A shift has occurred
Submitted by Danny Boy on Sat, 03/22/2014 - 15:17
One swallow doesnt make a drunk, but its a start. So Tigers fans should not be drinking champagne just yet but come September I think we might be. Deluded you say? Well here are some thoughts.
Tedesco has just won the last two man of the match awards. This bloke is a footballer player, not a robot. He will go all the way.
Richards, Nofoaluma and Koroibete are capable of finishing off anything the inside backs do. The problem for the Tigers is that 3 doesnt go into two.
Simona is the best young centre in the game. He will play for New Zealand this year, unless injuries intervene.
Lawrence is no longer a main attacking weapon but his experience and dedication is a great asset.
Anasta is a problem but in the wings we have Blake Austin - if he is not a first grade footballer than Carney hasnt got any tattoos. And then there is Mitchell Moses the best young talent in the game. He will be our number 6 for ten years but his first grade career wont start until probably next year.
I dont need to say anything about Brooks just read what Matthew Johns and Lockyer say about him if you need any convincing.
Last night against Souths we had Sironen out. Sironen has the skills of a young Wally Lewis yes you read it here first. The problem is who do we leave out when Sironen comes back?
On the bench last night the Tigers had four blokes who will play for New Zealand Taupau, Ava, Sue and Gavet. That bench can win a grand final.
And to win a grand final you need about 15 players in the squad who at some stage of their career have played, or will play, state of origin, or international football. The tigers squad has about 15 players of that calibre if not more.
Then there is the culture of a team the most vital ingredient of all. Eight players in last nights emphatic victory over Souths are local juniors. It was obvious last night that the players were enjoying themselves. Theyve grown up playing footy together and they are bonded by their experiences. They aim to win a comp together and they will.
Then there is the one club player in Farah who will keep them focused. We wont swap Farah for any hooker in the game. But we need him to release his grip on the reins which he can now do given the abundance of talent around him.
The tigers can win this comp. If not this year then certainly in the next few years. But the planets are aligning. Nothing beats skill and these Tigers will raise the skill level of the game up a few notches in the next few years. So when your team gets beaten by the Tigers this year at least you can say you were beaten by a football team.
See you in September.
From:
NRLObserver
