Round 1 2015 Team

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

Yeah we won't get to see him hurt people

He'll just hurt their centres more often than their backrowers.

 

[Twizzle]

He should be even bigger next year.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Brad Taikarangi wouldn't be the worst option for you guys. I thought he was one of the Titans best this year and is one of the only first grade quality centres you're going to find looking for a club at this point. Very versatile as well.

Versatile in attack (though lacks the kicking game for the halves) but a sluggish defender out wide. That's why teams aren't falling over each other trying to sign him.

As for other options, the Dragons are reportedly trying to shift a couple of contracted centres. IMO Gerard Beale would be perfect.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

If Hoppa moves to fullback we need to buy a specialist (right) centre if we want to make the 8 (and that is assuming we get watmough).

Isn't Beau Champion a right side centre?

 

[Noise]

Isn't Beau Champion a right side centre?

Not sure, I didnt watch much bears this year. If he is then we need a quality left centre.

 

[Forty20]

I'm certain that Champion is a right side centre.

 

[Bazal]

Didn't Taikarangi sign with the Tigers anyway?

 

[Craig Johnston]

Didn't Taikarangi sign with the Tigers anyway?

taylor vetoed that one

 

[The Elephant In The room]

I'm certain that Champion is a right side centre.

In that case he need a quality right centre as well, because Champion is rubbish.

 

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

I remember watching his uncle make his home debut on the wing for us in the early years of Parra Stadium. Destructive runner but never really kicked on.

 

[Joshuatheeel]

What was his name?

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Bro Champion

 

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

What was his name?

Louis Takairangi

http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/louis-takairangi/summary.html

 

[Eelementary]

As much as people will say davis is too young.He will start the season at 19.If good enough most backs get a taste by then. DWZ is 18 at penrith.I haven't seen enough of him but plenty have said he is the best Back we have coming thru.Maybe forty20 can give us some more info on if he might be ready...

Personally, I think Davis is a gun, but he needs to add bulk to his frame.

He's an elusive runner with great footwork, but he's tall and thin - he'd be cannon fodder at First Grade level.

Having said that, Crooks is a similar build, and was killing it in the ESL, so...

 

[The Elephant In The room]

How big is Davis? Everyone seems to think Crooks (at 88kgs) is too light. Then again D Walker (91kg), Hoppa (90kg), J Roberts (82kg) & D Whare (92kg) aren't any bigger (Roberts is much smaller) and they all do fairly well.

 

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

It's where the weight is that makes the difference. Davis is heavier than all of them (97kg), but he hasn't yet filled out fully (from what one can tell watching on TV)....he's 195cm ....6'5 ish I guess.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Exactly Barry. BMI is far more important than just body weight.

 

[Bigfella]

Louis Takairangi

http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/louis-takairangi/summary.html

Pretty sure Louis is Brad's old man

 

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

Pretty sure Louis is Brad's old man

I think you're right. I had this idea that I'd suggested that and been corrected.....but I think I've double bluffed myself.;-)

 

[lingard]

If Hoppa moves to fullback we need to buy a specialist (right) centre if we want to make the 8 (and that is assuming we get watmough).

That's exactly what I reckon. But, personally, I'd leave Hoppoate at centre, with Champion on the other side. I'd buy Josh Hoffman. Robinson and Hoffman to compete for the fullback spot (and maybe rotate throughout the year).