Wests Tigers V NZ Warriors Trial *Live Thread..

[Demps]

Also.

Billy at 9 for mine. not as sexy but more consistent

He is alright eh...

Heard the commentators say that the coaches have said it's his position to lose.

 

[Demps]

So, anyone else think Nofo is gonna push for top try scorer this year ?

With Lethal Leilua inside him setting him up?


Got a feel he will defo be for OUR CLUB, but hopefully in the comp too.... setting us up for some finals action?

I already put a cheeky $20 on it after this trial. Playing outside both leilua's anything is possible

I like what I saw hey.....

BJ doesn't have a rig like our studs (Twal and Douihei) but every touch he looked likely.
And he's got the aggression and craziness in his game.

Said it before, say it again...
Huge signing.

(He and his bro)

 

[avocadoontoast]

Nofo scares me, still can't put up with his poor reads in defence

I'd go Douehi to fullback, Corey to right wing.

Doueihi looks pedestrian

He’s looked pretty good to me...

Yeah, but you're not much of a judge


Well I am and he does look good. Safe under the high ball, good defence and doesn’t seem to make mistakes.

Can kick goals and is a very good 5/8. What is it about him that you don’t like?

Firstly, you claim to have some credentials to back your judgement...what are they?

Secondly, if you really want to know...he's slow. Made some stuttering, I don't know what to do now, run and is not a playmakers butt hole...If we really think him playing out the back is going to "ignite" our backline, then you need to watch closer. Further, we had so many offloads in the second half and I didn't see him backing up to hit a hole...Thompson does this well and as a result makes a lot of line breaks despite his size.

This is hardly surprising when you look at his NRL stats...30 games | 1 try | 2 try assists. Can't see those numbers increasing much this year.

Just because he didn't make any errors doesn't mean he is the answer to our problems...case in point, Joey Leilua...bit of a mixed bag, but the cost/benefit was in his favour today by miles. Doueihi didn't do anything wrong, but he was just making up numbers...

You call me a bad judge and then come up with that nonsense! ?

Legitimately seems like statistical info, Avo? But I do feel much safer than with Corey @ 1

Just watching the game it’s obvious AD is all class. He’s been with the club for about 3 weeks and he still looks good. Solid as a rock defensively, safe under the high ball, good kick returner and a genuine creator when he has the ball. He has an excellent passing game and the way he chimed in during the 2nd half was great. He had some really good touches and he’s only getting better. He’s also NOT slow.

Doueihi is our best fullback and Thompson is a better winger than he is fullback.

 

[Demps]

Nofo scares me, still can't put up with his poor reads in defence

I'd go Douehi to fullback, Corey to right wing.

Doueihi looks pedestrian

He’s looked pretty good to me...

Yeah, but you're not much of a judge


Well I am and he does look good. Safe under the high ball, good defence and doesn’t seem to make mistakes.

Can kick goals and is a very good 5/8. What is it about him that you don’t like?

Firstly, you claim to have some credentials to back your judgement...what are they?

Secondly, if you really want to know...he's slow. Made some stuttering, I don't know what to do now, run and is not a playmakers butt hole...If we really think him playing out the back is going to "ignite" our backline, then you need to watch closer. Further, we had so many offloads in the second half and I didn't see him backing up to hit a hole...Thompson does this well and as a result makes a lot of line breaks despite his size.

This is hardly surprising when you look at his NRL stats...30 games | 1 try | 2 try assists. Can't see those numbers increasing much this year.

Just because he didn't make any errors doesn't mean he is the answer to our problems...case in point, Joey Leilua...bit of a mixed bag, but the cost/benefit was in his favour today by miles. Doueihi didn't do anything wrong, but he was just making up numbers...

You call me a bad judge and then come up with that nonsense! ?

Legitimately seems like statistical info, Avo? But I do feel much safer than with Corey @ 1

Just watching the game it’s obvious AD is all class. He’s been with the club for about 3 weeks and he still looks good. Solid as a rock defensively, safe under the high ball, good kick returner and a genuine creator when he has the ball. He has an excellent passing game and the way he chimed in during the 2nd half was great. He had some really good touches and he’s only getting better. He’s also NOT slow.

Doueihi is our best fullback and Thompson is a better winger than he is fullback.

I can't believe it's being debated.

Douihei is the man for fullback.
Absolute classy player.

