*Sigh*
(1) On the comment that "We need a halfback but we signed Riddell":
We need forwards to lay a solid foundation from which halfbacks and 5/8's can work. I can gurantee that with soft-useless forwards Orford, Joey and Gower would struggle to look half as good.
Riddell is a game-breaker; he regularly makes line breaks or supports them; hits hard in defence; and has an infectious attitude. He can MOST DEFINITELY help our go-forward.
(2) On the "Let's blow half a mill on Matty O so we can have a decent shot at winning the comp next year":
Wouldn't you rather win the competiton next year AND be competitive from then on?
Because signing Orford to a one year deal would make us a real threat in 2005, and then in 2006+ we'd be screwed.
Long-term is the only way, baby.
(3) On the "Our halves suck" comment"
(i) Dykes has been erratic, but that is mainly due to the fact that his bone-headed teammatess stand around him looking stupified while he tries hard to find gaps and angles. He is a great attacking half, with a great kicking game and passing game and a smart head.
(ii) Thorman has all the skills, but can't YET take the NRL pressure and is a tad too selfish for my likes. He always seems to kick it for himself. However, when your teammates stand around like stunned mullets that isn't entirely your fault.
(iii) Smith is unproven in First Grade, and has only recently made the transition into Premier League. Give him time - if he's as good as some of you say, he'll be worth the wait.
(iv) Witt has all the skills. Passing, kicking, running. He hasn't looked great this year. That is mainly due to the lack of serious go-forward and personal form.
He WILL find his best form again. You just need to be patient. He hasn't even played 50 games for crying out loud!
