Roosters Trial

[Tiger05]

Good to see Potter saw what was obvious if you watched the game:- http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-new...er-impressed-with-tedesco-20130224-2ezd0.html.

 

[super_coach]

miller needs to be given a really good shot at the no7 role, we don't want to be like last year and change things around every week.

From what I have seen and been told, we have all the same problems as in the past, small pack and slow backs. Iam not sure how Potter will fix that problem but Iam not going to start ranting for a couple of months and give the players and the coach a fair crack

 

[Magpies Forever]

Let's be fair to the squad and potter. The 2013 squad remains pretty much a reflection of the unlamented excoach sheens plans and methods. They can do their best this year but I suspect there may be a clean out at the end of this season to permit fresh playing roster to reflect potter.

Persistent problems are the slow back line and a modest forward pack rarely able to dominate and yes that thorn in our side of halfback as miller is only signed for this season so options are open for next year.

 

[magpie4ever]

Too many people are reading to much into a trial game.

I must have watched a different game, I reckon Miller went ok.

Wests played a number of players, in the later part of the game, that I have never heard of; although I dont follow them as closely as I once did.

I believe Miller deserves a fair crack at No:7.

 

[Magpies Forever]

Too many people are reading to much into a trial game.

I must have watched a different game, I reckon Miller went ok.

Wests played a number of players, in the later part of the game, that I have never heard of; although I dont follow them as closely as I once did.

I believe Miller deserves a fair crack at No:7.

I agree miller should get a fair crack at it and be allowed to settle. Let's not forget lui was given ample time to do this despite many people here, inc myself, baying for change. If things don't work out after x many of games shift moltzen to half and keep changes minimal.

 

[azsportza]

I agree miller should get a fair crack at it and be allowed to settle. Let's not forget lui was given ample time to do this despite many people here, inc myself, baying for change. If things don't work out after x many of games shift moltzen to half and keep changes minimal.

Miller did look to lack a bit of confidence but it will get better. He did have surgery prior to Christmas. His confidence went right down when he missed the goal line drop out. That didn't help his game at all.

 

[madunit]

Benji prefers five eighth.
Benji performs better at five eighth (a premiership, a world cup victory and a golden boot playing there is pretty handy evidence)
Benji performs better at five eighth when the halfback is stable. Thats only happened with Prince & Lui.

Lui took near 20 games to get confidence & stop being a passenger. I'm willing to bet Miller won't need that long if he is given a fair chance.
Ayshford looked better, marginally, than last year.
Miller's role will be similar to Lui's - to give Benji as much space and field position possible. Some seem to think Miller has to be Cronk.

Back row has no power at all. We need big centres to help them.

First contact in defence by everyone up front was weak.

I thought Buchanan (the rookie starting prop) actually went alright & i regard him as a much better player & prospect than Groat.

Utai must not be on the wings this year. Teach him how to tackle low & make him a benchie who can play in the back row.

Anasta at Lock still seems better than Blair.

Blair has to fill the shoes of Ellis. There is no option.

 

[Benji Magic]

Only a trial but a few things worry me.

Koribete aside there is a lack of genuine pace in our outside backs.
Lack of depth in outside backs as well.

No workhorse or mongrel in our pack.

 

[legend]

lol @ Blair. Laziest/dirtiest player in the game. Seemed to be more worried about his hair than anything else...

 

[madunit]

lol @ Blair. Laziest/dirtiest player in the game. Seemed to be more worried about his hair than anything else...

You can laugh at him.

We're stuck with the lazy prick.

f**king Sheens!

 

[Tigers Tale]

Look I know it was only a trial and I think we will improve, so I won't go slitting my wrists just yet.

However, lots of evidence based on tonight that we will really struggle this year.

