The \"others\"

[B_Tiger]

On the wests tigers site they have listed in the news section the wests tigers side along with new signings; they also have a list of others which I think will be junior additions to the squad (yeah, I know, I'm a f**king genius).

Others:

Ben Roberts (Five Eight)
Simon Greally(Fullback)
Brock Hunter (Prop)
Michael Harper (Front Row)
Andy Hamson (Lock)
Bronson Harrison (Centre)
Isaac De Gois (Hooker).
Ewen Cameron (Prop)
Franko Kmet (Back Row, Centre)


I'm dissapointed Jamie Small isn't in that group. I think it is a clear signal that he ain't got no hope of a first grade appearance. I think his chances of success in first grade aren't that high (because of his size), but he has shown enough in first division to warrant first grade selection and I think he should be in the wests tigers squad.

Apart from that, there is a lot of young talent in that list. Surely some of them will become good first graders?

Of the group, I'd say bronson will crack first grade first. I know absolutely nothing about wests players but I'm still confident in that tip, give him an offseason of first grade training and he'll be ready.

What do the rest of you think?

 

[brook]

The fact that Jaime isn't there doesn't worry me - the players listed are exclusively flegg or ball players - clearly the youngsters earmarked for eventual inclusion in the wests tigers squad. Some fantastic talent on that list - out of the Balmain boys Bronson and Mick Harper will hit first grade first as they are the ones that handled the step-up from flegg to first division best...greally I thinks struggled at times although I still see him as a fantastic talent.

Ewen Cameron should be very proud of his inclusion because as far as I can see he's the only sg ball player on that list...probably with good reason, he may be only 16 but he's bigger than just about any of the others apart from mick harper (and he's got more bulk than mick)...he also looks like turning into a very handy prop if he can learn to keep a handle on his agression (not tooo much of a handle mind you - i'm sick of having the politest front row in the comp!)

Jaime is 22 I think and next year will be his make or break year - I think he has as much chance as anyone of forcing his way into the side however he will start on a balmain contract

As far as his chances go I agree with you - his size will probably hold him back but if anyone deserves a chance its Jaime - He's been an absolute rock for Balmain and reminds me more and more of Shane Walker every time I see him play (Shane was also too small for a first grade prop really but played well above his weight)

 

[B_Tiger]

it's the tape around the ears. I think skando could use a bit of it. I swear it improves players by at least 50%. we all know sirro wouldn't have been the player he was without the tape. Well done to the tape!

As for small, I think he would have been given a shot last year if he was going to be considered. I really doubt he'll get a shot

 

[brook]

he was injured at some pretty crucial times last year though...

 

[Bald Tiger]

Does anybody have the list of contracted Balmain players? Has it been finalised? Is Jamie Small staying with Balmain?

B_Tiger: have you thought of wearing tape to the games?

Of the list Bronson Harrison is the best bet to make the step up.

Have said it before (sorry Brook) but I would be really concerned about Simon Greally - he looks too slight to me to make it in first grade.

 

[Mighty Tiger]

Out of that list I think the one that surprises me the most would be Kmet.

I agree with you Bald, Greally really hans't impressed since coming into first division but in saying that he has always been many grades above his age group in regards to abillity and talent. I have said this alot and but I don't think his future really is at fullback.

The one I'm worried about is Nowland, he looked great this season and actually when given his chance he did out play most of the backs.

On Small he should get ago, I think his biggest problem will be his injuries though and I think this is what the Wests Tigers are worried about with him. I really hope next season that Hawkins and Small are working beside each other because together they really did compliment each other well.

Harper will be a great player in many years to come. I remember the first time I saw him and said to brook he should play out wide because of his size but he really did prove me wrong as the season came to a close. He will be one of the biggest front rowers to go around in years to come very simular to Simpson/Parsons.

 

[brook]

I'm not worried about Simons size - he's still got time to bulk up and he wouldn't be the smallest fullback in the game even now - he has generally been solid defensively and reads the play well from the back.

He did struggle in first division but that was the class difference showing and I think he'll adapt well given time.

Kmet is an eachway bet at the moment - he's capable of being fantastic and he's also awful at times - he will play out next year in flegg if bronson plays first division as I expect that could make things a lot easier on franco...he plays his best footy at lock...bronson forced him into the centres last year and he looked a little lost at times. Ideally I'd like to see them trial him at 5/8th

 

[westie]

Most of those guys are currently training with the First Grade squad so Sheens will be able to get a good idea of how they go.