Cullen and Parker to start this week

[Class of 96]

Agree with Snake. I would put the best defender in at Hooker to nullify the early attacks. Just need decent distribution to let the forwards and halves go to work.

 

[Danly Manly]

Don't underestimate Cullen. He is a tough and fiery little player for his size, high energy with a great kicking game and passing.

 

[Dan]

Never thought I would say this, but I think we will miss Api at hooker, the quick darts and creativity has helped us roll forward, however with that said Cullen plays some good structure.

Hopefully he is a tackling workhorse like Api too.

Glad to be wrong on the whole Api thing

 

[The Royal Soup]

WHat have I missed?

Why is API out?

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

All these issues pale into insignificance when compared to the burning Kelly dilemma.

Oh yeah, 11 pages and still going!

Poor Brian, I actually think he's great for a Rookie.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

WHat have I missed?

Why is API out?

Blame it on Barrett!

 

[ManlyTragic]

Interesting to see that Hastings has been picked in both first grade and reserve grade.

Wow he must be fit!

 

[Sheikheagle]

I know you all have it in for Lewis Brown but I would be more confident having him in the 9 and either Cullen or Hastings to come off the bench...

I don't think Cullen has the defence to handle starting at hooker and I will be blown away if he used from the opening whistle. I pretty much feel the same about Hastings; I don't doubt his ability in attack, but I question his credentials in defence.

My early tip is Brown to start at 9, Cullen off the bench and Hastings back to NSW Cup.

Playing halves in NSW Cup or 10 minutes off the bench at hooker in FG is completely different to playing the opening exchanges of a FG match in the toughest defensive position on the field. The likes of Vaughan and Frizell will have a field day if either Cullen or Hastings starts.

I agree I am not questioning Cullen's commitment or courage however I would be more happy with brown to start and either Cullen or Hastings coming off the bench. I know we are playing better now but don't forget they towelled us up in 1st round. Massive game for us with storm next and then roosters.

 

[desreturnoftheking]

Parker will handle it well as he has before. Cullen has been OK I'm hoping he pulls a Shaun lane and kills it now he's got a starting role. hastings might get the heave Ho for Brownsville

 

[desreturnoftheking]

Brownsville might even start if fit

 

[Kevinward777]

Agree with Snake. I would put the best defender in at Hooker to nullify the early attacks. Just need decent distribution to let the forwards and halves go to work.

Yeah, cause Lewis Brown has shown us what a wonderful defender he is over the last two years.

 

[CollaroyJo]

Parker will handle it well as he has before. Cullen has been OK I'm hoping he pulls a Shaun lane and kills it now he's got a starting role. hastings might get the heave Ho for Brownsville

Went off injured against the Tigers

 

[Dan]

WHat have I missed?

Why is API out?

Apparently a calf injury and back next week. I think we are just managing the cattle a little bit coming into the finals.

However he came off against the Tigers not long after copping a knee to the ribs in the last 15 minutes

 

[desreturnoftheking]

Went off injured against the Tigers

who did? and i never asked a question haha

 

[desreturnoftheking]

Yeah, cause Lewis Brown has shown us what a wonderful defender he is over the last two years.

he is right dragons pack will expose Cullen and hastings. Brown is a bigger body and if used right with rotation can work well for us. I'd say bring on Cullen 28th minute or so

 

[Kevinward777]

he is right dragons pack will expose Cullen and hastings. Brown is a bigger body and if used right with rotation can work well for us. I'd say bring on Cullen 28th minute or so

Yep I agree, Lewis adds plenty of sting to our middle defense. I especially like his third man in falling onto the ruck and his arm grabbing is possibly league best.

 

[robbiea]

Hastings seemed to be going great for a while,did I miss the story that he sh@t in the coaches cornflakes ?

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Apparently a calf injury and back next week. I think we are just managing the cattle a little bit coming into the finals.

However he came off against the Tigers not long after copping a knee to the ribs in the last 15 minutes

I hope the calf and the 'rest' are not smokescreens to cover for a worse injury after getting kneed. We saw how Frizzel was hampered for ages with his rib injury.
We'll need Api fighting fit for the run to September.

 

[Fluffy]

This move really shows Baz growing as a coach in my opinion. He is thinking ahead, what he can do to get us in the best shape in the finals, also allows him to test/try a few plan B's in some positions to see what's best just in case it's needed when we are on the run home.

 

[manlyfan76]

I hope hey both score in a massive Manly victory.