Api to 5/8th

[1978]

Yes, it's a big call to make early in season. However:

1. We look so much shaper with Fainu at dummy half

2. Elgey is a reserve grader at best.

3. Api starred in a halves cameo for us a few years back, is a terrific player and would stiffen our edge defence.

4. Hodkinson to 14 as the utility

 

[HoldenV8]

Api to 5/8.......

 

[Sue]

He can’t pass and he doesn’t kick which are pretty well requisite for a five eight.Just what DCE needs. Every team would just double team him.Api is a classic case of confusing heart and courage with the actual ability to do the job required at 9 that allows our playmakers to flourish.

Off the bench relieving Fainu for 10 min is his spot . How many games do we have to watch where we run around as a disorganised rabble before someone gets the bright idea to pick a bloke who can pass, kick and organise at 9 and look like he has all the time in the world.

We will be lucky to avoid the sooon if Des doesn’t bite the bullet. I’m sure he will because he had his eyes painted on tonight if he didn’t.

 

[HoldenV8]

He can’t pass and he doesn’t kick which are pretty well requisite for a five eight.Just what DCE needs. Every team would just double team him.Api is a classic case of confusing heart and courage with the actual ability to do the job required at 9 that allows our playmakers to flourish.

Off the bench relieving Fainu for 10 min is his spot . How many games do we have to watch where we run around as a disorganised rabble before someone gets the bright idea to pick a bloke who can pass, kick and organise at 9 and look like he has all the time in the world.

We will be lucky to avoid the sooon if Des doesn’t bite the bullet. I’m sure he will because he had his eyes painted on tonight if he didn’t.

Couldn't agree more. I think there are more positives to Fainu's game than their are Api's. IMO Api's best asset is his defence. As an attacking player he does leave a bit to be desired.

When Api played half for 2 or 3 games back in 2016, he was a disaster (not helped by having Walker as his 5/8). Somehow Ch.9 gave him MoM in our home loss to Souffs, yet on the night he rarely passed, had white line fever and from my count butchered at least 3 tries. But from that we get fans who think he should be playing in the halves.

Seriously, I'd rather have Slug Hodkinson at pivot and take advantage of his more accurate goal kicking (though DCE did well tonight with 2 sideline conversions) than I would Api.

 

[robbiea]

Api to Blacktown.

 

[The Who]

What about Jurbo to 5/8?
He now likes to be a ball-player and more times than not he stands in the backline from a scrum.
That would allow us to play Duck at lock, have Jetski, Tent, Tango and Api as reserves. Play a power game with the forwards bashing 'em, and Turbo and Sandwich occasionally showing their pace.
.... no need to thank me DESpicable. You can have my game plan for future success without charge.