Jason Nightingale first option

[Father Ted]

Jason Nightingale first option


LEAGUE BY TIM BARROW
21 Oct, 2011 04:00 AM
Jason Nightingale will become Steve Price's No 1 man at St George Illawarra if Tim Moltzen remains with the Wests Tigers.
The Tigers and Dragons were yesterday to have finalised their cases over the Moltzen contractual dispute to be put forward to NRL auditor Ian Schubert.
However, NRL officials have admitted there is no resolution in sight and discussions could continue for another week.
Moltzen was recruited as a replacement for Queensland representative Darius Boyd, who has followed outgoing coach Wayne Bennett to Newcastle. However, the 23-year-old was never formally released by the Tigers and he has since indicated his desire to stay at the club.


If the Dragons miss out on Moltzen, Kiwi international Nightingale is expected to become the club's first-choice fullback.
Nightingale, who is now with the New Zealand Four Nations squad, was named the Dragons player of the year this season and is highly regarded for his durability and versatility.
Having played in the forwards during Wendell Sailor's farewell season in 2009, Nightingale was a two-try grand final hero on the wing in the Dragons' 2010 premiership triumph.
The Mercury understands Nightingale is Price's favoured option ahead of Kyle Stanley, Canberra signing Daniel Vidot, Bronx Goodwin - who is recovering from knee surgery - or Dragons captain Ben Hornby.
Hornby was rumoured for a possible switch back to the No 1 jersey where he started his career, but the 31-year-old is very reluctant to move from the halves, where he and five-eighth Jamie Soward led the Dragons to the 2010 title.
Nightingale played on the wing for New Zealand in their thumping 42-6 loss to Australia on Sunday, in their only hit-out before they take on the Kangaroos again in the Four Nations opener next Friday.
The Dragons are unlikely to retain second-rower Adam Cuthbertson, who is wanted by several NRL and UK Super League clubs.
They are also yet to hold formal discussions with veteran prop Jason Ryles, who has been offloaded by the Roosters. However, that may change if the Moltzen deal falls through.
A month before preseason training begins, Price has been left sweating on the Moltzen affair as he tries to finalise his plans after taking over from Bennett.
The Tigers are expected to sack halfback Robert Lui because of an alleged assault, freeing them of the salary cap restraints which resulted in Moltzen striking a deal with the Dragons.
St George Illawarra are believed to be cool on a potential move for Tigers utility Mitch Brown, whose manager Gavin Orr had said he was interested in switching clubs in a bid to become a regular starting centre.
The club already has Stanley, who was impressive in 15 NRL games this year and is likely to have the first shot at replacing retired right centre Mark Gasnier.
Stanley's brother Chase is also another option for the Dragons after returning to Wollongong from Melbourne.

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/jason-nightingale-first-option/2330998.aspx?storypage=0

 

[Godz Illa]

Pure speculation by the author, who has been wrong before.

That said, Jason Nightingale can do anything. He shot Gaddafi. Just made a quick stop-off on the way to the UK with the Kiwis

 

[Minh]

He is one of the best wingers going around, we should keep him there and give Kyle first shot.

 

[Father Ted]

I suspect they'd at least trial Goodwin there first if fit.

 

[gypsy]

As mentioned previously, pure speculation from Tim Barrow.

Nightingale is an outstanding player, but doesn't have the ball playing ability for fullback.
I'd like to see Kyle given first shot at it....Chase to Centre, Weyman to halfback :sarcasm:

 

[The Nick]

Goodwin should be given first shot IMO. Has been great with his limited opportunities (until getting injured) and has also been a great ambassador for the club off the field.

His hard work to come back from his first knee injury is testament to his profesionalism and I think he's come a long way with his personal issues since he came across from the Raiders.

He's still young and could fill the #1 jersey for a few years to come.

 

[gypsy]

Well, if they decide (god forbid) to put Hornby at fullback because thats where he used to play, I vote we turn back the clock for a few other players too:

1. Hornby
2. Creagh (debuted on Wing)
3. Scott
4. Prior
5. Simmonds
6. Young (Schoolboys 6 for Dapto)
7. Ryles (played halfback growing up)

Now that backline would strike fear in anyone :sarcasm:

 

[Ulysseus]

I think Dean Young had a good go in the halves in a game VS Brisbane in early 2006 if I remember.
You know the one where Bailey and Ryles were out, as was someone in the halves.
Young was over 100kg's at the time and I thought "must be one of the biggest halves ever".
Saints won the game and it was also notable for us taking a shot at goal despite not having a noted goal kicker on the field at the time, leaving the kick to Gasnier who thankfully piloted it over for first points.

