Barba

[Defer to the coifed]

I dont mind the idea of Bealey at fullback, but , defense at the back is what differentiated us last year. attack is 25% of the job. I dont know if Bealey would be much better than Holmes in that department , if at all & Holmes would be better in attack, you'd think. One thing for sure, you dnt see fullbacks have break out years like you used to, as teh defense side of things is critical. Look at the young kid at Roosters. Prob a top 5 player in the game, but well controlled by opposition last year.
I'm not ruling out more twists in this case. I am still getting my jaw off the ground at the 2.5 mil. I knew he was the best, but that much the best? Wow.

 

[YTSharks]

Whatever you think, he is now gone and we are significantly worse off. Our backline just went from a top 4 to a bottom 8 IMO. We need a signing on the wing that is an upgrade on Feki/Beale/Drew/Younguns asap. Get that and Sege and we might have a shot at top 4.

Love to see us chase that Noafoluma from tigers. He's really underrated. Breaks tackles and scores tries

 

[Ads]

Love to see us chase that Noafoluma from tigers. He's really underrated. Breaks tackles and scores tries

I'd take him. Better than our current options.

 

[2012....Sharks Year]

The only thing I would add, this is Ben's 2nd drug positive result.If you haven't learnt after 1st shot, what does it take, when you have a family to support and a club that loves your work.
I fully appreciate him helping us win the big one, but what about the next one?

I'm as devastated as the next man over his move to Vichyland,but he made the choices not the drug testers, not the NRL,not our CEO.
Some might say it's giving his fans the bird,not the Jack one.The drug clause I understand is on NRL contracts, you sign, you accept.
NBTW it's a 12 match suspension,not 12 months.

Well said.....lets just be grateful for the massive contribution he made to our maiden premiership. Big risk having one of your crucial players basically on his last chance. Third strike is an automatic 2 year suspension. Bit of a changing of the guard over the next year or so at the Sharkies and this is just part of the puzzle. Ennis....Benny and likely Gal, Lewie and Heino playing their last season. Lets enjoy the transition of the young guys and the swansong of a couple of our legends.

 

[southland]

Samona?

 

[Defer to the coifed]

Im pretty sure Capes can play either wing side. His prefferred or best step is off his Right I think. Right now, he is aour best option with a fantastic leap, great pace, off load ability & over all strength. Weahter he wants to drop to wingers pay is another thing.?

 

[shaggs]

I doubt there would be any drop.
If anything going from the pay of a second stringer utility to full time NRL winger would be an increase.

His build would be like Oates. Awkward to tackle. Can't hurt to try it out. His kick returns will be strong

 

[King Ben]

If I didn't know better, I would've thought somebody bumped a thread from 2013.

The current backline all won us a comp. Barba is a loss, sure, but you'd think we were still playing Pomeroy and Isaac Gordon by the way some of you are carrying on.

 

[Born BB&W]

Good fullbacks are good talkers.

I don't know can Valentine talk?

I just hope he doesn't have a few shockers back there.

 

[Defer to the coifed]

For those that didnt get the opportunity to see any live games last year, you probably cannot grasp the level of input barba had from behind the team. We havent jsut lost our very good fullback. WE have lost our defensive structure. its not a matter of whether they talk. its a matter of what they say.

 

[Eion]

It will be a steep curve for Val no doubt. We've also been used to safe fullbacks under the high ball with Gordon and Barba in recent years...I'd almost forgotten the gards dark days.

Barba with all his experience was still quite ordinary in 2015, hitting his straps in 2016. I expect it will take Val some time, but he's worth it. Got a bit of Karmichael Hunt about him I reckon.

 

[carcharias]

Probably kept the best fullback prospect since peach by Barba leaving.
Let's face it Barba had about 1 maybe 2 more years in him....maybe.

We won

 

[ghoti]

the depth in the three quarters is pretty scary...Feki keeps reinjuring his knee, most likely will miss a few games at some stage...The fact that Drew is the depth guy now, and hasn't played first grade is a huge concern. Wish Benny told Gagan he was gonna have a big one before Gagan signed with the knights...

The squad looks very unbalanced again...Oodles of backrowers and second string hookers and ONE specialist first grade winger.

Reckon the club will try and wrangle any trades?

 

[carcharias]

Feki is injured now
Not playing any games until Broncos round 1
Trex did hammy

 

[myrrh ken]

What about that young bloke from the gold coast that did his leg - nathan davis? Think hes not picked up yet. Big (6"3') and fast. And will be waiting in the wings up there.

 

[shaggs]

Stop saying Gagan would be in firsts. He 100% was never going to play there.

He will play less than 5 games at Newcastle. If that.

 

[Rhyno]

It's good news for Holmes and the Eels

Holmes gets a years experience playing fullback before joining the eels in 2018

 

[Miller was a legend]

Worst attempted trolling ever

 

[Dragon Slayer]

It's good news for Holmes and the Eels

Holmes gets a years experience playing fullback before joining the eels in 2018

Nah he wants to be at a Club that can win a Premiership....

 

[Miller was a legend]

Nah he wants to be at a Club that can win a Premiership....

And manage the cap