LIVE GAME Trial 1 vs. Warriors

Live Game Discussion
Tiger Tarl said:
How long until Lobb is in the start 13? Round 5? His dominance in the air plus hard carries out of our end already make him a stand out. But who makes way? Tupou or Stains?
Click to expand...
it was an impressive performance. I think if Marshall is as big on preseason performance as he says he is then Lobb has to start on the wing at the expense of either Staines or Tupou this weekend.

you could make a case for either of them to make way, but I'd say Tupou is the likelier option given he's leaving.
 
jrtiger said:
it was an impressive performance. I think if Marshall is as big on preseason performance as he says he is then Lobb has to start on the wing at the expense of either Staines or Tupou this weekend.

you could make a case for either of them to make way, but I'd say Tupou is the likelier option given he's leaving.
Click to expand...
I thought Staines was fine, no errors apart from the getting shifted into touch, but that call could have gone either way.
Neither winger had too much opportunity really, but I agree Lobb for Tupou is a like for like switch, but Lobb looks far more reliable.
I think Willett should get a bit more time this week, I was very impressed with how natural he looked.
 
AdelaideTiger said:
I thought Staines was fine, no errors apart from the getting shifted into touch, but that call could have gone either way.
Neither winger had too much opportunity really, but I agree Lobb for Tupou is a like for like switch, but Lobb looks far more reliable.
I think Willett should get a bit more time this week, I was very impressed with how natural he looked.
Click to expand...
Staines' biggest issue was yardage carries. he gets monstered against the bigger sides. although he might end up taking play 2 or 3 coming out of our own end full strength (To'a and Olam will help immensely), I can't see him on the wing long term when there's guys like Alaimalo, Lobb, Willett and Makasini coming thru.

Alaimalo's the great white hope. possesses the frame and the talent to end up a regular starter, but the biggest issue is how he transitions. Lobb doesn't look too far off (ideally you'd want to see him start against St George's first grade this weekend before making any calls) and Willett looks like he'll progress thru the grades really quickly.
 
Tired Tiger said:
This kinda crap really makes me laugh, actually a large proportion of the narrative around yesterdays game is so far wide of the mark it isn't funny !!!

Not saying the youngsters are all going to be guns or that they will even make regular first graders, but to be writing them off after yesterday's performance is ludicrous!!!!

It was a friggin trial, we only had our better players on for 15 to 20 mins !

When was the last time a team blooded 13 kids in a single NRL game ??? I'll tell you never !!!

They will be introduced a few a time and be getting experience and development in the lower grades not all thrown in together all at the same time like in a friggin trial!

Everyone needs to chill and relax, our better player were solid while on and the kids did enough to win. That's it period. The best thing too come out of yesterday were no injuries.
Click to expand...
thing is as well is that the absolute guns sans Da Silva (Galvin, L. Fainu, Fa'agutu, Makasini, A. Large, O. Large, L. Laulili'i) that a lot of us talk about didn't play because they were either, injured, suspended, too raw or too young.

Kit Laulili'i obviously had a poor game, but he did debut last year and didn't look out of place. Heath Mason was absolutely a mixed bag, but he still created a point scoring opportunity after having to play in the halves on short notice. Willett and Sukkar both look like future first graders. guys like Feledy and Vaihu have been dividing opinion long before last weekend.

these hitouts are the best thing possible for these kids because you can blood them all against men without having to worry about competition points. there's no need to write off players after a stack of them had to play together on short notice in a trial.
 
jrtiger said:
it was an impressive performance. I think if Marshall is as big on preseason performance as he says he is then Lobb has to start on the wing at the expense of either Staines or Tupou this weekend.

you could make a case for either of them to make way, but I'd say Tupou is the likelier option given he's leaving.
Click to expand...
Lobb was as impressive in the air as I've seen. I think everyone saw that.

He will easily dominate most wingers in the comp when competing in the air. To put it into perspective, he is 6'5" and 101kg and Jason Saab is 6'6" and 101kg. Saab probably has him on pace.

His runs out of yardage weren't so good and seemed to be dominated more often than not. At least that's how it looked to me.

Defensively, he looked pretty good from what I saw.

On the balance, you get such a huge aerial threat with him, that he could be worth a try a game on average, plus a big target for short drop outs. He kicks goals as well.

As long as his defence is legit, I dare say you persist with him this season and not worry too much about Tupou. If a player comes up later in the season, Tupou may agitate for an early release and we can pick up another squad player that better fits what we need.
 
hank37w said:
If it's the time I'm thinking of, I thought it should have been a penalty as his ball carrying arm was already clearly on the ground well before he was dragged over the side line.
Click to expand...
Yep, I reckon the refs explanation would have been that the tackler did not complete the tackle, so Staines would have been free to get up and go, but 9 times out of 10 that was a penalty last year.
 
jrtiger said:
thing is as well is that the absolute guns sans Da Silva (Galvin, L. Fainu, Fa'agutu, Makasini, A. Large, O. Large, L. Laulili'i) that a lot of us talk about didn't play because they were either, injured, suspended, too raw or too young.

