Round 23 v Melbourne

[age.s]

Was a poor tactical decision for winning THAT game. Handy to learn at an absolute pinch Hosking could move to centre mid game due to injury or HIA

I agree with the last part. As to the first, it'll be interesting to see who lines up there next week (pending Tago's availability). I'm not convinced a Salmon or Garner would have done any better and if they see McLean as not being ready then Hosking might be the best option, particularly if he gets a couple more weeks learning the position. He's strong, skillful and if the only problem is defensive movement then time in the position will help that.

 

[Chins get the wins]

I agree with the last part. As to the first, it'll be interesting to see who lines up there next week (pending Tago's availability). I'm not convinced a Salmon or Garner would have done any better and if they see McLean as not being ready then Hosking might be the best option, particularly if he gets a couple more weeks learning the position. He's strong, skillful and if the only problem is defensive movement then time in the position will help that.

A taste for McLean would have been nice. The kid has massive hype show him what it's really all about

 

[soc123_au]

You don't see why calling by far the most successful coach we've ever had and one of the chief architects of what's shaping up to be one the most dominant periods in the leagues history "a moron" for choosing a skillful backrower having a breakout season as our 4th choice centre? How about after we absolutely shut out the second most dominant club team of the last decade, earning sincere, unequivocal praise from one of the sport's most respected coaches in a game where the player in question had a mixed bag game at best. How about when it's a long developed pattern spanning several of these types of seasons?

I'm not personally that bothered by aggressively negative posts, particularly in the heat of a big game (and perhaps a shandy or two in), but surely you must see why that posting style gets people riled up in the context of where we're at as a club. It's just so far removed from reality atm.

I dont think Ivan is a moron at all. The results kind of speak for themselves. I get why he went the way did even, I would have gone with Garner as he has experience there, but I imagine Ivan wanted Hosking in the team still and he tries his guts out every game. Obviously he isn't playing there with Tago or Peachy available. The observation was just that he was exposed a few times in defence, our scramble and Edwards in particular saved the day a few times. With the ball he was fine, 2 bad mistakes, but 2 try assists and in general went really well. You just wouldn't want to do it too often.

 

[soc123_au]

Honestly in a pinch I’d rather Salmon or Luke to centre. I dunno Hosking is a better option than Martin or Sorro.

I guess we did learn Jenkins is not an option for IC this season. But whatever it doesn’t matter, both Tago and Peachey not being available in the finals is a long long shot and we’ll still win anyway if the rest of the team is basically there.

You coulldn't go with Salmon after the souffs game. Not to start there anyway.

 

[Iamback]

Iongi is ready..

I think ivan will take the path of least disruption.

Whether dyl is injured or not... i think a week or two off leading into the finals wontbhurt him.

Hes not a bloke that will lose fitness in a few weeks

Did you not see we conceded a try from him losing it on a kick return today?

That is why Ivan plays it safe with selections

 

[downforasesh]

It's tempting to want to bring in the kids that are tearing it up (Iongi, McLean etc.) but the jump from Cup to NRL is way too big to just do it on a whim, especially now ramping up to finals. The correlation between Cup performance vs NRL performance isn't as positive as you'd think, plenty of people miss the mark, and I trust the coaching staff to know the right time to bring them in. If they're not being selected, they're not ready.

Ivan is very conservative with his selections on a good day, the young kids aren't gonna be coming in unless there's an insane injury crisis

 

[Chins get the wins]

It's tempting to want to bring in the kids that are tearing it up (Iongi, McLean etc.) but the jump from Cup to NRL is way too big to just do it on a whim, especially now ramping up to finals. The correlation between Cup performance vs NRL performance isn't as positive as you'd think, plenty of people miss the mark, and I trust the coaching staff to know the right time to bring them in. If they're not being selected, they're not ready.

Ivan is very conservative with his selections on a good day, the young kids aren't gonna be coming in unless there's an insane injury crisis

Yeah it's too late for a debut. Really would like Jenkins to get a fair run in a real side though

 

[downforasesh]

Yeah it's too late for a debut. Really would like Jenkins to get a fair run in a real side though

Yeah definitely surprised Jenkins hasn't had a real run this year. Seems like he's definitely moving on if they're running Hosking as centre over him

 

[Girds89]

Did you not see we conceded a try from him losing it on a kick return today?

That is why Ivan plays it safe with selections

Yep i watched. But you dont write him off from one mistake when hes been there best player all year.

 

[Iamback]

Yep i watched. But you dont write him off from one mistake when hes been there best player all year.

You don't but Ivan isn't like that. Turuva has barely made an error coming off his line.

He is the safe option over an untried teenager

 

[Chins get the wins]

You don't but Ivan isn't like that. Turuva has barely made an error coming off his line.

He is the safe option over an untried teenager

Also deserves the shot more. Will also increase the chances of him staying if he knows he's next up at 1

 

[Iamback]

Also deserves the shot more. Will also increase the chances of him staying if he knows he's next up at 1

Unless we do a mass resting, Peachey and Tago have had time off. Jenkins on to the wing. Gives To'o then Edwards a week off seperately.

As we still have the minor premiership to play for. Atleast NSW Cup won't play finals so round 27 can rest everyone if it gets that close

 

[West Nowra Panther]

It's tempting to want to bring in the kids that are tearing it up (Iongi, McLean etc.) but the jump from Cup to NRL is way too big to just do it on a whim, especially now ramping up to finals. The correlation between Cup performance vs NRL performance isn't as positive as you'd think, plenty of people miss the mark, and I trust the coaching staff to know the right time to bring them in. If they're not being selected, they're not ready.

