Wanted - Secret Weapon

[larrycorowa]

I always think it is handy to be able to blood a rookie in the lead into the semis, a sort of secret weapon that other teams don't know much about. I remember Brad Fittler and Tim Brasher were blooded in this way in 1989 and had a huge impact on the finals series, you guys will be able to cite other instances.

It can work well because they are coming into a team that is playing confidently and where there are senior players who are comfortable and experienced in their positions. All the rookie has to do is concentrate on their small role (maybe as a support player). Also it is not like you are asking them to play a full season, moreso a cameo of 4-6 weeks.

No better time to blood a boom rookie, much better to bring them in now than when the team is struggling.

With only 8 weeks or less to go, if we were to bring a rookie in who would it be? Who from the 20's is ready and would have the most impact? Lightning fast fullbacks or wingers please feel free to apply.

 

[tigerlogic]

Wot do u reckon matt groat is..
Doesn't have to be an outside back, it's groat!
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[larrycorowa]

is there anyone else? an outside back would be handy, no?

 

[sricko]

Tedesco would b the only one coming to mind… Not a fan of simona ATM but he has potential. Last year sheens had bmm come in.
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[softlaw]

Considering Lawrence and Lote will have only played about 5 games between them all season will they count?

 

[tigerlogic]

Cmon r u ppl serous with tadesco, he's a child, leave him, let him develop, he would get smoked playing first grade. So many ppl on here want kids in th team, just wait and see IF he is ready in the future. As much experience as possible from now is the way
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[larrycorowa]

Brasher was 17

 

[tigerlogic]

Yes but please keep it all in context, we don't need to be taking a risk with a kid like that.. just because it's happend before in history doesn't mean it will for tedesco.. However well he is going in NYC is most likely not how he would go in NRL.. It's more then just a step up, it's enormous…
Will confidently say there is no way it will happen
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[Joel Helmes]

Sironen in for Lawrence?

 

[larrycorowa]

Tigerlogic,

Its not like you are asking them to play the whole season, moreso a cameo off the bench where they could utilise their speed and x-factor against a tiring opposition.

Geez, most of the time our back on the bench is there for decoration. Could we not make use of this spot any better?

 

[larrycorowa]

It would be un-Sheens like but how much would we be losing compared to having a Moltzen or Mackinnon off the bench?

 

[tigerlogic]

I'm sorry, but I think we would be losing a lot, FYI if Lawrence and utai were fit I'd love to see McKinnon left out. But it only takes 1 mistake from a kid and there goes a game for us and the kids confidence.. Now is absolutely not the time to blood a young kid IMO.. Combinations mean a lot and knowing where to be..
A kid playing a cameo would be detrimental in my opinion
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[tigerlogic]

Sirro in the centers now???
I have now heard it all, the most specialist position in defensive decision making and ppl r calling for a him? He doesn't even play there now hahahha wow!
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[tigerlogic]

Sorry one other thing I forgot, sheensy has only started carrying a back on the bench since losing dene halatau, who could cover the backs. We gotta have someone who can COVER backs but not necessarily play a big role, hence the decoration
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[larrycorowa]

Lawrence out for 4-5 weeks.

Moltzen to centre, Mackinnon back to 1, Brown to bench?

Mate Halatau left 3 years ago….......been a specialist back since who has given us nought. are you a born pessimist? What if the guy comes in and has an impact....look at Hopoate, DCE, Foran

 

[larrycorowa]

Sometimes you have gotta take a risk.

 

[tigerlogic]

Actually halatau left at the end of 09, two seasons ago, and it's since then they have carried a specialist back. As for the manly players u mentioned, firstly, they had full pre seasons as the first choice players (as opposed to a rookie playing a cameo) and secondly, at the start of their season I think ul find those players were given an opportunity by necessity not design. It was well documented manly may have struggled in the halves last summer big those guys have evolved. Can't compare situation with them and that of tedesco.
Haha I'm not a pessimist at all actually I'm probably one of those positive ppl on here I'm always standing up for players. But the reality is unless it's an emergency I don't see the stated suggestions happening
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[MacDougall]

If you want someone to come in and make a massive impact straight away the only 20's player that could be is Marika Koroibete. He'd become a cult hero in a week.

 

[prattenpark]

Groat and Simona

 

[Blackandwhite]

No better time to blood a boom rookie, much better to bring them in now than when the team is struggling.

I know what you are saying and it surprised me last year when Sheens gave BMM his FG Debut v Sydney Roosters in Week 1 Qualifying finals. I didn't think he was ready..but he was and he went well.

Pretty sure no more young guns will get a go this year.

James Tedesco and Curtis Sironen are genuine footballers and have the football brains to understand what would be required and would be the safe bet.
David Nofoaluma and Marika Koroibete are capable of doing anything but have that mistake in them and there is no guarantee which version will turn up on the day.