2009 - Team Depth

[kia ora storm]

The reality for next year is that the depth of this squad has been destroyed and we could really struggle ???...

We really only have Lima, White and Blair to do the hard yards and the general size of the forward pack is a worry.

Granted we will have Hoffman, Smith and Johnson but we really need another big forward or two to cover injuries and we don't have this at the moment.

The centres is another area that needs careful analysis...does Bellamy go with Chambers and Quinn (who struggled defensively in the centres in the past) or does he shift GI there to add experience and depth.

Either way..IMO we may hit the top 4 but it won't be easy.

 

[melbourne_belle]

Agreed

We will have Sika who was awesome this year, so hopefully he can keep us his form. Tolman and Anderson are not up to it IMO, they lack that extra spark. Although with a bit more first grade experience Aiden will be better for it. The forwards we have in the u'20's aren't ready to step up yet.

Inglis and Chambers in the centres. Taumata to 5/8, keep Quinn and Turner on the wings.

Origin time will again hit us hard and if we lose any core players through injuries we will struggle. But I still have faith in the team, so we will make the GF again fingers crossed.

my team
Slater
Turner
Inglis
Chambers
Quinn
Taumata
Cronk
Lima
Smith
White (he needs a good kick up the A )
Hoffman
Manu or Blair
Johnson

 

[stormtragic]

Slater
Turner
Inglis
Joe
Quinn
Taumata
Cronk
Lima
Smith
White
Manu
Hoffman
Johnson

Anderson
Blair
Cross
Hinchcliffe

 

[lizziebra]

I think GI needs to go to centres.

Taumata could really learn with Cronk by his side.

The Melbourne backline now all of a sudden looks bare, if GI stays at 5/8th then no longer will teams feel intimidated by Melbourne backline.

 

[Noa]

We'll be fine in the backs. Tomane will be ALOT better next year, Will, provided his knee is fine has the potential to be a great defensive center.

Its the forwards where we might struggle. I dont know where Brett White career is going atm, but his form this year is not a good sign. Aiden Tolman will be a very solid player but he's not going to dominate. I liked the one glimpse we got of Sinbad Kali this year but he's young. Hopefull Bellamy utilises Adam Blair better next year, he should never be running one out.

One player to keep an eye on is Louie Fanene, big quick and skillful

 

[GuardDog]

im sure storm will get good value from arana taumata...im saddened by his departure good raw talent imo

 

[Ice777]

Anyone have any idea how William Isa goes who we picked up from Penrith? I haven't seen a great deal of him so i'm not sure but i've read elsewhere from a few Panthers fans that they rate him. It's be interesting to see how Matt Cross goes under Bellamy as well, at the very least he'll add a bit depth i spose.

Good to see we also won't be anywhere near as hard hit by Origin should we get a few players in given we have the 2 byes before 2 of them unlike this year.

 

[kia ora storm]

IMO Taumata becomes even more crucial next year...they need a good attacking partner next to Cronk who has a good kicking game.

Storm has never had a small number 6...Hill and Inglis have both been big for their position. Playing Taumata at 6 will add a new dimension.

 

[Big Mick]

Anyone have any idea how William Isa goes who we picked up from Penrith? I haven't seen a great deal of him so i'm not sure but i've read elsewhere from a few Panthers fans that they rate him. It's be interesting to see how Matt Cross goes under Bellamy as well, at the very least he'll add a bit depth i spose.

Good to see we also won't be anywhere near as hard hit by Origin should we get a few players in given we have the 2 byes before 2 of them unlike this year.

William Isa is a fantastic young player.

Tall, strong and quick...take a look at our last round vs Manly where he debuted...he is a leaper too.

Most comfortable at Centre, can play wing.

He'll play first grade...

 

[kia ora storm]

William Isa is a fantastic young player.

Tall, strong and quick...take a look at our last round vs Manly where he debuted...he is a leaper too.

Most comfortable at Centre, can play wing.

He'll play first grade...

Did not know about this signing...Isa Isa Baby.;-)

 

[Molly]

There is one definate - Inglis needs to get out wide. Interesting to see if we are able to pick up anyone, surely we must have some cap space. Not concerned too much, we have really been made out of bits and pieces since our inception. Our track record in developing players into top liners is second to none.

 

[cb4]

William Isa is a fantastic young player.

Tall, strong and quick...take a look at our last round vs Manly where he debuted...he is a leaper too.

Most comfortable at Centre, can play wing.

He'll play first grade...

yep
he is a top signing
pretty quick as well

 

[kia ora storm]

Seems like Isa might be the bolter for the NRL next year...imagine him with the likes of Tomane and Joe along with Quinn, Cronk and Inglis in a few years ???...scary !!.

 

[Stagger eel]

don't rule out James Maloney at 6, he will find his niche at your club.

 

[kia ora storm]

don't rule out James Maloney at 6, he will find his niche at your club.

Is he a good signing...don't know anything about him.

 

[storm99.07]

I think our depth is still alright. Our backline stronger than our pack
My Starting line-up
Slater
Turner
Chambers
Inglis
Quinn
Taumata
Cronk
Lima
Smith
White
Manu
Hoffman
Johnson

Hinchcliffe
Blair
S Anderson
Tolman

And then we've got B Anderson, Nielsen, Tomane, Joe, Maloney in the backs.

Forwards we got Manua, Kali, Cross, Proctor, Fanene, Vaughn & Guerra.

Plus I don't think Turner, Quinn, White or Hoffman will play origin next year. That means only 4 origin players. So that'll help come the back end of the season

 

[XIII]

Chambers is going to emerge next year imo

 

[kia ora storm]

Chambers is going to emerge next year imo

Needs to improve his defensive play in the off season...tended to stand off the attackers and tackle them as they went past him..not a good tactic.

 

[AILD]

I think our depth is still alright. Our backline stronger than our pack
My Starting line-up
Slater
Turner
Chambers
Inglis
Quinn
Taumata
Cronk
Lima
Smith
White
Manu
Hoffman
Johnson

Hinchcliffe
Blair
S Anderson
Tolman

And then we've got B Anderson, Nielsen, Tomane, Joe, Maloney in the backs.

Forwards we got Manua, Kali, Cross, Proctor, Fanene, Vaughn & Guerra.

Plus I don't think Turner, Quinn, White or Hoffman will play origin next year. That means only 4 origin players. So that'll help come the back end of the season

''Not sure about Scott anderson...i honestly dont think he deserves a bench spot.

Also Kali did his ACL last week or the week before...so unfortunately i dont think we will see much of him at all next year.

 

[Noa]

Needs to improve his defensive play in the off season...tended to stand off the attackers and tackle them as they went past him..not a good tactic.

You mean he wa getting beat in his first few games of first grade,oh no. Issy was still getting done at the end of his second year.

Will was coming on great befroe he got injured.