Kit Laulili'i obviously had a poor game, but he did debut last year and didn't look out of place. Heath Mason was absolutely a mixed bag, but he still created a point scoring opportunity after having to play in the halves on short notice. Willett and Sukkar both look like future first graders. guys like Feledy and Vaihu have been dividing opinion long before last weekend.

these hitouts are the best thing possible for these kids because you can blood them all against men without having to worry about competition points. there's no need to write off players after a stack of them had to play together on short notice in a trial.
Click to expand...
Feledy is another Nathan Milone. I can see how his body shape and aggressiveness probably gave him an edge in the younger age groups, but in NRL, he looks small by comparison.

He's 5'11" and 91kg. He hasn't got any unique traits that cover for his size. He's not overly fast, overly skilful or overly strong. State Cup hall of fame I think.

If I was him, I'd be off to England to build a career there. I'll be happy if the lad proves me wrong, but I can't see him making it over the current roster.

Sukkar and Willett....don't see the hype. Both looked ordinary, but willing to reserve judgement because they are both kids.

Of all the unknowns, Faataape delivered on the hype. That kid can play.
 
AdelaideTiger said:
Yep, I reckon the refs explanation would have been that the tackler did not complete the tackle, so Staines would have been free to get up and go, but 9 times out of 10 that was a penalty last year.
Click to expand...
It's a penalty this year too! Once they place a hand on you, the tackle is complete. You can't then drag the player over the sideline. Bad call and back to school for the ref.
 
weststigers said:
Lobb was as impressive in the air as I've seen. I think everyone saw that.

He will easily dominate most wingers in the comp when competing in the air. To put it into perspective, he is 6'5" and 101kg and Jason Saab is 6'6" and 101kg. Saab probably has him on pace.

His runs out of yardage weren't so good and seemed to be dominated more often than not. At least that's how it looked to me.

Defensively, he looked pretty good from what I saw.

On the balance, you get such a huge aerial threat with him, that he could be worth a try a game on average, plus a big target for short drop outs. He kicks goals as well.

As long as his defence is legit, I dare say you persist with him this season and not worry too much about Tupou. If a player comes up later in the season, Tupou may agitate for an early release and we can pick up another squad player that better fits what we need.
Click to expand...

I agree. His aerial threat as an option is an option we just don’t have in a variety of ways. It outweighs a few good meter runs Tupou might provide us. Should be good for 10-15 tries a season which is an instant uplift especially with a kicker of Sezer ability.

His confidence for starters to out jump anyway was clear to see. The try play aside even the midfield bomb he sprinted from 20mtrs away because no one was going for it and nearly created something out of nothing.

Defensively it forces teams to kick to the other side & takes away an option both in the red zone & short kick offs.

Goal kicking is also another benefit even as a backup to cover if Api goes off.

He does look like he will get snapped like a twig though but body shape comes over time - positive is he is 22 same age as Tupou this year.
 
jrtiger said:
thing is as well is that the absolute guns sans Da Silva (Galvin, L. Fainu, Fa'agutu, Makasini, A. Large, O. Large, L. Laulili'i) that a lot of us talk about didn't play because they were either, injured, suspended, too raw or too young.

Kit Laulili'i obviously had a poor game, but he did debut last year and didn't look out of place. Heath Mason was absolutely a mixed bag, but he still created a point scoring opportunity after having to play in the halves on short notice. Willett and Sukkar both look like future first graders. guys like Feledy and Vaihu have been dividing opinion long before last weekend.

these hitouts are the best thing possible for these kids because you can blood them all against men without having to worry about competition points. there's no need to write off players after a stack of them had to play together on short notice in a trial.
Click to expand...
Yes, they shouldn’t be written off yet. We’ve barely begun developing them.
I think the reaction or overreaction is due to forum members being bombarded all off season by good news stories from the club and more importantly, other members on here about them. All we hear about them is how good they are rather than what they need to work on. There’s no cautionary tales, no middle ground…they are elite. So far, I think this is wishful thinking.

Let’s stop calling them guns. Certainly let’s cut out the superstar talk.
At this stage, they are potential first graders….that’s it. That isn’t a slight on them, most of our juniors will not make it. However the talk about them is ridiculous. I mean there were many on here convinced Galvin will be our starting 5/8th against Raiders. It’s idiotic and frankly dangerous. I am well aware that most of our patience has run out with missing the finals for 21 of our 24 years so far, but fast tracking kids into the side won’t change that. If anything, it’ll stunt their development and prolong the drought.
We have Sezer, Sullivan, Fainu and later on Doueihi. Galvin is not required in first grade this year unless he is ripping KOE Cup apart AND those ahead of him are having shockers.

Some of the young fellas are doing ok in their brief NRL appearances. That should give them the confidence to go back to Flegg and KOE and fine tune their abilities. It does not mean they should leapfrog others who have busted their arses for their shot. You earn your way through performances on field, not have it given to you because you trained well or come highly recommended. Additionally, you do not promote young guys ahead of their time because you are afraid you will lose them or you are receiving pressure from their managers through the media.

