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TPH put on about 2 of the best front on tackle and covering tackle I have seen on blokes twice his size running at speed. Absolutely fearless. I thought Jesse Williams was all the rage in the backs but I'm liking this kid more and more, I still think he could make a name for himself at 9.
Completely agree, and he might be behind Hutchinson considering Ackers was benched for him. From what I've seen of Hutchinson, I'm not sold on him either, although he might be playing a year younger than a lot of players (?). The other thing to factor in is the Steelers side of things where Meafou I would say will likely be getting ahead of Ackers. Then up the grades, Hamish Stewart would be ahead of Ackers. Even though Stewart has been playing some edge this year, I still think he'll play a lot of middle. Factor in Weatherall a grade down who they seem to have some wraps on as well. There's a lot of middles there they're going to have to choose from, and from what I've seen, Ackers is not a priority compared to others in my opinion
Different positions, Williams imo is a sure bet, strong, lightning fast (like proper lightning fast), breaks tackles and goes the length.... seems (from limited viewings) to read defence well and communicate... and Wing is a relatively easy spot to bring him in early..I dunno what his fitness is like.. but imo hes someone we bring into cup (granted we need to have room) and see if he can do his thing against men.. if he can.. hes making a 1st grade debut next year at some stage.
I feel you on this one.. hes one of our 6 development kids as we speak.. which is even more important in 2025 cause those 6 spots cannot be wasted.. with all the young talent... the kids who miss out are the kids who are gonna get poached.
That last sentence is an absolute shout justa. He'd make a terrific hooker. Enough speed though not blinding, tough, fit, strong, ball playing ability and great technique
We have to extend that to '27 if we wanna keep em long term.
Same here. With what he showed with those two cut outs for tries I am adding half too. Those that think he is too small for footy take a Bex. Mark Shulman played for us from 1971–78 and he was shorter than TPH at 157cm, Perry Haddock also had a long career, including three years with us, he was also 165cm as was Allan Langer.
Have to give some credit to @AyiosYiorgos he pointed it out which made me look at him in a different way KW. But you put his ticker into Sloan and you would have a totally different player.
I say he does not read the defense all that well, was out of position three times that I noted when the Dogs broke away, luckily he once, then team mates recovered in time and a try was averted. The other time he was saved by a poor pass which he dived on. Coaches need to give top priority to this problem of players leaving their wings too often. I saw even Lomax do it once or twice.
Agree about his fitness as he has not had any long mins to date, but he sure as hell does some damage in his short time on the paddock. You did not mention his pile driving tackling technique.Played 9 last year for his club and school
I suspect they don't have big plans for Hutchinson (there's just so many young forwards that they can't invest in all of them). But he is a good player, and was super important in them winning the comp.
Isn't Ackers only 17? So is Latu as well which is really good as he's definitely one to watch.