My side would be:

1. Tedesco
2. Koroibete
3. Simona
4. Lawrence
5. Nofoaluma
6. Marshall
7. Miller
8. Woods
9. Farah (c)
10. Galloway
11. Pettybourne
12. Anasta
13. Blair

14. Fulton
15. Thompson
16. Bell
17. BMM

I like this side Hybrid Tiger, perhaps the only position I have a small doubt on is the right centre position but in saying that I don't know who I'd put there just not Ayshford (at the moment), maybe Sironen, but I can live with Simona.

I also am in no way writing off this year, I just don't feel there is enough speed in the current side so I'd be looking to get these young, quick and enthusiastic players in sooner rather than later.

Truth is we may get smashed a few times (I somehow think we are going to anyway) and I know experience is crucial but over the next few years they will be our team and Potter needs to bring them on or they move elsewhere and get lost in the ether.

 

[hybrid_tiger]

My justification for Simona is that I don't see a better option and although he is no world beater he has come in before and done the job relatively well. He's much faster than Ayshford and even if his defense may have question marks, he plays with AGGRESSION, something we desperately lack all over the park.

I still remember his kick return late last year against the Bulldogs (I think) where he ran into the defensive line at 100km an hour with no regard for his safety. This is the type of aggression and intent we need in our side. And he's a natural centre so I've gone with him.

For me we should pick and stick with that above side (barring injury) for the first three months of the season and see where it gets us. I also believe that bench is relatively well balanced, with two workers (Fulton, Bell) who can get through tonnes of work and are excellent defenders, along with impact in the form of Thompson and BMM. Suppose you could swap one of them with Buchanan depending on game plan/opponent, or even use Utai as an impact player?

 

[madunit]

Interesting idea ht, do you think Ayshford could be useful for depth in the backrow, seeing as how we now have blokes in there his size or smaller.

He does run good lines and can break tackles.

 

[broncos2010]

Why is Fulton playing of the bench?

I would have thought he would be a starter for sure surely with his workload he has to be starting and really playing 80 mins not playing of the bench not like he is an impact player or something.

 

[BuffaloRules]

What's the thoughts on Pettybourne?

Seems a bit bigger than I recalled.

I would definitely be starting with him Round 1 although it would be great to see him bend the line a bit more.

 

[bellyache]

What's the thoughts on Pettybourne?

Seems a bit bigger than I recalled.

I would definitely be starting with him Round 1 although it would be great to see him bend the line a bit more.

His impact was good..

 

[macnaz]

My justification for Simona is that I don't see a better option and although he is no world beater he has come in before and done the job relatively well. He's much faster than Ayshford and even if his defense may have question marks, he plays with AGGRESSION, something we desperately lack all over the park.

I still remember his kick return late last year against the Bulldogs (I think) where he ran into the defensive line at 100km an hour with no regard for his safety. This is the type of aggression and intent we need in our side. And he's a natural centre so I've gone with him.

For me we should pick and stick with that above side (barring injury) for the first three months of the season and see where it gets us. I also believe that bench is relatively well balanced, with two workers (Fulton, Bell) who can get through tonnes of work and are excellent defenders, along with impact in the form of Thompson and BMM. Suppose you could swap one of them with Buchanan depending on game plan/opponent, or even use Utai as an impact player?

What about this kid ? http://www.weststigers.com.au/news-display/Bold-move-pays-off-for-Rory-Brien/68904
Does anyone know much about him , sounds very promising after reading that write up .

 

[ed612313]

Amazing.....
Benji or Braith at 7 is a joke....
Not sure whether that was a serious post or not.
Really??
I agree with madunit

 

[Magpie Tragic]

What about this kid ? http://www.weststigers.com.au/news-display/Bold-move-pays-off-for-Rory-Brien/68904
Does anyone know much about him , sounds very promising after reading that write up .

I asked that very same question on this forum some weeks ago, and the responding silence was deafening........haven't seen him play but seems to have form on the board given he has scored a swag of tries, albeit only in the Reggies

 

[macnaz]

I may have to ask on the Parra forums .