Are we that far off?

[Noname36]

I think the pack is a bigger problem than the halves. The halves have really only been too shit this year...we've had severe problems in the forwards for a long time now. We were able to make up for it briefly in 2013 when Bedsy got them on such a role but we don't have that luxury with Clydesdale/Randall/Gidley.

We need changes in the halves too but honestly nobody we sign there is going to be able to help us if the forwards get destroyed like they did on Friday or most of last year.

If we think Lamb and Cogger are going to be our saving grace then we'd better get our shit together up front before they come in and get smashed.

 

[aqua_duck]

I don't think the game requires too many 110Kg plus guys in the near future. ATM the Dragons are proving this theory correct, as are the Broncs.

I agree we have, and have had for a long while, a shortage of decent props but our real problem is the spine, esp the halves and thier inconsistent attack and kicking game. Piss poor decision making, inability to create points and test defences and for some reason absolutely no idea how to build pressure with a smart 'end of set' kicking game.

6 points in two weeks if f**king pathetic.

I don't think you can really base the results of 3-4 weeks and say oh it shows this or that, take a look at the 2 grand finalists from last year, the 2 biggest packs in the comp, the year before the roosters had a big pack as well.
Our spine is certainly a problem but I think the forwards and spine go hand in hand.

 

[The Showstopper]

What we need is to be able to do is spot a bargain buy talent that can become a star. We have never been able to do that . I said the day James Roberts came onto the market we should have pounced instead of fretting over his behavioural issues. His speed is bullshit and he is believed by many to be the fastest athlete over 40 metres we have ever produced. Anywhere. I still remember that try on the Rise for Alex day. It was from absolutely nothing. He scorched The ground. Daley has to pick him on the wing for origin.

 

[Spot On]

Don't really agree with you Aqua and No Name. I was referring to the future of the game, not the past re big packs. I think the game is about to change to suit teams with smaller, mobile packs. The Canterbury pack can not be sustained if the interchange falls to 6, which from all accounts the NRL is keen to adopt.

Yes halves can not perform behind a beaten pack but I think we do alright most of the time. We had a shit load of ball at the right end against the Dragons and our halves let us down and failed to build any pressure with their end of set kicks.

Out of 6 games so far this year, our pack has been competitive in all but last week's game. Our spine needs to pull their fingers out.

And another thing I just don't get - have Newcastle ever had a dummy half capable of kicking to help out the halves??? Why can't we produce a 9 that has that skill????

 

[Swarzey]

Probably because they're being coached by Bedsy who didn't have that in his game.

 

[aqua_duck]

I agree if the interchange drops to 6 it will change but right now it hasnt and I think we lack grunt in the front row, when Snowden comes off the field we go from 40-50m sets to 30-40m sets. Height and weight aside we don't have anyone off the bench who 'plays big'

 

[Yosh]

I think we're about a Gallen and Nate Myles off from being a quality side.

In 2016:

1. DGagai
2. AUate
3. SMata'utia
4. JMcManus
5. JMamo

6. JMullen
7. TRoberts

8. NMyles
9. ACyldesdale
10. KSnowden
11. KSims
12. TSims
13. PGallen

14. TRandell
15. JStockwell
16. RRochow
17. JLeilua
18. JSmith
19. JTapine
20. Vai Vai

Coach: Yosh

There you go.

 

[Misanthrope]

Who is this mythical top quality half we are going to sign?

Let alone the two we realistically need. I think it's becoming evident that Mullen is not a top quality half - just a decent one with flashes of top quality characteristics.

 

[Chicken_Hunter]

And another thing I just don't get - have Newcastle ever had a dummy half capable of kicking to help out the halves??? Why can't we produce a 9 that has that skill????

we do, adam clydesdale can kick. He kicked in the lower grades

 

[aqua_duck]

I think we're about a Gallen and Nate Myles off from being a quality side.

In 2016:

1. DGagai
2. AUate
3. SMata'utia
4. JMcManus
5. JMamo

6. JMullen
7. TRoberts

8. NMyles
9. ACyldesdale
10. KSnowden
11. KSims
12. TSims
13. PGallen

14. TRandell
15. JStockwell
16. RRochow
17. JLeilua
18. JSmith
19. JTapine
20. Vai Vai

Coach: Yosh

There you go.

I don't think Roberts and Mullen are the guys who can take us to the promise land unfortunately

 

[Frederick]

I wouldn't mind seeing Randell have a crack at halfback, and have Roberts off the bench in the hooker rotation. He's no superstar but I'm pretty sure he played halfback in reserves last year, and I'm sure he'd be capable of controlling a game and playing to a structure. Roberts is instinctive, but is guilty of playing too instinctively and going away from game plans. However he is quick off the mark and would make a great bench hooker to run at tired forwards

 

[aqua_duck]

I'm not sure Randell's kicking game would hold up, he played most of his junior career at 5/8th when he was known as Tyler Sullivan and I think the reason he got moved was because his kicking and passing wasn't quite up to scratch even at that level.

 

[Frederick]

Mullen can stick to the long kicks, and Randell could do the grubbers close to the line. His short game couldn't be any worse than what we've got now

 

[Sacrolishes]

I'll honestly be happy with the squad when Vai Vai and Tapine get get constant selection and stay in Grade to learn. I just don't see them improving in NSW Cup! The pace and quality is a thousand times different... time they get some experience there constantly. Fa'alongo can go to NSW Cup. He's done his job and can replace when injury arrives. Time to bring the reserves in for a solid go. Houston and Faas have had plenty of opportunity!

 

[aqua_duck]

I'm pretty sure Kade Snowden could provide a better short kicking game than what we have right now

 

[Spot On]

we do, adam clydesdale can kick. He kicked in the lower grades

But he's not in the lower grades now! Any chance of using his kicking game now??? And if not, why?

 

[Spot On]

I agree if the interchange drops to 6 it will change but right now it hasnt and I think we lack grunt in the front row, when Snowden comes off the field we go from 40-50m sets to 30-40m sets. Height and weight aside we don't have anyone off the bench who 'plays big'

No doubt about the difference when the starting props go off, but we can't go out and buy big boppers now knowing the interchange rule could/most probably will drop to 6.

 

[aqua_duck]

But he's not in the lower grades now! Any chance of using his kicking game now??? And if not, why?

Doesn't help when he spends more time on the bench than the field

 

[aqua_duck]

No doubt about the difference when the starting props go off, but we can't go out and buy big boppers now knowing the interchange rule could/most probably will drop to 6.

Interchange aside, I think there will always be a place for big guys, maybe not the Kasiano types but I think one big impact forward on the bench will still be effective

 

[slotmachine]

I'm pretty sure Kade Snowden could provide a better short kicking game than what we have right now

Bj put in the best kick we've seen all year last week.