Who will play lock??

[Avenger]

Even though I think that Wagon should have first shot at the lock position, I do not think that is a forgone conclusion. In my opinion Wagon (who is one of my favourite players) needs to maintain his intensity as he could be challenged for his position by Hopkins. I do not believe that Brian Smith bought players like Muckert (who is very highly regarded at NQL) to play on the bench. Which means that spots will be very competeive especially in the forward pack. I do not think anyone in the NRL has the depth in the forwards that we have this year and if a player like Muckert shines than someone like Hopkins could be squeezed out of the starting side or challenge players like Wagon for other positions. Any thoughts???

 

[Jake the snake]

Wagon better have a better season than last year or he will be dropped.

Muckert is very good, he plays like Ian Hindmarsh non stop hardwork.

 

[half]

i'd like to see hopkins get the first crack

oh gawd, anyone but wagon

 

[bartman]

I think Wags would be at more use this year off the bench as a stroing defence man, straight running second rower, or backline sub in the case of injury.

I'd like Hopkins to play at lock, as I feel he is more versatile that Wags. However, I think Smith may have plans to make Hopkins the relieving hooker when John Morris wants/needs a break, so I wouldn't be surprised to see he and Wags swap and rotate the lock position.

I feel that new buys like Muckert, Stapleton, Muspratt etc will be used first off the bench, and if they shine in the back row, then look out! We have a lot of depth in the club.

 

[Pazza]

Muckert is very good, he plays like Ian Hindmarsh non stop hardwork.

Chris Muckert
Games started 20
Interchange 3
Tries 4
Av tackles 17.3
Av hitups 9
Av mtrs gained 65
Eff tackles 90.2%
Line breaks 3
Offloads 40

Muckert goes nowhere near Ian Hindmarsh

 

[Twizzle]

Doesn't matter what we think.

Wags is teachers pet and will play lock.

 

[PJ Marshal]

Wagon better have a better season than last year or he will be dropped.

Muckert is very good, he plays like Ian Hindmarsh non stop hardwork.

If Wagon was so bad last year how come he won the Ken Thornett Medal? :?

 

[Avenger]

Mr Parra Eels wrote:

If Wagon was so bad last year how come he won the Ken Thornett Medal?

The only reason that he won it was because the medal would have presented itself as a joke because the player who SHOULD of won it was a player who played less than half a season and was the man of the match in EVERY game he played. ie the one and only N. Hindmarsh.

 

[redeel]

wagon is a joke never passes the ball,and isnt as good a player as some may think .Twiz is spot on in my opinion

 

[PARRA_FAN]

Mr Parra Eels wrote:

If Wagon was so bad last year how come he won the Ken Thornett Medal?

The only reason that he won it was because the medal would have presented itself as a joke because the player who SHOULD of won it was a player who played less than half a season and was the man of the match in EVERY game he played. ie the one and only N. Hindmarsh.

Or it probably shouldve gone to Jamie Lyon, our only rep player of the season.

Getting back to Wagon, if he ever plays five-eighth for Parramatta again, you might as well have your centres standing back. Lets face hes never gonna play five-eighth again.

 

[Suitman]

'Ol Superglue deserves the number 13 this year......no doubt.

Number 13 seat in Bay 54.

Suity

 

[JessEel]

give Wags a chance, and if it doesn't work out, use Muckert i say. However, maybe with more competition pushing him, Wags wil have to find the form that saw him play for QLD

 

[The Colonel]

I'd prefer top see Muckert in the second row with Hindy - as Muckert is such a similar player to Ian I reckon it would be a good move. As for lock I would toss up either Hopkins or Muspratt. Muspratt has played a lot of 5/8 so would be good as a link man....

 

[JessEel]

god bless the mr-fix-it players...

 

[Freak]

No-one has indicated they would like to Hindmarsh at Lock!!

Not out of the question peoples!!

I agree though I think Smith will start Wagon if he is fully fit. He has the runs on the board!!

 

[The Colonel]

Not out of the question however as more of a ball runner than a ball player I'd leave him where he is for now.

 

[JessEel]

yea, im sorry but you gotta say that Hindy has become an NSW/Aussie rep, and a much feared opponent in his beloved #11, its a little bit: don't fix what ain't broke. :lol:

 

[Eelementary]

I agree 100%.

I am also a WAgon fan. I'd say that 2003 was an OK year for him. He started slow, and midway through the season found excellent form before getting injured and coming back in average form.

I know not everyone will agree with me, but I think, when in form, he is a great lock. MAkes tackles, runs straight and hard, and pressures the opposition's kickers.

My choice for lock would be an in-form Wags, then Muckert and then Hopkins. I think Hopkins would be lethal in the number 12 alongside Hindy.

 

[Paranoid]

Though wagon is not the most exciting or dexterous footballer at times, he's very solid (which although can sometimes be boring is what is needed at) at lock. Can't see another being put ahead of him if he is fully fit. Hopkins, Muckert (from what I understand) and even Hindy at a stretch would be next in line from the expected regular first graders.

I think his once "utility" tag though is somewhat unrealistic in today's game.

 

[half]

wagon in good form is a different prospect, but i haven't seen that for a long while. his defense is so good he can effectively neutralise an opponent like barrett or lockyer but last year he uncharacteristically missed far too many tackles, and once again passed the ball a total of about 3 times