Kiwi Train on Squad

[Arucard]

Are we really that weak in the centres that we have to pick a guy that isn't even a Kiwi?

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

http://leagueunlimited.com/news/29339-squads-2016-4-nations/

Full squad: Gerard Beale, Adam Blair, Jesse Bromwich, Lewis Brown, Greg Eastwood, David Fusitu'a,Tohu Harris, Shaun Johnson, Jordan Kahu, Solomone Kata, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Thomas Leuluai, Issac Luke, Simon Mannering, Te Maire Martin, Manu Ma'u, Jason Nightingale, Kevin Proctor, Jordan Rapana, Joseph Tapine, Jason Taumalolo, Martin Taupau, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

No Manu or Fisher-Harris. Kidwell said he had 'private conversations with them'. Mannering no longer captain, replaced with Jesse Bromwich.

1. Fusitua
2. Watene-Zelezniak
3. Kata
4. Kenny-Dowell
5. Rapana
6. Leuluai
7. Johnson
8. Bromwich
9. Luke
10. Taupau
11. Harris
12. Mannering
13. Taumalolo

14. Martin
15. Proctor
16. Blair
17. Tapine

 

[Cloudsurfer]

Its a tough one for me personally because Vunivalu is good BUT, the Storm (like the Broncos) can make any winger look great.

A good example would be Duffy. Hes good too but...

Defintely a squadron member. Hopefully.

Suli has a way to go to get used to the NRL let alone rep NZ. Proud Fijian, he will play for his country when called upon but would stick up his hand for NZ as his first tier country in a shot (if that's the way its going to be in the future).

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

Suli has a way to go to get used to the NRL let alone rep NZ. Proud Fijian, he will play for his country when called upon but would stick up his hand for NZ as his first tier country in a shot (if that's the way its going to be in the future).

Yeah pretty much what I was saying.

 

[TheDMC]

Out of sight out of mind I think (at least for me) - and on the end of that Dragons 'attack' he was most definitely out of sight.

I saw a bunch of St George games this season for some reason, and despite crapiness of their attack, Nightingale was really good. Test quality winger for sure, even though lacking the out n out gas.

 

[Cold Roses]

Remember the great old days where you went on tour, you played 3 or 4 club teams... that'd be great for the likes of TMM

He'll get a shot against Scotland. Either starting with TL on the bench as cover, or just from the bench. Pref the former. It'll be great experience for him leading into a World Cup where we don't have great depth in the halves.

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

I saw a bunch of St George games this season for some reason, and despite crapiness of their attack, Nightingale was really good. Test quality winger for sure, even though lacking the out n out gas.

Yeah I like Nightingale in that his skill set is truly mastered, he hardly makes any mistakes. Hes probably not as fast as some others but quick none the less. If I could add anything to what youve said it'll be, if youre going to pick Fusitua for his ability to do the long jump tries in the corner, you may as well pick the original dive-in-the-corner kamakaze Nightingale.

 

[Philip_Smith007]

Name Ponga quick!

http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/kan...rss&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

 

[Penrose Warrior]

I saw a bunch of St George games this season for some reason, and despite crapiness of their attack, Nightingale was really good. Test quality winger for sure, even though lacking the out n out gas.

Given the outstanding service Nightingale has given the Kiwis, it's a bit of a kick in the teeth that he's not been selected. Defensively outstanding, great finisher, good in the air, consistent - not particularly quick or evasive but when do those opportunities present themselves in proper Test matches?

Beale over Nightingale is a joke. Beale is a reserve grader.

And Lewis Brown, who does he continue to blow to keep getting picked?

 

[VillaTheGorilla]

I agree Penrose....look at the team we have, so much X Factor over the field that we can afford to have a slightly slower, but consistent and reliable winger in Nightengale there. Rapana will be there for sure, but Nightengale over WDZ, Beale, Manu, Kahu, who ever else there is imo.

My team:
1. Fusitua
2. Rapana
3. Kata
4. SKD
5. Nightengale
6. Martin/TL
7. SJ
8. Bromwich
9. Luke
10. JWH
11. Mannering
12. Harris
13. Taumalolo

14. TL/Tapine
15. Taupau
16. Beastwood
17. Blair

If we're gunna have cover on the bench for Luke, then Martin to start and TL at 14, where he's shown he has a great skill set.
If not, then run with another big bopper Tapine and have TL in the halves with SJ. While I've loved what Thomas has done for the Warriors, Martin has a big future and will be able to offer as much as TL does as a half

 

[Penrose Warrior]

I think Tommy has done more than enough to get the 6 jersey. And it'll be nice to have someone in the Kiwis five-eighth role that's actually played a full (or nigh on full) season in that position, right? Not Tohu Harris or a rookie. Te Maire has been in reserve grade most of the year, I rate the guy very highly but he's not ready to start or bench in a Test match v Australia/England. That sort of guy is what the Scotland game etc is for.

