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Season 2025 Changes I'd like to see.

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2,915
Yes, but I guess I’d wonder whether it’s possible to play 6 with Johnson and show much?
Metcalf never overcalls SJ. I guess that's intentional from the coach or Luke showing his respect to SJ. What we need to see is Luke to come out of his shell and be a little ballsy over call SJ. CHT has no issues doing that. TMM and Metcalf need to work on that.
 

Beavers Headgear

First Grade
Messages
9,866
Metcalfe came through as a highly rated junior 7, I remember that from the fanfare when Manly signed him. A couple of seasons later Hasler had him playing fullback before he got released. Time at the sharks I seem to recall being a 6 or utility off the bench. He must be 25-26 now so just think maybe it’s a stretch for him to be an NRL 7 where he has barely played any of it for 6-7 years
 
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2,915
Metcalfe came through as a highly rated junior 7, I remember that from the fanfare when Manly signed him. A couple of seasons later Hasler had him playing fullback before he got released. Time at the sharks I seem to recall being a 6 or utility off the bench. He must be 25-26 now so just think maybe it’s a stretch for him to be an NRL 7 where he has barely played any of it for 6-7 years
SJ didn't develop a complete halfback game until much later in his career. Metcalf still has the potential to be a number 7. CHT has a strong long kick, TMM excels in passing, and the juniors are still a bit inexperienced. Metcalf should be given a chance to prove himself, as injuries and SJ have hindered his development in that role.

Another good signing is the best option.

This is, of course, null and void if SJ continues to play in 2025.
 

Matua

Bench
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4,931
Luke said he signed with the Warriors to play halfback, biding his time until SJ moves on. I wouldn't mind if SJ continues to mentor him post-retirement. Jett is still far from ready, so I don't see a better option than Metcalf. Where's Volkman at? He could be a useful option to explore.
I was wondering what you saw in his game to suggest you'd be happy to select him at 7 - based on his play. Not where he wants to play. :)

I assume Volkman's rehabing still?
 
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2,915
I was wondering what you saw in his game to suggest you'd be happy to select him at 7 - based on his play. Not where he wants to play. :)

I assume Volkman's rehabing still?
Luke hasn't had the game time to showcase what he has to offer at 7 or any position to be fair.

What I do see with the very limited minutes of Luke reminds me of a young SJ without the killer step. His acceleration is still there despite his injuries. We could develop him into a solid half. If not then we have too many options at 6.
 

ozenzud

Juniors
Messages
693
How much was SJ on? What about Jazz? Also losing Walker, who in my view was really good last year. Still solid this year. We have got some money in the kitty to spend it? Who can we draw in?

We are also losing AFB bu getting JFH, but we need some additional "x" factor players, particularly in the backs, centres. RTS ain't there. CNK was great last year, average at best this year.

Tuapiki, is he first grade? We need pace. We aint got it
 
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2,915
How much was SJ on? What about Jazz? Also losing Walker, who in my view was really good last year. Still solid this year. We have got some money in the kitty to spend it? Who can we draw in?

We are also losing AFB bu getting JFH, but we need some additional "x" factor players, particularly in the backs, centres. RTS ain't there. CNK was great last year, average at best this year.

Tuapiki, is he first grade? We need pace. We aint got it
Walker has come out and denied those rumours. He's staying.
 
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700
No slight on Barnett but I think we can all agree that, amongst various other issues, there's been a lack of resilience in the team this year. Compounded by a shocking injury run of course, but I think a fresh voice from a proven winner and leader would go a long way to improving that.

So with that in mind I'd prefer Fish was made skip, and preferably from the first day of preseason so he can set the tone early.

The positional decisions can be worked out over the preseason; there's so many unknowns especially amongst the half options anyway. But I think first and foremost its about setting new foundations and standards, and Fish is that guy IMO.
 
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2,915
No slight on Barnett but I think we can all agree that, amongst various other issues, there's been a lack of resilience in the team this year. Compounded by a shocking injury run of course, but I think a fresh voice from a proven winner and leader would go a long way to improving that.

So with that in mind I'd prefer Fish was made skip, and preferably from the first day of preseason so he can set the tone early.

The positional decisions can be worked out over the preseason; there's so many unknowns especially amongst the half options anyway. But I think first and foremost its about setting new foundations and standards, and Fish is that guy IMO.
I love this idea! I was thinking about Fish being the captain, allowing Mitch and Tohu to focus on their roles. From what I've heard from Penrith fans, Fish has a remarkable ability to elevate the performance of those around him. That's an automatic yes from me
 
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2,915
I don't care who players where, as long as we're successful.

The only change I am desperate to see from this year, is see us at the top of the table, and a good run in the GF
You're absolutely right. It shouldn't matter where or who plays; we should be on the same page with our systems. I just don't see us clicking with our system yet. Penrith took a couple of years to master theirs once Ivan returned. I hope we just need to be patient with Webby's system and allow our players time to gel.
 

Penrose Warrior

First Grade
Messages
9,346
Tuapiki, is he first grade? We need pace. We aint got it
I really feel this way, too. We're so slow. At our pace, you have to be so smart, and have your systems + set plays so well versed for it to work...and that isn't the case. I see the Titans playing an incredible style with genuine pace with Campbell and Kini (plus their outside backs have pace and power, too) and I get jealous
 

JJ

Immortal
Messages
32,311
You're absolutely right. It shouldn't matter where or who plays; we should be on the same page with our systems. I just don't see us clicking with our system yet. Penrith took a couple of years to master theirs once Ivan returned. I hope we just need to be patient with Webby's system and allow our players time to gel.
Of course it matters who plays, talent is important and Penrith have it everywhere and have developed it brilliantly .

we need talent or development (which takes time) in halves and centres most obviously. Just seen stories that Moses wants out of Eels and Roosters (of course) are after him…. I know not everyone is a fan, but we should kick the tyres I reckon
 

JJ

Immortal
Messages
32,311
I really feel this way, too. We're so slow. At our pace, you have to be so smart, and have your systems + set plays so well versed for it to work...and that isn't the case. I see the Titans playing an incredible style with genuine pace with Campbell and Kini (plus their outside backs have pace and power, too) and I get jealous
Yep, pack is mostly doing it’s job… but backline offering little in terms of creativity, strike or pace… TMM has done better than SJ but I’m not sure he’s the answer, and RTS offers more at back despite his drop in pace
 
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