Round 7 V Roosters

[SGMax]

Max whats risky about moving him ..... One win or 2 wins in 14 and its all forgotten ..... Not that the 1 and 6 at the moment are on fire ..... I see your point but its been a long time we are going no where so for me no risk at all going with the young guy's ......

If Sloan and Amone were handling the step up better, I would be OK with Hunt at 9.
That run that Amone did for that last try was only the second time he has played with that spark and troubled the defence. The other time was last year.
If/when Sullivan shows he is ready, I would consider switching Hunt to 6 (if it was up to me....).
Otherwise, move Hunt to 9 and you would create a huge void of experience and the uncertainty and lack of combinations would be destabilising for the rest of the team.

 

[possm]

If Sloan and Amone were handling the step up better, I would be OK with Hunt at 9.
That run that Amone did for that last try was only the second time he has played with that spark and troubled the defence. The other time was last year.
If/when Sullivan shows he is ready, I would consider switching Hunt to 6 (if it was up to me....).
Otherwise, move Hunt to 9 and you would create a huge void of experience and the uncertainty and lack of combinations would be destabilising for the rest of the team.

It is obvious that Griffin has moved Mbye and Bird into the spine to add experience and stiffen up the defensive capability. To some extent this has worked for the time being.

So if Sullivan came into the side at and Bird stayed at 6, there would most probably be enough experience still left in the spine:
Mbye
Bird
Sullivan
Hunt
with Amone at 14.

Our young guns still have a lot to learn and so, stints in first grade rather than a permanent spot is a good way to go.

Ramsey, Amone, Sullivan, Sloan, and yes Stewart should be given an opportunity during this season to show their skills in first grade. I imagine during the SOO period this may happen; although apart from Hunt, I really can't see many of jour boys getting called up to play SOO.

 

[Blood Shot Eyes]

With our young brigade Amone, Sloan, Sullivan and the like Hook has to be careful with how he manages their selections in the top grade (if and when that happens).....for example with Amone its great that he continues to get selected every week but imo a token 8 to 10 minutes exposure is not doing him or the club any favours....in short hes getting bugger all actual game time in 1st or reserve grade ......if it was up to me I'd at least be using him for the last 10 mins in each half against a tiring defence

 

[Inisai Toga]

With our young brigade Amone, Sloan, Sullivan and the like Hook has to be careful with how he manages their selections in the top grade (if and when that happens).....for example with Amone its great that he continues to get selected every week but imo a token 8 to 10 minutes exposure is not doing him or the club any favours....in short hes getting bugger all actually game time in 1st or reserve grade

… and I do feel Hook is very mindful of that very point you make BSE. However, I’d also like to see Amone get 10 before the break and extend his involvement into the team structure each week.

 

[Illusion]

If Sloan and Amone were handling the step up better, I would be OK with Hunt at 9.
That run that Amone did for that last try was only the second time he has played with that spark and troubled the defence. The other time was last year.
If/when Sullivan shows he is ready, I would consider switching Hunt to 6 (if it was up to me....).
Otherwise, move Hunt to 9 and you would create a huge void of experience and the uncertainty and lack of combinations would be destabilising for the rest of the team.

Max I understand what you are saying , but what I am trying to get across is yes if we were winning even half the games then yes leave Hunt there , but it hasn't worked for 5 years now , move him to 9 if the young blokes are up to it physically then play them they need time to develop and as you say establish combinations ...... Its not that we are going to win a premiership or even make the 8 ...... It may just work ...... Either way I respect your thoughts and its good to have a civilized discussion on here ....... One thing for sure mate lets hope they belt the Chooks ...... Go the Dragons .......

 

[justadragon]

Just a minor thing but it may resonate with players. Could someone explain to me why Tautau Moga is 18th man ahead of Tyrell Sloan and Cody Ramsey? I haven't heard of him excelling in the KOE.

I think its his ability to play in the forwards as well as in the backs,

 

[R&WTILLIDIE]

Yes, Burgess isn't really hitting hard in both attack and defence. Seems a bit dubious and cautious. Maybe he still gets some twinges in his hips. Anyway, hopefully it is only minor and he shapes up better in more games he plays.

Apparently his fingers work pretty well.

 

[justadragon]

Max I understand what you are saying , but what I am trying to get across is yes if we were winning even half the games then yes leave Hunt there , but it hasn't worked for 5 years now , move him to 9 if the young blokes are up to it physically then play them they need time to develop and as you say establish combinations ...... Its not that we are going to win a premiership or even make the 8 ...... It may just work ...... Either way I respect your thoughts and its good to have a civilized discussion on here ....... One thing for sure mate lets hope they belt the Chooks ...... Go the Dragons .......

