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Cleary v Ponga

mxlegend99

Referee
Messages
23,004
It's mind boggling how things have changed since early in both their careers. Ponga looked extra special with x-factor Cleary could only dream about at one point. But Ponga is lazy as f**k and doesn't put his body on the line.

The Luai try last night he didn't even attempt to tackle him. He probably misses him if he does. But a great fullback would atleast make an effort.
 

mxlegend99

Referee
Messages
23,004

mxlegend99

Referee
Messages
23,004
At least Cleary deserves his spot in the team for starters. Pearce must have just had the right connections in the game to get picked for so long.
What shit me was we had other options in decent form who would get axed after a single series and they just kept throwing Pearce in. He was a proven loser. How different things could have been if Maloney got unlimited chances rather than Pearce.

When we won an Origin series without him in 2014 it should have been the nail in his rep career coffin. Even lesser club players were just better in Origin than him. We won with f**king Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson ffs.

Pearce finished up with 6 Origin wins in 19 appearances over 8 series.
Cleary just won his 7th Origin game in 12 appearances over 5 series.

Maloney deserved a better rep career IMO. One without Pearce holding him back.
 

soc123_au

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
18,451
Messages
3,953
What shit me was we had other options in decent form who would get axed after a single series and they just kept throwing Pearce in. He was a proven loser. How different things could have been if Maloney got unlimited chances rather than Pearce.

When we won an Origin series without him in 2014 it should have been the nail in his rep career coffin. Even lesser club players were just better in Origin than him. We won with f**king Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson ffs.

Pearce finished up with 6 Origin wins in 19 appearances over 8 series.
Cleary just won his 7th Origin game in 12 appearances over 5 series.

Maloney deserved a better rep career IMO. One without Pearce holding him back.
Agreed, maloney was just a winner and could dominate games on his own.
 

Someguy

First Grade
Messages
6,699
How far has Pongas status fallen! Copped a shoulder to the head, KO’d out of the match and for at least one more match as a result and we see no outrage or calling for massive suspensions or even an on field penalty for that matter.
From a poster boy and protected species to just a run of the mill player in a very short amount of time.
 

nick87

Coach
Messages
12,250
Ponga is the flattest of flat track bullies
Incredible player when the going is good, but the moment things get tough he quits. We saw it last night, he was up and about when the game was close and tight, he was QLD's best in the first half. Its shows his talent and ability but he was absolutely the first guy to throw in the towel and stop giving a shit when he felt the game was lost.

The knights are paying top of the market for a guy who shows us time and time again that when the going gets tough, he checks the f**k out. If they surround him with a team good enough to compete week in and week out with the top teams he'll be great. If not, he'll keep checking out.

He's only 24, maybe one day that changes, but right now he's not a built to deliver on his outrageous talent. Because he isnt a leader, he's not a winner and he doesnt actually give much of a shit.

Also my original post was and still is correct, even accounting for the fact Ponga is probably more naturally gifted. Finding a fullback isnt THAT hard, even subpar players like Edwards can fill roles well in the right team, shit CNK was that for my team for a hot second... finding an elite halfback that you build a team around for a decade is extremely hard to find. The rarity of it means its simply no contest. Cleary over Ponga all day and every day.
 
Messages
1,923
It's mind boggling how things have changed since early in both their careers. Ponga looked extra special with x-factor Cleary could only dream about at one point. But Ponga is lazy as f**k and doesn't put his body on the line.

The Luai try last night he didn't even attempt to tackle him. He probably misses him if he does. But a great fullback would atleast make an effort.
Not saying he's excused for his bad misses on Sunday night but the Luai try wasnt his fault at all. He was covering the left shift/kick and Nanai and Gagai were the lazy ones.

By the time Ponga had turned to chase in, Luai was over the line and Collins was in his way
 

some11

Referee
Messages
23,313
Ponga is the flattest of flat track bullies
Incredible player when the going is good,
Is he though?

I can't even remember the last time he dominated a game from start to finish. Lacks the mongrel that all great players had, that desire to win at all costs.
 
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