Project mika second row

[TomRedVRiver]

Rava has to be on the wing. He's noticeably improving every single week and we need him at the back on kick returns because it's not a strength of Duff or Cody's.

Young was f**king daft for dropping him in those last few rounds.

 

[possm]

We have some young backs coming through who really need to be made into good first graders for season 2022. So, a lot will revolve around Dufty form early in 2021 however, the Feagai brothers, Schiller and Sullivan should be pushing for selection to first grade in 2021. This means if our first grade players in positions, 1, 2, 4 and possibly 5 are not in form then these young guns should be given their chance.

I'm predicting a Bird/Hunt halves combination to start the season and, believe it or not, Norman to be gone.

In my opinion it would be great to see Rava, Max Feagai, Ramsey and Schiller all in first grade by mid season 2021 with our other young guns taking up positions in CC, puting pressure on first grade.

 

[Lethal25]

On what basis would moving him to back row is a good move? Because we have other better young players coming through?

He pulls off a few strong tackles when blindsiding a bloke and he looks strong. That's the extent of his second row resume

We're not a club who can afford to experiment, we don't have a glut of class players who'll be able to carry him through games whilst he takes a shed load of time to adjust to the rigors of making 30 tackles a game and trying to figure out whether he actually knows how to throw a decent pass or provide an offload. The nuances of edge running won't just magically come to him

It's a no from me

 

[possm]

On what basis would moving him to back row is a good move? Because we have other better young players coming through?

He pulls off a few strong tackles when blindsiding a bloke and he looks strong. That's the extent of his second row resume

We're not a club who can afford to experiment, we don't have a glut of class players who'll be able to carry him through games whilst he takes a shed load of time to adjust to the rigors of making 30 tackles a game and trying to figure out whether he actually knows how to throw a decent pass or provide an offload. The nuances of edge running won't just magically come to him

It's a no from me

I think it is fair to say, 'let's wait and see what Griffin does with each of the players in our top 30 and if we recruit a couple of top forwards'. Early in season 2021 we will have a much better idea.

 

[Evil Emperor Zurg]

Rav looks to be over 110kg. And going by this picture he’s pushing 7 foot. Lomax is 6’6

 

[redandwhite4evr]

On what basis would moving him to back row is a good move? Because we have other better young players coming through?

He pulls off a few strong tackles when blindsiding a bloke and he looks strong. That's the extent of his second row resume

We're not a club who can afford to experiment, we don't have a glut of class players who'll be able to carry him through games whilst he takes a shed load of time to adjust to the rigors of making 30 tackles a game and trying to figure out whether he actually knows how to throw a decent pass or provide an offload. The nuances of edge running won't just magically come to him

It's a no from me

I admit it would be a risk moving him into the forwards- but he has had his issues with the high ball, positional play and handling in general as a winger as well. We seem to have numerous options for wing next year (Rav is not in a lot of people's starting 13) so with Frizz gone, our real need at present is to find impactive, running forwards for the edge positions and I'm not convinced that Sims at the age of 30 and with numerous injuries behind him and Jackson Ford are the answers. If Hook and co are still negotiating with the Broncos or have a top ESL player in mind, the problem could be resolved.

I"m sure no one foresaw that Ben Creagh would become a great 2nd rower when he made his first grade debut as a winger either.

 

[Dragonslayer]

A few months ago I thought Rava may be worth a shot as a centre, however, now I believe we have the 'stock' to well and truly cover that position.

Now, Rava as an edge forward, mmmm no!, I understand the thinking, however, I think Tariq will be 1 (on the left) and a few more specialist edge forwards already in our squad ie: Ford and Bird to name 2. I also think Hook is looking at this area and recruiting players who are already in that position.

Personally, I think our edge forwards will be Tariq and Bird (once fit).

Rava is a winger and if he isnt part of Hooks 17, so be it.

 

[Lethal25]

I admit it would be a risk moving him into the forwards- but he has had his issues with the high ball, positional play and handling in general as a winger as well. We seem to have numerous options for wing next year (Rav is not in a lot of people's starting 13) so with Frizz gone, our real need at present is to find impactive, running forwards for the edge positions and I'm not convinced that Sims at the age of 30 and with numerous injuries behind him and Jackson Ford are the answers. If Hook and co are still negotiating with the Broncos or have a top ESL player in mind, the problem could be resolved.

