2021 - Squad, Signings, Re-signings

[Forster Dragon]

In all honesty our overall squad is looking very very basic and our coaching staff will need to be good.
Our stocks have really deteriorated over the past years under the genius coaching mob we had in the past 7 years.
Management should all have been sacked years ago for overseeing the deterioration of our once great Club.

 

[Saints Forever]

On paper we have a weaker squad than last year but ultimately games aren’t won on paper

Granted, we lost Tyson Frizell however the brain surgeon never used him properly.

We lost Host, who promised much but ultimately never delivered at a level which would justify a long contract.

Korbin Sims never really performed consistently.

Hook has taken some calculated risks in signing Bird and Alvaro.

For the record I am good with both signings.

Alvaro has size and power.

Bird is a class player when fit, and a difference maker.

The young Roosters prop is a welcome addition.

Kerr will continue to improve and Blacker will also develop this year.

So overall, the forwards are no worse than last year.

Under Hook, they may well play miles above their current reputations.

The greater gamble seems to be in relying on our young backs.

Lomax, Fegai, Ramsey, Dufty, Ravalawa are all talented. Whether they can play at a high level week in, week out is the question.

From the little we saw of Fegai and Ramsey, I think both will develop into very good NRL players.

I think Fegai in particular is ready now. Great defensive technique. Powerful runner. Good step.

As for our halves, Hook will need to be a miracle worker to motivate Norman.

Hunt will return to form once the forwards provide him with a platform going forward.

I expect Sullivan and Clune to strongly challenge Norman and Hunt. There will be a real competition for all positions,

on this basis I can see us hovering around the 8-10 spot next season.

If we manage to finish higher than that, we will have overperformed on paper

 

[BLM01]

On paper we have a weaker squad than last year but ultimately games aren’t won on paper

Granted, we lost Tyson Frizell however the brain surgeon never used him properly.

We lost Host, who promised much but ultimately never delivered at a level which would justify a long contract.

Korbin Sims never really performed consistently.

Hook has taken some calculated risks in signing Bird and Alvaro.

For the record I am good with both signings.

Alvaro has size and power.

Bird is a class player when fit, and a difference maker.

The young Roosters prop is a welcome addition.

Kerr will continue to improve and Blacker will also develop this year.

So overall, the forwards are no worse than last year.

Under Hook, they may well play miles above their current reputations.

The greater gamble seems to be in relying on our young backs.

Lomax, Fegai, Ramsey, Dufty, Ravalawa are all talented. Whether they can play at a high level week in, week out is the question.

From the little we saw of Fegai and Ramsey, I think both will develop into very good NRL players.

I think Fegai in particular is ready now. Great defensive technique. Powerful runner. Good step.

As for our halves, Hook will need to be a miracle worker to motivate Norman.

Hunt will return to form once the forwards provide him with a platform going forward.

I expect Sullivan and Clune to strongly challenge Norman and Hunt. There will be a real competition for all positions,

on this basis I can see us hovering around the 8-10 spot next season.

If we manage to finish higher than that, we will have overperformed on paper

Well said
The only thing in regards to all your comments;
Kerr - After all the origin and all stars fanfare this guy has to start delivering and showing it in NRL as one of the better props we have or potentially in the top half at least in the competition this year. So far he has failed to show either whether it is been not enough minutes or not enough fitness I’m not sure but this is the year if not it’s time to cut ties.

Blacker agree But now has to show me the mongrel and heart in attacking the opposition that matches his size not concede or slow when hitting the line
Just watch someone like McInnes inspirational

 

[rasaint]

Good comments BLM01 about Josh Kerr.

He has been one of the big potential ‘break out’ players for the past couple of seasons but as yet I’ve never seen anything eye catching from him. A number of posters blame the former coach but I don’t keep buying into that explanation to the degree that other follow forum members promote for Josh ( other players also).

Josh has been selected in indigenous teams and SOO backup last year but still waiting for the breakout. He has scored a good kick chase in the indigenous team and does possess good speed for a very big guy.Does good community work which is applauded and a feather in his cap.

Still I hope this year will finally be the real break out year as a quality NRL player. That means strong power carries which bend the line eating metres forward and off load and staunch defence with line speed. Give the backs some space with go forward like Vaughan, Graham, Au Mau did etc in 2018.

Here is hoping.

 

[Belta]

On paper we have a weaker squad than last year but ultimately games aren’t won on paper

Granted, we lost Tyson Frizell however the brain surgeon never used him properly.

We lost Host, who promised much but ultimately never delivered at a level which would justify a long contract.

Korbin Sims never really performed consistently.

Hook has taken some calculated risks in signing Bird and Alvaro.

