Rumoured Targets 3

[betcats]

It's not so much being touchy as much as we've discussed these issues in the context of our club ad nauseam, and that the criticisms, whilst often valid, have generally been considered acceptable risk for a fan base totally starved of anything resembling a competitive outfit. I get your point of view, from the perspective of a recent premiership winning club it seems rich for Bird, but for us it's like the Prom Queen giving the class redhead a sly wristy behind the dunnies to even be linked to a player the quality of Bird.

We need other positions filled for sure, and we're trying to do so, but that doesn't mean we should pass up an opportunity to secure quality when it's there, either.

Haha fair enough. Its just the nature of forums I guess, the same shit being discussed a million times.

 

[cb4]

True. Developing players is for suckers.

We were developing Bird, until you came in with a 900k offer.

 

[Johns Magic]

We were developing Bird, until you came in with a 900k offer.

Yeah like we'll claim to develop Ponga.

 

[K-Man]

Brown might have to seriously consider converting Phythian into a centre or finding a role for him somewhere in the 17 for his kicking game alone. If our 1, 6 and 9 don't have a long kicking game, it is a problem. We would have to get at least one out of Ponga, Bird and Levi contributing with the boot, or Hodkinson / Lamb will be under ridiculous pressure. It just won't work. With Phythian in the side it's a different story, because you would happily let him kick anytime you were over near his side of the field, presumably left if he replaced Pete.

Having said that, I am mildly confident the club recognises this and has some sort of plan. It also wouldn't surprise me if Ponga, Bird or Levi (or 2 or 3 of them) emerge with improved / belatedly sighted kicking games next year.

Can anyone categorically say that Ponga and Bird are unable to give the ball a decent boot every now and then? Just because it hasn't happened much in established teams with very dominant playmakers, doesn't mean it's not possible. In fact both those players strike me as guys who could naturally kick a football a long way if they knew it was going to be part of their new job description.

A team needs options. Not all the options have to be world class, but you have to have them to take some heat off the halfback.

Any evidence of Kostasyn's kicking game? Can't say I really recall him doing much but he's been a utility his whole career so I imagine it exists.

 

[Johns Magic]

I haven't watched his lower grades but I'd be very surprised if Ponga can't kick. He has been chased by three codes, is a goalkicker, and was a prodigy golfer, I would think he can kick a football.

 

[macavity]

How much would 2 years of Cronk as halfback / spine coach transform our outlook...

 

[K-Man]

I haven't watched his lower grades but I'd be very surprised if Ponga can't kick. He has been chased by three codes, is a goalkicker, and was a prodigy golfer, I would think he can kick a football.

Pretty much what I was thinking. People tend to say things like someone "can't" do something if they haven't seen it. But he's a teenager with a few games of first grade in a team that has Thurston, Morgan, Granville and Coote when Ponga debuted on the wing. Of course he hasn't kicked.

He looks like he'd have a good kick on him. And to be honest same for Bird, who is such a pure footballer. These are two supremely talented young athletes and natural footy players we're talking about. If me and my mates can kick a footy alright, I reckon Ponga and Bird can get plenty of distance. Maybe the accuracy will be a problem, but if your backup kickers are sending it 50 metres a few times per match it's not going to be a massive issue if they don't consistently find the grass.

Like I said before, you just need a couple of kicking options to support your main general kicker.

 

[Glendale]

If all else fails give it to Barnett on the last tackle.

 

[Pedge1971]

, but for us it's like the Prom Queen giving the class redhead a sly wristy behind the dunnies to even be linked to a player the quality of Bird.


It's graphic but it pretty much sums it up perfect. We are the ginga runt of the nrl....

 

[MilkShark]

The club has no other choice. It's not in a position to be able to not take risks. We have to pay well over market value for most players anyway, might as well be on a couple of kids that might add a bit of spark.

I can understand that, but your club is in such a fragile state that it doesn't seem like a good idea to pay overs for "a couple of kids" that might be good players. Bird is proven to be good, but not in the position you want to play him. Ponga is a risk.

