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Lafai v Mann

KogarahWarrior

Juniors
Messages
1,310
Alright, we resigned Widdop, great. And if we sign Dugan and Packer, the two mains for us will be..

Lafai v Mann. Lafai has been brilliant, setting up tries, scoring them, defending with aggression, making breaks. Mann's utility value is vital and his defense is great. He excels at most positions now. So, who stays, and who goes, and how much should we sign them for?
 

mobels

Juniors
Messages
685
It's not a competition for either of them the plan clearly is for Mann to take over Nightingale's wing spot or for a junior to take the wing spot with Nightingale retiring this year.

The clubs not going to take the risk of signing Lafai to another multi year contract when his form last year was shit and he's only played 5 amazing games. He also has chronic knee issues almost as bad as Hodkinson which is why there has been 0 reports of anyone looking to sign Lafai yet.

If he continues his form throughout till around Round 15 or so Lafai will be resigned. If not they'd be happy to discard him and have Mann/Herbert/Dodd/New Signing taking his spot.

There will be 100% a contract on the table for Mann as his utility value is one of the best in the whole competition.
 
Messages
2,639
Also keep in mind we wouldn't have a lot of cap space,

Why? I note the Roosters, Broncs and Dogs have no issue in strengthening their rosters. And the Sharks always keep an eye out for the better talents. Flanno wants a crack at J Graham if he becomes available.

Yet we struggle with retaining lowly Lafai standard players.

Straight Shooter
 

Coffs dragon

Bench
Messages
4,247
I'd prefer Kurt Mann over Tin Man........he's been consistent for 12 months and not just 6 matches. Mann's versatility is also a huge bonus........if only the coach would utilise this more regularly.
 

possm

Coach
Messages
15,587
Sign both, Lafai left centre with Mann right centre, Aitken bench utility spot. Use Aitken in the back row and make him defend closer to the ruck. Tell him to start beefing up now to help the transition, give Georgie Rose a call to mentor him on weight gain.
I've for a long time believed Aitkens future is as a utility on the bench. If we can afford to do this it is the best solution. In this way even though Mann is playing in the centre, he can be shifted to the halves or fullback and Aitken come on in the centres.

Aitken would be very dangerous as a backrow forward coming off the bench. Faster than any of our current backrow forwards and better suited to defending in the centre.
 

Ronnie Dobbs

Coach
Messages
17,119
Mann is our fullback next year, for mine.

If Widdop has actually accepted terms, no way we can keep Duges. Tigers will have the funds and position available.

My take on it.
 

Old Timer

Coach
Messages
16,914
Mann is our fullback next year, for mine.

If Widdop has actually accepted terms, no way we can keep Duges. Tigers will have the funds and position available.

My take on it.
TBH I think Duges will stay and I really hope he does.
Millward for mine has confused the whole deal.
However if he does go I think it will be Nighty to FB as MC Fookknuckle already did that twice this year and to top it off we will compound the error by losing Mann.
If ever there was a reason to pick Mann at FN it was this last 2 weeks and hew just refused do it, so cant see it happening next year either.
 

giboz71

First Grade
Messages
8,895
Mann is our fullback next year, for mine.

If Widdop has actually accepted terms, no way we can keep Duges. Tigers will have the funds and position available.

My take on it.

Thought the Tigers said they would pass on Duges?

Although they would be the only ones with cap space to afford him.
 

possm

Coach
Messages
15,587
The Dogs will be looking for a fullback after letting go a whole host of their backline including the Hoppa and the Morris Bros. It's quite possible the Dogs may chase Dugan and Mann.
 

BrissyRedV

Bench
Messages
4,382
Lafai looks a new man this season. Injuries may have been holding him back last year because he is certainly looking the goods this year. IMO, every effort should be made to retain both Mann and Lafai. Lafai is a left side specialist and Mann is seriously becoming a mister fixit guy. You can slot him in just about anywhere in the backline and he will perform.
 

Overseas dragon

Juniors
Messages
2,275
Got to praise our beloved coach he's getting most things right.unfortunately in the case of Mann he seems to be wearing rose coloured glasses. why can't he see what's patently in front of him ,if Mann isn't an improvement on McDonald then I'm a Queenslander
 

st.phil

Bench
Messages
4,032
The Mann love on here is on overdrive. Great kid, great utility but not a top tier centre or fullback. He's a half or winger. Lafai in a canter
 

Ronnie Dobbs

Coach
Messages
17,119
Thought the Tigers said they would pass on Duges?

Although they would be the only ones with cap space to afford him.

May not be Ivans particular cup of tea.

I think he's best to sign whats on the table now. He's in for a shock on the open market.

Dogs perhaps? Or the Sharks even?

End of the day, he is a top shelf player. A strike weapon. He's not a million dollar player though.

750 is bang on for him.

Do we even have that now? You get Packer AND Mann for that.
 
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