Ivan is very conservative with his selections on a good day, the young kids aren't gonna be coming in unless there's an insane injury crisis

100% correct.
Our coaches have discovered that formula for determining when a player is ready.
Boom youngsters don't get a walk up start in our system, and for those with one eye closed, Ivan's system works.
The way some people on these forums continually call for young blokes to get a go is both amusing and boring.
Our salary cap would end up like the Dragons if all the "Boom youngsters" were given a go, half the cap on 4 players over 30 in the exit lounge, and half the cap on 20 youngsters with "potential".

 

[WestyLife]

100% correct.
Our coaches have discovered that formula for determining when a player is ready.
Boom youngsters don't get a walk up start in our system, and for those with one eye closed, Ivan's system works.
The way some people on these forums continually call for young blokes to get a go is both amusing and boring.
Our salary cap would end up like the Dragons if all the "Boom youngsters" were given a go, half the cap on 4 players over 30 in the exit lounge, and half the cap on 20 youngsters with "potential".

People are just saying for players to fill in their natural positions when injuries happen it's not that deep.

 

[West Nowra Panther]

People are just saying for players to fill in their natural positions when injuries happen it's not that deep.

I understand that a lot of fans want to be the one who says "I told you about so and so" when the next superstar from the biggest rugby league nursery in the world is unearthed.
We all hear that this is a "Business", but winning comps is far more important to most fans, especially me, as I have followed this battling club since 1967.
This success has been a long time coming.

 

[Pomoz]

I understand that a lot of fans want to be the one who says "I told you about so and so" when the next superstar from the biggest rugby league nursery in the world is unearthed.
We all hear that this is a "Business", but winning comps is far more important to most fans, especially me, as I have followed this battling club since 1967.
This success has been a long time coming.

I feel your pain. Losing Ben, losing Freddy, losing Matt Sing, the ME years, the wooden spoons. Outsourcing NSW Cup to St Marys, the Axe, Sparkles, the Walsh and Burns comedy duo, the ten year finals hiatus, oh its been tough at times. "It's not the despair, I can take the despair. Its the hope I can't stand".

Over the years, the Panthers specialised in throwing boom youngsters into first grade and watching them sink without trace. The hit rate is so low and the average NRL career is pretty short. Knowing when to bring somebody in is a skill that can have a massive impact on a career. Too early and you can destroy their confidence or wreck their body. I think we have probably got it about right at the moment.

 

[soc123_au]

I feel your pain. Losing Ben, losing Freddy, losing Matt Sing, the ME years, the wooden spoons. Outsourcing NSW Cup to St Marys, the Axe, Sparkles, the Walsh and Burns comedy duo, the ten year finals hiatus, oh its been tough at times. "It's not the despair, I can take the despair. Its the hope I can't stand".

Over the years, the Panthers specialised in throwing boom youngsters into first grade and watching them sink without trace. The hit rate is so low and the average NRL career is pretty short. Knowing when to bring somebody in is a skill that can have a massive impact on a career. Too early and you can destroy their confidence or wreck their body. I think we have probably got it about right at the moment.

The hit rate now with the young ones coming through is ridiculous. Massive turnaround from the dark years. The jury is still out on Soni, but I can't think of a fail since Ivan came back. Hook was pretty good on that front too.

In saying that Ivan is still pretty conservative. A bit of a risk here and there would be interesting.

 

[West Nowra Panther]

I feel your pain. Losing Ben, losing Freddy, losing Matt Sing, the ME years, the wooden spoons. Outsourcing NSW Cup to St Marys, the Axe, Sparkles, the Walsh and Burns comedy duo, the ten year finals hiatus, oh its been tough at times. "It's not the despair, I can take the despair. Its the hope I can't stand".

Over the years, the Panthers specialised in throwing boom youngsters into first grade and watching them sink without trace. The hit rate is so low and the average NRL career is pretty short. Knowing when to bring somebody in is a skill that can have a massive impact on a career. Too early and you can destroy their confidence or wreck their body. I think we have probably got it about right at the moment.

I am only new to these forums but I have stated recently we are prepared to control, then win a game rather than blow the opponent off the park.
Watching the "tough calls" that Ivan has made in the past, not just for the benefit of the club but also the player involved, has been amazing.
I would imagine the conversation with J'maine Hopgood would have been difficult last year as it is difficult for a life long supporter to see him flourish at the arch enemy.
Tough decisions and "right" team selection are the least of our worries as fans as we all know how injury derails the best plans.

 

[Chins get the wins]

The hit rate now with the young ones coming through is ridiculous. Massive turnaround from the dark years. The jury is still out on Soni, but I can't think of a fail since Ivan came back. Hook was pretty good on that front too.

In saying that Ivan is still pretty conservative. A bit of a risk here and there would be interesting.

Playing Jenkins would have had zero risk

 

[Chins get the wins]

I am only new to these forums but I have stated recently we are prepared to control, then win a game rather than blow the opponent off the park.
Watching the "tough calls" that Ivan has made in the past, not just for the benefit of the club but also the player involved, has been amazing.
I would imagine the conversation with J'maine Hopgood would have been difficult last year as it is difficult for a life long supporter to see him flourish at the arch enemy.
Tough decisions and "right" team selection are the least of our worries as fans as we all know how injury derails the best plans.

Yeah Hopgood can only play 13. I do wonder if Yeo will ever move to prop for us. It's where his rep future will play out from now on imo