Wests Tigers Season Review

[Leaguelegend20]

Coach: Tim Sheens - 2/10 - Mediocrity again, failure to play players in correct positions, ect ect.

Blake Ayshford - 7/10 - Great debut season, weak early on, but later showed his true potential.

Dean Collis - 3/10 - Though not his best season, due to injury, but he could be quite the loss if he finds his form.

Simon Dwyer - 4/10 - Looks like a real propspect.

Gareth Ellis - 8.5/10 - Arguably our best all year, great in defence and added some grunt to our weak pack.

Robbie Farah - 9/10 - Week in, week out, played like a champion. Lead our squad around the park so well for a rookie captain.

Danny Galea - 5/10 - Played well in defence, week in attack, a poor mans Ellis, but still, good season.

Shannon Gallant - 7/10 - Played superbly, if he started from round 1, i'm sure he gets a 10.

Keith Galloway - 8/10 - Our second best forward all year, rock by injury but played so well, at times look disinterested, particulkarly after his injury.

Bryce Gibbs - 4.5/10 - Not his best season, ill disciplined, but had a dig.

Dene Halatau - 5/10 - Again not his best season, was affected by injury towards the back end, but was still weak and lacked interest at some points.

Rhys Hanbury - 6/10 - Played well in the chances he got, should have been in at #1 when Gallant was injured.

Chris Heighington - 6/10 - A step down from last years form, ran into the ruck way to much. Needs to step up.

Chris Lawrence - 8/10 - Played well, defended well, attacked well, great in general. Injury was a problem.

Daine Laurie - 3/10 - sh*thouse season, low impact, couldn't defend, ill disciplined, really needs to improve to even get in the top 25 next year.

Benji Marshall - 7.5/10 - Fantastic when moved to Five Eighth, not his fault he was moved to a position he dosn't suit. Good season, but not great.

Tim Moltzen - 7/10 - Good season, isn't a fullbacks ass hole, but he is our long turn half back, and he's a pretty damn good one.

John Morris - 5.5/10 - Found his feet in his last game, shame he's been walking on his knees last 3 seasons. Okay season.

Corey Payne - 5/10 - Was okay. Nothing special. I spose he was good for our reputation, not on field so much, though.

Todd Payten - 6/10 - Average. Provided experience and a cool head.

Beau Ryan - 6.5/10 - Actually...a reasonable season. He sucked at first, sorta then went alrightish. Found the line a few times, I'd give him his starting spot on the flanks if Tupou is unfrit.

John Skandalis - 7/10 - Great season, coming in late. Experience, meat eater, and a cool head. He can be our Steve Price...Sorta.

Taniela Tuiaki - 9/10 - The greatest outside back in the comp this year. He is a beast, ran over everyone, smashed EVERYONE. Shame he got injured.

All in all, okay season. MEDIOCRE. Which we are all tired of, Sheens better go att the end of next year.

 

[Leaguelegend20]

How do you get the signature bigger?

 

[Avenger]

As an unbiased observer I rate Benji's season equal to his 2005 one. In my view the best 5/8th in the game.

 

[Magpies Forever]

As an unbiased observer I rate Benji's season equal to his 2005 one. In my view the best 5/8th in the game.

A great 5/8, however WT season came unstuck at the very beginning and stayed that way until too late because of Sheens indulgence of his whim on making a great 5/8 into a great 1/2- it didnt work. At very best, on a good day Benji is, at best, only an average 1/2.

 

[Marshall_magic]

Coach: Tim Sheens - 5/10
Blake Ayshford - 7/10
Dean Collis - 3/10
Simon Dwyer - 5/10
Gareth Ellis - 9/10
Robbie Farah - 9/10
Danny Galea - 7/10
Shannon Gallant - 7/10
Keith Galloway - 8.5/10
Bryce Gibbs - 7/10
Dene Halatau - 3/10
Rhys Hanbury - 6.5/10
Chris Heighington - 7.5/10
Chris Lawrence - 8/10
Daine Laurie - 2/10
Benji Marshall - 9.5/10
Tim Moltzen - 8.5/10
John Morris - 6/10
Corey Payne - 5/10
Todd Payten - 6/10
Beau Ryan - 6/10
John Skandalis - 7.5/10
Peni Tagive - 7/10
Taniela Tuiaki - 8.5/10

based on how much they did in the chances they got.

 

[mepelthwack]

TC - liked your scores, don't agree with them all, lets see how close I get without referring back.

