Mann

[SBD82]

He actually created a bit of room for Lafai by some of his sideways runs. Not normally a fan of sideways but he did make some room on occasion.

I thought he did really well to get outside his man, straighten up and create overlaps.

It's actually what Benji used to do before he lost the yards of pace that he needed to be effective at it.

 

[possm]

I thought he did really well to get outside his man, straighten up and create overlaps.

It's actually what Benji used to do before he lost the yards of pace that he needed to be effective at it.

You make a good point. Let's hope he can do both - run straight and crab sideways - when required.

 

[monsterkev]

I re

You make a good point. Let's hope he can do both - run straight and crab sideways - when required.[/QUOT
I reckon he can run sideways,backwards.forwards as long as he can set up 3 or 4 tries each game like he did

 

[possm]

I re

Yes of course however, I believe over the next few games he will demonstrate his ability to adapt to the style of play Mary and the player leadership group developed. Hopefully he will start to do a Widdop with speed.

 

[BennyV]

There's a difference between Mann this weekend and Benji/Widdop last year. When they crabbed across, it was 3-4m away from the defensive line and they engaged no one, simply floated around looking for a runner.

With Mann on the weekend, he drifted across the defensive line and engaged defenders, which gave Lafai the space he needed. Defenders had to be wary of him because he had options to step straight and go through the line.

He's also got a beautiful bullet pass right-to-left. Interested to see how he goes on the right side.

 

[BringTheNoise]

There's a distinct difference between "crabbing sideways" and getting outside your opposite man and creating an overlap.

Honestly some people on this forum....

 

[Carlton]

There's a difference between Mann this weekend and Benji/Widdop last year. When they crabbed across, it was 3-4m away from the defensive line and they engaged no one, simply floated around looking for a runner.

With Mann on the weekend, he drifted across the defensive line and engaged defenders, which gave Lafai the space he needed. Defenders had to be wary of him because he had options to step straight and go through the line.

He's also got a beautiful bullet pass right-to-left. Interested to see how he goes on the right side.

Considering the fact, he has had little game time this year and has not been given a run in the halves prior to this game, he was outstanding. He attracted players and put his outside men into space, something we have not seen for a long time. Give him time and the kicking, short balls to forwards running lines and the show and go will all start to come out.

He did not play the same number of set plays that we are used to but played what was in from of him, he is a footballer.

 

[dragonssamy61]

Considering the fact, he has had little game time this year and has not been given a run in the halves prior to this game, he was outstanding. He attracted players and put his outside men into space, something we have not seen for a long time. Give him time and the kicking, short balls to forwards running lines and the show and go will all start to come out.

He did not play the same number of set plays that we are used to but played what was in from of him, he is a footballer.

Well said Carlton agree

 

[denis preston]

He looked lost ( and rightly so ) when he came on after Widdorp got injured.One week of training and he looked so much better.So with 2 or 3 weeks training & game time it will be interesting to see his further improvement. No position for him in the halves next year but as people say the fullbacks role is so similar to 5/8 it does raise the issue of him going back there.Remember he only got 2 games there, hardly a fair go.

 

[Overseas dragon]

Next year you might even see Mann at 5/8 with hunt and widdop might do a Lockyer but the other way and there's a very real chance with McInnes that combination might just sizzle

 

[Como Connection]

I'm really concerned the Dragons will lose him due to very poor management!
A real talent in my opinion.
CC

 

[possm]

Every team needs a utility back like Mann. What a wonderful resource to have a player who potentially can fill in anywhere in the backline. Mary has not realised it as yet, but Mann's ability to successfully fill in at five-eighth, may just save the Dragons season.

With Mann in the side and four forwards on the bench, the Dragons will have the capacity to keep the forward pack fresh and dominant. If a back is injured during a game, the hole can easily be filled by Mann and a fresh backrow forward could fill one of the centre positions.

Waiting till Mann proves himself is not the way to go. Millward should sign him prior to his inevitable price rise. Problem is that Millward and Mary are in many ways alike when it comes to learning from previous mistakes.

Widdop, Dugan, Packer, Lafai, Milne and Mann have or will show an improvement on last years form and because of this their 2016 price on the market will be greater in 2017.

Waiting does not always result in a better deal.

 

[BringTheNoise]

Be great to keep Mann as a utility/back up player but reality is that he's too good to be a spare parts player. He deserves a starting first grade spot and if the club can't accommodate him then he should move on.

 

[denis preston]

Every team needs a utility back like Mann. What a wonderful resource to have a player who potentially can fill in anywhere in the backline. Mary has not realised it as yet, but Mann's ability to successfully fill in at five-eighth, may just save the Dragons season.

With Mann in the side and four forwards on the bench, the Dragons will have the capacity to keep the forward pack fresh and dominant. If a back is injured during a game, the hole can easily be filled by Mann and a fresh backrow forward could fill one of the centre positions.

Waiting till Mann proves himself is not the way to go. Millward should sign him prior to his inevitable price rise. Problem is that Millward and Mary are in many ways alike when it comes to learning from previous mistakes.

Widdop, Dugan, Packer, Lafai, Milne and Mann have or will show an improvement on last years form and because of this their 2016 price on the market will be greater in 2017.

Waiting does not always result in a better deal.

Possm , I agree with your intent but unfortunately in this era of player managers their game is all about timing. Mann & Packers managers would be banking on a couple more games to up their value and they most definitely won't be seriously drawn on a offer until this time.Yes I agree that our club should call these parasites bluff but the modern day dynamics of player negotiation really lends itself to a soap opera. I guess another reason for a 3 month window on player signings in the off season. If this was the case I think you would find that some of the smarter players would do away with PM's and negotiate themselves , hence why the PM's don;t want things to change. This is why I have some sympathy for Basil and role he has to play.

 

[Dragon Revival]

I would give our backs the following ratings largely based on this year's form:-
Dugan 7
Nightingale 6
Lafai 8
Aitken 6
Mac Donald 7
Widdop 8
Mc Crone 6
Field 6
Milne 6

 

[ALSGI]

I would give our backs the following ratings largely based on this year's form:-
Dugan 7
Nightingale 6
Lafai 8
Aitken 6
Mac Donald 7
Widdop 8
Mc Crone 6
Field 6
Milne 6

On this years form I would rate differently:
Dugan 8.5
Nightingale 6
Lafai 7.5
Aitken 7
Mac Donald 6
Widdop 9
Mc Crone 7
Field 3
Add Milne 4

Field and Milne can't be fairly judged on their time in FG.
For all Aitkens defficiencies in defence his attack has been outstanding with limited ball.

 

[Slippery Morris]

Agree with ALSGI except for Nighty? A 6 is pretty harsh. Filled in well for Duges and has been pretty solid. Better than McDonald. I would give NIghty a 7.

How come Mann is not on the list. He would be an 8 for me. For the little time he has had in 2017 he has been good.

Not sure why Field and Milne are in the list. They hardly played this year. Bit harsh to rate them on 10 mins.

 

[OzDragon]

Nighty is a legend. You can't put a number on that.

May we long bask in his glorious ambiance.

 

[ALSGI]

Ok Slippery, agree. Mann deserves an 8 for being made to sit on the bench for so long, got dicked around against Roosters then puts last week's effort in. Gold star!!

Dugan 8.5
Nightingale 7
Lafai 7.5
Aitken 7
Mac Donald 6
Widdop 9
Mc Crone 7
Mann 8
Field and Milne - can't judge.

 

[FlameThrower]

Frankly, as an insurance policy, I'd be signing Mann now. 1 - utility value is obvious
2 - plan B, incase Dugan walks
3 - low to medium investment in the cap