 

[Tiger_Steve]

Also.

Billy at 9 for mine. not as sexy but more consistent

He is alright eh...

Heard the commentators say that the coaches have said it's his position to lose.

To be fair it was the NZ commentary team who also thought there weren’t many penalties in the first half?

 

[LeichhardtTiger]

I just finished watching the replay. At the last tackle Brooks on Fusitua, the siren blew Game Over. Tommy Tolau was there to shake Fusitua's hand - he was the same height! He had a much better game on the Left Edge than last week on the Right.

 

[Guest]

More positives than negatives to come out of that game. I liked the energy shown from the team and there were some classy moments from several players thrown in with a bit of over exuberance. Leilua brothers were good, I'm liking the look of our right edge. Left edge was a bit quiet in comparison but we know Brooks and Garner link up well and he can run a top line. Taylor was solid in the middle and our front row looked good, particularly Musgrove who has to be in the 17. Fullback looks to be a toss of the coin for me. I think Douehi has a touch of class about him Thompson lacks, but Thommo is all heart and looks better settled at the back right now. I expect that to change as AD learns the Tigers style of play. We need a utility on the bench or someone who can relieve Walters at 9 if he gets the gig.

 

[Spartan117]

Also.

Billy at 9 for mine. not as sexy but more consistent

He is alright eh...

Heard the commentators say that the coaches have said it's his position to lose.

Me2.

Ps how biased was that NZ commentary.

 

[Tigerwould]

Nofo scares me, still can't put up with his poor reads in defence

I'd go Douehi to fullback, Corey to right wing.

Doueihi looks pedestrian

He’s looked pretty good to me...

Yeah, but you're not much of a judge


Well I am and he does look good. Safe under the high ball, good defence and doesn’t seem to make mistakes.

Can kick goals and is a very good 5/8. What is it about him that you don’t like?

Firstly, you claim to have some credentials to back your judgement...what are they?

Secondly, if you really want to know...he's slow. Made some stuttering, I don't know what to do now, run and is not a playmakers butt hole...If we really think him playing out the back is going to "ignite" our backline, then you need to watch closer. Further, we had so many offloads in the second half and I didn't see him backing up to hit a hole...Thompson does this well and as a result makes a lot of line breaks despite his size.

This is hardly surprising when you look at his NRL stats...30 games | 1 try | 2 try assists. Can't see those numbers increasing much this year.

Just because he didn't make any errors doesn't mean he is the answer to our problems...case in point, Joey Leilua...bit of a mixed bag, but the cost/benefit was in his favour today by miles. Doueihi didn't do anything wrong, but he was just making up numbers...

You call me a bad judge and then come up with that nonsense! ?

Legitimately seems like statistical info, Avo? But I do feel much safer than with Corey @ 1

Just watching the game it’s obvious AD is all class. He’s been with the club for about 3 weeks and he still looks good. Solid as a rock defensively, safe under the high ball, good kick returner and a genuine creator when he has the ball. He has an excellent passing game and the way he chimed in during the 2nd half was great. He had some really good touches and he’s only getting better. He’s also NOT slow.

Doueihi is our best fullback and Thompson is a better winger than he is fullback.

I can't believe it's being debated.

Douihei is the man for fullback.
Absolute classy player.

I'd like to see AD back up and look for the offload like CT does

 

[Tigerboy]

Nofo scares me, still can't put up with his poor reads in defence

I'd go Douehi to fullback, Corey to right wing.

Doueihi looks pedestrian

He’s looked pretty good to me...

Yeah, but you're not much of a judge


Well I am and he does look good. Safe under the high ball, good defence and doesn’t seem to make mistakes.

Can kick goals and is a very good 5/8. What is it about him that you don’t like?

Firstly, you claim to have some credentials to back your judgement...what are they?

Secondly, if you really want to know...he's slow. Made some stuttering, I don't know what to do now, run and is not a playmakers butt hole...If we really think him playing out the back is going to "ignite" our backline, then you need to watch closer. Further, we had so many offloads in the second half and I didn't see him backing up to hit a hole...Thompson does this well and as a result makes a lot of line breaks despite his size.

This is hardly surprising when you look at his NRL stats...30 games | 1 try | 2 try assists. Can't see those numbers increasing much this year.

