Pat Richards returns to Wests Tigers

[Shanghai Charlie]

Very good professional and will be a great role model for our rookies on and off the paddock.

 

[benched tiger]

At least we will have someone who can kick a field goal,and cover any position from fullback,wing and centre.

 

[Matchball]

At least we will have someone who can kick a field goal,and cover any position from fullback,wing and centre.

http://m.dailytelegraph.com.au/spor...ish-super-league/story-fni3fbgz-1226683896738

Talking about this field goal ability?

 

[gordsy]

Maybe Potter is thinking that with Benji and Ayshford gone our backs would all be kids apart from Lawrence, so having Richards in the team gives us some experience. I guess time will tell how that pans out for us.

 

[R2Coupe]

That would mean Potter had a plan not to have Ayshford and Marshall at the Club when Richards was signed. Any views?

 

[madunit]

I think Richards will bring more to the team than just goal kicking. He is strong under the high ball, will give a kicking target for us, is big and strong and a proven finisher. The only thing to really worry about is how his age will injuries and speed.

you practically described Luke Covell as well there.

I think he will be a handy signing though in hindsight not entirely necessary. Remembering he was signed before we knew that Koro and Simona were going to perform as well as they have.

I won't mind his signing so much if the club gets rid of Reddy, Utai and Tuqiri.

There's nothing more pointless than having huge depth on the wing.

 

[Old Time Tiger]

Saturday night in the UK.

Winger Pat Richards, who will make a second Wembley appearance before returning to Australia at the end of the year, also scored 30 points with 11 goals and two tries

http://www.superleague.co.uk/article/28483/warriors-smash-broncos/28483

I guess when we look at the backline for next year and that is only guess work at this stage, Richards has to be there for his goal kicking. I wonder if the likes of Lawrence will spend the off season practicing his kicking?

 

[Marshall_magic]

How does Pat go at fullback? Could it be worth a shot playing him there next year and give Teddy a year in NSW Cup to develop some ball playing skills? I don't him getting a spot over Nofo or Simona and if Lawrence can get some confidence back he'll be a regular. That leaves Koro and Teddy as the guys who's spot Richards could take, Koro has star potential but needs to sort out his hands, Teddy has a way to go still.

 

[Old Time Tiger]

Marshall_magic - what the Tigers have to consider is goal kicking. Unless every try is under the post and every penalty we receive is directly in front, the Tigers need a full time kicker.

Will that be Anasta? he has to be in the team 1st,
Siro, there maybe too much pressure on him next year where ever he plays.

Richards is the standout kicker, and then there's the little gem that they showed on Fox Sports last week, only 1 B Marshall could or would try such a thing and certainly not in the past 12 months.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/...gue/story-e6frf3ou-1226683919157#.UfX-SdJTCSo

 

[Tigers Tale]

How does Pat go at fullback? Could it be worth a shot playing him there next year and give Teddy a year in NSW Cup to develop some ball playing skills? I don't him getting a spot over Nofo or Simona and if Lawrence can get some confidence back he'll be a regular. That leaves Koro and Teddy as the guys who's spot Richards could take, Koro has star potential but needs to sort out his hands, Teddy has a way to go still.

My choice would be to see Richards at fullback. I think Tedesco will make it as an NRL fullback but I just feel he needs a little more development and confidence. He brings the ball back well and is good under the high ball (which is a great start) but his attacking flair just lacks the final polish. Another year in NSW Cup will help him more than hinder him.

He shouldn't look at it as a punishment or demotion he should see it as a chance to gain. The poor guy was thrown into City and everyone expected more of him. That probably went towards ruining his confidence. Richards fullback next year and maybe early 2015 with Tedesco to follow him....

All other back line positions (other than Lawrence) seem to sort themselves out.

 

[madunit]

The very thing you're criticising Tedesco for not having is the very same thing Richards doesn't have.

Simona is the only decent replacement for Tedesco.

 

[Tigers Tale]

You might be right MU. I guess my point is Tedesco hasn't come on as much as I hoped he would. Whether it is Simona or Richard at fullback I think both might be a better option than Tedesco (at the moment). Richards will get a run in 2014 for his kicking alone....someone is going to miss out.

 

[Shanghai Charlie]

Richards
Korobiete
Lawrence
Simona
Noufouluma
6. ?
Brooks

 

[Shanghai Charlie]

Tedesco needs 12 months in Reggies

 

[Tiger05]

I'm starting to doubt Tedesco as well. He hasn't busted them once out there.

 

[madunit]

Richards is a winger only people. If you are replacing Tedesco, you put Simona at fullback.

 

[magpie guy]

Richards is a winger only people. If you are replacing Tedesco, you put Simona at fullback.

I have to agree here with you MU. Is Richards solely a left side winger? What about Koro and Naiyaro? I think they are both left side wingers as well. Simona and Nofo seem to be the only ones who can play on the right, thought both can play centre. It is going to be really interesting how the backline is configured next year.

 

[typicalfan]

Tedesco is still a gun. He is the one most likely to struggle with makeshift halves and an average forward pack. He is far from your worst performer

 

[hutch]

Richards is a winger only people. If you are replacing Tedesco, you put Simona at fullback.

He has played plenty of fullback for Wigan.

 

[Tiger05]

Tedesco is still a gun. He is the one most likely to struggle with makeshift halves and an average forward pack. He is far from your worst performer

I agree however he needs to improve. He needs to stop slipping over and start to make an impact in attack. Fullback is a critical position and you need a gun there. To add to that we have Koro, Nofo and Simona who are all also guns and could probably slot into the fullback role.

I really like Tedesco - he is tough and a real solid player. The thing is we need some spark from the back and he isn't providing it at the moment.