Yes a good discussion on here with other members who are passionate and support their team is what this is all about, my thoughts are all this drama started around round 4 where he dropped the young guys, yes Sloan was said to have issues organising defence, my point is is why was this discovered in the first couple of rounds of the comp, didnt we train all off season, didnt we have trial games, dont we have defensive coaches watching over the troops, and for how many months did we do this ???? Now we are caught in a situation where by Bird by his own admission does not want to play 5/8 and I believe he dosent have the creative skills to be there. Why did it seem that Amone was harnessed in the first few rounds, and all the play making was going to Hunt, in the 10 min he came on against the Knights he killed it and looked as though the shackles were off, thats what he needs to be allowed to do and not just be a ball feeder regardless if we win or lose. The Anzac day game is a showcase game which holds a great deal of respect and pride for many, I just want the Dragons to go out there and be in the battle, show resilience and walk off the park with nothing left in the tank, I want to have the feeling of being proud of the team win lose or draw on this special day.

 

[justadragon]

It is obvious that Griffin has moved Mbye and Bird into the spine to add experience and stiffen up the defensive capability. To some extent this has worked for the time being.

So if Sullivan came into the side at and Bird stayed at 6, there would most probably be enough experience still left in the spine:
Mbye
Bird
Sullivan
Hunt
with Amone at 14.

Our young guns still have a lot to learn and so, stints in first grade rather than a permanent spot is a good way to go.

Ramsey, Amone, Sullivan, Sloan, and yes Stewart should be given an opportunity during this season to show their skills in first grade. I imagine during the SOO period this may happen; although apart from Hunt, I really can't see many of jour boys getting called up to play SOO.

Su'a maybe,,,,

 

[Dragon David]

Yes a good discussion on here with other members who are passionate and support their team is what this is all about, my thoughts are all this drama started around round 4 where he dropped the young guys, yes Sloan was said to have issues organising defence, my point is is why was this discovered in the first couple of rounds of the comp, didnt we train all off season, didnt we have trial games, dont we have defensive coaches watching over the troops, and for how many months did we do this ???? Now we are caught in a situation where by Bird by his own admission does not want to play 5/8 and I believe he dosent have the creative skills to be there. Why did it seem that Amone was harnessed in the first few rounds, and all the play making was going to Hunt, in the 10 min he came on against the Knights he killed it and looked as though the shackles were off, thats what he needs to be allowed to do and not just be a ball feeder regardless if we win or lose. The Anzac day game is a showcase game which holds a great deal of respect and pride for many, I just want the Dragons to go out there and be in the battle, show resilience and walk off the park with nothing left in the tank, I want to have the feeling of being proud of the team win lose or draw on this special day.

Nicely put justadragon. I agree with what you said. What I think is that pre-season/trial games can be misleading and players like Sloan, Amone, Ramsey and other youngsters and even the older brigade of players training and having some runs in trials can be a bit deceptive.

When the season games get underway, there is always some excitement and build up and players come out playing with a lot of enthusiasm. Conditions are much different and many opposition players bring out the best in themselves which makes things harder for our guys if they haven't adapted to the change.

Maybe the coaches did do the right thing during pre-season - we won the first game quite well but then the opposition were much better in the following games and we just couldn't match it with them and Sloan and Amone were seen to be "not truly ready".

Selecting Mbye and Bird to replace Sloan and Amone has in a way stiffened up the spine and whilst they are not the envy of other teams where their 1 and 6 are killing it, Hook is comfortable to have them in those positions until the young ones are actually ready - if at all.

Only what I think.

 

[Blood Shot Eyes]

… and I do feel Hook is very mindful of that very point you make BSE. However, I’d also like to see Amone get 10 before the break and extend his involvement into the team structure each week.

Yes mate I totally agree......actually I added it my original post before your comment.....glad we are on the same page with our young blokes then

 

[denis preston]

I agree that Hook is very conservative in this selections and wants to protect the young ones but what keeps coming back to me is , how is that working after 2 wins in the last 15 games ? After the rorters there is no real excuse to ignore at least Sullivan included and perhaps shake things up with Hunt to plug our weakest link at 9 and giving Sloan some opportunities. We also have most of our forwards back so competition will only improve our pack.

 

[Dragonslayer]

In the first 7 rounds we would have played 5 teams that played finals football last year including the GF teams (Panthers, Souths). We've also played the Sharks who some may say were unlucky to miss out on the 8.

