Juniors Discussion Thread

[aidan]

Kylan Mafoa seems to have made a late season push into NSW Cup after being missing for most of the year. Anyone know the background on how he’s going?

Had big wraps last year in Flegg

He’s definitely a strange case. Missed the first part of the season through injury, then came back via Sydney Shield in round 13. It still took until round 21 for him to get a run in our NSW Cup side – which is odd considering he played two NSW Cup games at the back end of last season and then went on to represent Fiji. Not sure if anyone else tied in with the club has more info, but I’m curious.

Side note – one of his good mates, Nick Lenaz, is making his debut today for the Cowboys. He captained our Flegg team last year and won our best and fairest, but of course the geniuses at our club didn’t think it was worth keeping him on even a development or train-and-trial contract this year.

 

[CCSeaEagle]

He’s definitely a strange case. Missed the first part of the season through injury, then came back via Sydney Shield in round 13. It still took until round 21 for him to get a run in our NSW Cup side – which is odd considering he played two NSW Cup games at the back end of last season and then went on to represent Fiji.

Not sure if anyone else tied in with the club has more info, but I’m curious.



Side note – one of his good mates, Nick Lenaz, is making his debut today for the Cowboys. He captained our Flegg team last year and won our best and fairest, but of course the geniuses at our club didn’t think it was worth keeping him on even a development or train-and-trial contract this year.

Quite the curious case, isn’t it? Odd that he’s only now been given a run, especially after clocking two NSW Cup games late last season and proudly representing Fiji – one would expect a résumé like that to guarantee a direct path to the “regular starter” list.

From where we stand, it looks like most of the favoured Central Coast and Queensland lads, alongside a handful of rugby union converts and a select group of player-agent favourites – both seasoned campaigners and promising rookies – have all had their moments in Cup this year. Meanwhile, others have quietly faded into the background. Those still waiting seem to be ones who don’t exactly headline the “most wanted” roster for the Flegg side.

It appears some privileged youngsters are handed multiple bites at the cherry, while others struggle to get even half a taste.

Perhaps there’s an intricate, well-guarded selection algorithm at play — one the rest of us simply haven’t cracked yet.

Of course, with the hierarchy calling the shots on team picks, the coaches probably just nod along politely and say absolutely nothing.

Makes you wonder what the “old boys” have been grumbling about in the media this time...

 

[Smokin Joe]

Quite the curious case, isn’t it? Odd that he’s only now been given a run, especially after clocking two NSW Cup games late last season and proudly representing Fiji – one would expect a résumé like that to guarantee a direct path to the “regular starter” list.

From where we stand, it looks like most of the favoured Central Coast and Queensland lads, alongside a handful of rugby union converts and a select group of player-agent favourites – both seasoned campaigners and promising rookies – have all had their moments in Cup this year. Meanwhile, others have quietly faded into the background. Those still waiting seem to be ones who don’t exactly headline the “most wanted” roster for the Flegg side.

It appears some privileged youngsters are handed multiple bites at the cherry, while others struggle to get even half a taste.

Perhaps there’s an intricate, well-guarded selection algorithm at play — one the rest of us simply haven’t cracked yet.

Of course, with the hierarchy calling the shots on team picks, the coaches probably just nod along politely and say absolutely nothing.

Makes you wonder what the “old boys” have been grumbling about in the media this time...

Mafoa came back from injury and yes, probably spent more time coming back in Shield before getting a run in Reggie's the last couple of weeks.
I am curious as to which players have faded into the background and not been given a shot in Reggie's?
If you don't impress you don't really get a shot.....

 

[CCSeaEagle]

Mafoa came back from injury and yes, probably spent more time coming back in Shield before getting a run in Reggie's the last couple of weeks.
I am curious as to which players have faded into the background and not been given a shot in Reggie's?
If you don't impress you don't really get a shot.....

Thanks for the insight on Mafoa — sounds like you’re really well across things. It definitely makes sense that coming back from injury requires a careful ramp-up.

Regarding players fading into the background, I agree it can be tough for some to get a genuine shot to impress. I’ve caught a bit on Bar TV myself and can see how competitive things are.

Given the selectors had a tough run with the Broncos’ first ever spoon, hopefully they’re learning and adapting what a “fair shot” really means.

I’m optimistic and looking forward to seeing how things develop from here — it would be great to relive the golden years as a club again!