Talau was a very good 6 coming through the juniors. I think he may have even made rep teams in that position. I don't think he was the pick for 5/8 tonight, but he's not new to the position.
Respectfully disagree with any suggestion Caleb is an "arm grabber". 95% tackle efficiency in NSW cup for a guy making 30 or 40 tackles a game is pretty good. 99% in his 3 games for Fiji.
He has shown that he is very capable with ball in hand as well. When he is playing lock (not hooker) he is...
Our middles look tired and weren't up to the fight. Brown was probably the exception and did his best to get us some momentum. Hope we are selective about our forward spots for next year. Lodge started off well last year but looked a slug in his return, wouldn't re-sign him.
Caleb Navale is...
Doesn't look phased under the high ball, makes good defensive decisions, silky hands, great footwork and does the tough stuff well.
I know it is early days, but I really like the look of this kid as our future fullback. We need to keep this Hoppa.
A lot of people including me thought Talau was rubbish when signed last year, but he has been our most consistent back this year. I'm willing to give Schoupp, a former junior NSW rep a chance.
Seibolds comments indicate to me that he is a depth signing so he won't have broken the bank.
Respect your opinion but I didn't see much self preservation from Koula. He was a breath of fresh air at the back and better than what we'd seen from Turbo over the past few weeks.
22 runs for 243 metres tonight. I thought he held his own against Mariner and Staggs who have made many others look ordinary. He has proved me wrong this year, well done Tommy.
I missed chunks of the game. Did we use a challenge? If we didn't lose our challenge, I can't understand why DCE didn't challenge the Paseka lost ball after being called held or the high tackle from Paulo.
On the topic of mobile forwards, Navale's try assist in reserve grade shows he may be worth giving a go sooner rather than later.
https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2024/05/12/nswrl-tv-highlights--nsw-cup-sea-eagles-v-jets/
I reckon we should go after one of the roosters mobile middle/edge forwards.
Egan Butcher and Siau Wong both not making the top 17 this week and with Fifita on his way surely something has to give.
He's a different player with the ball in hand. Prior to last year he couldn't punch through a wet paper bag. Now he's bending the line every run and winning the play the ball.
Defense needs a bit of work though.
