Tigers in '09

[Magpies Forever]

I think we will do the same as the last few years- not bad, not good- just average and certainly not good enough to get in to the final 8.

Our main deficincies, so often exposed, are a lack of an organising and leading halfback, a fragile 5/8 and props to lead the forward pack. Our backline is OK, the back rowers are a good solid bunch and of course Farah will continue to provide sterling service at hooker.

Our defense as a whole needs to improve 100% and the attacking spark and variety we once had needs to be revitalised before we can look at top 8. I dont see that in the squad as it stands. I hope I'm wrong but I just cant get enthused about 09 as I suspect it will be he same old, same old, with Teflon Tim in charge and the same old failed tactics. The game has changed since WT won in 05- WT have not.

 

[rlo]

Benji played well in the RLWC because he had a monster forward pack (in size and skill) and a halfback in Fien that gave him the space and time to do his magic. Tigers atm look like they have neither. The "small but agile" forward pack theory is well and truly debunked.

 

[macnaz]

Benji played well in the RLWC because he had a monster forward pack (in size and skill) and a halfback in Fien that gave him the space and time to do his magic. Tigers atm look like they have neither. The "small but agile" forward pack theory is well and truly debunked.

I'd hardly call Dane Laurie and Keith Galloway small mate i think our forward pack is looking great this year, its the halves that will still be our biggest issue.


Also on a differant note i think Gallant should be given a chance as our starting fullback, i can not for a second see anything that Moltzen can offer that position. Gallant has speed to burn and Balls Of Steel, thats what i want in a fullback.
In the forwards i think Tandy needs to be given more game time as well, he never stops and would be a good asset when other forwards are getting tired. I think he is a bit like Skando! nothing to fancy but u can count on him being there for 80 mins if needed.

 

[fulleightyminutes]

I'd hardly call Dane Laurie and Keith Galloway small mate i think our forward pack is looking great this year, its the halves that will still be our biggest issue.


Also on a differant note i think Gallant should be given a chance as our starting fullback, i can not for a second see anything that Moltzen can offer that position. Gallant has speed to burn and Balls Of Steel, thats what i want in a fullback.
In the forwards i think Tandy needs to be given more game time as well, he never stops and would be a good asset when other forwards are getting tired. I think he is a bit like Skando! nothing to fancy but u can count on him being there for 80 mins if needed.

I'd be happy with Gallant at the back from what I saw last year, but I think Tandy is off to the Sea Eagles, at least that was the rumour anyway. I think the new prop will be the kids from the 20s - Davidson.

 

[super_coach]

2009 will be like every other year, start off okay than bomb out middle of the second round. The reason are simple

1/ we start off oaky when the big robust sides are struggling with match fitness

2/ Injuries set in as the continue pounding takes it toll

3/the tigers run out of steam and players as the season rolls on

4/ by mid year we are shot--happens every year except one and will happen again in 2009

 

[N.C.]

That's a fair assessment supercoach...

 

[Magpies Forever]

I hope there is no sudden rush to re-sign players and coaches until their performance and reliability is shown on field in 09- inc Marshall.

The only exception would be for Farah - even that has a caveat if his back continues to give problems. We need key players on field- look at the problems Roosters have had with Minichello......... Surely we have learned with Marshall???

 

[Daza_06]

1. Shannon McDonnell
2. Taniela Tuiaki
3. Dean Collis
4. Danny Galea
5. Chris Lawrence
6. Benji Marshall
7. Josh Lewis
8. Bryce Gibbs
9. Robbie Farah
10. Todd Payten
11. Chris Heighington
12. Gareth Ellis
13. Dene Halatua

14. John Morris
15. Keith Galloway
16. Corey Payne
17. Liam Fulton

I think McDonnell should start the season at fullback as he has some experience in first grade where the other canidates dont, on his last chance. Lewis does anyone else think much of him? Ryan unlucky to miss out on the wing could some in though with Lawrence moved to the centers and Galea moved elsewhere. Tuiaki needs to show early if he is a winger or a foward