I"m sure no one foresaw that Ben Creagh would become a great 2nd rower when he made his first grade debut as a winger either.

Ben Creagh was recognised as a gifted footballer and brought into grade at the age of 18 on the wing towards the end of the season so he could get a taste. He was always moving into the forwards

Rava is a completely different prospect

 

[Inisai Toga]

I feel we need his strength on the Wing in getting out of our 20, particularly as we don’t have the biggest forward pack going around. That smashing tackle on Cameron McInnes by Josh Papalii at Kogarah is still plastered on my mind..
In my opinion he (understandably) did look tired towards the end of last year and appeared to need the rest. If he can continually improve his handling though he could be a real asset for us in that position.

 

[redv13]

I feel we need his strength on the Wing in getting out of our 20, particularly as we don’t have the biggest forward pack going around. That smashing tackle on Cameron McInnes by Josh Papalii at Kogarah is still plastered on my mind..
In my opinion he (understandably) did look tired towards the end of last year and appeared to need the rest. If he can continually improve his handling though he could be a real asset for us in that position.

i think the previous maestro was playing him busted and it caught up with him in the back half of the season

 

[redandwhite4evr]

A few months ago I thought Rava may be worth a shot as a centre, however, now I believe we have the 'stock' to well and truly cover that position.

Now, Rava as an edge forward, mmmm no!, I understand the thinking, however, I think Tariq will be 1 (on the left) and a few more specialist edge forwards already in our squad ie: Ford and Bird to name 2. I also think Hook is looking at this area and recruiting players who are already in that position.

Personally, I think our edge forwards will be Tariq and Bird (once fit).

Rava is a winger and if he isnt part of Hooks 17, so be it.

While Tariq's future fitness over time is questionable, Bird's has to be extremely so. Relying on those two crocks as your starting second rowers is playing with fire. But, time will tell.

 

[redVinme]

While Tariq's future fitness over time is questionable, Bird's has to be extremely so. Relying on those two crocks as your starting second rowers is playing with fire. But, time will tell.

Could be Fui and Ford by round three.

I think Sims is cooked. He looks like he has no flexibility anymore and runs like a slow robot

 

[Inisai Toga]

i think the previous maestro was playing him busted and it caught up with him in the back half of the season

Perhaps you’re right there did seemed to be evidence of that; if that ‘is’ the case the criticism aimed at Young in dropping or resting him may be somewhat misdirected.

 

[Inisai Toga]

Could be Fui and Ford by round three.

I think Sims is cooked. He looks like he has no flexibility anymore and runs like a slow robot

Could be right; hope you’re wrong though, as I don’t believe that second row ‘pairing is dominant enough to cause to much damage.

 

[possm]

While Tariq's future fitness over time is questionable, Bird's has to be extremely so. Relying on those two crocks as your starting second rowers is playing with fire. But, time will tell.

The forwards are our big problem. I'd rather we buy a top tier prop to replace Graham and a top tier edge forward to replace Frizell. What we have now is some young forwards with promise and that is good for depth.

So spend the money on two top grade forwards, get rid of Norman and maybe Hunt and spend that money on a marquee fullback. Our young guns can learn their first grade trade as outside backs when ever the opportunity presents itself. Bird and Sullivan will make a good halves pairing.

 

[possm]

Could be Fui and Ford by round three.

I think Sims is cooked. He looks like he has no flexibility anymore and runs like a slow robot

I'm hoping Sims will be back to his very best by round 1.

 

[_Johnsy]

https://www.dragons.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/st-george-illawarra-dragons/mikaele-ravalawa/

We have watched friz and creagh make successful transitions from the backs to the backrow

Should this be the pathway for Mika?

Or is he more valuable on the wing?

I tell you what would be a blast. All get together, sink beers for 2 hours before kick off. Put Mika in the 2nd row & tell him to go batshit crazy for 15 minutes. That would be a great way to spend Sunday arvo.

 

[redVinme]

Could be right; hope you’re wrong though, as I don’t believe that second row ‘pairing is dominant enough to cause to much damage.

Oh I meant cause they'll both get injured haha

 

[Auntie.Gerald]

So testing the theory in reserve grade ?

Its a big no for baby friz

 

[Inisai Toga]

I'm hoping Sims will be back to his very best by round 1.

You’re not alone mate!