Backline Solutions for 2018 all about selection bravery

[dragonssamy61]

Well pointed out dragonssamy.
There is every indication that Hutch has re-signed.
If so, that would take us to 28 out of the 30 we need.
The rumours of Koriebete, Rona, Latimore etc are probably just that because with 2 spots left 5 or 6 doesnt go into 2.

Could be signed to a 2nd level contract.

 

[Cazbah Steeler]

With the wealth of experience we have in the halves and forwards going into season 2018 and the dearth of pace in our backline maybe and I say maybe the solution to all our speed problems lie within ..
The potential backline below has pace and youth.

1. Field
2. Dufty
3. Aitken
4. Lafai
5. MANN

The back 3 of Field, MANN and Dufty lack size but the pace is phenomenal.. As I said it will need some bravery from the coach to drop Mcdonald and Nightingale but the results could have a min of 5 year legacy due to the players youth.

Thoughts?

Field & Dufty are too small. Look at this year when Dufty keep passing to Nene or Nighty. He gets driven back most times.

 

[Dennis Papaioannou]

Field & Dufty are too small. Look at this year when Dufty keep passing to Nene or Nighty. He gets driven back most times.

was under instructions to do so.
plenty of small fullbacks around.

 

[Dennis Papaioannou]

Very selective generalisation about Dugans stats, what about metres run, kick return metres run, tackles made, try saving tackles, cleaning up kicks, tackle busts. Oh, that's right they are all unbelievably good so we shouldn't mention them.

And in that four and a half years he is about the only Australian, Origin player we had. Not only playing origin but winning MOM. Dugans stats at fullback this year are much better than Dufty's (and I am not saying Dufty is crap).

How;s this for selective
2015 - 7 tries and 2 try assists
2016 - 2 tries and 1 try assist
2017 - 3 tries and 3 try assists
His other stats are hardly relevant in light of his contribution to the scoreboard.
Even so, Nightingale has similar stats and scored many more tries without the notoriety of Dugan.
Dufty managed 3 tries and 3 try assists in 7 games.
Unfortunately Dugan does not suit the modern day game at fullback and he did not contribute materially to our cause.
This is further supported by our finishing positions in the comp during his tenure.

 

[Dennis Papaioannou]

1. Dufty will do me as our fullback
2. Mann is more than capable on the left wing and can cover any position in the backline if a replacement is required during a game.
3. Here lies our problem. I was a big Aiken fan when he first was selected but since then he has developed some worring bad habits. I would like these to be identified by the coaching staff and for Aitken to come back through reserve grade after he rectifies these problems. Signing Rona is the only logical solution at this time.
4. Lafia is singed for a further 3 years on good money. Is mistakes need to be coached out of him.
5. Well we know Nightingale is in his final year. the right wing spot will be faught out between he, Macdonald and on of our young speedsters. I would like the coach to pick the form player not matter what.
6. Widdop and when he is not available, Field.
7. Hunt and let's hope we unearth a good replacement from our junior ranks in 2018.

Totally agree on Aitkin. Fine in attack but makes too many errors in defence.
I think Dean Whare would be a great centre pairing with Lafai and will probably reduce his errors.
Agree with wing spot being chosen on form. Hopefully we can jag someone like Korobeite.
Agree with Field as a Widdop backup - if they're good enough their old enough.
And if fit Hutch would be an excellent back up for Hunt.
If not why not try Willis.
We absolutely have to give the youngsters a taste of first grade when the opportunity arises.
Only Caveat on this whole discussion is coaching players to improve.
Up until now, McGregor has been unable to correct much at all.

 

[possm]

Like it or not, the direction the club seems to have taken is that the younger players will be good enough to come through over the next couple of years. So there isn't a desperate need to go buying anyone. That may or may not be good enough for some people but that's what's happening.

Good luck with 'urging' the club.

Therein is the problem. I'm happy for a speedy youngster to be selected on the right wing. Maybe even for Aitken to be on the right wing. In my opinion what is needed is change to 3 backline positions:

2. Mann to left wing
3. Rona for right centre
5. Nightingale or one of the young speedsters to the right wing.

 

[Carlton]

How;s this for selective
2015 - 7 tries and 2 try assists
2016 - 2 tries and 1 try assist
2017 - 3 tries and 3 try assists
His other stats are hardly relevant in light of his contribution to the scoreboard.
Even so, Nightingale has similar stats and scored many more tries without the notoriety of Dugan.
Dufty managed 3 tries and 3 try assists in 7 games.
Unfortunately Dugan does not suit the modern day game at fullback and he did not contribute materially to our cause.
This is further supported by our finishing positions in the comp during his tenure.

