Nicho v SJ

[carinashark]

Just to start. And now go on. No contest between SJ and Niko. Other teams are envious.

 

[Frailty]

Johnson plays for Johnson. He looks for the highlight reel play because it makes headlines and headlines shape perceptions. Clubs and coaches see the talent and think they can unlock the potential which means another contract.

Hynes (at this early stage) has bought into club mentality and wants to be a better player himself and make his team mates better players. He came here to be the man that takes the team to the next level.

Hynes has Shark DNA, Johnson never did.

I think this is a really harsh assessment of Johnson. Particularly in 2020, he wasn't looking for highlight reel plays - rather he was guiding the team around the field and was essentially the only reason they got in the finals (and if it weren't for the torn Achilles, I think they make it past week 1). If there was one thing I could say about Johnson's time with the Sharks, I would say growth. I saw a player that came with the reputation for playing off the cuff and risky football turn into a half that could guide a team around the park without trying to rely on his elusiveness (that had disappeared due to age).

There's definitely things I didn't like - and one way was the way he stayed away from the team whilst injured (not sure if this was covid related). Given the same seems to have occurred this season already with the Warriors, it just seems odd for me with a team sport.

 

[Weaponhead]

I think this is a really harsh assessment of Johnson. Particularly in 2020, he wasn't looking for highlight reel plays - rather he was guiding the team around the field and was essentially the only reason they got in the finals (and if it weren't for the torn Achilles, I think they make it past week 1). If there was one thing I could say about Johnson's time with the Sharks, I would say growth. I saw a player that came with the reputation for playing off the cuff and risky football turn into a half that could guide a team around the park without trying to rely on his elusiveness (that had disappeared due to age).

There's definitely things I didn't like - and one way was the way he stayed away from the team whilst injured (not sure if this was covid related). Given the same seems to have occurred this season already with the Warriors, it just seems odd for me with a team sport.

Fair enough perspective on Johnson. I had in mind his first game for the Warriors where he cross kicked in his own 20 and turned the ball over, he also threw a rainbow pass into touch on play 1 from a scrum inside the opposition 20. They were really poor plays that highlighted the attitude I mentioned but your point about his efforts in 2020 are fair as well.

 

[ghoti]

Nicho will have some form dips too, and teams haven't really been able to do homework on him as a 7 yet.. first three games he's had the benefit of both name (players hang off him) and unpredictability (no one's really trying to figure him out yet).

I reckon it's inevitable that there's gonna be a side who nails their defensive plan and shuts him down (Melbourne will probably have his measure). Promising sign though is Brailey taking off out of sight, Moylan looking really threatening and Kennedy continuing to improve..

Don't think it's really fair to compare SJ and Nicho considering the people they had around them in the side tho, as others mentioned.. if SJ was more club first he'd probably be pairing with Hynes this year.. at first thought it was nuts we chose Moylan over Johnson but the way MM was talking about dying to stay for the club and not demanding $x like Johnson had, gained a lot of respect for him and his motivation to stay.

(Very round three thread this one hahah)

 

[Stake Removed]

Nicho will have some form dips too, and teams haven't really been able to do homework on him as a 7 yet.. first three games he's had the benefit of both name (players hang off him) and unpredictability (no one's really trying to figure him out yet).

I reckon it's inevitable that there's gonna be a side who nails their defensive plan and shuts him down (Melbourne will probably have his measure). Promising sign though is Brailey taking off out of sight, Moylan looking really threatening and Kennedy continuing to improve..

Don't think it's really fair to compare SJ and Nicho considering the people they had around them in the side tho, as others mentioned.. if SJ was more club first he'd probably be pairing with Hynes this year.. at first thought it was nuts we chose Moylan over Johnson but the way MM was talking about dying to stay for the club and not demanding $x like Johnson had, gained a lot of respect for him and his motivation to stay.

(Very round three thread this one hahah)

And if someone like Melbourne shut down Nicho, that when Moylan needs to really stand up, demand the ball, take pressure of Nicho.
If Moylan plays well this year, I think he would be happy if we signed him year on year, would understand with all injuries that we are going to be cautious.
And if another club was to offer him a 2 or 3 year deal, none of us would be upset if he took it

 

[ghoti]

And if someone like Melbourne shut down Nicho, that when Moylan needs to really stand up, demand the ball, take pressure of Nicho.
If Moylan plays well this year, I think he would be happy if we signed him year on year, would understand with all injuries that we are going to be cautious.
And if another club was to offer him a 2 or 3 year deal, none of us would be upset if he took it

Yeah agreed! Interesting to see what happens if Moylan gets a full season in playing how he is.. seems unlikely, but I'm sure we'd offer him another year, and I reckon he's learned enough lessons to avoid a better paying contract at Dolphins or a straggler.. maybe he tries for a multi-year in England next year if he's up to it?

 

[Frenzy.]

Humility vs Arrogance.

Team vs Individual.

Healthy vs Unhealthy.

Nicho is a no brainer as the better buy