Rd 1 vs Tigers.

[Penrose Warrior]

I would debate this.

Mannering - almost 30
Hoffman - over 30
Thompson

Daylight

Benry - always injured

RFM - Meh

???

We've got more props than we know what to do with. If we go with the 3 props (3rd playing at lock) set up then backrow is all good. However, as it currently looks, backrow is hardly a strength beyond our first choice.

Having said all that - Manu is not the answer to replenishing our backrow either. Agree on that one.

Yeah, I just don't believe Manu would at all be a good back-rower. I don't even know why it's a conversation. I don't believe he'd have the physical or mental stamina after 10+ years in the NRL to do it, for a start - and I mean no offence to him by that. I can't think of many traits that see him suited to be a back rower. I'm not even sure he's big enough. And we don't struggle to breed them in this country, do we?

I mean, you've got to figure Hoffman, Mannering, Thompson, Henry, RFM, Sao and Palavi are all better options than him. That's seven. Maybe if there's a back-rowers party and the bus crashes en route, then maybe we consider it.

 

[Shaun Hewitt]

I would debate this.

Mannering - almost 30
Hoffman - over 30
Thompson

Daylight

Benry - always injured

RFM - Meh

???

We've got more props than we know what to do with. If we go with the 3 props (3rd playing at lock) set up then backrow is all good. However, as it currently looks, backrow is hardly a strength beyond our first choice.

Having said all that - Manu is not the answer to replenishing our backrow either. Agree on that one.

If your bringing age into the equation, it's worth noting Manu is also nearly 30.
And i do note, you did say Manu is not the answer

RFM = more than meh in my eyes. The 'meh' 2nd Rower would be Lousi.

 

[KeepingTheFaith]

If your bringing age into the equation, it's worth noting Manu is also nearly 30.
And i do note, you did say Manu is not the answer

RFM = more than meh in my eyes. The 'meh' 2nd Rower would be Lousi.

I rated RFM in the lower grades, but until he learns to catch a short ball and defend somewhere near first grade standard he's very meh.

 

[ozbash]

Manu needs to be selected on form, not reputation.

When he's hot, he's red hot..

 

[Auckland4ever]

Manu needs to be selected on form, not reputation.

This is true and at some point, time will catch up with him. For all we know, it could be this season.

We have this mix of backs who either don't offer much on attack or they pretty much have the same weaknesses as Manu, but without the same ability to score tries regularly. None of our up-and comers have really arrived yet, so hopefully we see some break-out seasons this year.

 

[RHYTHM AND STEALTH]

if manu is fit he gets picked on the wing every week for me. reputation and all

 

[Warriorsoul]

How is it that for the nth season in a row one week out from the first game that we're still chipping and changing and trying to makeshift centres? When will we drop some coin on a decent one?

 

[Blair]

Manu to the forwards - a new season must be about to start...

Absolutely. We don't have a 'monster pack' but we've had a monster winger for over ten years now. He scares people. Go to a game, stand close to the field and check out the warm-ups. The guy in the number five jersey looks like he's grabbed the backrower's jersey by mistake.

Let's just have the big fella injury-free and in plenty of open space this season. With Sheck returning the ball that's an exciting possibility.

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

Did Manu have a bad season that I missed or something?

 

[Meth]

Did Manu have a bad season that I missed or something?

I don't understand.

There was a time when Manu frustrated me. But even then, there was nobody better. Since then, I would say that he has regained his place among the elite wingers in the comp. His work out of our 20 is invaluable.

 

[Blair]

I don't understand.

There was a time when Manu frustrated me. But even then, there was nobody better. Since then, I would say that he has regained his place among the elite wingers in the comp. His work out of our 20 is invaluable.

It's a truism of life really, the person doing the hard yards, putting in the most effort, is often the most criticised. You're the biggest target as you're the most visible.

If Manu's the 'face of the Warriors', and he often is, then he'll cop it from everywhere, particularly when things go wrong.

 

[sup42]

How is it that for the nth season in a row one week out from the first game that we're still chipping and changing and trying to makeshift centres? When will we drop some coin on a decent one?

When will a decent center agree to come here ?
They have tried signing a few centers, Hiku was probably their biggest go at it....even Bryson Goodwyn turned us down....no one it would seem...is super keen for the chance to play next to the like of the great Manu Vatuvei....wonder what that's about...Dane Neilson was the last specialist center to attempt it.

Wots wrong with these people ? BJ Leilua said no....Steve Matai said maybe yeah nah three times over....Jacob Loco said no.....even Jayson Nightingale turned down the chance to tackle next to the blockbusting Konrad Hurrell.

Our failure to lure outside backs speaks volumes of how unattractive it is to defend in the Warrior edge line (remembering all these people we approach are coached in video sessions on how leaky our edges are).

 

[ozbash]

Put Manu back to centre...

 

[MKEB...]

Put Manu back to centre...

Well that is where he started, and he surely cant be worse than some of the centres we have had... i.e. Martin, Nielsen, Shortland