Is it time to bring back Craig Gower?

[Joker's Wild]

The main thing that hassles me about Hilder is his 1-on-1 tackles that gift them quick PTB's. His service is slow... but it's getting us there at the moment. We've only extended our leads the past 2 weeks with Hilder on the field.

I didn't think Gower gelled with the team very well when he has played this year, to be honest. Clearly out of sync with what's happening around him. I think he's a better hooker than Hilder in a vacuum, but I think Hilder has more synergy with the rest of the team.

No hes not a dominant tackler but he cleans up when there would otherwise be a hole a lot of the time. A quick play the ball to the opposition is better than a line break.

The reality is that Bedsy is not a dominant tackler for the most part either. He can put on a hit at times but the vast majority of his tackling is low like Waltzing. Its a big part of what your saying about synergy pervy. Matt is a Bedsy-lite when it comes to defence and its really all we need from out 14 atm

 

[RABK]

Im sorry mate but we must be watching different games (along with your "3 neutrals")

He is not as good as Bedsy, however he was pretty good at getting our guys quick ball coming out of our own half. His defence around the ruck was excellent too

IMO Gower has played his last game of RL. His neck injury has all the signs of being career ending given his age

Go read the game day thread, where neutrals were also picking up on Hilders poor DH service.

Hilder hasn't shown excellent defence in years, so unsure that's a warranted wrap. He still gives away quick PTB's with his leg chop tackles and normally does at the wrong time when we are trying to pin the opposition down there end - it basically gives the opposition an easy 12 metres the next run.

Oh and Hilder + quick ball... stop it. That just ain't true, his service is never quick. It's very slow... every ruck.

I'm OK for him been in the side, he doesn't cost us games.... but he has issues that cost us momentum.

 

[Joker's Wild]

We are gonna have to agree to disagree mate. I really dont see much wrong with his game given what he is asked to do and I certainly dont see Gower improving on it

 

[Albert Rosenfeld]

It's all a ploy by Wayne. He's keeping the great Craig Gower in reserve for the Grand Final, in which he will unleash the great Craig Gower upon whatever poor fools are destined to meet us on that day. Craig Gower will also be named in his rightful position as halfback and captain, and he will lead us to glory because he is the one and only Craig Gower

You are a quick learner Frederick!

 

[doggone]

Hilder does his job and gives to his best 100%. His not an attacking player he is there to give the guys a break and defend which he does well. So get off the case especially RABK. He cleaned up well last week and also picked up crumbs without knocking on which most other players would have a problem with. I guess Wayne knows what Hilder is capable of so leave it to the experts. Gower is attacking but at the moment Mullo, Tyrone and Bedsy are doing a fine job. The old story too many cooks spoil the broth.

 

[Albert Rosenfeld]

If Newcastle makes the Grand Final (which I think is highly unlikely) and Craig Gower is fit to play, then Bennett would be out of his mind not to pick a seasoned campaigner, a guy with nerves of steel, and an intense competitor, who has one NRL Grand Final win on his resume already.

 

[Joker's Wild]

I'm amazed you can type so well with Craig's schloong in your gob and one of his arse cheeks in each hand

Quite a skill you have

 

[perverse]

Speech-to-text algorithms have come a long, long way the past few years, apparently.

 

[Jono078]

In all seriousness, if Gower is fit, do you replace Hilder with him?

Personally I say yes.

 

[Apey]

Craig Gower.

 

[Frederick]

 

[Albert Rosenfeld]

In all seriousness, if Gower is fit, do you replace Hilder with him?

Personally I say yes.

You sir, are correct.

Craig Gower is in a separate class miles above Matt Hilder. I know it. You know it. The rugby league world knows it.

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

Gower will definitely be a bonus if he can play. What might be against him is not spending much time in training with the team (assuming he hasn't).
If we lose it won't be because Hilder is out there.

 

[newman]

I'm watching Twin Peaks and just worked out who "Albert Rosenfield" is. Crack FBI forensics special agent who works on Laura Palmers case and does not posess social niceties.