Rumours and Stuff

[Obscene Assassin]

It's not just catching the high ball. It's also being ragdolled afterwards that worries me. Ala Brett Hodgson

Being ragdolled will happen no matter what position he plays. French actually creates good separation from initial contact. If the refs treat him like any other player they'll call held early but because he's small they'll allow him to lose 2-3m per tackle.

That doesn't take away the fact that he's the best fullback we currently have.

 

[I bleed blue & gold]

So is Auva'a still serving his 12 week suspension?

 

[Poupou Escobar]

He wants to play in round one, and he won't take no for an answer.

 

[Twizzle]

Wasn't Hayne one time the best winger in the game?
Wasn't Lockyer one time the best fullback in the game?

Look at the bigger picture !!

You seriously comparing those two to Semi ?

Very different players mate

 

[Stevie]

I'm amazed people are still talking about putting Semi to fullback ffs.

 

[Ivor]

No room for Taka?

I'd rather Jennings and Gutherson in the centres. We've got a surplus of outside backs, and they're all good. Whoever misses out will be unlucky. If Brad Arthur goes with Gutherson at five-eight, then Taka will be centre. I would rather a specialist half-back though. Doesn't have to be exceptional, just steady. Someone to steady the ship and let Norman do his thing. I just don't see Gutherson as that player.

 

[Ivor]

We went out and bought a lot of outside backs and I think we were already strong there. The recruitment for next year perplexes me to be honest.

Our centres last year Taka and Jennings were in good form (especially Taka). We are deficient in the halves. When Norman played without Foran last year, he seemed to be trying too hard and his game suffered. Norman needs a foil and who will that be? Options are Robson (average), Gutherson (awkward) ow Will Smith/Fogarty (not at NRL level). And yet we sign Hoffman and pass on any decent half that came up.

This makes me think that we are waiting for someone next year...

Possible we play Hoffman at fullback and French on the wing with Semi the other winger and Taka and Jennings in the centres, Gutherson at 5/8 and Norman at half. Not sure about this lineup. Awful lot of pressure on Norman. Due to the utility value of some of these guys it could be re-shuffled.

I thought Robson had retired?

 

[Ivor]

I think ????? Is overhyped tbh .... move Gutho to the halves and fit Taka in at centre

Nah. ???? is a terrific acquisition. The opposition simply can't work him out.

 

[The Colonel]

What decent halves were on offer?

The only ones that I saw on offer were big gambles based on their attitudes, lack of experience and past off field indiscretions. It's not like we weren't under enough scrutiny last year and will be the same this year to add more reasons for the media to hound us once again....

And please don't mention Benji....

 

[Joshuatheeel]

I'd rather Jennings and Gutherson in the centres. We've got a surplus of outside backs, and they're all good. Whoever misses out will be unlucky. If Brad Arthur goes with Gutherson at five-eight, then Taka will be centre. I would rather a specialist half-back though. Doesn't have to be exceptional, just steady. Someone to steady the ship and let Norman do his thing. I just don't see Gutherson as that player.

I would say Norman is now a "specialist" halfback. Just because he has worn 6 on his back doesn't meant he hasn't lead the side around the park like a "traditional" halfback.

And he has been great at that role!! Gee he probably goes close to winning the daily M last year if not suspended.

Gutherson has potential (and probably already is) to be the style of player you think "Norman" plays.

 

[Obscene Assassin]

So is Auva'a still serving his 12 week suspension?

He's available from round 2

 

[I bleed blue & gold]

He's available from round 2

Nice. Thanks mate.

 

[Twizzle]

What decent halves were on offer?

The only ones that I saw on offer were big gambles based on their attitudes, lack of experience and past off field indiscretions. It's not like we weren't under enough scrutiny last year and will be the same this year to add more reasons for the media to hound us once again....

And please don't mention Benji....

Benji

 

[Incorrect]

Benji

x2

Benji
Benji

 

[Gary Gutful]

Benji Barba

 

[Redback71]

I would say Norman is now a "specialist" halfback. Just because he has worn 6 on his back doesn't meant he hasn't lead the side around the park like a "traditional" halfback.

And he has been great at that role!! Gee he probably goes close to winning the daily M last year if not suspended.

Gutherson has potential (and probably already is) to be the style of player you think "Norman" plays.

Goes close? He would have won the daily M 100% for sure, Norman stuffed that one up.

 

[Redback71]

x2

Benji
Benji

i would have taken Benji for sure

 

[yy_cheng]

Sandow and Carney are in town

 

[hindy111]

Semi as i said could become the best fullback in game. Bevan cant.
If carting the ball from dummy half or hitting it up as an extra forward is what you want you dont need Semi talent.Plenty of wingers can do that effectively.
The rapid way Semi has lesrnt the game tells me he could do same in a new position.

If not Parra a othrr club might go heck lets throw himm 750k and throw him at fullback and see how he goes.

 

[emjaycee]

I'd rather Jennings and Gutherson in the centres. We've got a surplus of outside backs, and they're all good. Whoever misses out will be unlucky. If Brad Arthur goes with Gutherson at five-eight, then Taka will be centre. I would rather a specialist half-back though. Doesn't have to be exceptional, just steady. Someone to steady the ship and let Norman do his thing. I just don't see Gutherson as that player.

Until we see the Nines or more importantly the trial squads/teams, I wouldn't be surprised if both halfback and wing are up for grabs in BA's mind.

Wouldn't be surprised to see:
1. French
2. Semi
3. Jennings
4. Taka
5. Gutho/Hoffman
6. Norman
7. Fogarty / Gutho