 

[Father Ted]

I remember him playing 5/8th for us against Penrith at Kogarah but his Knees would never take that now.

 

[Mr Red]

Pure speculation by the author, who has been wrong before.

That said, Jason Nightingale can do anything. He shot Gaddafi. Just made a quick stop-off on the way to the UK with the Kiwis

i think Nightingale also founded apple computers... and invented the i-phone

 

[nrlnrl]

Well, if they decide (god forbid) to put Hornby at fullback because thats where he used to play, I vote we turn back the clock for a few other players too:

1. Hornby
2. Creagh (debuted on Wing)
3. Scott
4. Prior
5. Simmonds
6. Young (Schoolboys 6 for Dapto)
7. Ryles (played halfback growing up)

Now that backline would strike fear in anyone :sarcasm:

surely Weyman played in the centres at some stage in his career

 

[redvwhite]

cooper to prop!

 

[Dragon_Taylor6]

He is our best player, but not sure if he fits what we need in a fullback. He will get a fair crack at fullback in the trials.

He is a gun winger, wouldn't swap him for any other winger.

The importance of the wing position should not be underplayed.

 

[Breathingfire]

It'll be a long year if Nighty is Fullback in 2012. We had trouble scoring points with Boyd at fullback and he is a much better proposition than Nighty in that position. He is the best winger in the competition besides maybe Morris and should be left there. A ball playing fullback is essential given that we don't possess the most creative halves.

 

[j0nesy]

Nighty goes alright there, its between him and Stanley.

 

[blacksafake]

Leave him on the wing as mentioned in other posts that is his best position & besides he doesn't have a kicking game which is handy to have back there.Stanley i'm not sure about he appears to be a 1/2 or 5/8 but he may adapt as he is young & has plenty to his game lets just hope he remains injury free.Goodwin looks ok back there but as sure as the sun shining you just sense that he'll break down.PLEASE NO RYLES, that would be a major backward step.I'll be peeved off if Cuthbo finishes up at the rorters & we get ryles!!!

 

[Breathingfire]

I remember when Brett Morris couldn't get a start in the side because Dell and Nighty had both the spots, then Nighty got injured in about round 3 of 2009 and Bennett drafted Morris in and was so good that Nighty played the rest of the year on the Bench. Bennett stated in a press conference something along the lines of "I think we've found his (Brett's) position. True wingers are a lost art and he is one of the old school genuine wingers etc etc." IMO Nightingale falls under the same bracket. He is a genuine winger and f**king good one. Leave him there!!!

The times I have seen him play fullback he has certainly put the effort in but he is just not skillful enough to offer the attacking variety needed in that position. The modern fullback is a very different proposition to days gone by.

 

[to_ddeath]

I remember when Brett Morris couldn't get a start in the side because Dell and Nighty had both the spots, then Nighty got injured in about round 3 of 2009 and Bennett drafted Morris in and was so good that Nighty played the rest of the year on the Bench. Bennett stated in a press conference something along the lines of "I think we've found his (Brett's) position. True wingers are a lost art and he is one of the old school genuine wingers etc etc." IMO Nightingale falls under the same bracket. He is a genuine winger and f**king good one. Leave him there!!!

The times I have seen him play fullback he has certainly put the effort in but he is just not skillful enough to offer the attacking variety needed in that position. The modern fullback is a very different proposition to days gone by.

Exactly, why change now? He is one of the best finishers around no doubt about it, & has never been truly suited to FB especially since 09.....


T.

 

[gypsy]

The modern fullback is a very different proposition to days gone by.

It sure is. A few positions have evolved a lot over the last few years. Look at hooker, unless you've got a kicking game and the ball playing skills of a half you're kidding yourself.
I think Buderus was the last of the old school hookers. On that, i'm looking forward to watching Cameron King go in 2012.

As much as I hate Melbourne, Slater and Smith have played a big part in changing the way their positions are played across the board.

But yes, leave Nightingale on the wing where he belongs. If it aint broke....

 

[Bring back choc]

Nightingale is in the top 3 wingers in the game. We shouldn't weaken 1 position to try ad strengthen another. He should stay on the Wing. Also doesn't have te ball playing skills required for fullback.