The Rumours Thread

[Auntie.Gerald]

What do we need with the remaining 3 spots?

I suspect another prop or lock that has played 50 or so games of NRL minimum

Maybe a john asiata from north QLD? And offer him 3 years in early Feb?

https://www.cowboys.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/north-queensland-cowboys/john-asiata/

Vaughan dominant

JDB unlikely to be here in 2020

Graham will be lucky to get thru 2020

Merrin has been struggling with injuries

Lawrie is handy but not much chop at hitups

K.Sims needs to really start to remove his mistakes

Kerr still a work in progress bit could be good off the bench?

Blacker not ready yet except maybe off for a few games off the bench in his development as an emerging prop if good enough

 

[Dragon Revival]

Auntie.Gerald you make some good points and Asiata seems to fit the bill especially If De Belin is not available. We have a lot of question marks over our bench and CC forwards in including De Belin, Host, Kerr and Lawrie and are Graham, Merrin and Frizell injury prone? This is compounded by State of Origin duties for at least Frizell, Tariq Sims and Vaughan.

 

[Dragonsamy]

So, we now sit at 27.
2 more needed before March 1st.
Nene and Kaufusi lol.
And of course we wait for JDB case.

Kaufusi maybe but I hope not.
Nene will never play for the dragons again

 

[BLM01]

What do we need with the remaining 3 spots?

I suspect another prop or lock that has played 50 or so games of NRL minimum

Maybe a john asiata from north QLD? And offer him 3 years in early Feb?

https://www.cowboys.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/north-queensland-cowboys/john-asiata/

Vaughan dominant

JDB unlikely to be here in 2020

Graham will be lucky to get thru 2020

Merrin has been struggling with injuries

Lawrie is handy but not much chop at hitups

K.Sims needs to really start to remove his mistakes

Kerr still a work in progress bit could be good off the bench?

Blacker not ready yet except maybe off for a few games off the bench in his development as an emerging prop if good enough

Most if your comments good except
1. I think harsh on Lawrie. He has nore leg speed than the other props and just needs to improve his running lines and vary his line slightly before hitting the line putting defence in 2 minds and of course flat footed starts like the rest of them (Bottom line McGregors or Dean Young coaching).
This guy has potential written all over him...just needs a coach
2. Got a sneaky feeling Merrin will be fine in regards to injury and will put a huge effort in this year at least to right some wrongs of the past 2-3 yrs
3. JA would be a great addition as is a genuine ball player before or through the line.

 

[qld redvee]

Kaufusi maybe but I hope not.
Nene will never play for the dragons again

DA
Hope you are correct re nene I couldnt believe sporting life mentioned we were looking at him ...
I trust your judgement

 

[Dragonsamy]

DA
Hope you are correct re nene I couldnt believe sporting life mentioned we were looking at him ...
I trust your judgement

QLD redvee,
Hope I am correct to ,we don't need his problems, he has now been asked to leave the roosters , dragons and NQld tells me he has not learnt anything. He can play when his mind is in it but I'd rather have young Saab and Rav or JP or even Sailor than him.

 

[Dragonslayer]

DS...Nene is not coming back here

It was a tongue in cheek comment hence the lol at the end.
It would be disasterous to re-sign him, too much distraction and goings on outside of football. Kast thing we need is a youngsters with thus type of player.
Kaufusi is more of a chance imo.
Like our country atm, the player pond is very dry with no immediate name standing out (Mitchell aside).

 

[denis preston]

It was a tongue in cheek comment hence the lol at the end.
It would be disasterous to re-sign him, too much distraction and goings on outside of football. Kast thing we need is a youngsters with thus type of player.
Kaufusi is more of a chance imo.
Like our country atm, the player pond is very dry with no immediate name standing out (Mitchell aside).

Kufusi would be a massive road block but in saying that ( coaching aside ) players like Host , Kerr and Blocker really need to show ( massive ? ) improvement this year to demand a new contract.

 

[BLM01]

It was a tongue in cheek comment hence the lol at the end.
It would be disasterous to re-sign him, too much distraction and goings on outside of football. Kast thing we need is a youngsters with thus type of player.
Kaufusi is more of a chance imo.
Like our country atm, the player pond is very dry with no immediate name standing out (Mitchell aside).

It was a tongue in cheek comment hence the lol at the end.
It would be disasterous to re-sign him, too much distraction and goings on outside of football. Kast thing we need is a youngsters with thus type of player.
Kaufusi is more of a chance imo.
Like our country atm, the player pond is very dry with no immediate name standing out (Mitchell aside).

