Where do you rate Noel Aka and along with guys who made debut this year in
Mahoney,Kafusi,Niaukore,Salmon,Stone?
If you want my honest opinion then i'm happy to share it.
Mahoney - I personally think he should be promoted to top 30 as i believe he is better than pritchard. Pritchards strengths are also his weakness.
Mahoney has enthusiasm like no other and is a very good defender. If i see faults it is he hasn't an composure.
Reed is playing a different game to what he is use to. He is the type of player who likes to play eyes up and not to structured.
Will be interesting to see what happens in the next year or 2 with Mahoney and Schneider.
Kaufusi - This kid is a talent. Please remember he is still only 19yo and has amazing endurance for a big fella, He doesn't have any regard for himself and keeps turn up to do his job for the team. (Work horse)
Kaufusi is an absolute gentleman of a kid, Polite and respectful as they come. This kid is something special.
Niaukore - To be honest i think he is young and has alot of potential but i think he will end up in the middle at some stage throughout his career. He hits hard and runs harder. Very simple in what he does but that is what works for him..
The problem we have is allot of our forwards are very similar and dont have a point of difference to there game and that's why i think Stefano will offer the team allot and make his debut 2019.
Manu, Tep, Mannah, Niaukore, Moeroa, Alvaro ect.
Salmon - Salmon is a talent for sure, But early days he was a backrower and a quality backrower. Then at the age of 17yo he got moved to the 5/8 position. Salmon biggest problem is he can play 3-4 different positions and be good at it but not specialise and excel in that position.
Salmon for mine will be a great center who just needs time in that position and will flourish. I have watched a few training runs and he has been hitting some great holes outwide. Remember he to is still only 19yo turning 20 next year.
Unfortunately i think Salmon is similar to Gutho. They can play numerous positions which is fantastic for a coach but just need an opportunity to prove himself in one position and i think that will be in the centers long term. He had a few opportunities in at 5/8 and didnt really stamp his authority. He played second fiddle and did a good job, But i personally like a half to be creative and make something from nothing like Dylan Brown can and i dont think Salmon has that in his arsenal to play in the halves full time.
Great talent but.
Stone - Stone is a great tough player who hits like a brick wall. Stonr has all ways played as a middle forward who occasionally played backrow.
Stone was one of those kids who unfortunately was let down with growth and size. He is i think to small to play front row, Not skillful and agile enough to play back row. Unfortunately has Brown ahead of him at lock and now the club are trying to skill him up to play hooker. But although he will do a job there if called upon, He doesnt have the smarts to play hooker full time. Defensively no worries at all. Needs to work on his service and a kicking game. Dummy half for mine is the hardest position to play and you need to have smarts about you. Decision making is so important and reading a game.
Fantastic player but again might be more value as a utility..
GL - Has all the makings of a fantastic attacking player, But in all seriousness lacks defensively.
GL is struggling keeping up with the slowest trainers at present and if that is an indication i doubt he will get a run anytime soon.
Only my personal opinion but he is taking up a top 30 spot that the club could utilise .
Noel Akafolou - Noel is a great center with allot of potential, Unfortunately Noel did his ACL this season and how he returns mid year is up in the air. Yes he should make a full recovery and be back playing but you just never know how it effects players mentally and physically.
The kid is an amazing talent but ill hold my judement until he returns to training and games
Lastly just so your aware these are the ages of the players, The year they were born.
Brown 2000
Utoikamanu 2000
Schneider 2000
Parry 1999
Dunster 1999
Filia 1999
Noel aka 1999
Oregan 1999
Salmon 1999
Mahoney 1998
Salesi 1998
Stone 1998
GL 1998
If i am incorrect which i dont think i am please advise