For the record I am good with both signings.

Alvaro has size and power.

Bird is a class player when fit, and a difference maker.

The young Roosters prop is a welcome addition.

Kerr will continue to improve and Blacker will also develop this year.

So overall, the forwards are no worse than last year.

Under Hook, they may well play miles above their current reputations.

The greater gamble seems to be in relying on our young backs.

Lomax, Fegai, Ramsey, Dufty, Ravalawa are all talented. Whether they can play at a high level week in, week out is the question.

From the little we saw of Fegai and Ramsey, I think both will develop into very good NRL players.

I think Fegai in particular is ready now. Great defensive technique. Powerful runner. Good step.

As for our halves, Hook will need to be a miracle worker to motivate Norman.

Hunt will return to form once the forwards provide him with a platform going forward.

I expect Sullivan and Clune to strongly challenge Norman and Hunt. There will be a real competition for all positions,

on this basis I can see us hovering around the 8-10 spot next season.

If we manage to finish higher than that, we will have overperformed on paper

It will be interesting to see how the media rate our side. We’ve cooped much negativity in recent times around us supposedly being a top 4 side on paper (whether that was the case is debatable) but vastly under achieving. IMO the over inflated (fan and media expectations) mounted immense pressure. Who knows now surely we won’t get the same pressure and even pickup an under dog tag, which would be a welcome change. Either way it’s gunna be another fingers crossed year, where I think we could either crash and burn and be at the bottom of the table or (fingers crossed) the forwards somehow grow an extra leg on last year, whilst at the same time a few newby backs exceed expectations and we scrape into the finals

 

[Old Timer]

It will be interesting to see how the media rate our side. We’ve cooped much negativity in recent times around us supposedly being a top 4 side on paper (whether that was the case is debatable) but vastly under achieving. IMO the over inflated (fan and media expectations) mounted immense pressure. Who knows now surely we won’t get the same pressure and even pickup an under dog tag, which would be a welcome change. Either way it’s gunna be another fingers crossed year, where I think we could either crash and burn and be at the bottom of the table or (fingers crossed) the forwards somehow grow an extra leg on last year, whilst at the same time a few newby backs exceed expectations and we scrape into the finals

For me a good result will be in enjoying the style of footy we actually play.

No doubt winning is far better than losing but accepting a loss when you play with style and passion is far more palatable than the losses we have been forced to suffer in recent years especially those shockers against poorly performing teams.

Coherent game plans, spreading the ball along the back line, players capable of making long breaks, forwards offloading with support in the middle of the paddock, a kicking game with a planned outcome have all been long missing from our team and the return of these facets into our game day strategy will bring a smile to my face.

A team that gives us hope would be a good outcome.

 

[goldiesaintz]

2020 - Weak coach / Stronger team.

2021 - Better coach x 3 / Weaker team.


Footnote - Brown had a team of stars in 2005 but lost to a team with a star coach in Sheens.
Summary - The latter has to be the far better option. 2021 Surf's up!

 

[Inisai Toga]

For me a good result will be in enjoying the style of footy we actually play.

No doubt winning is far better than losing but accepting a loss when you play with style and passion is far more palatable than the losses we have been forced to suffer in recent years especially those shockers against poorly performing teams.

Coherent game plans, spreading the ball along the back line, players capable of making long breaks, forwards offloading with support in the middle of the paddock, a kicking game with a planned outcome have all been long missing from our team and the return of these facets into our game day strategy will bring a smile to my face.

A team that gives us hope would be a good outcome.

Couldn’t agree more! Look after that and the position on the ladder will look after itself.

 

[Old Timer]

Couldn’t agree more! Look after that and the position on the ladder will look after itself.

The quote from Mc Fookknuckle that "we have to be comfortable being uncomfortable" and the one from Young "we don't know what we are going to get from this team" will always define the "dark ages" we have lived in since Bennett's departure.

Thank god we now have a coach that understands the basic elements of the game and can convey those in simple terms to our playing group.

All things Hook thus far indicate to me that we will actually play some footy and do so to provide enjoyment to the playing group and the fans and as you Inosai look after that and the position on the ladder will look after itself.

