Luciano Leilua

[dragonssamy61]

If......its such a wonderful word isn't it.
If Lomax is good enough. How do we know IF he is or isn't? He may be the next superstar of the game, then again he may be tomorrows fish and chip wrapping.
Last year it was Field, who when given his "go" (albeit briefly) didn't deliver on expectations. Spent the year in reggies and realky developed his trade, particularly later in the season.
We lose nothing by giving him a few or more games in reserve grade to test his metal and IF he produces then unleash him into top grade. Remember too that last year he was still playing for Aust Schoolboys.
As for Pat Herbert, he is a classy player andcwoukd be my choice to replace one of the first grade wingers. He was the Junior Kiwis captain and the year spent in reserve grade should have him primed for top grade selection. But, like Lomax will start in reggies.
Dont discard Periera either, hes a big nuggety lad, dont know how quick he is maybe someone can enlighten us there.
The point here is, as with any player, IF they're good enough, but they must show they can in the first place. Then and only then you remove the IF and replace with they are!

Agree with all you say dragonslayer and bennyv.
Re Periera he is in the top 5 in sprint training.
He is not dufty and field fast but as quick as garrick and mann.
But over longer sprints he is one of the quickest.
But then so is McDonald

 

[Dragonslayer]

Fair enough. We'll see how they go. Considering Leilua's strengths and abilities, I'd be inclined to not confine him to one side of the field (particularly when we have such talented edge backrowers like Friz, Host and Sims) and his best chance of actually breaking through to the team would be as an impact forward. HIs skillset, IMO, also lends itself to a high risk of errors from him and from the team and he needs to ensure he learns that restraint and adds the 'workhorse' string to his bow if he wants to play big minutes.

Agree BV
The biggest issue is who will fill the vacant starting edge 2nd row position vacated by Thompson. I also dont think think Leilua is a starter but more an impact player abd as you say on both sides of the field.
That leaves Sims and Host, one of which would have to fill the bench prop role if the other starts in the 2nd row.
Placing Sims in the 2nd row strengthens that position but weakens the prop rotation as I dont think Host is a prop by any means. It alao could mean that Host misses out altogether and one of the journeymen, probably Latimore would fill the prop rotation. Yes there is Sele and Lawrie but McGregor does favour the veteran tag.
The other domino is Friz and how his back holds up and wether he will be used in bursts like last year.
This is where Leilua on the bench as basically a pinch hitter is so important IMO. Starting Host and Friz as the back row allows for Leilua to come on for either of them when necessary, providing that impact on either side. I just hope McGregor is training him this way.

 

[blacksafake]

They are different players, and I’ve always stated that Leiluas style leads him to being an impact player, but the demand for this style isn’t as high because to use this within 8 interchanges required a bigger workload on their forwards. Host, however, could eat to the top tier of edge backrowers if given the right opportunity. He’s got all the tools - size and power, ability to hit holes, very solid in defense and a smart player. Could very easily become as good as the likes of Cordner, Gillet and so on. (Key word being ‘could’).

And I agree on the outside backs. I’ve said before, I’d start with Herbert at RC and Mann on the left wing, with Lomax first up in case of injury. He'll get his chance.

If finishes up anywhere near these two,especially Gillett i'll be more than happy.
I must say of the few times i have seen Host he really does look like a footy player.

 

[st.phil]

So then why did Millward extend Lafai, Aitken and Mann. Surely if Herbert is ready, he should have let one or more of them go.

Aitken right centre, Mann utility. It's no disrespect to Herbert - squad game etc

 

[possm]

Aitken right centre, Mann utility. It's no disrespect to Herbert - squad game etc

Claims that Herbert is ready for NRL and that the current incumbent centres - Aitken and Lafai are slow and should be replaced. To indicates that some members believe Herbert should be elevated and at least one centre replaced with Herbert.

My opinion is that Herbert is a good reserve grade player and yet to be recognised as a stand out player.

 

[BankstownDragon]

Aitken right centre, Mann utility. It's no disrespect to Herbert - squad game etc

With everything that Millward has been applauded for doing right, the re signing of both the 2 duds (Aitken and Lafai) is laughable. Maybe it was not his decision, if so then he should not receive any credit for signings either.