That is correct and a NRL problem which no one talks about. The talent is thinning out across the game because all levels have to try and somewhat forced to mimic NRL playing level styles and is pushing kids and parents away unless someone is strong or big and of athletic build and shape.which leads to less product for lower grades of NRL clubs. Kids these days have plenty of other things to do or get into and they are doing it.
And the media and some have agendas about expansion....cant happen and not enough players for that level.
This is the reason there is a couple of super clubs cashed up who will be able to keep the best NRL talent across the board and continue to hang round the Top 8 each year.
If you cant match them financially like the Dragons, Titans etc are not ATM....the result will be the same every season.

 

[2010]

Kufusi would be a massive road block but in saying that ( coaching aside ) players like Host , Kerr and Blocker really need to show ( massive ? ) improvement this year to demand a new contract.

Those players need game time so they get exposure to the rigors of playing first grade.
The problem again will be use of the bench, McIdiot is a total failure in using the bench.

 

[Gardenia]

That is correct and a NRL problem which no one talks about. The talent is thinning out across the game because all levels have to try and somewhat forced to mimic NRL playing level styles and is pushing kids and parents away unless someone is strong or big and of athletic build and shape.which leads to less product for lower grades of NRL clubs. Kids these days have plenty of other things to do or get into and they are doing it.
And the media and some have agendas about expansion....cant happen and not enough players for that level.
This is the reason there is a couple of super clubs cashed up who will be able to keep the best NRL talent across the board and continue to hang round the Top 8 each year.
If you cant match them financially like the Dragons, Titans etc are not ATM....the result will be the same every season.

This is the problem not just the coach
You have hit the nail right on
Yes there is a lot to do basketball is becoming popular with young kids theses days the lad wants to switch to it and he loves his footy
Cashed up clubs only clubs worth joining the rest making up the numbers

 

[2010]

Look at the inroads that AFL and Soccer have made into the NRL regions. That is what is killing our game.

 

[Coffs dragon]

Look at the inroads that AFL and Soccer have made into the NRL regions. That is what is killing our game.

I have to agree & actually witnessed AFL go from the number 4 winter sport in the catholic high schools to be #1 and soccer #2 right here on the mid north coast.
By the time both my boys left high school, Rugby League was the least followed & the least participated, even below Rugby Union.
I recall speaking to Phil Gould once when he visited Coffs Harbour & his remark was....he was astounded at the sporting fields & school ground ovals that had AFL goal posts. He said AFL had the money & resources to successfully infiltrate into the heartland of junior level sports. "League had a real problem in the bush"

 

[Dragonsamy]

Look at the inroads that AFL and Soccer have made into the NRL regions. That is what is killing our game.

2010 you are correct.
When I was a kid it was footy (rugby league or union) in winter and cricket in the summer but soccer was growing back then (late 70's).
But now there is so many other options and many sports. But one good thing is that last year the figures for registered rugby league players in New South Wales grown for the first time for many years. I'm sure it would be the same thing in Queensland as well but they probably always been growing much more of rugby league State than New South Wales.

 

[Warabrook saint]

That is correct and a NRL problem which no one talks about. The talent is thinning out across the game because all levels have to try and somewhat forced to mimic NRL playing level styles and is pushing kids and parents away unless someone is strong or big and of athletic build and shape.which leads to less product for lower grades of NRL clubs. Kids these days have plenty of other things to do or get into and they are doing it.
And the media and some have agendas about expansion....cant happen and not enough players for that level.
This is the reason there is a couple of super clubs cashed up who will be able to keep the best NRL talent across the board and continue to hang round the Top 8 each year.
If you cant match them financially like the Dragons, Titans etc are not ATM....the result will be the same every season.

We have a billionaire owner but can't compete financially...yeah that sounds like us.....how are the kings going, they have Andrew Bogut playing for them right?

 

[kit66]

Most if your comments good except
1. I think harsh on Lawrie. He has nore leg speed than the other props and just needs to improve his running lines and vary his line slightly before hitting the line putting defence in 2 minds and of course flat footed starts like the rest of them (Bottom line McGregors or Dean Young coaching).
This guy has potential written all over him...just needs a coach
2. Got a sneaky feeling Merrin will be fine in regards to injury and will put a huge effort in this year at least to right some wrongs of the past 2-3 yrs
3. JA would be a great addition as is a genuine ball player before or through the line.

1. Lawrie has the problem of being top heavy so if a tackler goes low it's easy to stop his momentum and tip him over. He needs to learn to either get low into tackles and back or turn sideways into tackles. Maybe Merrin can help him with that, having a similar build himself. A consistent off load would help as well making the first in tackler go high to wrap up the ball. He's young, he'll improve a lot I think. Don't get me started on D.Young and Co.
2. I agree there. I heard Merrin had a really good season with Leeds ( wasn't he Captain of the side as well ). We've done him a favour giving him a contract back in Aus and close to home, let's hope he repays us in kind. Either way his experience will add another dimension to the squad.
3. JA would be a great addition to any squad, 5/8 turned Lock / Prop, very handy but we really need a hit up specialist to bend the line, make big metres and get us on the front foot from the start. JA doesn't do that. Vaughan's great but he needs a buddy. I'd start K.Sims if we can't find a better option.

