2020 vs 2021 - potentially FAR improved

[maxta]

Apart from the AFB loss - could be a FAR stronger lineup, with new faces and injured players back, could be a completely different side to what we seen in 2020.
The Only concerns are -

• Can we please have minimal injuries - ??
• Have we a quality 9 - I believe we do
• Can the youngsters progress - I say yes
• Will we have more backline pace - yes
• Will there be More signings - Definitely yes
• Can Foran stay healthy - Will be key in 2021
• Improved spine - Big time

 

[Mataiforever]

balance wise maybe

I think everyone here is underestimating the loss of AFB (including myself). He was miles our best player the past year or two. There was actually daylight between him and Jake, who I think in attack has regressed a lot (Des probably not using him the best), as well as daylight from Marty.

AFB truly was the alpha male of the pack and took on anyone he could, and most often won. Him or Papalii are the best props in the comp hands down.

In saying that, IF we get our signings and bring in Aloiai, I can see some merit to this argument.

• Paseka steps up, Aloiai in, there is some offset for AFB loss (although not much)
• Levi is gone, obviously was average but idk why we didnt keep him. We now don't have a single 9 on our roster. Hopefully Cust comes good but who knows.
• Thompson goes, Davey comes in. Probably like for like, Davey has been playing good footy but we lose Thompsons experience and leadership. Thompson's footy was declining tho
• Foran in, Parker likely to reserve grade - improve. Prefer Schuster & Foran swapping the 6 out than Cust, with Dylan to centres.
• No backup fullback signed. As always, our season will depend on Tom's fitness. Wouldn't have minded a good winger who can double as a fullback.
• Potentially sign Garner. Would be an upgrade on current 2row stock. Hopefully Ola'kauatu gets some time
• New Chooks winger. Won't crack the starting team this year if Saab comes. Probably better than Taufua. However Des will play Funa & Garrick over him on the wing, and rightly so.
• The late Keith Titmuss (RIP young gun, fly high) will have a massive emotional toll and also would've likely played some first grade this season. It remains to be seen how this will effect the group. Thoughts with his family
• We still have some deadwood on the books: Jorge, Croker, Boyle etc... Parker is probably wasted cap space considering Walker & Suli will be our first choice

All in all maybe a worst off squad. However if Tom plays a full season we definitely still make the 8. Again, shows poor management to not have a suitable Tom replacement. I hope Dylan trains there all off season because he will probably be needed.

 

[robbiea]

Who do you think is our quality 9 @maxta ?
Rather than Foran ,and I think he will greatly benefit the side.
I believe the true key to 21 is Tom.

 

[maxta]

Who do you think is our quality 9 @maxta ?
Rather than Foran ,and I think he will greatly benefit the side.
I believe the true key to 21 is Tom.

I believe Fainu who had a successful operation and has been training well, to feature in 2021....time will tell....also agree Foran to play a key role in many ways, including his Winning attitude and experience to lift the teams will to win and belief....
As for Tom, no doubt the main piece of the puzzle as the X factor every Premiership winner needs.
The only TRUE indicator of an improved 2021 is where Manly finish....and I see it considerably higher.

 

[Ryan]

Okay y'all. In a perfect world, everything falling into place, here is a best case scenario squad (big, fast, mobile, deep) - and one that could compete withe the best:

01. Tom Trbojevic
02. Jason Saab
03. Dylan Walker
04. Moses Suli
05. Christian Tuipulotu
06. Josh Schuster
07. Daly Cherry-Evans
08. Josh Aloiai
09. Manase Fainu
10. Marty Taupau
11. Luke Garner
12. Curtis Sironen
13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Kieran Foran
15. Taniela Paseka
16. Sean Keppie
17. Haumole Olakau'atu

The following players first call-ups:
Backs: Morgan Harper, Brad Parker, Tevita Funa, Reuben Garrick, Abbas Miski, Jorge Taufua
Halves / Hooker: Lachlan Croker, Cade Cust
Forwards: Andrew Davey, Jack Gosiewski, Toafofoa Sipley, Morgan Boyle

In the top 30, but a year away: Ben Trbojevic, Tolutau Koula

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Okay y'all. In a perfect world, everything falling into place, here is a best case scenario squad (big, fast, mobile, deep) - and one that could compete withe the best:

01. Tom Trbojevic
02. Jason Saab
03. Dylan Walker
04. Moses Suli
05. Christian Tuipulotu
06. Josh Schuster
07. Daly Cherry-Evans
08. Josh Aloiai
09. Manase Fainu
10. Marty Taupau
11. Luke Garner
12. Curtis Sironen
13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Kieran Foran
15. Taniela Paseka
16. Sean Keppie
17. Haumole Olakau'atu

The following players first call-ups:
Backs: Morgan Harper, Brad Parker, Tevita Funa, Reuben Garrick, Abbas Miski, Jorge Taufua
Halves / Hooker: Lachlan Croker, Cade Cust
Forwards: Andrew Davey, Jack Gosiewski, Toafofoa Sipley, Morgan Boyle

In the top 30, but a year away: Ben Trbojevic, Tolutau Koula

I reckon we’ll go close to this , sans Fainu.

