MAGIC Rd 2025: 6pm Eels v Sharks, Suncorp Stadium, Fri May 2nd

[Gronk]

Latu…nothing to lose, Riley is a good example

I'm not saying you're wrong, but he played a trial and one cup game in March so far in 2025.

 

[JokerEel]

I'm not saying you're wrong, but he played a trial and one cup game in March so far in 2025.

I am still a fan of Latu but if he doesn't make it into the NRL soon he will be passed by some of the juniors coming through next year.

 

[Gronk]

I am still a fan of Latu but if he doesn't make it into the NRL soon he will be passed by some of the juniors coming through next year.

Boy you're an eager beaver. Do many backrowers play NRL younger than him ? I know there are probably some exceptions like Jeremiah Nanai. Maybe I am out of touch !

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Latu…nothing to lose, Riley is a good example

Smith got his chance because he performed well in the preseason. If he hadn’t performed in the preseason he wouldn’t have played well on the field. The game these days is predominantly about effort. It’s not something you can switch on and off. You play how you train.

Which is not to say that Latu didn’t train well in the preseason, but if he doesn’t get a shot in first grade, that’ll be why. Players need to prove themselves in hundreds of hours of training before getting a shot. A fifteen minute trial cameo or even a few games of reserve grade isn’t enough.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Boy you're an eager beaver. Do many backrowers play NRL younger than him ? I know there are probably some exceptions like Jeremiah Nanai. Maybe I am out of touch !

View attachment 101609

Kautoga is less than a year older and already played 40 games in NSW Cup and a few NRL games. This would’ve been his third or fourth NRL preseason. Latu is well behind, and merkins are suggesting Kautoga hasn’t paid his dues? Maybe not, but then Latu definitely hasn’t.

 

[the phantom menace]

Which is not to say that Latu didn’t train well in the preseason, but if he doesn’t get a shot in first grade, that’ll be why. Players need to prove themselves in hundreds of hours of training before getting a shot. A fifteen minute trial cameo or even a few games of reserve grade isn’t enough.

He got injured, you clown...

 

[JokerEel]

Boy you're an eager beaver. Do many backrowers play NRL younger than him ? I know there are probably some exceptions like Jeremiah Nanai. Maybe I am out of touch !

View attachment 101609

Ffs I can't have it both ways I guess! Supporting an old Merkin in Smith playing NRL at 22 and not supporting Latu at 21!

I did have him down as an NRL player last year though!
I still think he may get passed by if he doesn't play consistently over the next few weeks injury has been the major factor.

 

[Suitman]

Smith got his chance because he performed well in the preseason. If he hadn’t performed in the preseason he wouldn’t have played well on the field. The game these days is predominantly about effort. It’s not something you can switch on and off. You play how you train.

Which is not to say that Latu didn’t train well in the preseason, but if he doesn’t get a shot in first grade, that’ll be why. Players need to prove themselves in hundreds of hours of training before getting a shot. A fifteen minute trial cameo or even a few games of reserve grade isn’t enough.

Geez you talk some shite.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

He got injured, you clown...

Plenty of merkins got injured, you clown, including a bunch of merkins in this week’s NRL team.