Oh and you should average these out (the serious scores) later on :-


Coach: Tim Sheens - 2/10
Blake Ayshford - 7/10
Dean Collis - 3/10
Simon Dwyer - 5.5/10
Gareth Ellis - 9/10
Robbie Farah - 8/10
Danny Galea - 6/10
Shannon Gallant - 6.5/10
Keith Galloway - 8/10
Bryce Gibbs - 4/10
Dene Halatau - 2/10
Rhys Hanbury - 6/10
Chris Heighington - 5.5/10
Chris Lawrence - 7/10
Daine Laurie - 2/10
Benji Marshall - 8/10
Tim Moltzen - 8.5/10
John Morris - 7/10
Corey Payne - 5.5/10
Todd Payten - 6/10
Beau Ryan - 7/10
John Skandalis - 7.5/10
Peni Tagive - 4/10
Taniela Tuiaki - 9.5/10

 

[Tiger Hawk]

Blake Ayshford - 6/10 - isn't a winger or a particularly strong attacking centre but is solid defensively and will hopefully continue to improve.

Dean Collis - 3/10 - flashes of the old Collis at times, but all too rare. Seemed disinterested and unwilling to be more involved. Might turn it around at the Sharks but might slip further into obscurity.

Simon Dwyer - Incomplete - not enough game time to judge. Seemed enthusiastic in defence but needs to bulk up.

Gareth Ellis - 8/10 - one of the shining lights on the season. Still has a few errors in defence but isn't alone there in our team. Always willing runner of the ball.

Robbie Farah - 7.5/10 - really quiet back-end of the season, still the most creative hooker in the comp but needs to work on certain areas of his game (more consistent kicking game, more dominant defensively).

Danny Galea - 6/10 - a solid first grader at best. Excellent defender but still doesn't dent the line when running the ball.

Shannon Gallant - 7/10 - should have played from week 1, good support play, capable last line of defence and good positioning at the back, in other words what being a first grade fullback is all about.

Keith Galloway - 8/10 - injury cost him a blues jersey. If he was dominated in a tackle, I must not have seen it. Always seemed to carry two or three defenders with him and really bent the line. Major improvement in defence on previous seasons but needs to continue working on fitness.

Bryce Gibbs - 6.5/10 - despite the nay-sayers (myself included), genuine improvement in Gibbs' game this year. Needs to develop more consistency and cut out the errors but is a solid first grade prop.

Dene Halatau - 4/10 - generally a liability in defence, poor handling and overall ball-skills. Hard running is always welcome but need more than that from a utility. Peaked in 2005 and been on the decline since.

Rhys Hanbury - 5/10 - nothing more than an average footballer in any position. Better prospects in U/20s that should be given opportunities in front of Hanbury next year.

Chris Heighington - 4.5/10 - a disappointing year. Lost all venom when running the ball. Solid defensively but no venom when hitting in defence either. The side was better with Galea starting than it was with Hino.

Daine Laurie - 4/10 - no improvement from last year, possibly took steps back. Still a weak team defender, albeit a strong hitter. Errors remain in his game and one has to wonder whether he can put it all together.

Chris Lawrence - 8/10 - arguably the most complete centre in the game - speed, strength, skill. Improved out of sight defensively and put a thankful Tuiaki over for many a try.

Robert Lui - 4/10 - strong ball-runner and seemed to handle first grade defence reasonably well for a rookie half. Unfortunately thrown in at the deep end at a critical junction and barely kept his head above water. Kicking game was found wanting, and shades of Morris' ball-playing ability. Potential is there however - whether he possesses the determination necessary to put it all together remains to be seen.

Benji Marshall - 8/10 - unfairly criticised for the team's efforts to the halfway mark of the season. Kicking game still needs improvement, and has to play percentages more but he has everything else, including being an above average defender for a half.

Willie Mataka - 4/10 - showed positive signs, but very suspect in defence. Hopefully more game time next year and will continue to develop.

Tim Moltzen - 7/10 - a very solid second season. Caught out of position at the back regularly but that comes from being new to the position. Developed an almost intuitive combination with Marshall and will be interesting to see where he plays next year.

John Morris - 3.5/10 - yes he defended well and gave 100%. But he continued to play in the halves for half the season which cost us again, stymieing the attack regularly. Showed in the last game that he can pass the ball - where has it been for 3 years?

Corey Payne - 3/10 - fringe first grader at best. Solid, if not spectacular defender and poor when running the ball.