Just because he didn't make any errors doesn't mean he is the answer to our problems...case in point, Joey Leilua...bit of a mixed bag, but the cost/benefit was in his favour today by miles. Doueihi didn't do anything wrong, but he was just making up numbers...

You call me a bad judge and then come up with that nonsense! ?

Legitimately seems like statistical info, Avo? But I do feel much safer than with Corey @ 1

Just watching the game it’s obvious AD is all class. He’s been with the club for about 3 weeks and he still looks good. Solid as a rock defensively, safe under the high ball, good kick returner and a genuine creator when he has the ball. He has an excellent passing game and the way he chimed in during the 2nd half was great. He had some really good touches and he’s only getting better. He’s also NOT slow.

Doueihi is our best fullback and Thompson is a better winger than he is fullback.

I find no fault with this^

 

[twentyforty]

Nofo scares me, still can't put up with his poor reads in defence

I'd go Douehi to fullback, Corey to right wing.

Doueihi looks pedestrian

He’s looked pretty good to me...

Yeah, but you're not much of a judge


Well I am and he does look good. Safe under the high ball, good defence and doesn’t seem to make mistakes.

Can kick goals and is a very good 5/8. What is it about him that you don’t like?

Firstly, you claim to have some credentials to back your judgement...what are they?

Secondly, if you really want to know...he's slow. Made some stuttering, I don't know what to do now, run and is not a playmakers butt hole...If we really think him playing out the back is going to "ignite" our backline, then you need to watch closer. Further, we had so many offloads in the second half and I didn't see him backing up to hit a hole...Thompson does this well and as a result makes a lot of line breaks despite his size.

This is hardly surprising when you look at his NRL stats...30 games | 1 try | 2 try assists. Can't see those numbers increasing much this year.

Just because he didn't make any errors doesn't mean he is the answer to our problems...case in point, Joey Leilua...bit of a mixed bag, but the cost/benefit was in his favour today by miles. Doueihi didn't do anything wrong, but he was just making up numbers...

You call me a bad judge and then come up with that nonsense! ?

Legitimately seems like statistical info, Avo? But I do feel much safer than with Corey @ 1

Just watching the game it’s obvious AD is all class. He’s been with the club for about 3 weeks and he still looks good. Solid as a rock defensively, safe under the high ball, good kick returner and a genuine creator when he has the ball. He has an excellent passing game and the way he chimed in during the 2nd half was great. He had some really good touches and he’s only getting better. He’s also NOT slow.

Doueihi is our best fullback and Thompson is a better winger than he is fullback.

Agree Avocado, can’t wait to see him after another 15 games.

 

[weststigers]

Nofo scares me, still can't put up with his poor reads in defence

I'd go Douehi to fullback, Corey to right wing.

Doueihi looks pedestrian

He’s looked pretty good to me...

Yeah, but you're not much of a judge


Well I am and he does look good. Safe under the high ball, good defence and doesn’t seem to make mistakes.

Can kick goals and is a very good 5/8. What is it about him that you don’t like?

Firstly, you claim to have some credentials to back your judgement...what are they?

Secondly, if you really want to know...he's slow. Made some stuttering, I don't know what to do now, run and is not a playmakers butt hole...If we really think him playing out the back is going to "ignite" our backline, then you need to watch closer. Further, we had so many offloads in the second half and I didn't see him backing up to hit a hole...Thompson does this well and as a result makes a lot of line breaks despite his size.

This is hardly surprising when you look at his NRL stats...30 games | 1 try | 2 try assists. Can't see those numbers increasing much this year.

Just because he didn't make any errors doesn't mean he is the answer to our problems...case in point, Joey Leilua...bit of a mixed bag, but the cost/benefit was in his favour today by miles. Doueihi didn't do anything wrong, but he was just making up numbers...

You call me a bad judge and then come up with that nonsense! ?

Look...I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you....

Geez...you're the reason we have warning labels on everything

 

[Tigerwould]

Also.

Billy at 9 for mine. not as sexy but more consistent

He is alright eh...

Heard the commentators say that the coaches have said it's his position to lose.

Me2.

Ps how biased was that NZ commentary.

I wouldn't pay much attention to anything they said

 

[Roar_Power]

Joey Leilua is shaping to be a pivotal signing. Big and mobile - he looks a considerable upgrade on Esan...

Chalk and cheese.

 

[Tigerboy]

Nofo scares me, still can't put up with his poor reads in defence

I'd go Douehi to fullback, Corey to right wing.

