Wairangi Koopu

[shiznit]

Just a quick word on Wai's first game for Melbourne...

i thought he played pretty well... very solid... i hope he goes good guns over there... hes a top bloke... sure he wasnt needed at the warriors but its good to see him getting game time and getting some confidence back.

 

[Dr Crane]

yeah, all the best to him.

 

[playdaball]

Best game I've seen him play for a long time. One thing ... he has picked up Melbourne tackling/wrestling techniques.

 

[1999]

he was my MOTM, thought he was exceptional, i dont know why the warriors would prefer luakai or matulino to this bloke, he might be old, but damn he was mighty impressive.

 

[Martli]

He's always been a solid player and a great club man, but he was starting to stagnate somewhat at the warriors. Playing for the storm probably gives him a chance to revitalise his career a bit.

Definitely rather have him than Laukai, but would probably prefer Matulino for the youth factor.

 

[2black2strong]

He made that great break too but the ref blew his whistle for offside before he realised Koopu was away.

 

[LESStar58]

I reckon he's got a point to prove does Big W! Wouldn't you if you were named one of the 10 worst buys of the season.

He was solid as last night. Proctor as well!

 

[shiznit]

he was my MOTM, thought he was exceptional, i dont know why the warriors would prefer luakai or matulino to this bloke, he might be old, but damn he was mighty impressive.

i didnt think he was that old mate 27-28... i think he just needed a change of scenery. i dont begrudge the warriors letting him go... i think after that long shoulder injury he really struggled to get back into the swing of things.

like i said.. hes a great bloke... and i hope he kicks on and maybe even gets himself a kiwis jumper down the line...

 

[KeepingTheFaith]

Wai will give the team some real leadership. He'll also offer something different in the Storm pack which isn't packed with ball players.

 

[Micistm]

Yeah, change as good as a rest, I reckon it'll do him the world of good. If he's in the lineup when we meet the storm he'll have a killer game, that's for sure!

 

[mean]

Wai had the goods and showed promise from the age of 17. Unfortunately, when he focused more on his hair style (as per Toopi), began squeezing into tight t shirts and began appearing on tv on a regular basis, it could all be said that obviously he lost focus on what was his priority. Without two of those distractions and the reality that he may have to find a 9 to 5 job in a jobless market, I'm sure he'll refind his mojo.

 

[Glen from the Mount]

Wai played out of his skin. Great to see him going so well and I wish him all the best for the year ahead with the Storm.

 

[shiznit]

Wai had the goods and showed promise from the age of 17. Unfortunately, when he focused more on his hair style (as per Toopi), began squeezing into tight t shirts and began appearing on tv on a regular basis, it could all be said that obviously he lost focus on what was his priority. Without two of those distractions and the reality that he may have to find a 9 to 5 job in a jobless market, I'm sure he'll refind his mojo.

to be fair... i remember his early hairstyle... it was atrocious.

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

i didnt think he was that old mate 27-28... i think he just needed a change of scenery. i dont begrudge the warriors letting him go... i think after that long shoulder injury he really struggled to get back into the swing of things.

like i said.. hes a great bloke... and i hope he kicks on and maybe even gets himself a kiwis jumper down the line...

He's 29

tbh I reckon he's one of those players who just doesn't really have a position. I never thought he was really robust enough to play the workhorse second-rower role he was supposed to- he'd make 25 tackles and 50 metres gained, while someone like Michael Luck will make 40 tackles and 80 metres.

He has great speed and agility and usually went ok at centre, but he wasn't really a natural there either.

He'll probably go ok off the bench playing limited minutes and looking to range wide and use his pace.

 

[Meth]

Much prefer Koopu to Lauaki- Lauaki is a total disappointment and I am glad we got rid of him.

Matulino is a huge talent

I hope Wai goes really well in Melbourne

 

[Meth]

PS- how deft was Koopu's little nudge to take Hornby out when a try was looking on?