 

[BLM01]

It will be interesting to see how the media rate our side. We’ve cooped much negativity in recent times around us supposedly being a top 4 side on paper (whether that was the case is debatable) but vastly under achieving. IMO the over inflated (fan and media expectations) mounted immense pressure. Who knows now surely we won’t get the same pressure and even pickup an under dog tag, which would be a welcome change. Either way it’s gunna be another fingers crossed year, where I think we could either crash and burn and be at the bottom of the table or (fingers crossed) the forwards somehow grow an extra leg on last year, whilst at the same time a few newby backs exceed expectations and we scrape into the finals

All I can say if our coaching staff can get the whole squad playing with the same vigour and passion as our captain, we will go a long way to achieving being a Top 6th-8th side in 2021.
With plenty of $$$ to spend from 2022 and a few carefully strategically selected prime additions, then we can start to dare to hope for some success again
Geez I am pissed off with our boards blind brain numb beliefs and lack of foresight strategy over the past 10 years.
We should of run on from the success around 2010 and kept building and aiming to be a strong club moving with the times with maybe 1 lean year every now and again as you cull and hire, as players retire, go off the boil, come and go etc.

 

[Maddragon99]

Well said
The only thing in regards to all your comments;
Kerr - After all the origin and all stars fanfare this guy has to start delivering and showing it in NRL as one of the better props we have or potentially in the top half at least in the competition this year. So far he has failed to show either whether it is been not enough minutes or not enough fitness I’m not sure but this is the year if not it’s time to cut ties.

Blacker agree But now has to show me the mongrel and heart in attacking the opposition that matches his size not concede or slow when hitting the line
Just watch someone like McInnes inspirational

Blacker is off contract this year, if he doesn’t get enough game time then we’ll lose him to another club.

 

[Maddragon99]

2020 - Weak coach / Stronger team.

2021 - Better coach x 3 / Weaker team.


Footnote - Brown had a team of stars in 2005 but lost to a team with a star coach in Sheens.
Summary - The latter has to be the far better option. 2021 Surf's up!

To be fair Benji played awesome that year

 

[BLM01]

Blacker is off contract this year, if he doesn’t get enough game time then we’ll lose him to another club.

Yes he has or appears to have huge potential based on his physique
But until he shows something on field like he can handle 1st and even reserve grade WIWO because thus far he has not..then ATM that is no loss.
He will have a golden opportunity in 21 to start to realise and impress on many.
I hope he can because it is their..but
Look at someone like Lachy timm...he proved he can handle reggies and deserved a shot at NRL..whether or not he could make it we may never know.
Just watch how hard Lawrie & Alvaro wind up and run at the line and then do the comparison.

 

[Eatons Hill Dragon]

For me a good result will be in enjoying the style of footy we actually play.

No doubt winning is far better than losing but accepting a loss when you play with style and passion is far more palatable than the losses we have been forced to suffer in recent years especially those shockers against poorly performing teams.

Coherent game plans, spreading the ball along the back line, players capable of making long breaks, forwards offloading with support in the middle of the paddock, a kicking game with a planned outcome have all been long missing from our team and the return of these facets into our game day strategy will bring a smile to my face.

A team that gives us hope would be a good outcome.

Well said

 

[Inisai Toga]

Yes he has or appears to have huge potential based on his physique
But until he shows something on field like he can handle 1st and even reserve grade WIWO because thus far he has not..then ATM that is no loss.
He will have a golden opportunity in 21 to start to realise and impress on many.
I hope he can because it is their..but
Look at someone like Lachy timm...he proved he can handle reggies and deserved a shot at NRL..whether or not he could make it we may never know.
Just watch how hard Lawrie & Alvaro wind up and run at the line and then do the comparison.

Hopefully bring out the best in Kerr too!

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

Well said

For me a successful season is us becoming a super fit team that punches above our weight and always give a good account of themselves. Hopefully this newfound improvement starts to look attractive to a mid season signing or two.

 

[Maddragon99]

For me a successful season is us becoming a super fit team that punches above our weight and always give a good account of themselves. Hopefully this newfound improvement starts to look attractive to a mid season signing or two.

If we play like a team that’s on the up & competitive then recruitment will be easier in 2022, players want to play finals footy. Under McGuber we’ve had to pay overs to attract anyone.

 

[goldiesaintz]

To be fair Benji played awesome that year

True that MD99 but we did have 5 or 6 State of Origin players in the NSW team.

 

[KiamaSaint]

So can someone explain to me how our team is weaker?

Lafai? Aitken? Graham? K Sims? Host? Frizell? I give you Tyson but the others, no loss. They shouldn’t be in our top 17.

We have added two props and Bird and potentially we will get JDB back. I don’t agree, our squad is not weaker.

 

[Maddragon99]

So can someone explain to me how our team is weaker?

Lafai? Aitken? Graham? K Sims? Host? Frizell? I give you Tyson but the others, no loss. They shouldn’t be in our top 17.

We have added two props and Bird and potentially we will get JDB back. I don’t agree, our squad is not weaker.

Plus Lomax is a totally different player than he was a year ago. He’s a genuine strike player now.