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The Way too Early Team 2026 Thread

Messages
2,911
Just thinking out of left field here

if Sharpe was moved to wing

could Marzew transition to an impact bench forward role similar to Spencer Lenu

he certainly has the leg speed and size for it
Maybe. I could possible see him turn into more of a Sifa Talakai but only if he could handle the defence in the washing machine
 
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Messages
2,911
I really need to focus on this kid next time I watch him play, because I've seen nothing at all to suggest this. Like, nothing nothing. Can someone please explain to me what I am missing about Fletcher Hunt? Is he fast? Strong? Good defense? Is he a good ball player? Tackle breaker? Is there anything that sets him apart from a 100 other outside back prospects across the league, or is it purely just that he dazzled everyone with some good effort under some high balls? I feel like he's been riding the success of like, maybe 3 or 4 good takes under the high ball?

So confused on this one. It's got me stuffed how people are talking about this kid over the likes of even our own other prospects in the outside backs like Votano, etc. The fact that anyone thinks he can replace any part of Gagai's game in the centres at all has me mighty confused.
You need to

The kid is young and raw but he certainly has something. I think he is more a fullback/winger at this stage but with a proper offseason and focus on defencive reads I think he can transition to the centres.

As for comparing him to Votano, Hunt has more yardage and more tackle breaks per game than Connor in NSW Cup and played mostly wing, with one game at halfback surprisingly. Our cup side had zero consistency this year so read into that as you will.

He does get a bit overrated for the tries from kicks but even from his limited time in our 2025 trials he looked more of a 1st grade ready player than Connor was at the time. Hunts defence needs work 100% and he probably needs a little bit more size but as far as 19yo prospects go I think he is ahead of our other young outside backs in the lower grades. Whether he can build from this year, a year where he probably played too many games too early, remains to be seen but I see big potential in the kid
 

mozza91

Coach
Messages
15,918
I must admit my views on Hunt were skewed by his ordinary performances at fullback. He can definitely be a First Grade centre or winger though. Looking forward to seeing what he can do next year with another full preseason under his belt.
 

SamSepi0l

Juniors
Messages
745
People are so funny, we bemoan coaching for shifting players around and now we're doing it in every other thread. Sharpe to 9? Sharpe back to wing? Marzhew who can't tackle on the wing to the forwards?

These damn coaches.

Also Hunt is a terrific prospect and he'll get even better once he knows how to use his size. Yardage carries are too upright. I'd be holding on to him as a priority. Votano we can basically only keep if KP heads off.
 

Knight Tales

Bench
Messages
3,697
Marz as an impact player is a brilliant idea. Give him the ball and let him find the tired players. It is the most basic and yet effective tactic you can have. Simplify his game. No high ball pressure. No sideline to contend with. Just pure power and a handful of tackles. The Sharks bench is lethal for this reason.
 
Messages
2,911
People are so funny, we bemoan coaching for shifting players around and now we're doing it in every other thread. Sharpe to 9? Sharpe back to wing? Marzhew who can't tackle on the wing to the forwards?

These damn coaches.

Also Hunt is a terrific prospect and he'll get even better once he knows how to use his size. Yardage carries are too upright. I'd be holding on to him as a priority. Votano we can basically only keep if KP heads off.
lol whos suggesting Sharpe to 9? Comon man
 

James Rick

Juniors
Messages
114
People are so funny, we bemoan coaching for shifting players around and now we're doing it in every other thread. Sharpe to 9? Sharpe back to wing? Marzhew who can't tackle on the wing to the forwards?

These damn coaches.

Also Hunt is a terrific prospect and he'll get even better once he knows how to use his size. Yardage carries are too upright. I'd be holding on to him as a priority. Votano we can basically only keep if KP heads off.
In an ideal world we'd play Sharpe at number 1 which is his natural position.
 

macavity

Referee
Messages
21,301
I think we see:

1. Pong
6. Brown
7. Sharpe
9. Smith
13. Peen

As our first choice spine.

And if we can keep them together all year we will go well.
 

slotmachine

First Grade
Messages
7,756
Pretty sure the brown/Sharpe halves pairing was put in the bin the moment Holbrook was announced coach. The lunatic no halfback plan was an AOB/Green thing.

I don't think it's any coincidence that Smith was no chance of signing when he was being told he was seen as a hooker, then had a miraculous last minute change of heart. His attack coach at the roosters definitely wouldn't have let anything slip to change his mind.
 

macavity

Referee
Messages
21,301
Pretty sure the brown/Sharpe halves pairing was put in the bin the moment Holbrook was announced coach. The lunatic no halfback plan was an AOB/Green thing.

I don't think it's any coincidence that Smith was no chance of signing when he was being told he was seen as a hooker, then had a miraculous last minute change of heart. His attack coach at the roosters definitely wouldn't have let anything slip to change his mind.

A hooker can run a team as well as a 7 - a bloke named Smith proved that beyond all doubt.
 

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