Why we MUST re-sign Hopkins

[half]

hopkins is put simply, not a very good player

he had a good start to the season last year, but that's about it. let's not forget his form before coming to parramatta wasn't crash hot either

it's not nice having to drop players like hopkins, but that's the reality of professional sports

 

[The Engineers Room]

hopkins is put simply, not a very good player

he had a good start to the season last year, but that's about it. let's not forget his form before coming to parramatta wasn't crash hot either

it's not nice having to drop players like hopkins, but that's the reality of professional sports

I agree with you. He tries hard but isn't up to it. The other point is that although Morris might like playing hooker he isn't a hooker and it really worries me that he is our best option there. The guy is a 5/8 or halfback. Imagine if Sterlo loved to play wing, no way the coach would put him there.

 

[queanbeyhole hindy fan]

I really like Hopkins. He has heart and tries hard, and I wouldn't mind him staying, on his day he is good....
But that's the problem, he's inconsistent. He might have 3 good games, then the next 3 he will be quiet.
He's been playing well the past few weeks though, glad he didn't get suspended, hopefully he can maintain some good form over the rest of the season, and possibly gain a resigning out of it.

 

[True EEL]

up the eels

with all due respect to Langi and Ben Smith.....injuries are why you keep such guys.....looked what happened to our playing stock at centre this year

honestly, with Jamie and Dave V playing, Langi would never have been able to spell first grade this year....but injuries and a walkabout and look what happens

you need back-ups, you can't just dip straight into Flegg and HM all the time

and in reality, fringe first graders like Ash Graham, Langi and unproven or untested players like Ben Smith and Brett Anderson are just gonna have to bide their time in PL if players like McKinnon, Burt, Tahu, Grothe, Dave V and Peterson are around to fill the spots in First Grade.....after all its called Firsta Grade, because your best and most proven players play there when available

 

[blackfriday]

i actually think morris is a horrible hooker, he passes in slow motion and the defence is already in their face when the half-back gets it. that's probably why dykes kept running sideways. im pretty sure all we got to do is find a bloke who can give quick service and have a flexible game. anyone can learn that.

 

[parra-matters]

I would like Hopkins to stay, he has heart and pride in the jersery there are players on a lot more dollars them him that don't show as much ticker as he does.

 

[Misty Bee]

Pride doesn't eclipse talent when winning games are concerned.

Re Morris at 5/8, Smith has stated that that's where he will be when Pig comes to town. I like Morris at hooker, though. Once again, Smithy pissing off a player needlessly (footnote - Brad Drew quite the Raiders because he couldn't get a gig at hooker. If only Smithy LEFT HIM AT HOOKER where he was sensational in 2001 - IMHO the best season b y a hooker in Parra's history)

 

[Eels Dude]

What would you suggest then? Not buying Riddell at all?

 

[Hurriflatch]

Nope, Misty would love Morris to 5/8 if it wasn't Smith saying it

 

[Pazza]

I think Dykes (given that he is still at the club next season) would excel at hooker. He would come on while Riddell comes of leaving the halves as Witt and Morris. Dykes was pretty effective jumping into hooker early in the season. With proper training i don't see why Dykes can't do this fulltime next season.

 

[MrT]

I think buying Riddell is going to backfire.
Morris came to our club because he wanted to play hooker.
He even said he will fight for his spot, meaning he really wants to play hooker.
And guess who's off contract next year?

I can't see Morris resigning, he'll go to the Dogs and then they'll have a premiership winning team

 

[Twizzle]

hopkins may fall inot the category of some of last years recycled players.

he may not get resigned, but could stay on for match payements or similar type of arrangement, assuming no other clubs vie for him.

 

[Misty Bee]

Ridell isa good player. He's a benefitial signing IF John Morris is happy to go to 5/8.

Otherwise, we have bought a 50 minute hooker to replace an 80 minutes hooker. And Hurriflatch would have bagged the move had Smith not done it!

 

[Parraren]

..

 

[oldmancraigy]

Misty: Brad Drew quit the Raiders (or was sacked) because he couldn't get into the top grade!

Why? Because he sucks! The mighty mite became ineffective in that position from 2002 onwards - suddenly his lack of size exposed him to the bigger players (who, thanks to the new ruck ruling had a bigger head of steam up) - and so he was shifted to halfback/ creative bench player from then on.

The fact that he just didn't have the desire to play half the game (the defensive half) is the reason that he wasn't resigned by Parra, and the reason why he has faded out!

I don't believe that will be the case with Morris! I know the guy wants to play hooker next year - and I gotta admit that he's been sensational at hooker! But I believe that he's got all the skills to play 5/8 - and I wouldn't mind seeing him occupy that position for all of next year - I hope he doesn't mind either, and I believe that it wil increase his chances of playing rep footy - there's not too many quality 5/8's in front of him!

 

[True EEL]

Pazza....

that may be a very real option for Dykes if he is at Parra next year and if he was willing to do it, he could be good off the bench to fill in for Riddell at hooker and we need someone to do that duty off the bench, because moving your 5/8 to hooker halfway through a game does not work in my opinion

Riddell should play hooker only and "someone" is going to have to use up one bench spot to take his place when off the field.....Hopkins, Thorman or maybe Dykes.......however i don't think Dykes will be here next year?????