I agree that we can potentially cover it, but we’d only be doing it if Gutho makes others attack more effective (possibly but it’ll require more of the wider players which they haven’t really done recently - maybe Gutho makes it easier for them) or defence better (that seems unfair to expect a player who does couple of tackles a game to then do 10 times more).Not in our pack, even with RCG gone.
We will struggle to find enough carries to get value out of Paulo, Lane, Matterson, Hopgood, Ofahengaue, Drown and the back two (not including Sivo).
Not really a traditional hit up though.Moses doesn't mind the occasional run either.
You would need to demonstrate that anyone else could've done better (or wanted to try). The two previous coaches didn't. Two other coaches we know are better than Arthur's decided not even huge money was enough to lure them to our club.
Blacktown primary school has plenty of little birds.250k I have been told.
Well, if it Ryles, we can play 'who shot JR?'
Completely agree.
I'm shocked that pretty much everyone in here thinks he'll just waltz in and take over from our best fullback.
I would have thought he needs to earn the right to that position.
I for one would still be starting the season with Gutho at FB.
There is an interview of Ryles (not sure if been on here before) with the link below with club media:In our SG Ball team we have also signed a fair few forwards over the past couple of years. Ocean Vaivela, recruited from Souths Logan. Beau Lucien recruited from Sunshine Coast Falcons. Elijah Shane Tapau from Townsville Blackhawks.
Yes it's disappointing to lose some of these kids, especially after they've been picked for the Australian schoolboys, it isn't as if we have been sitting on our hands in this regard. But we do need to get better at securing young talent to contracts as we have had too many talented players leaving.
Don't think he'll be better than Gutho until some time yet but he'll fit the team better in that we lack speed in backs and he fixes that. Gutho will still be a very important player in the team but in a different position. Doubt Ryles bought him here to continue playing NSW Cup.As an outsider looking in it amazes me that everyone is assuming Iongi slots straight into fullback. He has had only one game in firsts so untested in NRL. Has plaed three years at NSW Cup level so I find it strange that every assumes he will be better than Guffo who has performed for you guys for a long time.
Iongi may turn out to be a superstar but he has Laurie/Staines vibes for me. Strange to see the hype in here.
There is an interview of Ryles (not sure if been on here before) with the link below with club media:
He talks about the disconnect with juniors and pathways to NRL and that I think is why so many want to leave. That sits squarely on BA's shoulders if the case. He plans to change that (good) and has been on the job since July. He has recognised that holes exist in roster and we lack speed. Worth a look to see his future plans but gives hope that club will be better run in future.
I hear you, but I also wonder how does Iongi prove himself unless he gets picked in firsts though?
Lets say Gutherson started there till Ionghi proved himself. Then what? We've wasted half a season and need to find Gutherson a new role.
how is waiting for Iongi to develop "wasting time" ?
hell, we could throw a few Flegg players in there too, and save a few years
He has done his time. He isn't 19. Played plenty of NSW CUP.
Gutherson isn't getting any better. He is in decline.
that doesn't necessarily translate in the NRL form immediately though, does it ?
I don't think Guth needs to "get any better" he's good enough, he just needs to get fully fit as he plays broken a lot
I think if he's fully fit he is currently the best option and letting Iongi learn his trade at NRL level is weakening our roster and not playing our strongest team, at least early in the season anyway
I think we are missing a lot by not having a fast fullback that can get on the outside of players when attacking the goal line.
Gutho is still out best fullback currently I would try Iongi on the wing for this season at least and move him to 1 in 2026..
Gutho also started for us on the wing
And he was poor.Gutho also started for us on the wing
And he was poor.
It wasn’t until he was moved closer to the action that he became King Gutho.