 

[Old Kogarah Boy 1]

That is correct and a NRL problem which no one talks about. The talent is thinning out across the game because all levels have to try and somewhat forced to mimic NRL playing level styles and is pushing kids and parents away unless someone is strong or big and of athletic build and shape.which leads to less product for lower grades of NRL clubs. Kids these days have plenty of other things to do or get into and they are doing it.
And the media and some have agendas about expansion....cant happen and not enough players for that level.
This is the reason there is a couple of super clubs cashed up who will be able to keep the best NRL talent across the board and continue to hang round the Top 8 each year.
If you cant match them financially like the Dragons, Titans etc are not ATM....the result will be the same every season.

Not to mention the nrl having really dropped the ball, promoting and funding rugby league in the counrty and regional areas.

The NRL had everything in these areas.
AFL have easily come along and turned league schools into AFL.
That in itself is crimmal from our our body.
Too many plonkers with agendas to cater for themselves.
Peter Bullsh!t Beattie a perfect example.
He knew sweet FA about the game but made an example of JDB to suit his own accord and be seen by the public to be doing something ................ his legacy.

Fact is, his legacy is that he's stuffed and run on everything he's ever touch.
He is not alone.
There lies the nrl problems.

 

[BLM01]

1. Lawrie has the problem of being top heavy so if a tackler goes low it's easy to stop his momentum and tip him over. He needs to learn to either get low into tackles and back or turn sideways into tackles. Maybe Merrin can help him with that, having a similar build himself. A consistent off load would help as well making the first in tackler go high to wrap up the ball. He's young, he'll improve a lot I think. Don't get me started on D.Young and Co.
2. I agree there. I heard Merrin had a really good season with Leeds ( wasn't he Captain of the side as well ). We've done him a favour giving him a contract back in Aus and close to home, let's hope he repays us in kind. Either way his experience will add another dimension to the squad.
3. JA would be a great addition to any squad, 5/8 turned Lock / Prop, very handy but we really need a hit up specialist to bend the line, make big metres and get us on the front foot from the start. JA doesn't do that. Vaughan's great but he needs a buddy. I'd start K.Sims if we can't find a better option.

I get your point but cant believe you are saying a props to do this with the exception of sometimes getting down lower in tackles.

"1. Lawrie has the problem of being top heavy so if a tackler goes low it's easy to stop his momentum and tip him over. He needs to learn to either get low into tackles and back or turn sideways into tackles."

So if someone does go low...surprise surprise..that is how you stop big fellas in their tracks.
Your comments re how Lawrie should play are a part of what is wrong in the game and playing like RCG
I disagree with him being top heavy..he is still growing and has not matured as far as props go and has a huge motor

 

[kit66]

I get your point but cant believe you are saying a props to do this with the exception of sometimes getting down lower in tackles.

"1. Lawrie has the problem of being top heavy so if a tackler goes low it's easy to stop his momentum and tip him over. He needs to learn to either get low into tackles and back or turn sideways into tackles."

So if someone does go low...surprise surprise..that is how you stop big fellas in their tracks.
Your comments re how Lawrie should play are a part of what is wrong in the game and playing like RCG
I disagree with him being top heavy..he is still growing and has not matured as far as props go and has a huge motor

I re-watched the 2018 semi against Brisbane the other day ( our best game in the last 9 years ) and Lawrie ended up on his head three times in that one game and I've seen it happen to him many times since. His technique needs work if he's to become a permanent starting prop or lock. He doesn't bend the line and both his metres and post contact metres are lower than all our other forwards. I like him but he needs some help and he needs some variety in his runs - a step, an occasional off load, dropping his shoulder into the tackler, using leg drive and backing into some tackles. Vaughan has all those and makes better metres and is more dangerous prospect for the opposition. At the moment Blake's very one dimensional is what I'm saying and needs to evolve.

 

[BLM01]

I re-watched the 2018 semi against Brisbane the other day ( our best game in the last 9 years ) and Lawrie ended up on his head three times in that one game and I've seen it happen to him many times since. His technique needs work if he's to become a permanent starting prop or lock. He doesn't bend the line and both his metres and post contact metres are lower than all our other forwards. I like him but he needs some help and he needs some variety in his runs - a step, an occasional off load, dropping his shoulder into the tackler, using leg drive and backing into some tackles. Vaughan has all those and makes better metres and is more dangerous prospect for the opposition. At the moment Blake's very one dimensional is what I'm saying and needs to evolve.

2018 was his 1st small exposure to 1st grade and certainly not judging on that. Now you are making more sense and agree re variety and that comes back to our top shelf coaching but pls don't expect him to play like rcg and back into tackles. One sure way to really get hurt. I think his leg drive is fine but as you say I also see big potential just need a coach