Rate the Team so far this year

[Magpies Forever]

No comments on coaching staff but here is my thoughts on how the team is travelling so far this season

Overall:

• If the main squad can remain fit and on the field WT could well have a good year, lack of experienced depth remains a concern as does the inability of WT to sign a 25th player.
• Defence remains a concern, should try to tighten it up. Several players within the main squad are confidence players eg Marshall and Tuiaki and, if they have a bad game, they can become a liability in the context of that particular game.
• In attack WT are placed pretty well for ability to create tries, they have many players able to break the line but handling and last play options are sometimes suspect. Hopefully that is just early season rustiness.
• Forward pack- going well, providing drive, enthusiasm and able to compete with the opposition but there is a lack of depth in props. Lets hope no major injury takes out the main squad members.
• Backline- solid and dependable without being overly flash. Lawrence and Tuiaki are the main attacking players with Moltzen able to chime in as need be.
• Halves- still definitely a work in progress. Morris at 5/8 is solid without being outstanding in anyway. I’d like WT to try another option and shift Morris to the interchange bench. Marshall at half is still learning but when his is hot- he’s hot. He needs a steadying influence out there if plays go wrong so he doesn’t lose his head and try too much. Will the switch to half be a success?

Individuals:

Dean Collis- B plus - outshone by Lawrence but seems solid and dependable so far in the centres. Will he stay at WT for 2010 onwards?

Gareth Ellis- A plus – stand out performance in the forwards, inspires the WT pack (and team) with his efforts- a lot will hinge on WT ability to keep him on the field.

Robbie Farah- A- regaining form after injury late last season and continues to lead the team through example.

Danny Galea- B plus- limited opportunities coming off the interchange bench but his versatility in being able to play backline / backrow and ability to cover in defence and provide useful attack has lifted his value. If effort keeps up I think he may be made an offer to renew expiring contract at seasons end.

Keith Galloway- A plus- another stand out performance in the forwards with his effort- a lot will hinge on WT ability to keep him on the field.

Bryce Gibbs- C plus- tries hard and works at his job as a prop, defends well enough but very limited attacking potential shown. His ability to give away stupid penalties remains a concern, maybe interchange bench will be a more realistic place for him. Position in main squad definitely under threat if WT can recruit another prop.

Dene Halatau- C plus- tries hard and works at his job. Is versatile in being able to cover hooker, lock or centre but not exceptional in any of these positions. His interchange bench value is good but may end up being in competition with Morris for a bench position (and also contract renewal at seasons end- can we continue to have 2 x multipurpose players that are not exceptional in any one position up for renewal of contracts at the end of 2009?)

Rhys Hanbury- B minus- limited opportunities coming off the interchange bench but seems solid enough and dependable so far in the backline when on the field.

Chris Heighington- A- another good performance in the forwards with his effort- again, a lot will hinge on WT ability to keep him on the field.

Daine Laurie- A minus- stand out performance in the forwards coming off the interchange bench, inspires the WT pack (and team) with his effort and sheer enthusiasm. When on the field his impact is electric, everyone is on the edge of their seats ready for things to happen. I hope he continues to develop and progress- if he stays fit and keen who knows where he could end up? 2009 or 2010 Representative football – NSW Country & the Blues?

Chris Lawrence- A- good performance in the backline at centre, provides solid attack and defence options. Has been slated for an eventual move to 5/8 but until there is another player option I would not weaken his pairing with Collis at the centre.

Benji Marshall- B plus- what can I say? He is up and down, his sheer ability and potential to lift the team (and the crowd) with a burst of brilliant play makes up for the mistakes. A lot of the mistakes are from trying to much and still being unfamiliar in the new halfback role. Will he be able to make the transition to half from 5/8? If he can provide consistent performances such as the game against Roosters he will rapidly go to “A” level.

Tim Moltzen- B plus- like Marshall making a transition to an unfamiliar position. Has played well at fullback and generally defended well and provided good attack. Has had some positioning problems but not been caught out as yet.

John Morris- C plus- tries hard and works at his job. Is versatile in being able to cover hooker, half or 5/8 but not exceptional in any of these positions. His interchange bench value is good but may end up being in competition with Halatau for a bench position (and also contract renewal at seasons end- can we continue to have 2 x multipurpose players that are not exceptional in any one position up for renewal of contracts at the end of 2009?)

Corey Payne- C minus- tries hard and works at his job in defence, limited opportunities coming off the interchange bench but provides no threat to the main forward squad. His defensive efforts are good but very limited attacking ability and his ability to give away stupid penalties remains a concern. I don’t think he will be made an offer to renew expiring contract at seasons end.

Todd Payten- A- another good performance in the forwards with his effort- again, a lot will hinge on WT ability to keep him on the field. The shift from prop position to the backrow has given his ability to be more mobile and agile greater scope.

Beau Ryan- B minus- outshone by Tuiaki on the opposite wing but seems reasonably solid and dependable on the wing without being flash. His position in the main squad will be under threat if Tagive can recover from his injury and get some time on the field in lower grades.