The stats you quote were related to a team that couldn't attack, we had a poor forward pack and have had an issue with our halves for years. Considering this Dugan was game after game putting in and without him during this period our for and against would have been a lot worse. I base this on his defence, and the fact without him we would have been starting sets 10m closer to our line.

I don't buy into the talk about how a modern day fullback has to be a ballplayer (2nd 5/8). My belief is that if you have a player with particular strengths you devise a game plan to accommodate this. I think there is opportunity for a big strong running fullback in the modern game, maybe use a ball playing secondrower or lock instead.

Or instead of having Dugan running out lines on a double block play use him running as a second in line runner outside of a secondrower. Maybe have him running straight up the middle off a switch, in both of these his strength, size and power would be dangerous.

 

[possm]

I get the feeling Lomax is going to jump the queue pretty quickly when given a chance...

I'm with you on Lomax. I rate him very highly and believe he would be a great asset at right centre or right wing. If Macdonald does not step up in the off-season, Lomac is the ideal replacement. Tall, speed, good defence and know the way to the line.

 

[Dennis Papaioannou]

We were also leading the comp with Mcrone at halfback. lol

We had Dugan for 4 and half years and made the semi's once while he was playing for us. His tally of tries and try assists has always been one of the worst in the comp. He is also injury prone. He would be one of the slowest fullbacks in the comp and he still has trouble passing the ball. Dugan has been handicapping our attack for the last 4 years and taking up too much cap space. We will be better off without him.

Totally agree
Totally overrated and has been one of the reasons we have not done better.
One of McGregor's pin up boys who missed 7 games this year.
His running stats while good were only comparative with other fullbacks.
Where he killed us was in attack.
Alot of grind with nothing to show for it.

 

[Dennis Papaioannou]

The stats you quote were related to a team that couldn't attack, we had a poor forward pack and have had an issue with our halves for years. Considering this Dugan was game after game putting in and without him during this period our for and against would have been a lot worse. I base this on his defence, and the fact without him we would have been starting sets 10m closer to our line.

I don't buy into the talk about how a modern day fullback has to be a ballplayer (2nd 5/8). My belief is that if you have a player with particular strengths you devise a game plan to accommodate this. I think there is opportunity for a big strong running fullback in the modern game, maybe use a ball playing secondrower or lock instead.

Or instead of having Dugan running out lines on a double block play use him running as a second in line runner outside of a secondrower. Maybe have him running straight up the middle off a switch, in both of these his strength, size and power would be dangerous.

Actually our forwards have never been our problem.
McGregor also loved Dugan but can you seriously say that he built a game plan around him?
I get that you love the guy but we'll be able to compare next year.

 

[Carlton]

Actually our forwards have never been our problem.
McGregor also loved Dugan but can you seriously say that he built a game plan around him?
I get that you love the guy but we'll be able to compare next year.

Prior to this year our forwards were a problem, they had trouble winning the metres game.

I agree, MacGregor did not have a game plan to use Dugan and what I am saying is that was a huge failure. I am concerned that unless we get someone like Korobiete we will not have the power and size we need at the back next year. I am all for giving juniors ago but I honestly cannot see any that would be able to move straight into first grade at this stage. They all look like they need to move between first grade and "reserve grade" for a while, filling in when the opportunity arises.

The thing that I hate the most is all the vitriol around Dugan now when not so long ago many of those same posters couldn't rave enough about him.

 

[Old Timer]

Tedesco is a running fullback
His brilliance in attack ( other than his speed) is due to a decent game plan and strategy and that was even evident under Taylor
Dugan had no chance of showing anything extra due to Mc Fookknuckle's bash and barge style of play
There is no finesse or attacking genius only physical dominance
Dick head coach shit outcomes and players constantly bagged due to ineffective usage.
Find 1 player in 3 years you can say improved due to Mc Fookknuckle taking him under his wing?

 

[Dennis Papaioannou]

Prior to this year our forwards were a problem, they had trouble winning the metres game.

I agree, MacGregor did not have a game plan to use Dugan and what I am saying is that was a huge failure. I am concerned that unless we get someone like Korobiete we will not have the power and size we need at the back next year. I am all for giving juniors ago but I honestly cannot see any that would be able to move straight into first grade at this stage. They all look like they need to move between first grade and "reserve grade" for a while, filling in when the opportunity arises.

The thing that I hate the most is all the vitriol around Dugan now when not so long ago many of those same posters couldn't rave enough about him.

I agree - not need for vitriol. Especially towards ex players.
Just trying to be objective.