What's new
The Front Row Forums

Register a free account today to become a member of the world's largest Rugby League discussion forum! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

A glimpse in to the future...?

The 18th Man

Juniors
Messages
1,602
Canterbury halves pairing Hodkinson and Keating up against the likely NSW halves pairing in Pearce and Carney this weekend. Four young guys who will be fighting for the 6 and 7 for many years to come I am hoping. Add to that mix the at times brilliant Jarrod Mullen (please stay healthy! Can be one of the greats if he stays on the field - with an injury free run will come self belief and confidence that sometimes goes missing IMO) and Jamie Soward...good times ahead for NSW in the halves.
 

Raider_69

Post Whore
Messages
61,170
i dont think either Hodkinson or Keating will ever play origin.
Good players, i think both will be long term FGers, but not SOO level.
 

The 18th Man

Juniors
Messages
1,602
I am not sold on the Canterbury pair though both have shown plenty of promise. It's early, though it might just be a glimpse in to the future of a rivalry. Time will tell. I never thought Brett Finch would play Origin either it has to be said - you just never know I guess. My point is, like a member made earlier in the week, there is now a healthy crop of youngsters coming through in our halves. Cherry-Evans looks a good prospect too, agree Gorilla (sick avatar BTW! :lol:).
 

Noname36

First Grade
Messages
7,067
It certainly is an exciting time for the NSW halves.

If it were up to me I'd have Carney and Mullen as my halves. Personally, they're easily the two most talented playmakers we have. However, I'm sure they'll go with Pearce at halfback. Yes, he's incredibly overrated, but he's been there a few times before and there's a chance he'll get better.
 

1 Eyed TEZZA

Coach
Messages
12,420
It certainly is an exciting time for the NSW halves.

If it were up to me I'd have Carney and Mullen as my halves. Personally, they're easily the two most talented playmakers we have. However, I'm sure they'll go with Pearce at halfback. Yes, he's incredibly overrated, but he's been there a few times before and there's a chance he'll get better.

I tend to agree. Mullen and Carney are probably the most talented we have but I question Mullens mental toughness. His ability to constantly put pressure on a team is a concern for mine, and with Pearce being in the team a bit lately, id be hesitant taking him out of it.

I like Mullens kicking game, im fairly certain he's a left footer and that is extremely handy to have. With Robbie Farah at hooker and Jarryd Hayne at the back, our kicking game should be able to cause head aches for Queensland. Its something that has really been missing from our game the last few years. The long kicking game options.
 

Noname36

First Grade
Messages
7,067
I tend to agree. Mullen and Carney are probably the most talented we have but I question Mullens mental toughness. His ability to constantly put pressure on a team is a concern for mine, and with Pearce being in the team a bit lately, id be hesitant taking him out of it.

I like Mullens kicking game, im fairly certain he's a left footer and that is extremely handy to have. With Robbie Farah at hooker and Jarryd Hayne at the back, our kicking game should be able to cause head aches for Queensland. Its something that has really been missing from our game the last few years. The long kicking game options.

Hard to disagree with with that. I don't doubt his ability to put pressure on a team, however I do question his ability to bounce back if something goes wrong. I've never seen a player put so much pressure on themselves as I have Mullen. When he throws one bad pass, or a kick is slightly off, the head goes down and he goes back into his shell. He just doesn't seem to have that same confidence in his abilities that Pearce has. Pearce doesn't have the natural talent Mullen has, but he's a lot more confident...and that's probably more suited to Origin imo.
 

1 Eyed TEZZA

Coach
Messages
12,420
Hard to disagree with with that. I don't doubt his ability to put pressure on a team, however I do question his ability to bounce back if something goes wrong. I've never seen a player put so much pressure on themselves as I have Mullen. When he throws one bad pass, or a kick is slightly off, the head goes down and he goes back into his shell. He just doesn't seem to have that same confidence in his abilities that Pearce has. Pearce doesn't have the natural talent Mullen has, but he's a lot more confident...and that's probably more suited to Origin imo.

I wouldn't be so harsh on Mullen in that regard. I think surroundings has alot to do with attitude. If around the right people in Origin, I think he may grow as a player like alot of players do from Origin. Johnathan Thurston a great example.

But id still go with Pearce for now.
 

watatank

Coach
Messages
14,344
In terms of talent, Mullen/Henry has much more potential. Too many questions that need to be answered from both of them (particularly Henry, who is just starting out).
 

Joker's Wild

Coach
Messages
17,894
If you believe the rumors then we may see Gidley at hooker for NSW this year.

That would make way for a side like:

6. Carney/Mullen
7. Mullen/Pearce

9. Gidley

14. Carney/Soward

Options galore, which may or may not be a good thing
 

1 Eyed TEZZA

Coach
Messages
12,420
If you believe the rumors then we may see Gidley at hooker for NSW this year.

That would make way for a side like:

6. Carney/Mullen
7. Mullen/Pearce

9. Gidley

14. Carney/Soward

Options galore, which may or may not be a good thing

But he's not a hooker. Id rather Isaac DeGois then Gidley at hooker.
 

Noa

First Grade
Messages
9,029
yep, the outstanding talent keeps coming thru for us qlders

the dynasty will continue 2011 and 2012 at least, 7 years, woohoo

Benny Hampton is developing very nicely too.

I doubt there will be a quicker 7 in first grade when he graduates.
 

RHCP

Bench
Messages
4,784
Having so many options is a double edged sword, because 90% of the time New South Wales takes two games to find the right ones.
 
Last edited:

The 18th Man

Juniors
Messages
1,602
Gidley at hooker? fml...

:lol:

Robbie Farrah or Michael Ennis have to be hooker. Dean Young is a bolter if he is fit (well as reported in RLW a few weeks back - I believe he is a big chance in the 17 as a utility like he did for Australia).
 

Allstar Knights

Juniors
Messages
2,223
Young isn't even that good. He only made the Australian team because the Dragons won the comp.

Farah has more creativity in his toe nail then Young has in his whole body. Young is a good club player, but he's nowhere near being a quality rep player.

Gidley is the ultimate utility. He covers more positions then Young and can also create some spark out of dummy half like he did in SOO 3 last year.

Young would just do a solid job, nothing more.
 
Last edited:
Top