Willow: Kharwin's fitness / work rate is still a concern. His recovery time / effort on effort is still poor. Long term as stated in previous posts he is seen as a possible 2nd row option, but first must complete successful transition via centre where all his performances ( mainly last year & pre season opposed training) have been poor. He will spend some time in the centres today. The jury is out, purely my personal opinion is that unless he knuckles down at training; maximizes what little genuine pace he has he will only last another 12 months i.e. 1 year 2017 in NSW Cup max.
Liddle vs Cherrington is a vexed question all coaches / support staff are equally divided, I am in no better position than you to offer any objective view. If Cherrington does go to Penrith Liddle appears more patient with regards to making his first grade debut in 2017/2018
I can't go into too much detail re Bayley Sironen as I am too close to the situation. Suffice to say Paul believes he has more to offer than Curtis, who despite continued criticisms I still rate, provided he is allowed to play his natural game. Ersan is similar in many respects to Tyler Cassel and Ray Stone all outstanding attitudes - probably not the right size for NRL longterm. I am so happy for JJ I've know for 3 weeks he was about to debut, he will be locked up for another 2 yrs by early July. Tatola is similar in many respects but has been reluctant at this stage to discuss contract extension - I haven't been given a reason. We have now forced the Bulldogs to go really hard to retain Klemmer and Mybe will formally sign in coming weeks. They simply can't offer what we have tabled for Moses / Brooks, though as previously stated both may only elect to take up the 1 year options in their favour and then reassess in 2017.
**Expect to see 2 more departures before end of season….... I really can't elaborate ( 1 departure will hurt..)**
Purely a personal view / opinion but shared by many colleagues and 2 ex recent coaches is the sad fact that Asipeli Fine will never get a proper chance with the club. He is an outstanding example of a guy determined to be the best he can be every week.
I do enjoy popping in from time to time, keep up the good work -there are many passionate members / fans on here including yourself who really have a good / objective handle on what it takes to be a successful club. My own objectivity may be blunted from time to time by virtue of being too embedded that's why I try to refrain from posting too many personal opinions.
But to clarify a couple of points for season 2016 I still believe Robbie is our best starting hooker and would only play Cherrington or Ballin if we had another 80 minute player like Elijah Taylor in the team.
I agree with the current Board and would only replace Taylor in 2016 if we could secure Cleary - nobody else.
2017 would be different and to be honest I don't have a clear cut plan B, but I would not have Taylor in charge unless by some miracle we make the 8\. Taylor himself is a very good coach but just doesn't fit this team. He would be a good fit for a less flamboyant roster, he is extremely methodical and dedicated. He continues to enjoy support from the majority of players - with many of the more experienced players like Sue; Grant; Lawrence; Dene along with Teddy and others strong supporters.
Ballin is back in full contact but the prospect of him alternating at 13 / 9 is complete lunacy ( this opinion is shared by all coaches bar Taylor and 1 other)
Ballin / Cherrington may only be required to cover for 1 SOO based on schedule.....don't discount the fact that Matt is a qualified personal trainer and may have more to offer the club down the track!! Yet again another outstanding individual - the club under Pascoe has many of these individuals who hopefully will be the glue that binds the passion into results - enough talk of the 'process', which is an alibi for failure.
the one that will hurt can you say whether they are a forward or a back?
It will be Addo Carr :bawling