Cust better be a revelation or we are screwed if Froggy is the only other choice.

 

[LittleSnake]

I love froggy's ticker but God help any team that fields him

 

[bob dylan]

All over thinking it.

Its this simple.

Tom plays every game = probable top 4 finish and likely GF.

Tom plays 15 games = probable top 8 finish.

Tom plays 8-15 games = might scrape into the 8.

Tom plays 4-8 games= probable bottom 6 finish.

Tom plays less than 4 games = hello we are in thge spoon battle.

 

[manlyfan76]

Funa as back up fullback COULD be ok. If he's not in first it would be tempting to play him FB in reggies

 

[mickqld]

Likely rd 1 lineup
1. Tom
2. Saab
3. Walker
4. Parker
5. Garrick
6. Foran
7. DCE
8. Aloiai
9. Croker
10. Taupau
11. Garner
12. Gosiewski
13. Jake T

14 Cust
15. Keppie
16. Paseka
17. Davey

Suli, Taufua won't be fit for rd 1.

18. Schuster
19. Ola'kuatu
20. Funa
21. Harper

 

[robbiea]

Likely rd 1 lineup
1. Tom
2. Saab
3. Walker
4. Parker
5. Garrick
6. Foran
7. DCE
8. Aloiai
9. Croker
10. Taupau
11. Garner
12. Gosiewski
13. Jake T

14 Cust
15. Keppie
16. Paseka
17. Davey

Suli, Taufua won't be fit for rd 1.

18. Schuster
19. Ola'kuatu
20. Funa
21. Harper

# 9 = Blasphemy @mickqld hahahahaha

 

[Sheikheagle]

Irrespective of the de belin verdict the NRL are saying there will be no change to the stand down policy. So I hope we have a plan b in regards to a hooker for next season.

 

[IQofalimabean]

Having a bad dummy half is a massive deal. More like a massive nightmare cricket score. If your dummy half is bad enough its error central. Put on the benny hill theme kinda bad.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Likely rd 1 lineup
1. Tom
2. Saab
3. Walker
4. Parker
5. Garrick
6. Foran
7. DCE
8. Aloiai
9. Croker
10. Taupau
11. Garner
12. Gosiewski
13. Jake T

14 Cust
15. Keppie
16. Paseka
17. Davey

Suli, Taufua won't be fit for rd 1.

18. Schuster
19. Ola'kuatu
20. Funa
21. Harper

Mick , Mick , Mick , no , no and no

Croker will be in Blacktown.

Schuster to 5/8

Foran / Cust to share the 9

 

[mickqld]

Mick , Mick , Mick , no , no and no

Croker will be in Blacktown.

Schuster to 5/8

Foran / Cust to share the 9

@Mark from Brisbane You should know better than anyone what Des will do. He'll stick with the tried and tested failures till the season is lost before giving the young guns their turn.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

@Mark from Brisbane You should know better than anyone what Des will do. He'll stick with the tried and tested failures till the season is lost before giving the young guns their turn.

That’s the 2020 Des , he’s changed !!

 

[davohan123]

That’s the 2020 Des , he’s changed !!

Let’s hope so

 

[Bring back the.... Biff?]

Depth wise maybe but losing afb is massive. Losing levi and playing cust and croker as 9 isnt a smart move. We need an actual hooker. Foran is good depth and saab will be a good pick up as will the young roosters winger..

Afb>Josh
Levi> no one
Thompson > davey
Garner > waddell

The difference will be playing walker where he belongs and having an actual 5/8th playing in the team. Obviously our season rests on turbo but i thought funa did a good job at the back. Better than garrick and elliot. We have good backline depth now we just need a hooker. If fainu gets off we are golden... i believe cust will do a fine job but if he goes down.. enter croker 80 minutes of croker at hooker will be enough to turn us all sterile and blind. Im happy with the pick ups we have i just think the squad looks weaker now without afb. It is going to be great watching Foran Walker & Turbo carve up that left edge... like a can of chum!

 

[Shoe1]

I really don’t think Levi was any good. Too hyperactive.

 

[pjayz]

Likely rd 1 lineup
1. Tom
2. Saab
3. Walker
4. Parker
5. Garrick
6. Foran
7. DCE
8. Aloiai
9. Croker
10. Taupau
11. Garner
12. Gosiewski
13. Jake T

14 Cust
15. Keppie
16. Paseka
17. Davey

Suli, Taufua won't be fit for rd 1.

18. Schuster
19. Ola'kuatu
20. Funa
21. Harper

Oh please. Schuster not in the 17. Come on.

They also didn’t sign Tupilotu for four years to not have him in the top 21, nor did they try and swap Garrick for Saab if they rate Garrick that highly.