In retrospect:
Rd 1: Warriors - W (12th last year)
Rd 2: Panthers - L (Premiers)
Rd 3: Sharks - L (9th last year)
Rd 4: Eels - L (6th last year)
Rd 5: Souths - L (Runners-up)
Rd 6: Knights - W (7th last year)
Rd 7: Roosters - ? ( 5th last year)

Thats a pretty hard draw and one our youngsters would find tough to maintain, no 'easy' games there, and confidence is a big thing. They will be back in soon enough once we gain momentum.

Have to agree though that Jr needs more game time.

 

[justadragon]

Nicely put justadragon. I agree with what you said. What I think is that pre-season/trial games can be misleading and players like Sloan, Amone, Ramsey and other youngsters and even the older brigade of players training and having some runs in trials can be a bit deceptive.

When the season games get underway, there is always some excitement and build up and players come out playing with a lot of enthusiasm. Conditions are much different and many opposition players bring out the best in themselves which makes things harder for our guys if they haven't adapted to the change.

Maybe the coaches did do the right thing during pre-season - we won the first game quite well but then the opposition were much better in the following games and we just couldn't match it with them and Sloan and Amone were seen to be "not truly ready".

Selecting Mbye and Bird to replace Sloan and Amone has in a way stiffened up the spine and whilst they are not the envy of other teams where their 1 and 6 are killing it, Hook is comfortable to have them in those positions until the young ones are actually ready - if at all.

Only what I think.

Totally understand your thoughts DD, but, lets take Amone for example, if Hook thought yes he is not ready, then put him back to ressies in the 5/8 role and get him ready, having him there for 8-10 min in a game as a relief hooker may have worked against the Knights but it wont work against the top sides and certainly does nothing for his development or combinations that he has to develop. Either these kids are our future in those positions or they are not and lets move on.

 

[Illusion]

Nicely put justadragon. I agree with what you said. What I think is that pre-season/trial games can be misleading and players like Sloan, Amone, Ramsey and other youngsters and even the older brigade of players training and having some runs in trials can be a bit deceptive.

When the season games get underway, there is always some excitement and build up and players come out playing with a lot of enthusiasm. Conditions are much different and many opposition players bring out the best in themselves which makes things harder for our guys if they haven't adapted to the change.

Maybe the coaches did do the right thing during pre-season - we won the first game quite well but then the opposition were much better in the following games and we just couldn't match it with them and Sloan and Amone were seen to be "not truly ready".

Selecting Mbye and Bird to replace Sloan and Amone has in a way stiffened up the spine and whilst they are not the envy of other teams where their 1 and 6 are killing it, Hook is comfortable to have them in those positions until the young ones are actually ready - if at all.

Only what I think.

Agree with what you are saying , but when will they be ready for Hook ? If they keep on winning then we will not see them at all ( it wont happen anyway ) At the moment its all about Hook , Its not about developing the young guns ...... So if they win one game here and there will he make changes ? If they lose a couple of games on the trot will he make changes ? I don't think so ...... Id rather have Sloan , Amone , Sullivan playing to be ready for next year if they don't get much time this year we are back to square one ....... Mybe is a make shift Fullback , Bird is a stop gap 6 , not the future of the team ..... Anyway thats my take on all of this ......

 

[Gourley's Socks]

What if Hook isn't "protecting" anybody and instead just believes that Mbye and Bird are better options?

 

[justadragon]

What if Hook isn't "protecting" anybody and instead just believes that Mbye and Bird are better options?

You may have a point but I hope for the future of this club that isn't the case, I would hate to see these guys running around being stars at another club

 

[denis preston]

What if Hook isn't "protecting" anybody and instead just believes that Mbye and Bird are better options?

Then he is ignoring Pathways just like the idiot before him, and if he continues to do so should suffer the same fate. Otherwise just bloody ditch Pathways, fix up our 3rd Party and do what others do : cherry pick young players without all the pain of development.

 

[Illusion]

Then he is ignoring Pathways just like the idiot before him, and if he continues to do so should suffer the same fate. Otherwise just bloody ditch Pathways, fix up our 3rd Party and do what others do : cherry pick young players without all the pain of development.

Well said .......

 

[Dragon David]

Well we have questioned and answered our queries which I believe need to be sorted one way or another. I fully agree that the pathways for the young ones seem to be ignored because Hook wants to play "safe". I just hope that it is a short lived thing especially once Sullivan has more games in reserves to get match fitter and Sloan develops moreso so that both can be included in our first grade spine with Amone.

The problem as I see it is that Hook just won't leave out Hunt in the halves and won't put him in at hooker. It is such a conundrum because Sloan, Sullivan and Amone as well as Ramsey are our future and we won't know how they will go unless they are tried for more than a couple of games - they haven't really been given this chance - maybe in trials but that is meaningless.