Rocky Trimarchi- B- limited opportunities coming off the interchange bench but his efforts when on the field have proved useful in defence and attack. Has been stuck behind WT other backrow forwards and had very limited opportunities prior to this season but if he can break into the main squad or have a permanent interchange role this season I think he may be made an offer to renew expiring contract at seasons end.

Taniela Tuiaki- A- another good performance in the backline- again, a lot will hinge on WT ability to keep him on the field. When he is confident he runs the ball and can be devastating but when his confidence is not there he can be a weak link in the team as the opposition will target him. He cannot jump to take a high ball but he makes up for that elsewhere. WT – do everything to keep his confidence up and 2009 could be good.

Wayde Dunley- has not played NRL yet, cannot comment

Shannon McDonnell- will have to wait for injury or poor form from one of the backline to get an opportunity. Based on last years form could not be considered over the existing lineup.

Peni Tagive- injured- has not been able to play so far this season

Blake Lazarus injured- has not been able to play so far this season

Blake Ayshford injured- has not been able to play so far this season

??? 25th member

What are your thoughts?

 

[chunk]

Much better than most of the negative nellies on here thought.

After round 2, it was the end of the season for many of our 'supporters'

Most of the players had already been written off...glass half empty thinking.

Morris has gone better than a C plus..very solid.

 

[Tigers_are_Pro]

I think Morris has finally matured. His kicking is a mile better than last year, his tackling is probably the best in the squad and whilst he won't create anything, he's safe enough and can possibly put someone through a gap.

 

[Magpies Forever]

Morris vs Halatau

Dene Halatau- C plus- tries hard and works at his job. Is versatile in being able to cover hooker, lock or centre but not exceptional in any of these positions. His interchange bench value is good but may end up being in competition with Morris for a bench position (and also contract renewal at seasons end- can we continue to have 2 x multipurpose players that are not exceptional in any one position up for renewal of contracts at the end of 2009?)

John Morris- C plus- tries hard and works at his job. Is versatile in being able to cover hooker, half or 5/8 but not exceptional in any of these positions. His interchange bench value is good but may end up being in competition with Halatau for a bench position (and also contract renewal at seasons end- can we continue to have 2 x multipurpose players that are not exceptional in any one position up for renewal of contracts at the end of 2009?)

I'd have no probs rating Morris a little higher than Halatau- B minus??? A very least he may be providing a steadying hand to Marshall.

 

[The Gambler]

God only knows how you have rated Dean Collis, Danny Galea, Rhys Hanbury, Tim Moltzen, Corey Payne, Beau Ryan and Rocky Trimarchi all higher than John Morris?!

He has been one of the Tigers better players so far. He is not flashy, but he is consistent and I believe valuable to the team.

 

[Magpies Forever]

I suppose I'm rating what I sense they are doing when they actually have an opportunity with a ball in their hand.

I have nothing against Morris and think he is a solid player who performs adequately in every position (except half but that is not his fault) but with the ball in his hands he doesnt really do that much. The others you mention I rate above him I sense / feel make more of the opportunity. At least thats my impression.

Corey Payne certainly does not rate above Morris. I'm hoping this thread can provide some positives- we should be feeling reasonably happy with the team immaterial of how we feel about some other things. No-one- even Payne- has scored a fail.

 

[Tigers_are_Pro]

Payne = Failure
lol

 

[Marshall_magic]

John Morris still has too many schoolboy errors in him for my liking. 2 that stick out in my mind are against the cows when the ball came out of the scrum and he didn't pick it up allowing Thurston to jump on it, and the kick against the Roosters that almost went dead on the full.

 

[Everlovin' Antichrist]

Morris is nothing other than a defensive player. He has virtually no attack at all in him.

I don't have the stats handy but I can honestly say I can't recall the last time he had a try assist.

C+ is fine because when you have an A for defence and an F for attack, C+ is about halfway...

Bench is his best spot.

 

[Tigers_are_Pro]

Morris is nothing other than a defensive player. He has virtually no attack at all in him.

I don't have the stats handy but I can honestly say I can't recall the last time he had a try assist.

C+ is fine because when you have an A for defence and an F for attack, C+ is about halfway...

Bench is his best spot.

Defence is our need, we have enough attack outside him. That's why he's doin a good job.

 

[Everlovin' Antichrist]

Defence is our need, we have enough attack outside him. That's why he's doin a good job.

Yeah, that explains 2005.

Having a 5/8 whose only attacking weapon is defence doesn't sound smart to me. In fact, it sounds dumb.

1, 6, 7 and 9 should all be capable in attack.

We're one short and possibly two if Moltzen doesn't work out his job is to back up the big blokes soon.

 

[hybrid_tiger]

Much better than most of the negative nellies on here thought.

After round 2, it was the end of the season for many of our 'supporters'

Most of the players had already been written off...glass half empty thinking.

Morris has gone better than a C plus..very solid.

Have you ever posted something on your own accord, rather than just bag the "negative nellies?"

Obviously you are more a supporter than everyone else here. :roll:

W@nker.

 

[westie]

Yeah, that explains 2005.

Having a 5/8 whose only attacking weapon is defence doesn't sound smart to me. In fact, it sounds dumb.

