Wade done for 2021 but not forever

[ghoti]

What a credit to our development (and luck with Talakai, Hunt and BHU from minimum and train and trial deals really) to have so much depth in the pigs that this doesn't even feel concerning for our season! Bummed to miss Graham again, but so good that we genuinely have two or three guys kicking the door down to replace him and more still fighting for a bench spot.

 

[shaggs]

I reckon Wilton starts on the left.

Colqhoun might have earnt himself a bench spot. Unlikely in first month, but wouldn’t be out of place in the middle. Might need some time against men in Reggie’s

 

[Special K]

For the first 2 weeks I would be thinking

8. BHU
9. Brailey
10. Toby
11. Nikora
12. Talakai
13. Finucane
14. Tracey/Iku/Metcalf until Trindall returns
15. Fifita
16. Wilton
17. Hunt
18th Tolman
19th Berrell

I thought Wilton would jump ahead of Talakai in pre season but I am not sure that happened. I'm not in the camp so maybe it has but I thought Sifa in that first trial was a beast. Has an older head and I can see him getting the nod giving the halves two battering rams on both edges. You can shit on Tolman and Fifita in 2022 but having two blokes with 200 plus games experience fighting for a bench spot is handy and also both guys are valuable squad members who can help the young forwards.

Out - McInnes (2 games), Pele(1 game), Trindall(2 games), Graham(say 6 games), Williams(NFI can anyone answer this?). Handy depth but we can't go much deeper in the pack without some fresh blood. However if we get our pack fit some guys like Hunt, Fifita, Wilton/Talakai etc will miss out.

 

[coolumsharkie]

For the first 2 weeks I would be thinking

8. BHU
9. Brailey
10. Toby
11. Nikora
12. Talakai
13. Finucane
14. Tracey/Iku/Metcalf until Trindall returns
15. Fifita
16. Wilton
17. Hunt
18th Tolman
19th Berrell

I thought Wilton would jump ahead of Talakai in pre season but I am not sure that happened. I'm not in the camp so maybe it has but I thought Sifa in that first trial was a beast. Has an older head and I can see him getting the nod giving the halves two battering rams on both edges. You can shit on Tolman and Fifita in 2022 but having two blokes with 200 plus games experience fighting for a bench spot is handy and also both guys are valuable squad members who can help the young forwards.

Out - McInnes (2 games), Pele(1 game), Trindall(2 games), Graham(say 6 games), Williams(NFI can anyone answer this?). Handy depth but we can't go much deeper in the pack without some fresh blood. However if we get our pack fit some guys like Hunt, Fifita, Wilton/Talakai etc will miss out.

2 games

 

[chewsta]

I forgot we had Tolman as well. Where was he in the trials?

 

[R-15-3]

Won’t be worried if we name Hazelton or even Colquhoune till we get troops back. They both looked more than capable of holding their own for a stint.

 

[2012....Sharks Year]

I think the injuries to McInnes...Wade...and Williams saved Fitz from having to make a couple of difficult calls for round 1. An embarrassment of riches in the pigs tbh. Nice problem to have

 

[Special K]

I forgot we had Tolman as well. Where was he in the trials?

No idea if he is hurt but he was walking around at the trial fine.

2 games

Beauty

Won’t be worried if we name Hazelton or even Colquhoune till we get troops back. They both looked more than capable of holding their own for a stint.

100% agree. But great they are at the back of the line and not the start when it comes to depth for the season to start.

 

[Eion]

I hate to say it, but I don’t think we miss Wade and may be a blessing he’s out.

The last couple years his defence has gone to shit, his kick has disappeared and doesn’t offer as much running.

To be honest, the last great game I remember was when he came back from injury and played lights out for NSW in what…2019?

I’ll be over the moon if he proves me wrong, but I think I’m gonna put Wade in the feef bucket: Love ya, thanks for the comp. happy you’re on good coin in your final year and all the best for the future.

 

[Inferno]

I'd prefer to see Talakai taking that spot.

I think he's played centre on the left if memory serves?

Tracey and Ronnie could do some damage on the left with Sifa sucking in defenders as well as getting over the advantage line.

 

[Eion]

I'd prefer to see Talakai taking that spot.

I think he's played centre on the left if memory serves?

Tracey and Ronnie could do some damage on the left with Sifa sucking in defenders as well as getting over the advantage line.

Sika has the talent but I worry he has a bit of the TPJ dope about him.