Aitken: the worst defender (positional play) I have seen in a long time. If you cant defend, especially on the right side where most attack is sharper (passing to left side is much easier for right handed players) then dont brother. Timing in D is something you can' be taught.

Lafai: almost fu**in walks up to the defence in attack then VERY slowly plays the ball, because he simply doesn't give a shit about the next player at first reciever whom normally gets no time. Selfish, but then again the coaching staff are blind to it all

 

[BennyV]

Claims that Herbert is ready for NRL and that the current incumbent centres - Aitken and Lafai are slow and should be replaced. To indicates that some members believe Herbert should be elevated and at least one centre replaced with Herbert.

My opinion is that Herbert is a good reserve grade player and yet to be recognised as a stand out player.

Lol so he isn’t hyped, therefore doesn’t deserve a spot!
#possmlogic

 

[getsmarty]

Backyard wrestles and PS4 forging Red V’s next big thing
6th Feb 2018 9:29 AM

Luciano Leilua during St George Illawarra Dragons training at WIN Stadium.

by Simon Brunsdon

LUCIANO Leilua is tough. And he's competitive.

And you can attribute both those traits - at least in part - to his older brother.

Because it's the childhood backyard wrestle sessions and now PlayStation battles that have forged the 21-year-old wrecking ball who sits in the WIN Stadium grandstand speaking to foxsports.com.au.


But don't be fooled by what you see on television - this 116-kilogram backrower smashing opposition defences to bits. He's as jovial as they come, with a laugh that belies his fierce on-field persona.

He likes to "be myself" ... and baulks at comparisons to big brother Joey. But he also knows he might not be where he is today without the influence of his sibling mentor.

In fact, the younger Leilua likes to think both brothers have helped each other become an NRL star, and an NRL star in waiting.

Luciano Leilua of the Dragons offloads during the 2016 season.


"We used to have little tussles sometimes (as children). It was good, toughened me up, toughened him up, and it got us here today," Leilua tells foxsports.com.au.

"Backyard footy was mad, we used to whack each other, big hits, shoulder charge each other.

"But it made us tough and it got us where we are today so I'm grateful.

"Even little things like when we play PS4, he brags about how good he is. It's pretty competitive.

"When we have games on PS4 he's heaps competitive, sometimes I just let him win."

Being five years apart, the brothers have never played against one another in a competitive senior football game.

That could change on May 20, when St George Illawarra travels to Mudgee to take on Canberra in round 11.

Leilua has already circled the date on his calendar. Now it's up to Dragons coach Paul McGregor - and a clean run of health for both brothers - as to whether the match-up eventuates.

If they do happen to be on the field at the same time, the likelihood they'll physically clash is high, given Joey plays right centre for the Raiders and Luciano is gunning for the Red V's left edge position.

Leilua says it would be "a dream come true" to share an NRL field with his brother. Whose side their parents will take is still up for discussion.

But before that game rolls around, Leilua knows he has a fight on his hands to cement a full-time spot in the team.

He played five NRL games for the Dragons in 2016 but spent last season biding his time in reserve grade. He won their player of the year award.

Luciano Leilua during St George Illawarra Dragons training at WIN Stadium.


The exit of Joel Thompson means there's a backrow spot up for grabs, and the buzz around Wollongong is young Leilua is one of the frontrunners.

"There's a good crew of young lads here and he's one of them," veteran forward James Graham said of Leilua.

"He's an exceptionally talented individual with a huge career in front of him, and (I will) try to point him in the right direction at times."

Leilua admits the step up to first grade depends largely on his fitness.

He's knuckled down over pre-season and is intent on proving his commitment to coach McGregor and his Dragons teammates.

And if he can, an NRL jersey surely awaits.

"This whole pre-season I've been working hard on my fitness and my diet. I can't wait until the games start so I can show it," he said.

"I'll see what I can do in the trials and hopefully get that spot. Run hard, tackle hard, see what's in front of me and play football."

https://www.tweeddailynews.com.au/news/backyard-wrestles-and-ps4-battles-forging-red-vs-n/3327743/

 

[Crush]

Geez there is a lot to be excited about this year. Finally.
Luciano Leilua could be anything!

 

[hewi]

I’m really sticking my neck out here and he would have to come a long way to get there. Arthur Beetson? Some of the off loads I’ve seen him do have been unbelievable.

