Walsh to Replace Mullen

[single_newy_chick]

In todays Newcastle Herald, Smith talks about the future of the no.7 Jersey.

It goes on to say that Walsh will push Mullen out of the Halfback position and back to the 5/8th Role.

Any thoughts?

 

[roopy]

In todays Newcastle Herald, Smith talks about the future of the no.7 Jersey.

It goes on to say that Walsh will push Mullen out of the Halfback position and back to the 5/8th Role.

Any thoughts?

Walsh is a born playmaker. Mullen hasn't completely shown it yet, but he is a natural running 5/8.
In the lower grades he was unstoppable when Walsh or Dureau created a bit of room and gave him the ball, but in the seniors he has been two small to really be the force he will be when he is fully physically developed.
I really look forward to seeing the brains of Walsh and the skill of Mullen working together again.
Sack the rest of the backline - we don't need them.

 

[Mitchsu Danger]

So now the Dogs may be out of the running for Walsh?

 

[CJKnight]

That's a big call considering Mullen is the NSW halfback. It could turn into a Broncos-type arrangement where Lockyer wears the #6 but plays alot of first reciever anyway.

 

[macavity]

alot of teams switch their first and second recievers these days, or play one half either side of the ruck (when the ruck is in the middle of the park anyway)

I dont think the dogs are out of the running just yet, but there is a much clearer path to FG for walshy here....

 

[CJKnight]

True... plus Mullen and Lockyer are both left-footers so that may say something too.

 

[Frederick]

True... plus Mullen and Lockyer are both left-footers so that may say something too.

...what exactly does that say? :?

 

[Mitchsu Danger]

can someone find a pic of walsh?

 

[CJKnight]

...what exactly does that say? :?

Well when a team has dual-footers they usually take a separte side of the field with the left footer favoring kicking down his dominant side. I think that is also part of the reason Mullen was picked for SOO, Laurie Daily on FOX mentioned that they liked the variation. So my point being that Mullen will play alot of first reciever even if he is pushed back to 5/8. Because of the fact he and Walsh would probably split the ruck.

This is not alway the case of course. Mullen will probably play alot of second-reciever being that Walsh appears to be a born half. But it would be a big call to shove mullen into the role exclusivly considering he is NSW half/first receiver.

 

[Burwood]

But it would be a big call to shove mullen into the role exclusivly considering he is NSW half/first receiver.

What's best for NSW isn't necessarily best for Newcastle. Smith was far from subtle in today's Herald in his opinions of Walsh and Mullen. He sees Walsh as Newcastle's leading halfback and it looks as though he is going to give him a good opportunity to prove his worth.

Then again, this may just be some ego stroking in a bid to keep Walsh at the club and away from Canterbury.


EDIT: and I'm not sure why, but I had the feeling that Walsh is a lefty? Can anyone confirm his dominant foot?

 

[Frederick]

So my point being that Mullen will play alot of first reciever even if he is pushed back to 5/8. Because of the fact he and Walsh would probably split the ruck.

But what does being left footed have to do with it? And where does Lockyer come into the equation? :?

Even if a team has two right-footed players, they still usually take separate sides of the field.

 

[Jobdog]

EDIT: and I'm not sure why, but I had the feeling that Walsh is a lefty? Can anyone confirm his dominant foot?

I'm pretty sure that his dominant foot is in fact his right foot. The reason being he kicks goals right footed and kicks in general play right footed

 

[roopy]

can someone find a pic of walsh?

not a great pic - i blew it up from the corner of a pic of durea - this is walsh early last season playing flegg.

 

[macavity]

valea - he has a similar build to my little sister.... the only reason he isn't in FG now IMO....

 

[roopy]

yes - those are the skinny legs he has broken twice in two seasons - someone told me he spends an extra 20 hours a week in the gym - doesn't show

 

[roopy]

the brains of johns in the body of luke burt

 

[KniGhTs BaTTLeR]

Alfie was small. Doesn't mean he couldn't handle FG.

 

[Pika]

Walsh in pre season was eating enough for two to gain weight.

The poor guy looked sick he was actually putting that much food in his mouth.

He was aiming for 80kg, he is still short of this goal.

 

[astrogirl]

do u know how heavy he is now Pika?

 

[Mitchsu Danger]

2 broken legs in 2 seasons?

We already have enough injury prone players.

Thanks but no thanks.