Kaeo Weekes

[Bearfax]

Even Jonathan Thurston took a few years to crack the big time. Was considered too small and had a heap of shoulder reconstructions.

Great example there. Thurston played 29 games in first grade with the Bulldogs over a 3 year period. Was in their premiership side in 2004. But even in that game he was a late replacement on the bench. Was often considered too small. Left CB where he was getting only a limited number of FG games generally off the bench, and history now shows he was one of the best half backs in the history of the game. Patience as I always push. Thing is if they dont end up producing, what has been lost if they are on a low pay grade. If they succeed and have moved elsewhere, its egg in the face.

 

[TheSoaringEagle2023]

Great example there. Thurston played 29 games in first grade with the Bulldogs over a 3 year period. Was in their premiership side in 2004. But even in that game he was a late replacement on the bench. Was often considered too small. Left CB where he was getting only a limited number of FG games generally off the bench, and history now shows he was one of the best half backs in the history of the game. Patience as I always push. Thing is if they dont end up producing, what has been lost if they are on a low pay grade. If they succeed and have moved elsewhere, its egg in the face.

I think if a player can show glimpses of pretty good ability, early on, then patience is the key. Weekes showed some good touches and scored a try or two with some good play. Thurston was often hampered by injuries as well.
But if a player shows absolutely nothing in 4 or 5 years of decent game time, then less likely they will kick on.

 

[Spartan Eagle]

Whenever I've seen Weekes play 1st Grade, I've thought he was under performing.
He didn't make any plays that made an impact, and he made bad decisions in attack.
I think there'll be a couple of other players that should be selected ahead of him for 1st Grade.
All the players that thumped the Tigers in Round 27 at Brookie should be playing together a lot more.
I've been very impressed with Harper since his return to 1st Grade.
Tolu Koula was outstanding, Jake Arthur has been a brilliant addition. Toafofoa Sipley and Haumole Olakau'atu have been ripping up the middle of the field and off loading.
Ethan Bullemor & Aaron Woods have been carrying the ball up and making very effective tackles.
With Josh Schuster on the bench, Manly's attack flowed with ad lib passing and confident running.
Every single Manly player in the Rnd 27 game deserve a special mention for their impact on the game.
Special congratulations to the mighty Jake Trbojevic on his 200th 1st Grade game.
Go Manly!!!!!!!!

To be fair the Tigers make any player look like an international. But I see your point.

 

[HK_Eagle]

A player who has not broken through at 21 with one full season of reserve grade and 5 NRL starts.

Literally hundreds.

Gutherson played 5 first grade games over 3 years (injurys played a part) before going to Parra and establishing himself.

Glenn Stewart debuted in 2003 and played 2, 5, 5 and 7 games over the next 4 years before finally establishing himself in 2007.

Albert Hopoate debuted in 2020 with 5 games then didnt get any games till his 7 in 2022 and only this year established himself.

Ben Trbojevic has had 26 games over 3 seasons and is only now starting to look an established first grader.

Jason Saab had 3 games in 2019, 4 in 2020 before establishing himself at Manly.

You could argue Jackson Hastings had 5 years in and out of first grade before moving to the UK and developing a consistant game.

Shaun Lane went through three clubs 15-17 before establishing himself at Manly in 2018.

Jakob Arthur is now 4 seasons and 28 games into his career and has not locked down a first grade spot.

Any of the above after 5 starts you could argue had offered very little and were unsure if they'd progress. And I've listed mainly established players.

Point is, very few NRL players dominate from day 1, now will Weekes kick on? Who knows but his career progression is not unlike many before him.

It's not that I think everybody kicks on or starts on fire... I just have been so underwhelmed by Weekes. I really can't think of anything he has done in his handful of opportunities that had me thinking there is potential there to work on. Many of those you have listed may not have been world beaters to start with, but I'm sure they showed glimmers of something that coaches could recognise and work with.

 

[HK_Eagle]

I think if a player can show glimpses of pretty good ability, early on, then patience is the key. Weekes showed some good touches and scored a try or two with some good play. Thurston was often hampered by injuries as well.
But if a player shows absolutely nothing in 4 or 5 years of decent game time, then less likely they will kick on.

I'm surprised to hear that, to be honest. I really can't recall much at all from his appearances. Perhaps I just missed those touches.