 

[Frank Facer]

I’m really sticking my neck out here and he would have to come a long way to get there. Arthur Beetson? Some of the off loads I’ve seen him do have been unbelievable.

Lucky has already been compared to Beetson on this site. I think that suggestion was shot down by some. I never saw Beetson play, but I like the comparison.

I am liking what I am reading about Lucky this pre season. He may be ready to make Thompson's spot his own this year.

 

[Old Timer]

Lucky has already been compared to Beetson on this site. I think that suggestion was shot down by some. I never saw Beetson play, but I like the comparison.

I am liking what I am reading about Lucky this pre season. He may be ready to make Thompson's spot his own this year.

JT could play 80 & Luciana can't so he won't be making that position his own.
Bench player is where he fits best and if you try to get long minutes out of him in the starting line up he will fail at this point of his career.

 

[Frank Facer]

JT could play 80 & Luciana can't so he won't be making that position his own.
Bench player is where he fits best and if you try to get long minutes out of him in the starting line up he will fail at this point of his career.

Lucky was playing a full game in reserve grade last year. Maybe he can become an 80 minute player? He also won player of the year in reserve grade.

 

[BennyV]

Lucky was playing a full game in reserve grade last year. Maybe he can become an 80 minute player? He also won player of the year in reserve grade.

Becoming an 8- minute player MAY diminish some of his attributes, it might force him to be more conservative and less destructive. IMO he serves us better coming on for 15-20 minutes either side of halftime, wreaking havoc, and if we have an interchange at the back end of the game then he can do the same.

Lucky has already been compared to Beetson on this site. I think that suggestion was shot down by some. I never saw Beetson play, but I like the comparison.

I am liking what I am reading about Lucky this pre season. He may be ready to make Thompson's spot his own this year.

People get so precious about comparing youngsters to greats!!! IMO the comparison is apt, it's not about the role they will play in the game, its about their style of play - big bodies with incredibly silky ball skills! Luc just needs to ensure he maintains the ability to use his big body, not just the ball skills.

 

[dragonssamy61]

I’m really sticking my neck out here and he would have to come a long way to get there. Arthur Beetson? Some of the off loads I’ve seen him do have been unbelievable.

Hewi
If luc ends up half as good as Beetson .
We will be bless ro see him

 

[Seoul Dragon]

Saw a bit of Beetson. He was pilloried early in his career over fitness issues and while he always had "it", the remarkable skills for which he is revered were honed later in his career from my reflection.

Luc looks the goods.

Let's hope 2018 gives him the opportunity to show it all and that he grabs that opportunity.

 

[Life's Good]

WOW. Talking about loading up on expectations on a kid who has played minimal FG. I take the view that LL needs to get regular game time off the bench to get his body used to FG because the step up in intensity, speed & power is quite big.
I remember Karl Filiga being labeled the next SBW yet he disappeared without a trace despite all the hype.
Mind you, I'm pumped that LL is showing a great attitude. Cant wait to see him on the field.

 

[possm]

JT could play 80 & Luciana can't so he won't be making that position his own.
Bench player is where he fits best and if you try to get long minutes out of him in the starting line up he will fail at this point of his career.

Initially Leilua and Host will share Thompson's spot. Over time one of these two or maybe even another backrower will own this position and be in the run-on 13.

 

[possm]

Saw a bit of Beetson. He was pilloried early in his career over fitness issues and while he always had "it", the remarkable skills for which he is revered were honed later in his career from my reflection.

Luc looks the goods.

Let's hope 2018 gives him the opportunity to show it all and that he grabs that opportunity.

Does he enjoy a meat pie? If not can't be like Beetson.

 

[TomRedVRiver]

If we have a bench of Ah Mau/Leilua/Sele/Mann... Then the rotation in the first half should look a little like this:

- Sims to play 25-30 minutes on the edge
- Luciano to come on at the 25-30 minute mark, 15 or so minutes before half time
- Sims to shift to the middle for Vaughan and plays the remaining 15 minutes, Ah Mau to come on for Graham
- Sele to come on for De Belin at the 32-35 minute mark.

I feel like Sims can handle the 40 minute load. Give him a 20 minute rest in the second half, then bring him back on for Luciano in the last 20 minutes. That way he gets a solid breather.

I sure as hell don't want to see Host coming on and playing in the middle. He was getting absolutely towelled up there last year.