2019 Top 30

[Abacus]

What I would say to that is. How many times do you really use those last 4 guys? That $100k could get a better player 22

You're in trouble if you're relying on good old player 22.

 

[Abacus]

Early on we were amazing but after the Dragons game we fell away. Maybe if we sack the coach sooner we don't fall away or maybe depth wasn't able to sustain the level required for that long of period

I think we were geared to start strong - exactly the same as the Dragons. A slower start and Griffin would have been gone by Origin.

 

[franklin2323]

You're in trouble if you're relying on good old player 22.

It's NRL injuries happen. Origin time guys get rested so you need a strong 18-24 or so.

 

[Abacus]

I think we’ve just gone the unconventional route of spreading our cap further with less ‘marquee’ players. Our recent injury history may have something to do with working it that way. Not sure I agree our depth is weak, we were top 4 the majority of the year with a heavily depleted squad most of the time. Can it take us to winning the comp? Not sure, I think we’ll find out over the next 2 - 3 years.

I like Franklin’s input, I don’t necessarily agree with him on this point though. Don’t mute the bloke, just keep discussing, it’s what keeps this place ticking.

Ps. MX muted me & i think we’re all poorer for it. No one bites as hard as him.

Sad to say I miss MX too. What are the odds.

 

[Abacus]

It's NRL injuries happen. Origin time guys get rested so you need a strong 18-24 or so.

Not sure how often you get to the games but if you do, maybe you can put together a banner to show your support of player 22? Or maybe contact the club with a TPA - but only for player 22.

 

[Luke Bowden]

So mute then. It's off season so no footy and our depth looks weak like it did last year. Whatelse do you talk about

Our depth isn’t weak, nor was it last year.

 

[Kilkenny]

By my calculations we used at least 28 players last season and needed every one of them, even Caleb Aekins who had a great one and only appearance.

 

[franklin2323]

I think we were geared to start strong - exactly the same as the Dragons. A slower start and Griffin would have been gone by Origin.

Maybe so. I look at Phillips and Crichton especially they had some great moments and some shockers. As comes with inexperience in less than 12 months Crichton went from dropped too St Mary's to playing Regular FG

 

[franklin2323]

By my calculations we used at least 28 players last season and needed every one of them, even Caleb Aekins who had a great one and only appearance.

He wasn't FT squad though. Neither was Ellis at the time of his debut

 

[Kilkenny]

What I would say to that is. How many times do you really use those last 4 guys? That $100k could get a better player 22

You may not need to use them all but you are missing the point but you need to put pressure on the top 26 players.

If you do need to call upon them you need to know they are capable of doing a job.

The players we employ in those last four cap positions of 27-30 are arguably far better quality than any other NRL side as demonstrated from our consistent performances in NSW Cup for some years now.

For a modest investment you get a much better return and that is what it is all about.

It was so evident last season. Didn't matter how many players we had unavailable there was always someone else to step up and do a job. Very, very few other sides in the NRL had the depth we enjoyed. When most other sides where down on troops there back ups simply weren't up to the job. That is not me talking that is the real experts.

 

[umina panther]

By my calculations we used at least 28 players last season and needed every one of them, even Caleb Aekins who had a great one and only appearance.

The current rules are a joke. You should be able to use any player in your squad at any time. Its all very silly

 

[Kilkenny]

There 's been barely a mention about the acquisition of Tyrell Fuimaono but he could be really good for us if he avoids the injury issues that plagued him last season. Equally adept in the centres or second row. In form, fit, injury free I can see him in our top 17.

 

[Kilkenny]

He wasn't FT squad though. Neither was Ellis at the time of his debut

100% correct. But given the extent of our injuries doesn't that reinforce how fortunate we were to enjoy such depth.

 

[Kilkenny]

I notice the squad has been updated on the main website and Sam McKendry has been added to the list so there are now 30 players listed.

 

[TheFrog]

The current rules are a joke. You should be able to use any player in your squad at any time. Its all very silly

Teams would use this as a means to cheat the cap.

 

[franklin2323]

Teams would use this as a means to cheat the cap.

Good players want to play FG no way they hang around on the hope they get a start. No matter how good the pay is

 

[franklin2323]

There 's been barely a mention about the acquisition of Tyrell Fuimaono but he could be really good for us if he avoids the injury issues that plagued him last season. Equally adept in the centres or second row. In form, fit, injury free I can see him in our top 17.

Should be the bench backrower

 

[martielang]

I am hoping to be wrong but rarely does keep doing the same thing get a different result

True, but I tend to see this year (& the next couple) as being the same cycle. I don’t think we’re near our potential as yet, so I don’t think we’re retrying what we’ve done before.

 

[umina panther]

Teams would use this as a means to cheat the cap.

Nope you just setup that cap in a way that everyone under it can play. Its very VERY simple stuff

 

[Kilkenny]

Nope you just setup that cap in a way that everyone under it can play. Its very VERY simple stuff

That's a very simplistic view!!!!