Doueihi looks pedestrian

He’s looked pretty good to me...

Yeah, but you're not much of a judge


Well I am and he does look good. Safe under the high ball, good defence and doesn’t seem to make mistakes.

Can kick goals and is a very good 5/8. What is it about him that you don’t like?

Firstly, you claim to have some credentials to back your judgement...what are they?

Secondly, if you really want to know...he's slow. Made some stuttering, I don't know what to do now, run and is not a playmakers butt hole...If we really think him playing out the back is going to "ignite" our backline, then you need to watch closer. Further, we had so many offloads in the second half and I didn't see him backing up to hit a hole...Thompson does this well and as a result makes a lot of line breaks despite his size.

This is hardly surprising when you look at his NRL stats...30 games | 1 try | 2 try assists. Can't see those numbers increasing much this year.

Just because he didn't make any errors doesn't mean he is the answer to our problems...case in point, Joey Leilua...bit of a mixed bag, but the cost/benefit was in his favour today by miles. Doueihi didn't do anything wrong, but he was just making up numbers...

You call me a bad judge and then come up with that nonsense! ?

Look...I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you....

Geez...you're the reason we have warning labels on everything

You’re full of beans today, as usual, magic to listen to but a whole lot of dreaming.

Corey tries his heart out and is I believe 29?
Doueihi needs the time now and over the long term looks BY far the better option - whenever he’s ready can step into B.M’s #6 posi...

 

[Madge]

Joey Leilua attacking stat line from that game.
142 metres
9 tackle busts
2 offloads
2 linebreaks
2 linebreak assist
2 try assist

 

[happy_tiger]

What I meant to ask ...did anyone else get the feeling Rowdy was playing as a 13 at one stage in the 2nd half

 

[JC99]

I’m not blaming the overlap on Nofa, I’m just saying he made the WORST possible decision in that situation and there are other ways he could’ve defended to possible stop the try. Sliding over to his opposite winger or pushing up after a pass is thrown is a far better option than just rushing up past the footy and leaving his wing completely unmarked. Was a terrible read from him.

You're blaming nofo but conceding the overlap wasn't his fault. The overlap is the ONLY reason they scored. If there's no overlap there's no issue. We were short, they scored, it's hardly a surprise.

But as I said, it's fine if we disagree.

I literally said the overlap wasn’t his fault. You forget it IS possible to defend a try when it’s a two on three. He could’ve knocked down a pass or anticipated who was getting the ball, instead he sprinted up past everyone and let Maumalo walk over untouched. It was a poor read from him simple as that.

 

[plantbasewhopper]

Nofo scares me, still can't put up with his poor reads in defence

I'd go Douehi to fullback, Corey to right wing.

Doueihi looks pedestrian

I agree always has, I'm not seeing it.
Not saying he's hopeless he's solid but stock standard as they come

Yep

Nope

 

[Hbom]

Despite the 2 tries we can't have Nofo with his terrible defensive reads on the wing, I've seen it too many times to ignore it now, he obviously hasn't improved that part of his game .

I see this sort of comment a lot and it makes me go and take a second look.

Here's the play the ball, you can see the ruck marked and make note that Thommo has been involved in the tackle so can't be expected to cover if we slide in. Note the lines showing defenders numbered against attacker - we are already a man down - they have an overlap.

Forward a few seconds and see this.

One of the keys here is the player marking the attacking (decoy) runner is flat-footed (circled). This means he is no chance of shifting out to support. Note also this has created a gap between him and BJ.

This leave Joey and Nofo left to defend three (which they can't do) and a gap inside you could drive a car through. Nofo (I believe correctly) comes in to try and kill the play at the centre but the ball goes wide and they score.

It was a simple overlap right from the ruck - I'm not sure why the winger is blamed for it.

I'm happy to deride players when they do the wrong thing but too often people's personal dislikes for a players get in the way of reasoned analysis.

Outside this, I thought BJ went well but has a tendency to hold the ball too long. Musgrove was impressive and I was very impressed with Luciano - he could turn out to be a great buy.

I thought Grub looked solid in the halves and showed slightly better form at hooker than previous games. Walters service is great but he's a little light in defence. I don't think we had a bad player, everyone went pretty well.

Thanks for saving me the trouble. Very detailed. 3 on 2 would have said it all though.