Hey, I started writing a response to your earlier post where you listed a possible team for next year and said that that team would finish 2nd last. I was going to say, I thought that was a bit tough coz as long as they can stay relatively fit, that team is a much better team than 2nd last. Anyway, you then did this pretty good analysis and to me, it doesn't sound like you think it's a 2nd last placed team. RE your position situation .....
FB - agree but with any player, you don't how long they'll last. So let's just hope Tom gets some luck next year.
Wingers - agree. But maybe you can shine some light on Saab. I noted in a post after the last home game, that I saw him out on the field with a minor limp, no crutches, no brace. It got me wondering if his injury was actually a long term prob.
Centres - agree - except I'm still a Parker fan in the absence of a class centre available. No, he's not a match winner but he is a solid defender, all guts and all Manly. If Koula goes up another level next year, Parker would be a solid support until someone quicker comes along. Maybe Weekes?? I don't know about that.
5/8 - agree. It's now over to Josh.
Half - agree but look, Cherry isn't going anywhere so we just have to hope something changes with his consistency.
Props - agree. Just 2 things - do you think Jake is up to a full game at prop? Fittler plays him off the bench but he'll be expected/or want to be playing the whole game. I'm not sure he's got the battering ram body for that. The other thing is Boyle. He's been another injury prone player but I watched him in that Roosters game and he was pretty good. He bent the line most runs and his tackling seemed ok. But I never heard anymore about him after that game. Part of the communication problems we've all discussed previously. Is he injured again? I've got no idea but if he's still around, he could still be a decent player. The games I watched with Tuitavake this year, I have to say, I couldn't see the talent noted. I thought Sione looked more dangerous and of course, he's gone. Anyway, in lieu of unknown players coming (as noted by
@Mark from Brisbane) I think there are enough props to work with if they lift a level as you've noted.
Backrowers - agree. Guac could be anything but man, he has to stop starting from a flat footed run. It's one of the things that has driven me nuts about Des this year, seemingly, he hasn't coached more of the hole running into him. Or has it been Cherry not providing the opportunity? And Tuilagi - I know his stats aren't great but the few games I saw, he looks like he has some potential, so hopefully Des can get something more out of him.
Hooker - Again, Croker isn't going anywhere. Having just gotten the B&F in that position, Des won't be moving him. So I reckon Lawton will be the back up. I'm not as harsh on him as you are in attack but he certainly isn't up to some others like say, Mahoney. But he needs to be in that team for his defence and courage as a motivator to the rest of them.
And finally, I think one of the missing backrowers could be Zac Fulton. Yes, he's young and inexperinced but he showed enough in that Roosters cameo that he's got what it takes to take the step up. A good pre season and I reckon he'll be ready for a backrower spot some time next year. Anyway, for what's it's worth.
