Round 20 v Storm

[The_Frog]

Our team loses Nathan and there is a huge drop in our teams performance.

When have we ever been without just Nathan? The Parra game was closest, but were were without Edwards as well and it was 5 days after Origin 3.

 

[Original Name]

I think he will be up for this.

Best game luai has probably ever had in a panthers jersey was when he played 7 a few years back against the warriors when nath was out.

Had an absolute blinder abd scored two or three individual tries and set up others.

Hopefully he can reproduce something that special

It was against a Warriors side that couldn't bother tackling.

 

[ColdWetPanther]

Hes a huge reason our defence has been soo good. Just another thing that goes unnotticed by fans but the coaches and players pick up on.

He will quite often make a tackle at on our line in one corner and be at marker than sprint 40m to other side of field to clean up a kick or make another tackle.

Hes certainly not the most talented fb in the comp but i seriously believe he is probably the hardest working player in the comp. He just doesnt stop.

I believe he reguarly beats everyone in the team in fitness testing quite easily and really is on his own in terms of his fitness levels.

But if it doesn’t score in Supercoach does it really count?

 

[ColdWetPanther]

I think that Luai is a brilliant player, but in my opinion he isn’t the type of player to either direct us around the park or play off the back foot at this stage of his career. He is only 50-60 games into his career; these games without Nathan could be good for him.

 

[Smug Panther]

I think that Luai is a brilliant player, but in my opinion he isn’t the type of player to either direct us around the park or play off the back foot at this stage of his career. He is only 50-60 games into his career; these games without Nathan could be good for him.

He's 100% a second half

 

[DinkyDi]

This will be a great test. Hopefully, a favorable outcome is reached.

 

[franklin2323]

When have we ever been without just Nathan? The Parra game was closest, but were were without Edwards as well and it was 5 days after Origin 3.

That is the thing with this argument. It has been other guys out. Give us a full squad after a full week training then see where we sit

 

[franklin2323]

I think that Luai is a brilliant player, but in my opinion he isn’t the type of player to either direct us around the park or play off the back foot at this stage of his career. He is only 50-60 games into his career; these games without Nathan could be good for him.

I think Burton should doing the directing around the park. That would allow Luai to do his thing

 

[mxlegend99]

Then we have to hope Kenny doesn't need a HIA or anything.

The last time there was a major player out. May played 7 in the 4 jersey. So I wouldn't rule a change or 2

He kept the same 17 and same 13 starters. He just swapped 2 players positions. There's not going to be drastic changes. Not that there's really much we can change to be any better from who's fit anyway.

 

[mxlegend99]

Look, we are not going to agree on this, in my opinion, we are a better team with Cleary in it, simple as that.

It's a cold hard fact. The sample size is massive to prove he makes an enormous difference. Not just for us, but for NSW aswell.

 

[franklin2323]

He kept the same 17 and same 13 starters. He just swapped 2 players positions. There's not going to be drastic changes. Not that there's really much we can change to be any better from who's fit anyway.

It only really needs a couple of changes. Sorensen or Hopgood in lock. Gives Better prop rotation and needs Salmon off the bench as he covers more positions than Tago.

 

[Smug Panther]

It only really needs a couple of changes. Sorensen or Hopgood in lock. Gives Better prop rotation and needs Salmon off the bench as he covers more positions than Tago.

Be very disappointing if Tago doesn't get a crack.

 

[franklin2323]

Be very disappointing if Tago doesn't get a crack.

He should be in the centres but Ivan is Ivan

 

[Smug Panther]

If he can hold his own against Melbourne he can play anyone. We have nothing to lose here

 

[franklin2323]

If he can hold his own against Melbourne he can play anyone. We have nothing to lose here

Again comes to lack of forward thinking. Burton and Naden are going. If Momo isn't seen as an option then Tago should be played to prepare for next year

 

[Girds89]

Momo just doesnt offer anything in attack, was evident from game one. Hes supposee to be a good defender but he was not overly good in his fg appearances either. He did some good stuff but not enough to really be a regular in fg. At least not in a top 4 team.

Id like to see tago at centre or lock this week.

Really think he could be useful at 13. Mich different style to Yeo but hes got great acceleration and is strong and elusive.

Could really be effective in the middle against tired forwards.

Hopefully the drags have one of there good games and do us a favour and give the bunnies a touch up.

 

[The_Frog]

Look, we are not going to agree on this, in my opinion, we are a better team with Cleary in it, simple as that.

Of that there is no doubt. It's not the same as saying we cannot function without him, though.

 

[Girds89]

Of that there is no doubt. It's not the same as saying we cannot function without him, though.

No ones said we cant function and scrap wins without him.

Most people just made the point that weve been crap without him and need him if we are any chance of getting to the gf again.

 

[WestyLife]

Ivan said in his interview Luai was quiet and was given or taking extra responsibility this week forget exact wording. So it's objective facts now the coach has said it.

 

[Blade23]

Is there any more specific news on how long To’o is likely to be out? Is there any prospect it will be less than 6 weeks?

There is a chance he could be back before finals. Will know more how he is progressing in a few weeks.