Blessing in Disguise

[The Popper]

For the first time in my life I felt ashamed to be a Sharks fan.
Sure, Bird was goaded into it. Sure, it may not have had a real lot of force. Sure, Martene wanted to match Russell with an Oscar. But the fact still remains. Bird did a despicable act, and did it in front of the whole RL world. Bloody fool! He's deserves whatever they give him.
On the positive side, this could be a blessing in disguise. It could open the door for one of the most talented juniors I've seen - Russell Aitken - to make the team full time. I hope so. If he can take the knocks he'll do OK.
I guess some could call for Vagana to play 5/8, but not for me. IMO we have the worst centre combo in the comp. Their inadequacies have been mentioned on other threads. Put Vagana in the centres where we need a bandaid, Aitken at 5/8 and leave Hilder at lock - if we move him how many other gaps will we open?
I would love to see Aitken call his own plays like he used to seem to do. But lately he has seemed to hesitate while waiting for `more experienced' players to call. Believe me, this young bloke is the nearest thing to Greg Alexander I've seen. Sure, let Noddy call the shots. But put Aitken in and let him call them when he sees a chance too.
On David Simmons:
I do think he attracted more negative comment than he deserved. Souths put the pressure on him and kept it on. Sure, he looked a little wobbly at times but I thought he handled the situation no worse than a lot of the others. Stick with him. IMO.

 

[DJDL]

Hard to argue there Popper.
I just saw the replay on Fox and it is just indefensible. However, as you say, this cloud may have a silver lining. Not that I thought Bird should be dropped in favour of Aitken, but it might be the extended run in the top grade Aitken needs to really step up a level.

I was only thinking after last week's match how good we are looking in that department for the future. Aitken making 5/8th his own, Bird to lock, with Hilder to the second row maybe.

For mine Bird has copped far too much unwarranted criticism this year (and this sure hasn't helped), but he is an undeniable talent who will hopefully be back better for learning from what he's done.

For all those calling for his expulsion from the club, all I can gather is that it's due to having a massive ego, and one uncharacteristic cheap shot.
If that was the criteria for choosing players then by that way of thinking we would not be interested in Andrew Johns, should he come on the market.

And spot on about Simmons. He was under a lot of pressure early, had a couple of nervous moments, but never conceded a try. He did far more good than bad out there.

 

[Sharkie73]

Good post Popper, Aitken might just give the team that bit of spark thats missing and Vagana coming into the side things might just start to look up. Simmons is a real talant and I hope he gets alot more time in the top grade

 

[carinashark]

Ok put Atkien in , I think he is a bit green but give him a go , just keep Sullivan on the bench if he cant handle it.
Carinashark