What's new
By:
Advanced search…
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!

Ando's New Signings

Hound of Dracula

Hound of Dracula

Juniors
Messages
1,233
I can sorta see why they want to extend Cook due to his consistency, leadership and successful on-field partnership with Liddle however, he will be 36 years old during the 2027 season, playing a high-intensity position

The hallmark of Cook’s game was his exceptional speed, which I think most will agree, has diminished. Committing significant funds to a 36-year-old in 2027 could prevent the club from pursuing "prime" marquee players to supplement our rebuild, even a hooker.

Additionally, Jacob Liddle’s extension through 2028 shows we are viewing him as the long-term successor. Extending cook will limit Liddle’s opportunities during his prime years

Just my opinion
 
Auntie.Gerald

Auntie.Gerald

First Grade
Messages
8,498
I have to say Cooks defence and leadership in the middle making bloody 50 to 60 tackles per game is outstanding

Lids comes on the field when the game opens up

Cameron Smith by feet was slower than most props

Cook is still quick amongst all the hookers in the comp

maybe top5 ?

cook between the ears is still sharp and if Flano , Young and Ennis both ex hookers think he is valuable for 2027 I’m fine with the call - Ando will have a big day also

remembering that if we re allocate the dollars saved on Cook and Lids in 2027 to other strike players I am more than happy that Cooks Lids and Kyle come 2027 have strong utility in that 9/14 role
 
Inisai Toga

Inisai Toga

Juniors
Messages
1,742
Auntie.Gerald said:
I have to say Cooks defence and leadership in the middle making bloody 50 to 60 tackles per game is outstanding

Lids comes on the field when the game opens up

Cameron Smith by feet was slower than most props

Cook is still quick amongst all the hookers in the comp

maybe top5 ?

cook between the ears is still sharp and if Flano , Young and Ennis both ex hookers think he is valuable for 2027 I’m fine with the call - Ando will have a big day also

remembering that if we re allocate the dollars saved on Cook and Lids in 2027 to other strike players I am more than happy that Cooks Lids and Kyle come 2027 have strong utility in that 9/14 role
Click to expand...
Just thought the timing in replacing him in some games was questionable…..May have brought Liddle on a bit earlier sometimes..
 
The Word

The Word

Juniors
Messages
775
Yeah I think it just means Flanagan’s happy with his dummy half combination at the moment and wants to keep it an extra year not much to it. It’s one of the positions we’re ok in and maybe also one of the positions we don’t have an obvious junior to compete for a year or two?
 
2

2218

Juniors
Messages
256
Macedonian Dragon said:
AJ Brimson could be a fullback target. He's playing out of position and is signed till 2030 on $800-850k per year. Titans have Kini at fullback and won't move him. I think if we promise Brimson to play fullback till 2030 and just cover the Titans deal he'll probably come.
Click to expand...
Or Trai Fuller wouldn't be a bad pickup. I believe off contract end 2026? and behind the hammer
 
RedVee

RedVee

First Grade
Messages
8,516
The Word said:
Yeah I think it just means Flanagan’s happy with his dummy half combination at the moment and wants to keep it an extra year not much to it. It’s one of the positions we’re ok in and maybe also one of the positions we don’t have an obvious junior to compete for a year or two?
Click to expand...
Plus, he may be useful in settling KK in when he arrives, possibly carpooling as well.
 
J

JubileeJeffro

Juniors
Messages
1,130
Auntie.Gerald said:
I have to say Cooks defence and leadership in the middle making bloody 50 to 60 tackles per game is outstanding

Lids comes on the field when the game opens up

Cameron Smith by feet was slower than most props

Cook is still quick amongst all the hookers in the comp

maybe top5 ?

cook between the ears is still sharp and if Flano , Young and Ennis both ex hookers think he is valuable for 2027 I’m fine with the call - Ando will have a big day also

remembering that if we re allocate the dollars saved on Cook and Lids in 2027 to other strike players I am more than happy that Cooks Lids and Kyle come 2027 have strong utility in that 9/14 role
Click to expand...
I think the plan for Cook and Liddle should really swap once Liddle is fit. Liddle starting and then cook coming on at the 30 min mark would be a good way to leverage his speed in the middle and reduce the fatigue.
On a reduced contract $$ for an extra year is ok with me. Didn’t we sign a young hooker coming through from the bulldogs also?
 
The Word

The Word

Juniors
Messages
775
JubileeJeffro said:
I think the plan for Cook and Liddle should really swap once Liddle is fit. Liddle starting and then cook coming on at the 30 min mark would be a good way to leverage his speed in the middle and reduce the fatigue.
On a reduced contract $$ for an extra year is ok with me. Didn’t we sign a young hooker coming through from the bulldogs also?
Click to expand...
Think Liddles younger legs will do more damage against tiring forwards plus he’s no slouch either.
 
J

JubileeJeffro

Juniors
Messages
1,130
The Word said:
Think Liddles younger legs will do more damage against tiring forwards plus he’s no slouch either.
Click to expand...
As the the youngsters say… 6:7
I think cook is quicker and has a better chance of finding gaps in the back end of halves.
Ultimately I think a Liddle didn’t get enough game time and cook played too many minutes.. him at 13 and both on the field at the same time didn’t work for me either.
 
J

Jim Dragons

Juniors
Messages
142
JubileeJeffro said:
As the the youngsters say… 6:7
I think cook is quicker and has a better chance of finding gaps in the back end of halves.
Ultimately I think a Liddle didn’t get enough game time and cook played too many minutes.. him at 13 and both on the field at the same time didn’t work for me either.
Click to expand...
l sort of agree that during 'normal' game conditions that having an extra hooker/half can leave the balance of the middle skewed. But having a 14 like Lidds with Cookie as well can provide extra spark if we are chasing the game. But they really need to finish training sessions "closing out a game" with the extra 9 on the field so we maximise the benefit of fast feet. To often l saw the extra guy to moving around behind the ruck without purpose.
 
G

Gazzamataz

Juniors
Messages
52
Apparently we've just signed a 21 year old front rower from the Knights. His name is Bailey Carmichael. Only seen limited highlights of him but he is over 190cm and quite mobile. Could be another decent Ando signing. He seems to be getting our ducks in a row. I'm liking his thinking. Not wasting money on useless 1st grade players who end up as a millstone around our neck for years. Waiting until the right players become available and shoring up some quality juniors to compliment the ones we have.
 
Auntie.Gerald

Auntie.Gerald

First Grade
Messages
8,498
Last edited:
G

Gazzamataz

Juniors
Messages
52
My 2 bob's worth on the Dragons' fullback for the future: Fletcher Sharpe. If the Knights don't play him in the halves this year, and with Ponga their number 1 fullback, I think he'd be open to offers to move to another club for fullback money. He ticks a lot of boxes. Very talented. Just sayin'...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Top