Their time will come.
 
Mixed reviews from us fans on how Heath Mason went in our trial game.
I thought he went very well for his first game in open age.
He plays the game with high energy and is always in the thick of the action, that is a huge tick from me.
It’s not certain how quickly he will become a genuine NRL top 17 contender, but the way he’s progressing I would not be surprised if it happens sometime in 2024.
In regards to Alex Lobb’s effectiveness with his hit ups, I thought they were quite good and I think the stats indicate he made a good amount of post contact metres. He’s another who looks to have a great attitude and plays the game with high intensity. The more players we have with these traits the better and I personally would be starting Alex Lobb in our NRL side come round 2.
Lastly some mixed thoughts on how Bud Sullivan played. I thought he looked extremely fit and played great. His natural ability to put the opposition defence in two minds is something we have not had in our halves for a long time, looking forward to an exceptionally good season from him.
 
Tucker said:
Yes, they shouldn’t be written off yet. We’ve barely begun developing them.
I think the reaction or overreaction is due to forum members being bombarded all off season by good news stories from the club and more importantly, other members on here about them. All we hear about them is how good they are rather than what they need to work on. There’s no cautionary tales, no middle ground…they are elite. So far, I think this is wishful thinking.

Let’s stop calling them guns. Certainly let’s cut out the superstar talk.
At this stage, they are potential first graders….that’s it. That isn’t a slight on them, most of our juniors will not make it. However the talk about them is ridiculous. I mean there were many on here convinced Galvin will be our starting 5/8th against Raiders. It’s idiotic and frankly dangerous. I am well aware that most of our patience has run out with missing the finals for 21 of our 24 years so far, but fast tracking kids into the side won’t change that. If anything, it’ll stunt their development and prolong the drought.
We have Sezer, Sullivan, Fainu and later on Doueihi. Galvin is not required in first grade this year unless he is ripping KOE Cup apart AND those ahead of him are having shockers.

Some of the young fellas are doing ok in their brief NRL appearances. That should give them the confidence to go back to Flegg and KOE and fine tune their abilities. It does not mean they should leapfrog others who have busted their arses for their shot. You earn your way through performances on field, not have it given to you because you trained well or come highly recommended. Additionally, you do not promote young guys ahead of their time because you are afraid you will lose them or you are receiving pressure from their managers through the media.

Their time will come.
Click to expand...
well said. agree on all counts. i'll hold off on the gun chatter.
 
Vicious said:
Mixed reviews from us fans on how Heath Mason went in our trial game.
I thought he went very well for his first game in open age.
He plays the game with high energy and is always in the thick of the action, that is a huge tick from me.
It’s not certain how quickly he will become a genuine NRL top 17 contender, but the way he’s progressing I would not be surprised if it happens sometime in 2024.
In regards to Alex Lobb’s effectiveness with his hit ups, I thought they were quite good and I think the stats indicate he made a good amount of post contact metres. He’s another who looks to have a great attitude and plays the game with high intensity. The more players we have with these traits the better and I personally would be starting Alex Lobb in our NRL side come round 2.
Lastly some mixed thoughts on how Bud Sullivan played. I thought he looked extremely fit and played great. His natural ability to put the opposition defence in two minds is something we have not had in our halves for a long time, looking forward to an exceptionally good season from him.
Click to expand...
Where would you expect they play Mason?
I didn’t like him at fullback.
 
Tucker said:
Where would you expect they play Mason?
I didn’t like him at fullback.
Click to expand...
He will likely be considered a utility who can come off the bench with high energy and make an impact initially.
If he was considered as number 14 for our NRL side he would need to first prove he has made a big improvement with his one on one defence as it’s very suspect at the moment. He looks to be a very willing youngster and I would not put it past him to make that necessary improvement very quickly,
His versatility ti fill in at multiple other positions is the key.
 
Last edited:
weststigers said:
Feledy is another Nathan Milone. I can see how his body shape and aggressiveness probably gave him an edge in the younger age groups, but in NRL, he looks small by comparison.

He's 5'11" and 91kg. He hasn't got any unique traits that cover for his size. He's not overly fast, overly skilful or overly strong. State Cup hall of fame I think.

If I was him, I'd be off to England to build a career there. I'll be happy if the lad proves me wrong, but I can't see him making it over the current roster.

Sukkar and Willett....don't see the hype. Both looked ordinary, but willing to reserve judgement because they are both kids.

Of all the unknowns, Faataape delivered on the hype. That kid can play.
Click to expand...
Check out Latu Fainu's highlights - Feledy benefitted from LF's ball service every time he scored whether it was a deft pass or clever in-goal gubber. Geez - I could have scored if LF had been alongside me.

Faataape is going to be special for us. His ball skills are not to be underestimated. Again, in his highlights he scores as many as he sets up for outside and inside players. A centre that provides try assists is a godsend! Sezer& Fainu are gonna give this bloke ball all day long! I think Sullivan will be our 14.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Staff online

Members online

Total: 518 (members: 35, guests: 483)
Back
Top