1, 6, 7 and 9 should all be capable in attack.

We're one short and possibly two if Moltzen doesn't work out his job is to back up the big blokes soon.

Actually, after watching Prince single handedly give up two and three trys a match in '06 I thought it was a good idea to have a defensive 7. A lot of that was based on Benji and Farah going to new levels. Didn't happen. Farah has been injured or played out of position and Benji not consistent. Plus Morris probably hasn't offered quite enough in attack.

The simplest option probably would have been to bring in a decent defensive coach to hide Prince... but there you go.

 

[Everlovin' Antichrist]

Actually, after watching Prince single handedly give up two and three trys a match in '06 I thought it was a good idea to have a defensive 7. A lot of that was based on Benji and Farah going to new levels. Didn't happen. Farah has been injured or played out of position and Benji not consistent. Plus Morris probably hasn't offered quite enough in attack.

The simplest option probably would have been to bring in a decent defensive coach to hide Prince... but there you go.

I can't disagree with that.

It irks me that we have accepted Morris in the halves, I don't think he's the best option we have at 5/8 and I think he is an "err on the side of caution" option. I'd much rather have a reasonably talented attacking player at 5/8 who may not be as strong as Morris defensively. I think we should have tried Moltzen there.

If Morrsi comes up with a few try assists over the next few weeks, I'll stand corrected. But based on his record, that isn't overly likely.

 

[Gus22]

Bryce Gibbs- C plus- tries hard and works at his job as a prop, defends well enough but very limited attacking potential shown. His ability to give away stupid penalties remains a concern, maybe interchange bench will be a more realistic place for him. Position in main squad definitely under threat if WT can recruit another prop.

Bit harsh on Gibbs IMO.

Excellent fit & mobile defender which is more important this year given the game appears to be faster (probably due to two refs ensuring faster PTBs). Is aggresive, which is a trait this team really needs. If you're gonna play with that type of mongrel you are susceptible to the odd penalty for overstepping mark - comes with the territory. These penalties have been kept to minimum so far this year, which may be a sign of maturity & finding a balance between legal & illegal aggresion. Hit ups have been an improvement on previous years and has shown signs of developing a decent offload. He'll never be a burly rampaging prop, but is becoming an excellent all-round integral part of the team. B+ I reckon.

 

[Magpies Forever]

Bit harsh on Gibbs IMO.

Excellent fit & mobile defender which is more important this year given the game appears to be faster (probably due to two refs ensuring faster PTBs). Is aggresive, which is a trait this team really needs. If you're gonna play with that type of mongrel you are susceptible to the odd penalty for overstepping mark - comes with the territory. These penalties have been kept to minimum so far this year, which may be a sign of maturity & finding a balance between legal & illegal aggresion. Hit ups have been an improvement on previous years and has shown signs of developing a decent offload. He'll never be a burly rampaging prop, but is becoming an excellent all-round integral part of the team. B+ I reckon.

Fair enough- but, if WT do ever manage to recruit the long desired good prop, a choice may have to be made between Galloway / Gibbs- and I reckon Galloway is better value (as a prop) than Gibbs. I'd like to see Gibbs off the bench for a while as a interchange player- his attacking ability is not good but his defence is good (penalty transgressions aside with the occassional brain snap), I'd be happier with a B minus than B plus.

 

[chunk]

Have you ever posted something on your own accord, rather than just bag the "negative nellies?"

Obviously you are more a supporter than everyone else here. :roll:

W@nker.

This forum is all about bagging... be it the players, coach, administration, the club, the home grounds etc. Its rare anyone says anything positive, you included.

So I thought i would do some bagging of my own.

Hypocrite

 

[westie]

We only have two real props in the side. And none on the bench. There is absolutely no way in the world we would have to choose between Galloway and Gibbs if we brought someone else in.

Gibbs isn't playing great football like Galloway, who, along with Weyman have been the best in the Southern Hemisphere, but he is defending strongly through the middle of the ruck when it matters. He's an asset to our side. When he begins to offer the impact Galloway has finally delivered (after about 5 years of promise mind you), he'll be an enormous player.

 

[Marshall_magic]

ratings out of 10

Moltzen 6.5
Ryan 5
Collis 5.5
Lawrence 8.5
Tuiaki 9
Morris 7
Marshall 7
Gibbs 7.5
Farah 8
Galloway 9
Ellis 9
Heighington 7.5
Payten 7
Halatau 6.5
Payne 6.5
Laurie 7
Galea 6
Hanbury 6

 

[Tigers_are_Pro]

We only have two real props in the side. And none on the bench. There is absolutely no way in the world we would have to choose between Galloway and Gibbs if we brought someone else in.

Gibbs isn't playing great football like Galloway, who, along with Weyman have been the best in the Southern Hemisphere, but he is defending strongly through the middle of the ruck when it matters. He's an asset to our side. When he begins to offer the impact Galloway has finally delivered (after about 5 years of promise mind you), he'll be an enormous player.

Err, Gibbs debuted in 03 as an 18 year old with a lot of potential.
If anything, he's going backwards.