Who do you want to play at fullback in 2025?

[Meth]

I think this argument is overrated. As if RTS to FB is the magic bullet...

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

I’d be guessing Manu will still be available, or does his rugby stint start ASAP ?

They had Kini is the squad last year so he was highly regarded by the previous regime

Not sure if he is Kiwis level just yet, but Tommy Talau has really surprised me this season with what he has produced both on the wing and at centre

I'm assuming Manu will be gone and Timoko is one centre.

Talau has played for Samoa, I did think of him but figured he'd stick with them. I assume he would qualify for NZ via his Dad playing for NZ? Otherwise I'm not sure he would qualify because he's born in Aus and Willie was born in Samoa (maybe through his Mum?)

 

[Matua]

I'm assuming Manu will be gone and Timoko is one centre.

Talau has played for Samoa, I did think of him but figured he'd stick with them. I assume he would qualify for NZ via his Dad playing for NZ? Otherwise I'm not sure he would qualify because he's born in Aus and Willie was born in Samoa (maybe through his Mum?)

Would be a weird anomaly to the eligibility if a kid can't play for his Dad's international team. Will happen more in the future I guess.

I hope we don't need one of the Warriors centres for the Kiwis.

@Beavers Headgear I think Manu is going straight to Japan so won't be available. Which sucks balls.

 

[Wheeled Warrior]

I think this argument is overrated. As if RTS to FB is the magic bullet...

He may not be the sole solution to our problems but giving him the space we know he thrives in would be the smart thing to do for the team. Webster acts as if RTS can’t link with players, but the reality is that the players just need to support him, and he will create opportunities.

If people are satisfied with CNK’s two hit-ups per set and his high metres to set up our attacking shape, that’s fair. I just don’t trust the halves to consistently execute the final play. RTS at fullback would give us a potent attacking option to score without relying on the halves being involved.

 

[Big Marn]

Would be a weird anomaly to the eligibility if a kid can't play for his Dad's international team. Will happen more in the future I guess.

I hope we don't need one of the Warriors centres for the Kiwis.

@Beavers Headgear I think Manu is going straight to Japan so won't be available. Which sucks balls.

what about the Iro kid that plays for Sharks? Kevin played for NZ and Cook Islands right?

 

[JJ]

I think this argument is overrated. As if RTS to FB is the magic bullet...

I think signing RTS ostensibly as a centre is strange given he’s a fullback (and imo better than CNK). Then even stranger to never let him settle at centre, play him everywhere week to week…

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

The way its played out has certainly been strange. But the original rationale made sense and some pretty good judges thought he'd be successful. I remember Slater saying at the start of the year he thought Roger would become one of the game's elite centres.

And I think the idea still has a lot of merit, if its executed better i.e. letting the guy have an extended run in the one spot.

I mentioned Meaney in another post as a good example of someone who was asked to change from fb to centre this year but been allowed to settle into the role. The guy is just as versatile as Roger, the Storm have had a number of injuries amongst the outside backs he could've covered, but Bellamy resisted using him as a short term band aid and instead invested in the longer term benefits.

But if Webby isn't willing to do the same next year, then IMO just shift him back to where he's most comfortable. Otherwise what was the point in signing him to start with.

 

[Wheeled Warrior]

CNK's style of play is better suited to a centre or a running five-eighth role, which is why many analysts are puzzled that RTS isn't being played at fullback. Webster will likely stick to his plan, with CNK and Tuaupiki covering the fullback position, potentially stalling RTS's development by using him as a utility player.

 

[Wheeled Warrior]

Imagine if Webster had shown the same faith in RTS playing at fullback when fit and ready, as he did with SJ playing halfback while broken and not match fit. RTS would probably be settled in the fullback role by now and well-prepared for next season too.

 

[hitro]

I vote for Taine, he is a playmaker. Roger and Charnze can do hit ups and tackles from centre and stand off and injury cover at FB

 

[Wheeled Warrior]

I vote for Taine, he is a playmaker. Roger and Charnze can do hit ups and tackles from centre and stand off and injury cover at FB

I agree that Taine is a playmaker, but his size makes me question the decision to place him at fullback. His tackle breaks are limited, and his one-on-one tackling near the try line is concerning. In my rankings for one-on-one defence, I'd put RTS in first place, CNK in second, and Taine in third.

 

[Meth]

I've reluctantly cast my vote for CNK.

I've basically landed on feeling like we tried to jam RTS into this team out of sense of nostalgia and it's probably hurt our development. I think I'd rather we just cut him loose.

I'd love for Tauapiki to work, but I'm skeptical.

 

[SpaceMonkey]

People saying Tuapiki is too small or not NRL standard but has he ever had a bad game in first grade? Every time I’ve seen him play he’s stepped up, and he’s currently the quickest and most agile of the three.

 

[Blair]

People saying Tuapiki is too small or not NRL standard but has he ever had a bad game in first grade? Every time I’ve seen him play he’s stepped up, and he’s currently the quickest and most agile of the three.

He's safe too and he kicks goals. I've warmed to him.

*I've changed my vote from Roger to him.

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

I've reluctantly cast my vote for CNK.

I've basically landed on feeling like we tried to jam RTS into this team out of sense of nostalgia and it's probably hurt our development. I think I'd rather we just cut him loose.

I'd love for Tauapiki to work, but I'm skeptical.

There’s a flip side to view as well… that Roger’s development as a potential centre has been hurt by the way he’s been utilised this year.

I get both sides and I’ve been a fan of his for a long time so admittedly, I’ll usually fall on the side that gives him the benefit of the doubt.

But I genuinely think we’ve missed a trick with him this year, and it’s not all on him.

 

[Penrose Warrior]

I've basically landed on feeling like we tried to jam RTS into this team out of sense of nostalgia and it's probably hurt our development. I think I'd rather we just cut him loose.

Weirdly, I feel exactly the same. They'll never do it, though, unless he wants to.