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Jaelen Feeney could start the season as Newcastle fullback

Jono078

Referee
Messages
21,201
How long do we persist with Feeney at fullback?

Not sure if anyone is watching the reserves game, but 15 minutes in and he's not having a good time.

I personally think we get him back into the halves or even centre, because this fullback this is not working and it doesn't seem like he's all that keen on playing there either.
 

Caped Crusader

Juniors
Messages
1,721
I'm 50/50 on what we do with him

Agree that he looks like he's not keen on playing there and his errors have been bad but I still see his skill set fitting fullback better than any other position. Maybe we are trying to put a square peg in a round hole

FG doing well today not working in his favour.
 
Messages
17,035
Feeney has blistering speed off the mark, excellent footwork, good ball playing ability, a big boot on him and a decent sized frame.

This is the skillset a fullback needs in today's game.

He has now played a total of 3 games at fullback in his entire career.

I wouldnt give up on the experiment yet, give him another 4-6 weeks playing in NSW cup. If he doesnt improve then re-assess again.

He obviously has Mullen and Hokko ahead of him for the halves, and I think Brown see's Lamb as the next in line. Brown, clearly wants Feeney in our system but knows he cant fit feeney in the halves.

Centre might have to be the next experiment, if that fails then he may want to look for an opportunity elsewhere.

The big lesson we have learnt is that he cant learn his trade in first grade because it will cost a lot of games.
 

Caped Crusader

Juniors
Messages
1,721
Yeah agree, having him work on his game in NSWCup is the best option.

Centre is an interesting way to go too but I think 5/8 suites him a bit more.

Either way you slice it he'll have guys in front of him now for FG positions. He needs to really be showing improvement if he is going to see FG again, barring injuries
 

strewth_mate

Bench
Messages
2,989
Feeney seems like he isn't the best in any position at this point, and I don't love the idea of him 'learning his trade' in first grade. I personally feel he has as much long-term potential at fullback as Todd Carney, and that he'd only really be treading water until a more natural spot opens.

I mean he might tick the boxes on paper, but with his actual (outstanding) strengths, he really has no business fielding kicks all day. It's just going to make him sad.

If he absolutely needs to cut his teeth in first grade immediately, I would let him do it from the bench. The idea of a bench hooker is stupid - it's a waste, especially with less interchanges, and I don't know why it's trendy. We should aim to have an 80 minute hooker and a versatile bench. I know Levi or Randall can do it, besides they're footballers and they should have to.

Instead, Feeney to bench with a roving commission, and let him have some fun. Make some set plays for him to try, otherwise emphasise that his nose should be up the ball carrier's arse at all times.

Elsewhere, I only want to see players in their best position. Fullback isn't Feeney's... I mean it could be, but it's a very specialised position with a lot of boring work, not a daycare. He could be a much bigger asset with less responsibility at this stage.
 

Noname36

First Grade
Messages
7,067
I haven't given up on Feeney making it in FG but my God - he needs to work on his handling before he steps foot in the top grade again, regardless of what position he's in.
 

Jono078

Referee
Messages
21,201
I think he should be 5/8th. I reckon Brock Lamb will become a halfback in FG.

Feeney finished last year full of confidence and can do great things from 5/8th I would believe. Happy for them to continue with the fullback role in reserves but I just don't think he's enjoying it.
 

Hello, I'm The Doctor

First Grade
Messages
9,124
Feeney seems like he isn't the best in any position at this point, and I don't love the idea of him 'learning his trade' in first grade. I personally feel he has as much long-term potential at fullback as Todd Carney, and that he'd only really be treading water until a more natural spot opens.

If he put on some weight, he'd be a decent Lock/BackRower (it can be used as a 5/8th-style ballplayer/edge runner role)

Otherwise i just dont know if he will find a spot
 
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