Rumours and Stuff

[Joshuatheeel]

Yeah, we don't need backrowers. He might displace Scott eventually, but I reckon Ma'u is a better player and Edwards (while not at Frizells' level) adds an extra dimension with his ball playing that Frizell can't offer. And Moeroa is coming through reasonably nicely as well.

Moeroa / Manu both off contract and while I reckon they won't leave, it could have been planned B just in case.....

 

[I bleed blue & gold]

Also, Frizell or his manager at least, approached BA. So i was told.

 

[Pazza]

I dont mind the idea of going after Jack De Belin. He is off contract for 2018 and we lack a legitimate number 13.

 

[Obscene Assassin]

I dont mind the idea of going after Jack De Belin. He is off contract for 2018 and we lack a legitimate number 13.

I don't think we need anymore middle forwards unless we're getting one that is absolutely top class. For mine De Belin isn't in that league.

 

[Pazza]

I don't think we need anymore middle forwards unless we're getting one that is absolutely top class. For mine De Belin isn't in that league.

Well if you take a good look at our Middle forwards we got:

Mannah
Wicks
Vave
Brown
Alvaro
Terepo
Scott (not really)

Hardly an elite group of players.

I think that De Belin is on the way up, he is still young but he has over a hundred games experience. He's big, athletic and has a massive motor, some of the work rate this year has been Hindmarsh like. Could definitely be a really good 80 minute number 13 for us.

 

[Eelementary]

Yeah, we don't need backrowers. He might displace Scott eventually, but I reckon Ma'u is a better player and Edwards (while not at Frizells' level) adds an extra dimension with his ball playing that Frizell can't offer. And Moeroa is coming through reasonably nicely as well.

Totally agree.

I wouldn't swap Ma'u for any other forward in the comp.

I mean, maybe Taumalolo, but Ma'u has versatility on his side.

 

[Eelementary]

Well if you take a good look at our Middle forwards we got:

Mannah
Wicks
Vave
Brown
Alvaro
Terepo
Scott (not really)

Hardly an elite group of players.

I think that De Belin is on the way up, he is still young but he has over a hundred games experience. He's big, athletic and has a massive motor, some of the work rate this year has been Hindmarsh like. Could definitely be a really good 80 minute number 13 for us.

But that idiotic man-bun...

 

[Pazza]

Plus Ma'u has elite ball playing for a backrower. Loved the way Ma'u and Edwards played like 5/8s on each side of the field towards the end of this season.

 

[Obscene Assassin]

Well if you take a good look at our Middle forwards we got:

Mannah
Wicks
Vave
Brown
Alvaro
Terepo
Scott (not really)

Hardly an elite group of players.

I think that De Belin is on the way up, he is still young but he has over a hundred games experience. He's big, athletic and has a massive motor, some of the work rate this year has been Hindmarsh like. Could definitely be a really good 80 minute number 13 for us.

That is why I said I don't think we need any middle forwards unless they're elite because we have an average pack that whilst down in skill is very high in heart and determination. I don't think that we need to bring in someone like De Belin who would cost a fair bit of money to only slightly improve our pack.

If we were to bring in a player they need to be that step above.

 

[Obscene Assassin]

Totally agree.

I wouldn't swap Ma'u for any other forward in the comp.

I mean, maybe Taumalolo, but Ma'u has versatility on his side.

Ma'u can defend on the edge, something that Taumalolo can't do.

 

[Eelementary]

Ma'u can defend on the edge, something that Taumalolo can't do.

Yep.

That's why I reckon Manu is irreplaceable.

 

[Eelementary]

Plus Ma'u has elite ball playing for a backrower. Loved the way Ma'u and Edwards played like 5/8s on each side of the field towards the end of this season.

Manu Ma'u is honestly my favourite player. I love the guy.

 

[Pazza]

Manu Ma'u is honestly my favourite player. I love the guy.

Ma'u and Semi are Blue chip talents.

MUST be re signed ASAP.

 

[Bazal]

I don't think we need anymore middle forwards unless we're getting one that is absolutely top class. For mine De Belin isn't in that league.

De Bellend is a tosser....but the kid was the Dragons best forward this year. Over 100m and 45 tackles per game on average. Those numbers are pretty tough to beat as far as locks go....

 

[Pazza]

That is why I said I don't think we need any middle forwards unless they're elite because we have an average pack that whilst down in skill is very high in heart and determination. I don't think that we need to bring in someone like De Belin who would cost a fair bit of money to only slightly improve our pack.

If we were to bring in a player they need to be that step above.

i like him but i guess it comes down to how much it would take to get him here. You wouldn't throw the whole bank at the guy but he is worth enquiring about.

But my main point is, i don't think we have a legitimate number 13. We got a lot of props and edge forwards but we dont have that middle forward that brings a point of difference such as athleticism, skill, work rate etc. Scott and Moeroa are doing a decent job but it isn't a long term solution.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Well if you take a good look at our Middle forwards we got:

Mannah
Wicks
Vave
Brown
Alvaro
Terepo
Scott (not really)

Hardly an elite group of players.

Not elite, but most of them are as good as de Belin.

You can stick any forward in the 13 jersey. It doesn't need to be an 80 minute workhorse.

 

[Obscene Assassin]

De Bellend is a tosser....but the kid was the Dragons best forward this year. Over 100m and 45 tackles per game on average. Those numbers are pretty tough to beat as far as locks go....

Being the dragons best forward isn't that great of an achievement.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

de Belin, Packer and Frizell are the only Dragons forwards who would make our 17.

 

[caylo]

Not elite, but most of them are as good as de Belin.

You can stick any forward in the 13 jersey. It doesn't need to be an 80 minute workhorse.

Agree, if you have 4 props making a total of 400-500m/game you are doing well they don't have to break tackles. If they can create some second phase play you're more than complete. Our backrow is amoung the best in the comp.
When Mannah was fit our pack was never over run, we held our own against the best packs in the comp.
Props: Mannah, Vave, Brown, Wicks
Edge: Manu, Moroea
Edge/middle backrower: Edwards, Scott.
That is giving you an advantage on most games.

 

[Obscene Assassin]

i like him but i guess it comes down to how much it would take to get him here. You wouldn't throw the whole bank at the guy but he is worth enquiring about.

But my main point is, i don't think we have a legitimate number 13. We got a lot of props and edge forwards but we dont have that middle forward that brings a point of difference such as athleticism, skill, work rate etc. Scott and Moeroa are doing a decent job but it isn't a long term solution.

What about Nathan Brown? Some of his games this year he was pushing similar numbers to De Belin. He is 2 years younger plus he was in a pack that has some dominant metre eaters, which could have taken away some of his work rate but also very middle forward based so that could have increased it slightly.

It's an odd one definitely. There is also talk of us adding another prop to our ranks, I think it has already been mentioned by Stags on here, so it appears we're actively trying to improve our middle whether it be through a "prop" or "lock".