Representative Games [May, 2015]

[Snake]

Inglis. Who else? Slater no Snake no Tedesco no. Rts no. Brett Morris no.

I didn't mean "converted" to the position.

The fullback role has changed over the years and the most dynamic runners of the ball are no longer "coming through" as centres, they're "coming through" as fullbacks. That's why it seems like we have a shortage of quality centres. We have an influx of quality fullbacks, and I think it's probably to do with the fact that when these supreme athletes are recognised, they're groomed as fullbacks because of the nature of the position in the modern game. Ricky Stuart recognised something in Jack Wighton and moved him to the back so he could get his hands on the ball more, and I think you'll find that now RTS is leaving for the Warriors, we'll see Ferguson move to the back. It's just the nature of the game nowadays; the 1's are getting their hands on the ball so much.

Someone like Mark Gasnier, would have made a great fullback; he had size, speed, step, pass, etc. But in the year 2000, he came through as a centre and like Inglis, was very successful in that position. I still think there are some players that you can call "specialist centres", like Matai and Lyon, but I am just generalising.

 

[Snake]

Maybe, time will tell. I love Moylan as well, Tedesco should be close to blues call up for wing spot. He is a gun right now. And I agree re Foran, his energy was up first 20 today. But I have always thought he is just a solid no frills type that has a shortened career in modern game. He is getting bashed and is too slow. He would have been a great lock in the 70s to 90s. Very over rated

agreed!

 

[Menzies11]

He has a heart?

Yeah but it's on life support, and anything more maroon will probably send it to flat line

 

[Killer03]

I didn't mean "converted" to the position.

The fullback role has changed over the years and the most dynamic runners of the ball are no longer "coming through" as centres, they're "coming through" as fullbacks. That's why it seems like we have a shortage of quality centres. We have an influx of quality fullbacks, and I think it's probably to do with the fact that when these supreme athletes are recognised, they're groomed as fullbacks because of the nature of the position in the modern game.

Someone like Mark Gasnier, would have made a great fullback; he had size, speed, step, pass, etc. But in the year 2000, he came through as a centre and the rest is history.

Ah gotcha. Yeh you're probably right on that.

 

[Chip and Chase]

How did you know? You must be writing the commentary for channel 9

It's the same script that they use every time Billy Slater stuffs up......which is often.

 

[Snake]

It's the same script that they use every time Billy Slater stuffs up......which is often.

they tried the ol' Inglis must be playing busted too, but when he ran Shaun Johnson down, it proved that he is moving at 100%, and simply had a poor game.

 

[ssteacup]

Im massively bias but honestly what does SOO mean this year? In my eyes ZERO the best of the best couldn't even beat the kiwis actually they got smashed.

 

[Baz]

At the very least I hope that game puts to bed anyone calling Inglis 'a future immortal' or 'the best player in the world', he was beyond hopeless tonight

 

[castle eagle]

They picked him because he has a reputation as a s*** coach?

The decision was made so he could bring Australia back to the pack & give other teams a chance.
Bet they didn't think he would be this good at doing what they wanted!

 

[Snake]

At the very least I hope that game puts to bed anyone calling Inglis 'a future immortal' or 'the best player in the world', he was beyond hopeless tonight

I am really concerned about the integrity of the "immortal status" moving forward. So far, I think they've done a good job of keeping it exclusive, but with constant references to the term in media circles, I worry that the list will swell beyond it's intended means.

Joey Johns was a very special player, and I don't think Slater, Inglis, Smith, or Thurston, are close to him in terms of the influence he had over the games he played in. Slater has made some howlers in his career (in big games too), Inglis goes AWOL a lot, and JT is a speed hump (something Joey never was).

I can understand a case being put forward for Lockyer, he achieved everything in the game, and had the result in the palm of his hand so many times throughout his career. I hope the powers that be, are sensible in their future additions.

 

[NYEagle]

Geez, Foran really is just an average first grader, no doubt about it. He really has taken the Squeels for a very long ride.

He looks physically and mentally burned out to me.
No fire in his eyes and no strength in his play. Was the weakest in the Kiwi team.
A shadow of the player we remember.
NYEagle

 

[Menzies11]

It's the same script that they use every time Billy Slater stuffs up......which is often.

S@$t I know that one

 

[Baz]

He looks physically and mentally burned out to me.
No fire in his eyes and no strength in his play. Was the weakest in the Kiwi team.
A shadow of the player we remember.
NYEagle

I think you've hit the nail on the head, he really does just look burnt out, which at 24 years of age is quite worrying.

I remember his first full season playing for Manly and he was the most determined, enthusiastic bloke I'd ever seen play first grade; he led the kick chases and always put his body on the line. There was one specific time when he'd just charged out of the line to smash an opponent and Peter Sterling said something along the lines of 'Foran will have to learn to adapt his game otherwise his body won't be able to cope with the continual punishment that he puts it through with his current style of play.' I can't help but feel like that may have been somewhat of a prophecy and we're seeing the results at the moment with his attitude and injuries

 

[manlyfan76]

He looks physically and mentally burned out to me.
No fire in his eyes and no strength in his play. Was the weakest in the Kiwi team.
A shadow of the player we remember.
NYEagle

Karma

 

[MissKate]

Wow, 6 games into the season and he is burnt out, parra must be pooping themselves

 

[Menzies11]

Wow, 6 games into the season and he is burnt out, parra must be pooping themselves

I hope not, not looking for any sort of back flip here

 

[Beer buzzard]

I am really concerned about the integrity of the "immortal status" moving forward. So far, I think they've done a good job of keeping it exclusive, but with constant references to the term in media circles, I worry that the list will swell beyond it's intended means.

Joey Johns was a very special player, and I don't think Slater, Inglis, Smith, or Thurston, are close to him in terms of the influence he had over the games he played in. Slater has made some howlers in his career (in big games too), Inglis goes AWOL a lot, and JT is a speed hump (something Joey never was).

I can understand a case being put forward for Lockyer, he achieved everything in the game, and had the result in the palm of his hand so many times throughout his career. I hope the powers that be, are sensible in their future additions.

Well said. If there is only 8 immortals, fine. All I hear lately is "who's the next immortal?" There should be NO debate. They will pick themselves in time.

 

[tookey]

He looks physically and mentally burned out to me.
No fire in his eyes and no strength in his play. Was the weakest in the Kiwi team.
A shadow of the player we remember.
NYEagle

He is just missing Brad so much

 

[Wombat Legacy]

Well said. If there is only 8 immortals, fine. All I hear lately is "who's the next immortal?" There should be NO debate. They will pick themselves in time.

Lockyer is over the line! He is twice the player JT is or ever will be. I hated Lockyer and Lewis.....I wonder why

 

[Killer03]

To me an immortal needs to be someone who contributes massively to their teams success (ie when they aren't there the chances of winning reduce significantly) and who has taken their positions to a new level.

To me that's Cameron Smith. I despise him, and think he gets away with blue murder. But he is a bonafide winner. His record with Storm, Qld, Australia is off the charts, yes there is a definitely a black mark there with the storm. And he took a hooker position to a whole new level.

Inglis, Slater and Thurston in my opinion get thrown around far too easily as immortals. They are all fine players, but more in the 'very good' category as opposed to 'immortals'. Cameron Smith, tool though he is, is in the Immortal category.