Looking to next season

[Vicious]

I want to start by saying that i`m confident we`re still a big chance of winning the comp this season, but looking towards next season, i think we definately need to cut some big names now before it`s too late.

Firstly, it was a great decision to let go of the over rated Paul Whatuira and if we can also get rid of Fitzy and Ben Galea it will be a big step in the right direction. I reckon O`Hara can play the game, but if he`s not in the coaches plans, i`d be hoping we could offload him to someone else that will use him. No coincedence that the Bulldogs have indicated that he`d be a walk up start in their top 17, but are baulking at the price we`re paying him. Dene Halatau must be on shaky ground, he hasn`t performed since `2005 and has deservedly been dropped. I`d be considering him as a centre only as he`s too small to be in the forwards, but i still remember the impact he had when hitting the ball at speed when first hitting the top grade scene as a centre. Similarly, John Morris has no future in the halves and he too should be considered as a centre only. Lastly, Benji`s future is as a fullback only and with the loss of pace and lacklustre kick returns, i`d be seriously contemplating letting Hodgo go now, before he stays in the NRL for a season too long.

`2008 Backline
1.Brett Hodgson/Benji Marshall
2.Chris Lawrence
3.Dean Collis
4.John Morris/Dene Halatau
5.Matt Ryan (we desperately need some height on the wing and besides that the kid can really play the game)
6. Benji Marshall/Tim Moltzen/Wade Dunley
7.Claude Gordon/Blake Lazarus

***Inexperienced, YES, but these young fellas are constantly around their sides best in sides that are getting spectacular results in this back half of the season. If they can continue this form into the finals and possibly help their respective Premier League/ Jersey Flegg sides to premierships, i think they`d have to be seriously considered for regular top grade spots as of next season !!!

 

[HOT028]

good post, i would love to see a genuine 7 given a go in FG by our club, i cant remember the last genuine number 7 we had, even scott prince was a 6 that got moved to 7. we really need to lift our expections of a winger in the year 2007, being 70kg's and under 6 foot just does not cut it anytmore, unless you are willing to put your body on the line.

 

[colonel_123]

At this stage I'd probably prefer to see Tuiaki on the wing for at least another year.

I always thought he'd end up in the forwards, but this season he's just looked so dangerous outwide and with the depth out wide looking to be tested next season I think they'd do well to make Tuiaki a full time winger.

That doesn't mean he wouldn't still be able to roam about the field and help out in the forwards.

 

[Joe's Magpies]

How did Jai Ayoub go on the weekend. Doesn't he play halfback for BRET.

 

[super_coach]

For most part of the season we have been spared of the cross field bomb,than comes along Anasta and hits pay dirt now every team we come up against will be doing the same.Most teams its a fifty fifty bet against us its odds on of a result. We need wingers who are tall and can catch. 2008 will probably see junior burger on one flank,why Iam not confident

 

[bjm8]

How did Jai Ayoub go on the weekend. Doesn't he play halfback for BRET.

Saw him play earlier in the year and thought he had potential, but i notice hes mainly been playing off the bench.

 

[Marshall_magic]

I'd go

1 Brett Hodgson (he is a must at the back)
2 Chris Lawrence (try scorer)
3 Dean Collis
4 John Morris (hits a hole well, will be a good replacement for Whatuira)
5 Taniela Tuiaki (keep him where he dominates)
6 Benji Marshall (He is a 5/8 not a 1/2)
7 someone from reggies, we need to take a gamble.

 

[Spot]

I'd like to see Andrew Leeds lace on the boots again. A reliable goal kicker and a rock at the back!!

 

[Vicious]

I'd like to see Andrew Leeds lace on the boots again. A reliable goal kicker and a rock at the back!!

If i were you, i`d stay well away from any type of rock after that comment !!!:roll:

 

[innsaneink]

Leedsy was a great player...tough as...played the Cronulla semi with a broken ankle.

 

[Vicious]

Leedsy was a great player...tough as...played the Cronulla semi with a broken ankle.

Yeah, he could play the game, i`m more referring to him pulling on the boots these days.

 

[themanonthehill]

Sheens started it by playing Fitzy

 

[scarcev]

I agree Hodgo has given good service but he should go off and make some money, Lawrence I reckon is a future fullback, but yea we desperately need a true 7. Marshall certainly isnt and Im actually starting to wonder if you can hide an attacking genius who is a defensive clutz in first grade!

 

[Gus22]

Leeds would have been better than Moodie this year.

 

[Panther_Daz]

Mark Hendy is the leading try scorer in Premier League this year, pretty good achievement considering Wests position on the table. He any chance of making first grade next year?

 

[smeghead]

I honestly don't know what our plans are for Hendy.

Under 20's I would imagine. Unless he is like the majority of players now stuck in the wasteland after they turn 20 next year

 

[Panther_Daz]

Hendy will be too old for Under 20's.

 

[gr8_1]

Mark Hendy is the leading try scorer in Premier League this year, pretty good achievement considering Wests position on the table. He any chance of making first grade next year?

When he learns to tackle maybe..... actually could say that about the whole Wests PL team.