 

[maelgwnau]

is payten even playing for us next year? i thought he was going to one of the new teams in the ESL

 

[Bobby Meldrum]

is payten even playing for us next year? i thought he was going to one of the new teams in the ESL

That was Ryan O'Hara who has gone to Celtic

 

[joel caine number 1 fan]

1. Shannon McDonnell
2. Taniela Tuiaki
3. Dean Collis
4. Danny Galea
5. Chris Lawrence
6. Benji Marshall
7. Josh Lewis
8. Bryce Gibbs
9. Robbie Farah
10. Todd Payten
11. Chris Heighington
12. Gareth Ellis
13. Dene Halatua

14. John Morris
15. Keith Galloway
16. Corey Payne
17. Liam Fulton

I think McDonnell should start the season at fullback as he has some experience in first grade where the other canidates dont, on his last chance. Lewis does anyone else think much of him? Ryan unlucky to miss out on the wing could some in though with Lawrence moved to the centers and Galea moved elsewhere. Tuiaki needs to show early if he is a winger or a foward

if thats our side for next year we will get the spoon ,i was hopeing for something more like this

1.Shannon Gallant or Blake Lazarus
2.Penni Tagive (dont remember him letting in many tries)
3.Tim Moltzen (played well there for a couple of games last year)
4.Dean Collis or Beau Ryan
5.Chris Lawrence
6.Benji Marshall
7.Wade Dunley (the best half in the club has great vision)
8.Keith Galloway
9.Rob Farah
10.Todd Payton
11.Chris Heighnington
12.Garth Ellis
13.Dene Halatau or Liam Fulton

14.Morris or Fulton
15.Bryce Gibbs
16.Dane Laurie
17.Taniela Tuiaki

i think next year there will be a few key players for our future unleashed as well they include
1.Matt Davidson - might not appear first half of the season but he will still have a big future at the club
2.Simon Dwyer - a line breaking 2nd rower who looked above hes class in attack at only 18
3.Damon Harth - type of player to get the team going forward potentional superstar
4.Matt Hyland - another player who is ready for f/g imo, tackeling machine
5.Robert Lui - just from the few games i saw from him last year ,you could see he was all class
6.Coedi Towney - scored some of the best individual tries of the year ,if our wingers dont perform will play f/g next year for sure
7.Aaron Woods - there must have been a reason the kid was signed up long term
8.Wade Dunley - the answer to all our problems at half???
9.Blake Lazarus - apparently looked ok at fullback last year but he should probley start the year in reserves ,if benji leaves i think he will move to 5/8
10.Brett Lane - everytime i see him hes always setting up tries or scoring them,good defense too

 

[westie]

2 years ago, had I suggested that we promote a whole bunch of dudes from our lower-table jersey flegg side, you all would have lambasted me right?

Now we want props from the same age level to lead the charge against blokes like Civoniceva and expect to win football matches?

 

[watatank]

2 years ago, had I suggested that we promote a whole bunch of dudes from our lower-table jersey flegg side, you all would have lambasted me right?

Now we want props from the same age level to lead the charge against blokes like Civoniceva and expect to win football matches?

Flegg wasn't on TV before

 

[Front-Rower]

Flegg wasn't on TV before

And that means? Just because guys carve up opposition of their own age and mostly of their ability doesn't mean they will carve up in first grade against hardened men who have been playing first grade for 6 - 7 years.

 

[innsaneink]

And that means? Just because guys carve up opposition of their own age and mostly of their ability doesn't mean they will carve up in first grade against hardened men who have been playing first grade for 6 - 7 years.

Im sure he realises that....I think he means he thinks people are seeing Toyota cup/old JF as the rung below NRL as its highlited on television now, and State cup/PL/reserves has been pushed out the back and forgotten by most.
Its a good point, and as westie says, its ludicrous...but that is in fact what people are saying, because its all theyre seeing, hearing, reading about....other than NRL

 

[westie]

Yay, not surrounded by numb skulls for once!