Who's our lock?

[mtd#2]

The lock position is really limiting our ability to generate attacking opportunities. Twal is surely a temporary solution—so who’s the long-term answer?

I’ve been a big supporter of shifting Terrell to lock. He’s already punching out 80 minutes, solid defensively, and brings a high work rate. The next step would be formally building in that linking role. Then Twal could enter the front row rotation. Still, there's a risk in disrupting what’s already working—so is it worth it?

If not Terrell, then the only real option I think is to recruit someone new. So who's available?

Thoughts?

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

The lock position is really limiting our ability to generate attacking opportunities. Twal is surely a temporary solution—so who’s the long-term answer?

I’ve been a big supporter of shifting Terrell to lock. He’s already punching out 80 minutes, solid defensively, and brings a high work rate. The next step would be formally building in that linking role. Then Twal could enter the front row rotation. Still, there's a risk in disrupting what’s already working—so is it worth it?

If not Terrell, then the only real option I think is to recruit someone new. So who's available?

Thoughts?

Terrell May would be a good 13 for us

 

[Demps]

Thread '#13 Lock' https://weststigersforum.com/threads/13-lock.34742/

 

[king_sirro]

The fact Terrell plays long minutes is a bonus as a 13, but i think his link play is terribly slow and predictable.

Im not sure we have anyone in the 30 man squad capable of doing it. I would experiment with Doueihi in the role but I would do that with not much confidence it would succeed. All our current middles are downright hopeless at playing that link man and condensing the opposition middle. Sione has shown signs, but I don't want to take away from his running game as his go forward is more effective than every other middle in the team.

Jack Bird wanted the role, but he has just been used as a battering ram in the middle. So thats on Benji that one. We could at least try Bird and get him playing that link role but its obvious Benji doesn't see it that way. He looked decent playing 6 for the Dragons so he could possibly do it along with someone like Ilias off the bench.

Its a real weakness that is killing our attack imo

 

[TYGA]

The fact Terrell plays long minutes is a bonus as a 13, but i think his link play is terribly slow and predictable.

Im not sure we have anyone in the 30 man squad capable of doing it. I would experiment with Doueihi in the role but I would do that with not much confidence it would succeed. All our current middles are downright hopeless at playing that link man and condensing the opposition middle. Sione has shown signs, but I don't want to take away from his running game as his go forward is more effective than every other middle in the team.

Jack Bird wanted the role, but he has just been used as a battering ram in the middle. So thats on Benji that one. We could at least try Bird and get him playing that link role but its obvious Benji doesn't see it that way. He looked decent playing 6 for the Dragons so he could possibly do it along with someone like Ilias off the bench.

Its a real weakness that is killing our attack imo

Bird is a warrior but his days in first grade are numbered.

 

[king_sirro]

Bird is a warrior but his days in first grade are numbered.

I agree. I haven't been impressed with him at all

 

[tiger_one]

Can Wayne Pearce play?

 

[jadtiger]

Bird is a warrior but his days in first grade are numbered.

Hopefully he calls it quits at the end of the year or goes to England but i have a terrible feeling he won't and he will be even slower and less of a player next year.Age is not a good thing

 

[mtd#2]

The fact Terrell plays long minutes is a bonus as a 13, but i think his link play is terribly slow and predictable.

Im not sure we have anyone in the 30 man squad capable of doing it. I would experiment with Doueihi in the role but I would do that with not much confidence it would succeed. All our current middles are downright hopeless at playing that link man and condensing the opposition middle. Sione has shown signs, but I don't want to take away from his running game as his go forward is more effective than every other middle in the team.

Jack Bird wanted the role, but he has just been used as a battering ram in the middle. So thats on Benji that one. We could at least try Bird and get him playing that link role but its obvious Benji doesn't see it that way. He looked decent playing 6 for the Dragons so he could possibly do it along with someone like Ilias off the bench.

Its a real weakness that is killing our attack imo

All good points.

You're probably right about Terrell. And the other players would just be stop gaps if we are serious about competing..

We really need to go to the market don't we..

 

[king_sirro]

All good points.

You're probably right about Terrell. And the other players would just be stop gaps, if we are serious about competing..

We really need to go to the market don't we..

I know I've thrown up the Ilias idea, but watching Chris Randall at the Titans makes me think he can do what Erin Clarke has. Randall was a hooker who now plays in the middle and looks tough as nails. Recently even doing a good job on a edge. The guy is just a footballer and he could very well do a good job at lock.

 

[Vicious]

I know I've thrown up the Ilias idea, but watching Chris Randall at the Titans makes me think he can do what Erin Clarke has. Randall was a hooker who now plays in the middle and looks tough as nails. Recently even doing a good job on a edge. The guy is just a footballer and he could very well do a good job at lock.

I’ve seen plenty worse suggestions, that could work, but he’s not currently off contract and he’s a favourite of Des Hasler.

 

[weststigerman]

I think it can be Terrell, but we’d need 2 more quality props to make that happen.

I’m not sure that Benji thinks we need a lock which is the problem.