Todd Payten - 4.5/10 - reads / listens to too much of his own press. Is not a halfback so needs to tuck it under his arm and get the yardage for the team. Excellent defender but is past his best, WT need to ship him out.

Beau Ryan - 5.5/10 - gave his best, like Morris, and had some good games mixed in with some shockers. Is as good as he's going to be and that's probably not good enough for a first grade winger, not quick enough or strong enough.

Alan Shirnack - 6/10 - no frills but was exactly what was needed at times. Willing worker who should be a regular next year.

John Skandalis - 7.5/10 - rolled up the sleeves and showed some of the other forwards how to run the ball hard and straight. Unfortunately, the inevitable injury meant he played about 30 minutes across 3 crucial games - leading to more questions about depth in the front row.

Peni Tagive - 4/10 - glimpses of promise, possibly would have ousted Ryan had he continued to improve.

Taniela Tuiaki - 9/10 - player of the season for mine - no sight in RL was better this year than Tuiaki with a head of steam running at 2 or 3 defenders from 15 out. Still has a few errors but seemed to improve under the high ball, hopefully can fully recover from the injury.

Coach: Tim Sheens - 4/10 - at the end of the day, failed to select the best side for 2/3rds of the season, leading to the improbable (and ultimately impossible) task of needing to win 8 from our last 9 to make it. WT need to decide his future this summer, one way or the other, so that early preparations can be made if necessary for 2011.

Generally an average season, which is all too common, side lacked composure in tight games which is baffling considering the number of close games they've been in over the past few years. The current side seems incapable of taking the next step as team, either through lack of talent / ability or poor team / positional selections, likely a combination of both. Positives are that Benji, Galloway, Gibbs, Lawrence and Tuiaki took steps forward this year, negatives are that too many underperforming players - Halatau, Payne & Payten being the obvious three and, at various times, Heighington, Ryan & Morris - continued to be selected and given opportunities. The nucleus is there - a few personnel changes and the side is genuine title contenders.

 

[BuffaloRules]

Corey Payne - 5/10 - Was okay. Nothing special. I spose he was good for our reputation, not on field so much, though.

And what reputation would that be?

Payne is the worst player in our side.... tries very hard but lacks co-ordination to be an NRL player...

 

[Magpies Forever]

And what reputation would that be?

Payne is the worst player in our side.... tries very hard but lacks co-ordination to be an NRL player...

Payne is a very good clubman- functions & community work etc first class- unfortunately he is supposed to be a NRL grade footballer.

 

[Reek_Havoc]

Coach: Tim Sheens - 0.5/10
Blake Ayshford - 7/10
Dean Collis - 2/10
Simon Dwyer - 6.5/10
Gareth Ellis - 9/10
Robbie Farah - 8.5/10
Danny Galea - 7/10
Shannon Gallant - 7/10
Keith Galloway - 8/10
Bryce Gibbs - 7.5/10
Dene Halatau - 6.5/10
Rhys Hanbury - 6/10
Chris Heighington - 5/10
Chris Lawrence - 8/10
Daine Laurie - 2/10
Benji Marshall - 9/10
Tim Moltzen - 8.5/10
John Morris - 6/10
Corey Payne - 5.5/10
Todd Payten - 6/10
Beau Ryan - 6/10
John Skandalis - 7.5/10
Peni Tagive - 7/10
Taniela Tuiaki - 9/10
Shirnack - 5.5/10

 

[innsaneink]

Blake Ayshford - 6/10 - isn't a winger or a particularly strong attacking centre but is solid defensively and will hopefully continue to improve.

Dean Collis - 3/10 - flashes of the old Collis at times, but all too rare. Seemed disinterested and unwilling to be more involved. Might turn it around at the Sharks but might slip further into obscurity.

Simon Dwyer - Incomplete - not enough game time to judge. Seemed enthusiastic in defence but needs to bulk up.

Gareth Ellis - 8/10 - one of the shining lights on the season. Still has a few errors in defence but isn't alone there in our team. Always willing runner of the ball.

Robbie Farah - 7.5/10 - really quiet back-end of the season, still the most creative hooker in the comp but needs to work on certain areas of his game (more consistent kicking game, more dominant defensively).

Danny Galea - 6/10 - a solid first grader at best. Excellent defender but still doesn't dent the line when running the ball.

Shannon Gallant - 7/10 - should have played from week 1, good support play, capable last line of defence and good positioning at the back, in other words what being a first grade fullback is all about.