It would make more sense to pay overs for nrl proven players to guide your young team around.

 

[Pedge1971]

I can understand that, but your club is in such a fragile state that it doesn't seem like a good idea to pay overs for "a couple of kids" that might be good players. Bird is proven to be good, but not in the position you want to play him. Ponga is a risk.

It would make more sense to pay overs for nrl proven players to guide your young team around.

Been there tried that. Not many around off contract who I could honestly say would be genuinely interested in coming. Bird is a winner and a very confident young bloke. He will definitely improve us. Enough to make a top 8? Time will tell.

 

[Hardcore_Fan]

Ponga was chased by the AFL. I am 100% sure he can kick lol.

 

[Hardcore_Fan]

I can understand that, but your club is in such a fragile state that it doesn't seem like a good idea to pay overs for "a couple of kids" that might be good players. Bird is proven to be good, but not in the position you want to play him. Ponga is a risk.

It would make more sense to pay overs for nrl proven players to guide your young team around.

And who would that be that are off contract?

 

[slotmachine]

How much would 2 years of Cronk as halfback / spine coach transform our outlook...

Newcastle ≠ Sydney

We were developing Bird, until you came in with a 900k offer.

And you stole him from the Dragons?

If all else fails give it to Barnett on the last tackle.

Good plan Trent.

 

[Sydney Knight]

Ponga has no kicking game.

How do you know this? He's played about 5 FG games in a team with JT.

He was chased by AFL clubs so must have some skill with the boot.

 

[Pedge1971]

How do you know this? He's played about 5 FG games in a team with JT.

He was chased by AFL clubs so must have some skill with the boot.

Was also a junior rugby fullback. He can kick.

 

[K-Man]

Ponga was chased by the AFL. I am 100% sure he can kick lol.

The Israel Folau factor makes it about 99% for me. But yes, you're right.

 

[K-Man]

It would then be especially handy if we re-signed Phythian as our backup fullback, as it would mean both our fullback options bring genuine kicking games to cover for Bird (if in fact Bird is not a general play kicker himself).

The way he put in a sweet relatively flat cross field kick for the winger to score in his highlights from playing at 6 for the Sharks, I also think he has kicking potential that is being underestimated or dismissed because it hasn't yet been a major part of his game.

 

[macavity]

Newcastle ≠ Sydney

Newcastle > Sydney.

And I know he isn't coming here... more a commentary on the role Hodko was supposed to play - of leading the team, being the main playmaker, and improving those around him.

It is hard to draw any conclusion except our biggest problem is woeful play from our spine generally, and our 7 specifically.

I think just as important as getting Bird... is moving Hodko on. Lamb is already a better ballplayer and general play kicker.

He really is just terrible.

 

[Spot On]

And it's been well documented that the club are chasing quality and experienced props hard.

Why does every opposition supporter seem to think that the Knights are banking on two young kids coming in and being our saviour?

They've done absolutely nothing to suggest anything of the sort. They're going out and targeting upgrades in every position.

We're going to pay well over market value regardless of who we sign to play fullback and #6.

Because they literally have no idea what Brown has done since he arrived. No idea the massive dollars the blokes he has punted so far were on and no idea that Mullo was on close to the money Bird ( a current Origin and key premiership winning player) is being offered for NEXT season and beyond.

They have no idea who Brown has tried out and identified in last year's season from hell and how much and how long they have signed on for.

They have no idea that the coach has continually stated in the media time and again that he has a bucket load of cash to spend, enough to poach 3 quality rep players and surround them with a bit of quality to help the young blokes holding the fort at the moment.

Brown's not going to have millions sitting on the sidelines and buy a heap of 32 year olds. FFS we've been there and done that. Hello - Wayne Bennett anyone. Why don't people get that????

Oh, and I expect it will take a few seasons before the kids we have here, including Ponga and possibly Bird, compete with the top sides. If not, Brown loses his job. At least he'll have given it a ding dong go.