Nathan Friend in for more surgery

[Rich102]

Sadly he will miss the start of the season after further shoulder surgery.

Various sources.

 

[LeagueNut]

He has said on Twitter that "nothing confirmed as yet, have a meeting on Wednesday with nerve specialist".

I guess Leuluai or Godinet would be the reserve #9? Given Elliott's reputation for strange positional switches, maybe he'll move Manu there instead.

 

[ozbash]

how dumb is this ?

all season to get it sorted....

 

[captainwarrior]

I'd imagine Tui would come in at 5/8 and Leuluai would play hooker. Well that would be the obvious one, Elliott will probably pick something completely different.

 

[vvvrulz]

Big blow, we really need seniors like him on board to steady the ship early on.

 

[spear tackle]

Big loss if it does happen.
Time for the elected leadership group to step up and lead from the front and not just stand back and watch Mannering try to do it all.

 

[Warmess]

how dumb is this ?

all season to get it sorted....

So I assume you turned down the role of Warriors club doctor?

 

[WarriorDefence]

I'd imagine Tui would come in at 5/8 and Leuluai would play hooker. Well that would be the obvious one, Elliott will probably pick something completely different.

IMO the obvious move is Mara to 9 and sj and TL stay in the halves. Always been a big Mara fan, he's been around a while and if they're not gonna give him a shot now they never will.

 

[Warrior@Heart]

IMO the obvious move is Mara to 9 and sj and TL stay in the halves. Always been a big Mara fan, he's been around a while and if they're not gonna give him a shot now they never will.

I'd prefer Mara too, both Carlos Tuimavave & Harry Seijka's defence isn't quite first grade standard yet.

 

[Iafeta]

I'd imagine Tui would come in at 5/8 and Leuluai would play hooker. Well that would be the obvious one, Elliott will probably pick something completely different.

Don't see that being the obvious choice. Mara to hooker. Tuimavave should be close though, he seemed to take some good options last year in a well beaten team.

 

[Illiterate]

Mara at hooker and either godinet or ropati on the bench depending on how we'll they perform in the trials.

 

[Diesel]

One thing we have this year that we didn't have in 2012 is depth. The 6-7-9 jerseys will be guys that play in these positions not centres or fullbacks or FFS a second rower.

SJ 6, TL 7 and a few options for 9, Mara, Pita etc.

The rookies of 2011 now have 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 seasons under their belts now.

No excuses for a player not to preform and still be playing first grade

 

[Fufu Andronez]

As tough as the bloke is this is probably his last season with us anyway isn't it? He's 32 next month injured pretty often and I can't see us taking up the third year option on his contract (if it is in our favour). So are we grooming Leuleuai to take over as hooker or Mara? Mara hasn't filled me with too much confidence from what I've seen.

I know it's a pipe dream but I would love to see us go for Isaac Luke for 2014 onwards. He's probably under lock and key though and I don't really see any realistic targets out there.


All that being said I hope Friendy goes awesome this season and make the decision for us.

 

[ozbash]

So I assume you turned down the role of Warriors club doctor?

yea, Mayhew was looking sad...

How hard is it ?

"hows the shoulder Nathan?"

"seems to be taking its time, hurts when I use it".. :sarcasm:

eh, its not rocket science. the clubs are quick to keep them out of end season tours for the old "much needed off season surgery"

 

[Mr Horse]

how dumb is this ?

all season to get it sorted....

could not agree more :-(

 

[Skinner]

Well.....welcome along Mr Horse.

 

[Mr Horse]

Cheers Been looking at these forums for years and thought why not join in the fun.

 

[ozbash]

you seem like an intelligent person. I think I like you already..

 

[Warrior@Heart]

As tough as the bloke is this is probably his last season with us anyway isn't it? He's 32 next month injured pretty often and I can't see us taking up the third year option on his contract (if it is in our favour). So are we grooming Leuleuai to take over as hooker or Mara? Mara hasn't filled me with too much confidence from what I've seen.

I know it's a pipe dream but I would love to see us go for Isaac Luke for 2014 onwards. He's probably under lock and key though and I don't really see any realistic targets out there.


All that being said I hope Friendy goes awesome this season and make the decision for us.

Yeah not too many good hookers off contract next season, I think Isaac Luke will be a bunny for life and IMO hooker is Leuleuai's best position so I really hope we find a good half. Seijka & Tuimavave have potential but are unproven at the top level, and there are quite a few quality halves off contract in Thurston, Carney & Pearce.