 

[TheSoaringEagle2023]

I'm surprised to hear that, to be honest. I really can't recall much at all from his appearances. Perhaps I just missed those touches.

Did a bit of a solo effort and scored a try against the Knights in the first game.
In the pre season he helped set up two tries.

 

[eaglebuzz]

Weekes has SPEED plus the necessary footy fundamentals. Has so much potential up- side - crazy to let him go.

All well and good but if he plays like an absolute potato every time you put him in a first grade jumper how many chances do you give him? I feel like 12 is enough.

 

[lsz]

Jesus christ on a motorbike.

Not every kid is going to come into first grade and star. Also he gets a run when players are injured which means he is in a weakened team every time...

Is he the next messiah? Who knows...just like how can the heck you can judge him on what we have seen.

Finally re the option to explore is not a dumb move. It is often a case where the club would do that rather than dealing with a disgruntled player who may feel they under valued themselves

 

[ManlyTragic]

I don’t want to sound too negative …. But I thought his last couple of games in reserves were underwhelming….. but maybe I am measuring him against him against the expectations created by this site and others..

Just sayin’

 

[eaglebuzz]

Jesus christ on a motorbike.

Not every kid is going to come into first grade and star. Also he gets a run when players are injured which means he is in a weakened team every time...

Is he the next messiah? Who knows...just like how can the heck you can judge him on what we have seen.

Finally re the option to explore is not a dumb move. It is often a case where the club would do that rather than dealing with a disgruntled player who may feel they under valued themselves

Nobody expects the Messiah, just basic reliability.

 

[lsz]

Nobody expects the Messiah, just basic reliability.

How many different positions has he been put into?

 

[Bearfax]

I think if a player can show glimpses of pretty good ability, early on, then patience is the key. Weekes showed some good touches and scored a try or two with some good play. Thurston was often hampered by injuries as well.
But if a player shows absolutely nothing in 4 or 5 years of decent game time, then less likely they will kick on.

Agreed. The issue with Thurston injuries. Secondary. The Dogs had two halves, Sherwin and Anasta, they favoured and Thurston, didn't show enough to warrant replacing them. As mentioned he was often considered too small and even in his last season only had just over a hand full of games, usually off the bench. Usually a player takes a few seasons to become comfortable and fully effective in their role. Took several seasons in country Rugby league before Cliffy was recognised by Premiership sides. Some players become instant successes. Others develop and take time to become stars. Weekes has barely stated his career. A couple of first grade matches offers us little yet of this kids potential and its blinkered to judge him on that. A season or two of first grade experience will usually begin to show a players worth.

 

[eaglebuzz]

How many different positions has he been put into?

You'd have to ask his girlfriend.

 

[eaglebuzz]

Agreed. The issue with Thurston injuries. Secondary. The Dogs had two halves, Sherwin and Anasta, they favoured and Thurston, didn't show enough to warrant replacing them. As mentioned he was often considered too small and even in his last season only had just over a hand full of games, usually off the bench. Usually a player takes a few seasons to become comfortable and fully effective in their role. Took several seasons in country Rugby league before Cliffy was recognised by Premiership sides. Some players become instant successes. Others develop and take time to become stars. Weekes has barely stated his career. A couple of first grade matches offers us little yet of this kids potential and its blinkered to judge him on that. A season or two of first grade experience will usually begin to show a players worth.

The issue is, as long as he's not pressing a compelling claim for the top 17, why would we keep him on the books if another club is willing to offer him top 17 cash?

 

[AlxFromNthNarra]

Weekes to take unders to remain a part of Manly system. Wants to win a Premiership, and will look to cement his place with Powerhouse Northern Beaches Club
.
.
We can dream

 

[HK_Eagle]

How many different positions has he been put into?

So, which one should we put him in to help him actually show something?

 

[lsz]

So, which one should we put him in to help him actually show something?

Not sure

That is the thing with kids it can take time.

Remind me how many play makers there are out there under 30 besides Cleary and maybe Lui?

 

[HK_Eagle]

Not sure

That is the thing with kids it can take time.

Remind me how many play makers there are out there under 30 besides Cleary and maybe Lui?

I’m sure it’s a thankless task for coaches to work out these scenarios.

 

[eaglebuzz]

It will be especially telling if the Dragons don't sign him. You'd think if Flanagan rated Weekes, he would snap him up.

 

[robbiea]

I don't know .
He had plenty of chances to grab the bull by the horns,and never did.