 

[Tiger Shark]

Think I prefer Talakai as a middle or not a full time edge player. So might see Wilton on the bench and Talakai goes to middle when Wilton comes on ?

 

[shadowboxer]

The love for Talakai is warranted but he is a loose unit and better as an impact machine - then again, he may have tapered his ways under the new coach. Can’t wait to see what the year brings for all and sundry

 

[coolumsharkie]

I hate to say it, but I don’t think we miss Wade and may be a blessing he’s out.

The last couple years his defence has gone to shit, his kick has disappeared and doesn’t offer as much running.

To be honest, the last great game I remember was when he came back from injury and played lights out for NSW in what…2019?

I’ll be over the moon if he proves me wrong, but I think I’m gonna put Wade in the feef bucket: Love ya, thanks for the comp. happy you’re on good coin in your final year and all the best for the future.

I want(ed) to see how he goes after training in the Fitz system all off season. Although I agree with with you about his recent form, the guy is a legend, with tons of ability and experience and he's only 31 so plenty left in the tank. Never write him off and he is the captain, so we need him to be there at his best, no doubt.

 

[Chimp]

I want(ed) to see how he goes after training in the Fitz system all off season. Although I agree with with you about his recent form, the guy is a legend, with tons of ability and experience and he's only 31 so plenty left in the tank. Never write him off and he is the captain, so we need him to be there at his best, no doubt.

Wade was at his best shooting out of the line and belting blokes in defence and being a tough runner, but still light enough on his feet to create space and be a ball playing back rower.
My worry is that when Wade was last at his best, the game was very different - his defensive technique back then would be penalised now, hence he has to go low and knocks himself out - he’s also much less efficient defensively as a result of not being able to physically dominate blokes. He used to shoot of the line and murder half backs and his opposite number. And in attack, he’s lost a yard or 2 of pace it appears, whilst the game has got quicker….

I hope I’m wrong, I hope he comes back good, but I do worry he’s cooked at this level.

 

[ghoti]

Wade was at his best shooting out of the line and belting blokes in defence and being a tough runner, but still light enough on his feet to create space and be a ball playing back rower.
My worry is that when Wade was last at his best, the game was very different - his defensive technique back then would be penalised now, hence he has to go low and knocks himself out - he’s also much less efficient defensively as a result of not being able to physically dominate blokes. He used to shoot of the line and murder half backs and his opposite number. And in attack, he’s lost a yard or 2 of pace it appears, whilst the game has got quicker….

I hope I’m wrong, I hope he comes back good, but I do worry he’s cooked at this level.

Good point on this one.. his tendency to shoot out and intimidate, even his charging runs were what turned him into an Origin forward around 2015.. he just didn't want to evolve last year though.. your point about his (terrible!) technique going low the last couple of years has something to do with that..

I guess he just needs to find a style of play that suits his body and history now.. maybe he's gotta be a bit more of a plodder and just focus on being reliable, ball playing and taking his hit ups at 90% intensity and relax about giving up a metre or two for self-preservation.

But yeah I agree.. this feels like his last year. I don't feel like his 'fitter than ever' pre-season rhetoric is really that convincing.. hope he can play the bulk of the season and see us week two or three of the finals and feel satisfied with a handover to the next captain

 

[Weaponhead]

Wilton has the motor to start and play big minutes to cover Wade. Defensively he is sound and he puts his hand for tough runs. Talakai is a high impact, lower minute player. The longer he plays the looser he gets. Talakai is a great option as an impact player for a shorter stint. He is a running threat close to the line and can put on a shot.

 

[bluefox68]

Wilton has the motor to start and play big minutes to cover Wade. Defensively he is sound and he puts his hand for tough runs. Talakai is a high impact, lower minute player. The longer he plays the looser he gets. Talakai is a great option as an impact player for a shorter stint. He is a running threat close to the line and can put on a shot.

This…

 

[Ads]

Wade is a 13 in todays game. A ball playing link man. Simpler defensive technique as well.

 

[DJDL]

Wilton has the motor to start and play big minutes to cover Wade. Defensively he is sound and he puts his hand for tough runs. Talakai is a high impact, lower minute player. The longer he plays the looser he gets. Talakai is a great option as an impact player for a shorter stint. He is a running threat close to the line and can put on a shot.

I’m inclined to agree with you there, weaponhead.

Fitz is a defence-oriented coach and, to me, Wilton fits that profile more than Sifa,

I reckon Teig gets the nod.