I know we fawn over our pack most years, but that starting forward line-up you just posted...absolute jizz worthy. Guys with elite status who have had incredibly good 2016s (minus Luke, and even he was great at times in a shit side). Then you have Taupau, Beastwood and Blair to come on. Wow. I'd have Ma'u at 14, he's also had a great year (think he won Parra's POTY). Shame Ben went in for surgery because I think he'd thrive playing around those sort of guns, and remember how it is to play in a winning pack.

 

[TheDMC]

Given the outstanding service Nightingale has given the Kiwis, it's a bit of a kick in the teeth that he's not been selected. Defensively outstanding, great finisher, good in the air, consistent - not particularly quick or evasive but when do those opportunities present themselves in proper Test matches?

Beale over Nightingale is a joke. Beale is a reserve grader.

And Lewis Brown, who does he continue to blow to keep getting picked?

Hang on....Nightingale has been selected.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/sport/314826/rookies-in-kiwis-squad-as-mannering-loses-captaincy Or am I missing something.

He just wasn't by some of our forum armchair selectors.

A few years back I wasn't overly impressed by Nightingale being in the kiwis cause of his lack of real gas. But I then saw the light and realized how masterful he was in those areas you point out.

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

Hang on....Nightingale has been selected.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/sport/314826/rookies-in-kiwis-squad-as-mannering-loses-captaincy Or am I missing something.

He just wasn't by some of our forum armchair selectors.

A few years back I wasn't overly impressed by Nightingale being in the kiwis cause of his lack of real gas. But I then saw the light and realized how masterful he was in those areas you point out.

Nightingale, Kahu, Rapana, Fusitua and DWZ all play right side wing. However I do remember DWZ playing well on the left for the Panthers and taking that into account is why I put DWZ in outside of Kata.

Im assuming Kata will play leftside centre and I think its vvrulz that makes the point that Kata doesnt look to feed his winger so that might not be so good for Nightingale, but thats speculation based on what weve seen from Kata so far. For me, Kata does happen to die with the ball a lot but the real telling factor is, I dont think he holds the ball in two hands ever.

I consider some other things for picking DWZ over Nightingale but its another few paragraphs. Bottom line, its good we got Nightingale but dont be suprised if hes quiet outside of Kata.

 

[Penrose Warrior]

Hang on....Nightingale has been selected.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/sport/314826/rookies-in-kiwis-squad-as-mannering-loses-captaincy Or am I missing something.

He just wasn't by some of our forum armchair selectors.

A few years back I wasn't overly impressed by Nightingale being in the kiwis cause of his lack of real gas. But I then saw the light and realized how masterful he was in those areas you point out.

Pardon me, I hadn't looked hard enough at the squad.

I'd have him on the wing every day of the week. With such a good forward back and X factor in the backs around him, having a guy you 100% know you can depend on to defend well, take the high ball and finish well is such a luxury. Plus he's such an experienced campaigner and leader I would imagine. No brainer for me, he's been immense in the Kiwis jersey. DWZ is a talent but he's not there yet.

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

No ones disputing Nightingales abilities. If we READ properly and look at peoples reasons, theyre all fair points. Everyone has their preferences and reasons but we all agree Nightingales a good all round player.

Selective reading can affect ones comprehension and MISS things like who was named in the team and who wasnt.

 

[ozbash]

Lol, yes sir...

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

Lol, yes sir...

No worries mam. Now thats funny lol

 

[Penrose_11]

I'm not so sure Kata is a sure thing at left centre. I think Kahu is likely to get that spot over him. Kahu has enough gas, defends well and is a good distributor. And he's probably the #1 goal kicker in the squad as well. I think if Kahu isn't selected as fullback, which is just as likely, he's my tip ahead of Kata.

 

[TheDMC]

Pretty excited to see how Rapana goes in the pinnacle of the game.

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

I'm not so sure Kata is a sure thing at left centre. I think Kahu is likely to get that spot over him. Kahu has enough gas, defends well and is a good distributor. And he's probably the #1 goal kicker in the squad as well. I think if Kahu isn't selected as fullback, which is just as likely, he's my tip ahead of Kata.

True he can kick goals a little better than Luke and Johnson. Im not a big fan of Kahu but I cant deny the goods hes produced for the Broncos and the last time he played for the Kiwis. He's more versatile than Solomone as well. I'd pick Kata but wouldnt be gutted with Kahus selection. Just as long as its not Beale or Brown.