Raper is very close to the club, players and officials. This in addition to the NRL and its officials, and the media. Whether we agree with him or not, we all listen to what he has to say. Do you have evidence that his words are ignored by everyone?
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Fair enough actually. Good to see you are agree ing with me that they should listen to him. And if willow says they are listening to him, that is good enough for me. Do you agree with me that the two posters i replied to should listen a bit more to also?
Where is your evidence that Barrett can't take criticism? And where has Barrett said he is in the league of Johnny Raper?
Interesting point actually, again you are probably correct. Barrett has said nothing, the right thing to do, although he would have been better imo to come out and say that he agrees 100% with Raper. Perhaps the criticism should be levelled at the team rather than Barrett himself. As it was Barretts team mates supposedly were trying to silence (or did i read the article wrong). Absolutely ridiculous and assuming that Barrett knew about this, one would hope that he pulled them into line and told them to mind their own business and listen to what a great man is saying. Of course if he was aware of it and said nothing, well that is another story. I guess neither of us really knows.
Quite frankly I think he has handled himnself quite well. He has done his talking on the field. Its now reasonable to assume that Raper is saying what he said to fire up Barrett and the team. Barrett's media comment/reply was that he has all the motivation he needs.
fair enough again, i guess i get a little riled when supporters have a go at the greats for speaking out and telling things like they are as opposed to the stupid standard cliched responses. One of the reasons i actually dont mind the Man, even if most of his comments are always cliched in the opposite direction.
Meaning you don't know Jack. What? Who has said that?
I think you missed the point. I doubt anyone here thinks that Raper wants Barrett or Saints to fail.Don't you mean had the potential? Or perhaps he is going to reach that goal in the 2006 NRL finals. How can you talk of Barrett's 'potential' when he is in the twilght of his career? Do you even know the meaning of the word? Sounds like you don't even know he is going to the UK next year.
The point is that you guys seem to think that your club officials cant or shouldnt criticise your current players when that is warranted. That is your decision, but dont be surprised if it creates a culture of losing because your team/players is built up to believe that they are performing far better than they are. In fairness, the Broncos have a similar problem, imo, which is why we have been unsuccessful for so long. Really you are right, it isnt my concern as i am no St George fan, but when the ridiculous criticism of an all time great- probably the 2nd best player of all time occurs as was happening and the young impressionable minds start calling such a great a has been who should keep quiet etc then sometimes they need to face a few realities.
Barrett might not have ever said he was in John Rapers league, but he should be aiming to be. He is as strong as fast, as good as passing, tackling etc. He has represented NSW and Australia with distinction. You are right, he is going to UK. He should be good enough to command an automatic selection for NSW from there (ala Allan Langer for Qld) as NSW are really struggling for halves at the moment. You talk about potential, but I am sorry you are confusing potential All time great status with potential first grade status. Look at Andrew Johns. In the past 3 or 4 years he has gone from a good halfback to probably one of the best halfbacks ever. Barret has the potential to do elevate himself to the same status but he needs to lift his game and not accept the crappy performances Raper has described. His effort needs to be 120% every game not the current 90 or even 100%. That is what i believe Raper is saying (without the references to atg statuses) and he is 100% right.
Trolls inevitably trip up over their own words.
Trolls are for fairytales. Those living in fantasyworlds about their own performances invariably end up losing to "forward passes".
By the way, Good to see you in full form willow, i will have to start taking notice of the dragons forum more often. Is borat and Daith Connelli still around?:thumb
