Tigers coach Potter impressed with Tedesco

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alex

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February 24, 2013 - 2:52PM

Ian McCullough
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Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter says rookie fullback James Tedesco is well in contention for spot in his squad for the NRL season opener against Newcastle.

Potter insisted Tim Moltzen is still in pole position to start at fullback against the Knights, but conceded Tedesco is in his thoughts after impressing in the second half of Saturday's trial defeat by Sydney Roosters.

Moltzen was forced out of the game at halftime due to a stomach upset and Tedesco more than held his own when deputising, showing great composure to set up Joel Reddy's try with a well-weighted grubber kick.

Tedesco started round one of last year, but his season ended just 29 minutes into his debut when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligaments.

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And new coach Potter said he's been impressed with what he's seen from the 20-year-old since his arrival at the club.

"He's a good player but he just needs to build up his confidence," Potter said.

"I think Tim Moltzen has got him with the talk factor, which is so important for a fullback, but there's not much between them."

Moltzen has spent time at halfback and centre in the past five years, but his preference is to play fullback.

However, Potter said he would have no hesitation moving him again, and admitted young halfback Jacob Miller has not entirely convinced him he's ready to be the starting No.7.

"He's got some things to work on and, between Robbie (Farah) Benji (Marshall) and Moltzen and Tedesco, there is a lot to work on. We're not there yet," he said.

"That's not to say Moltz or Teddy can't play another position to compliment the team.

"You need that versatility at times."
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http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/tigers-coach-potter-impressed-with-tedesco-20130224-2ezd0.html
 
Looks like Potter will be taking trial form into consideration and nothing is settled yet.

The first five weeks will be very important, with Miller and Moltzen both needing to perform to hold onto their spots.
 
Very interesting with regards to Potter statement re Miller. We may be seeing a new halfback in round one, either Moltzen or Anasta. Good to have such quality reserve halfbacks.
 
With the abundance of talent we have in the backrow, I'm not all opposed to seeing Anasta in the 7 should Miller or Moltzen not work out
 
I would be ecstatic to see Moltz perform well in the 7 and having Teddy as our no.1.

_Posted using RoarFEED 2013_
 
to me i interpret round 1 as:

1\. tedesco
7\. moltzen

i always thought we never gave moltz a proper chance… that being said.. id be happy to persist with miller.
 
@mtd said:
to me i interpret round 1 as:

1\. tedesco
7\. moltzen

i always thought we never gave moltz a proper chance… that being said.. id be happy to persist with miller.
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I also agree - a lot of people and fans are quite tough on Moltzen especially after the whole Dragons escalade. But I personally don't think he's had a fair crack at halfback to secure a spot

_Posted using RoarFEED 2013_
 
You guys want to dump Miller already? At least he is a genuine halfback who did ok steering our 20s to the title. Whilst I was convinced Lui was a keeper i don't quite see it yet with Miller. However we must give him 6-8 games at least to prove his worth. I have seen a passing game and kicking game in the 20's, whether he can handle the step up, you will only really ever know if he is given a fair crack. Ive got my doubts like the rest of you but dumping him for another stop gap in Moltzen won't solve things. Moltzen has pace, however he can't organise the team, and has little to no kicking game.
 
Sounds like New Coach, same old chopping and changing positionally which buries every players confidence and cohesion.

God I hope I am wrong though
 
It took Lui a few months to settle into the role. The thing was, back then there weren't many other options except Johnny Cronk. Now we have a few guys who are experienced and capable in the halves that could takeover at any time.

I hope Miller hits the ground running and brings up his U20s form and leadership into first grade, if only for the sole reason that the forum wont go into meltdown
 
Same as last year, how many different halves will we go through this year? Yes Miller was not bloody JT but he was good enough to keep his spot.
 
Hmmm man I am just starting to think we should persist with Marshall at halfback. I have been against it for ages but if he dominates halves so much it might be worth conceding on it and just trying to find a good 6 for him.
 
I'm all for giving Tedesco the nod over Moltzen at fullback, as I think he's the best option back there, but I wouldn't throw Miller in State Cup before the season starts, give him some time and see how he performs behind a dominant forward pack as opposed to one which is pushed over.
 
Moltzen is also another inconsistent player who has hot and cold moments..

Potter can prob experiment early in season but must not chop and change like sheens.

_Posted using RoarFEED 2013_
 
I wouldn't be surprised to see Tedesco selected on the wing for rd1 - the point Potter made about versatility and Moltz and Tedesco being able to play another posn to compliment the team.
 
@smeghead said:
Sounds like New Coach, same old chopping and changing positionally which buries every players confidence and cohesion.

God I hope I am wrong though
Click to expand...

Im with you…they were my first thoughts when I read the article...I hope Miller is given a fair go...
 
@diedpretty said:
I wouldn't be surprised to see Tedesco selected on the wing for rd1 - the point Potter made about versatility and Moltz and Tedesco being able to play another posn to compliment the team.
Click to expand...

If he was trying to say that I would rather see

1\. Tedesco
2\. Koroibete
3\. Moltzen
4\. Brien
5\. Lawrence

I would not mind that tbh, Moltzy has heaps of speed and would add speed to the centers along with Brien. I think Lawrence needs the move to the wing.
 
@BenjiMagic96 said:
@diedpretty said:
I wouldn't be surprised to see Tedesco selected on the wing for rd1 - the point Potter made about versatility and Moltz and Tedesco being able to play another posn to compliment the team.

If he was trying to say that I would rather see

1\. Tedesco
2\. Koroibete
3\. Moltzen
4\. Brien
5\. Lawrence

I would not mind that tbh, Moltzy has heaps of speed and would add speed to the centers along with Brien. I think Lawrence needs the move to the wing.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Whatever, Potter needs to help this team by selecting a team which is based on his thinking "outside the box". That is why he was selected as coach = to replace the tired old thinking which resulted from so many years of Sheens' coaching.
 
Gee give Potter a go fellas.

He has come in very late, has had no input on the make-up of the team. He is dealing the cards he has been dealt. OK, he agrees this is not a shabby playing roster but it is still Sheens' playing roster.

I like that he has given Miller first crack at halfback but also understands that Miller has to perform reasonably well to keep his spot. I don't agree with some posts that urge Potter to give Miller 6 - 8 weeks to settle in. This is dog eat dog and he needs to play OK to stay there, even he knows that.

We all know the basic make-up of our first grade team. A lot of them pick themselves.
What we are seeing are some fringe players getting an opportunity. They'll get the odd game or maybe some bench time due to injuries.

To be honest, I think we'll go OK. Potter seems to have improved our defence (early days). It has to be better than letting in an average of 23 points per game like last season.

I think Anasta will be a good buy. We'll be much improved if Woods and Galloway stay fit.

I also think that Tedesco will cement the fullback spot by mid-year. I am waiting to see how Potter plays young Sirro - he can be our X factor. A very mature head on such a young kid (helps to be built like his old man, too)

What I have seen of Blair so far this year also impresses me.

We are top 8 material, I am yet to be convinced we are top 4 material.
 
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