Keith Galloway - 8/10 - injury cost him a blues jersey. If he was dominated in a tackle, I must not have seen it. Always seemed to carry two or three defenders with him and really bent the line. Major improvement in defence on previous seasons but needs to continue working on fitness.

Bryce Gibbs - 6.5/10 - despite the nay-sayers (myself included), genuine improvement in Gibbs' game this year. Needs to develop more consistency and cut out the errors but is a solid first grade prop.

Dene Halatau - 4/10 - generally a liability in defence, poor handling and overall ball-skills. Hard running is always welcome but need more than that from a utility. Peaked in 2005 and been on the decline since.

Rhys Hanbury - 5/10 - nothing more than an average footballer in any position. Better prospects in U/20s that should be given opportunities in front of Hanbury next year.

Chris Heighington - 4.5/10 - a disappointing year. Lost all venom when running the ball. Solid defensively but no venom when hitting in defence either. The side was better with Galea starting than it was with Hino.

Daine Laurie - 4/10 - no improvement from last year, possibly took steps back. Still a weak team defender, albeit a strong hitter. Errors remain in his game and one has to wonder whether he can put it all together.

Chris Lawrence - 8/10 - arguably the most complete centre in the game - speed, strength, skill. Improved out of sight defensively and put a thankful Tuiaki over for many a try.

Robert Lui - 4/10 - strong ball-runner and seemed to handle first grade defence reasonably well for a rookie half. Unfortunately thrown in at the deep end at a critical junction and barely kept his head above water. Kicking game was found wanting, and shades of Morris' ball-playing ability. Potential is there however - whether he possesses the determination necessary to put it all together remains to be seen.

Benji Marshall - 8/10 - unfairly criticised for the team's efforts to the halfway mark of the season. Kicking game still needs improvement, and has to play percentages more but he has everything else, including being an above average defender for a half.

Willie Mataka - 4/10 - showed positive signs, but very suspect in defence. Hopefully more game time next year and will continue to develop.

Tim Moltzen - 7/10 - a very solid second season. Caught out of position at the back regularly but that comes from being new to the position. Developed an almost intuitive combination with Marshall and will be interesting to see where he plays next year.

John Morris - 3.5/10 - yes he defended well and gave 100%. But he continued to play in the halves for half the season which cost us again, stymieing the attack regularly. Showed in the last game that he can pass the ball - where has it been for 3 years?

Corey Payne - 3/10 - fringe first grader at best. Solid, if not spectacular defender and poor when running the ball.

Todd Payten - 4.5/10 - reads / listens to too much of his own press. Is not a halfback so needs to tuck it under his arm and get the yardage for the team. Excellent defender but is past his best, WT need to ship him out.

Beau Ryan - 5.5/10 - gave his best, like Morris, and had some good games mixed in with some shockers. Is as good as he's going to be and that's probably not good enough for a first grade winger, not quick enough or strong enough.

Alan Shirnack - 6/10 - no frills but was exactly what was needed at times. Willing worker who should be a regular next year.

John Skandalis - 7.5/10 - rolled up the sleeves and showed some of the other forwards how to run the ball hard and straight. Unfortunately, the inevitable injury meant he played about 30 minutes across 3 crucial games - leading to more questions about depth in the front row.

Peni Tagive - 4/10 - glimpses of promise, possibly would have ousted Ryan had he continued to improve.

Taniela Tuiaki - 9/10 - player of the season for mine - no sight in RL was better this year than Tuiaki with a head of steam running at 2 or 3 defenders from 15 out. Still has a few errors but seemed to improve under the high ball, hopefully can fully recover from the injury.

Coach: Tim Sheens - 4/10 - at the end of the day, failed to select the best side for 2/3rds of the season, leading to the improbable (and ultimately impossible) task of needing to win 8 from our last 9 to make it. WT need to decide his future this summer, one way or the other, so that early preparations can be made if necessary for 2011.

Generally an average season, which is all too common, side lacked composure in tight games which is baffling considering the number of close games they've been in over the past few years. The current side seems incapable of taking the next step as team, either through lack of talent / ability or poor team / positional selections, likely a combination of both. Positives are that Benji, Galloway, Gibbs, Lawrence and Tuiaki took steps forward this year, negatives are that too many underperforming players - Halatau, Payne & Payten being the obvious three and, at various times, Heighington, Ryan & Morris - continued to be selected and given opportunities. The nucleus is there - a few personnel changes and the side is genuine title contenders.

Quite an accurate assessment ino, though a bit harsh on Lui & Payne with the scores.