mentally, he needs to keep his job the same and having Douehi at lock would make him think he needs to do more ball carrying instead of doing what he's doing now.

Douehi imo is not a good centre either. He's a very good playmaker and he has certain strengths. He needs options inside and outside him whereas at centre he only has one option outside him.

 

[Viva_Zapata]

People moving Twal are absolutely tripping.

 

[Tigerstigerstigers]

I don't think Pole has been one of our strengths. The forwards have but not Pole. Frequent dropped balls and inconsistent, sometimes lazy defense. Also, Douehi is wasted on the bench. Both Jock and Adam have to be in the team. They are both playing extremely well so, as I've said many times, Luai back in at 6, Madden stays at 7 and Douehi to centre. Easy peasy. No dilemma! Having said all that, I think Benji, sadly, will pick Jock at 14.

While I agree the good news is he is definitely back on the up in respect to his form . Over due but he’s playing much better . I’m hearing he wants to stay as well

 

[upthetigers]

While I agree the good news is he is definitely back on the up in respect to his form . Over due but he’s playing much better . I’m hearing he wants to stay as well

Forget who think maybe Turuva but Pole kissed him after scoring a try. That looks like someone who wants to stay at the club.

 

[Viva_Zapata]

Last time Douehi played centre we didn't have forwards dominating like now, nor a genuine halfback digging into the line and putting the ball out in front. That, with his current form and confidence, he'd kill it now as a roving centre.

 

[Tim Sheens]

I really don’t know what they should do, but bunji so far doesn’t change a winning team. I know Luai is a strong leader for the club. I reckon Luai either sits out this game and rests his knee longer or he plays the 14 for this week. I reckon Luai would cop that fairly. This creates a great culture at the club. If we are going poorly against the donkeys u bring him on. If we smash them rest him. Keep the winners in, unless they screw up like Skelton!
Just my call

So Skelton goes, Makasini to his wing and Doueihi to centre accommodates our returning best five-eighth.

 

[Tired Tiger]

Don’t agree, Doubie has been our best player this season. He has earned his spot, and it’s his to lose. Keep winning and playing well, keep your spot!
Simples
Rest Luai another week, not hard really

AD needs to stay in our team but not at half back or 5/8 when Luai is fit.

AD is benefiting from having a proper half back in the team and good go forward.

He isn't an organiser, his kick game isn't accurate and is erratic. He doesn't dig into the line or get our players deep.

He is a good strong and effective runner with an improving passing game. He isn't a half back.

Keep him at 7 and we get a repeat of the South's game.

 

[Tired Tiger]

I like some of your ideas but Twal to the bench - there'd be an outcry! Douehi to centre with Madden at 7 is what I'd do.

Either or, not really fussed as long as Jock stays 7.

I think ADs ego is to big for both. The other thing that concerns me is as well as Benji is going this year he can be rather stubborn.

I have a feeling he will stick with AD and Jock will go back to the bench......

 

[stevied]

Either or, not really fussed as long as Jock stays 7.

I think ADs ego is to big for both. The other thing that concerns me is as well as Benji is going this year he can be rather stubborn.

I have a feeling he will stick with AD and Jock will go back to the bench......

You are correct on all counts I think. I want Madden at 7, I think, based on past history, Douehi expects and demands a half position and I think Benji may be a bit stubborn/ immovable.

 

[stevied]

While I agree the good news is he is definitely back on the up in respect to his form . Over due but he’s playing much better . I’m hearing he wants to stay as well

Madden? Great!

 

[crazycat]

Either or, not really fussed as long as Jock stays 7.

I think ADs ego is to big for both. The other thing that concerns me is as well as Benji is going this year he can be rather stubborn.

I have a feeling he will stick with AD and Jock will go back to the bench......

I don't like changing halfbacks.

I see AD had 7 on his back. I suspect he will stay 7 with Jock and Latu on the bench.

So:
Latu keeps developing and is happy at the club.
The team performs equally well with AD, which they won't because he doesn't have the Jock's kicking game.

I don't want to move AD to lock, particularly as Twal has found his position. Although a reserve lock, AD makes some sense.

 

[stevied]

Pole definitely has been the weakest of all forwards but I don't want to put Twal at front row. Mentally, he needs to keep his job the same and having Douehi at lock would make him think he needs to do more ball carrying instead of doing what he's doing now.

Douehi imo is not a good centre either. He's a very good playmaker and he has certain strengths. He needs options inside and outside him whereas at centre he only has one option outside him.

What to do then?

 

[old_man_tiger]

Have been on all sides of this debate, now gotta trust Benji.
My only hope is no changes to the pack and if Sam is injured then something simple like Tony S or Seyfarth in.
Very excited to see the team, get the sense coach will have genuine evidence to show they've earned it and that's a great position to be in.

 

[Adam Doobie]

Forget who think maybe Turuva but Pole kissed him after scoring a try. That looks like someone who wants to stay at the club.

We're on the up and Melbourne is looking less attractive by the week.