Your 2010 Wests Tigers Team

[Eddie.]

Not sure how we will start but once everyone is fit and firing might be something like this

1. Moltzen
2. Tuiaki
3. Lawrence
4. Ashford
5. Tuqiri
6. Marshall
7. Lui
8. Galloway
9. Farah
10. Cayless
11. Ellis
12. Heightington
13. Fulton

14. Gibbs
15. Payten
16. Taumata/Flanagan/Sheens love Child
17. Tupou/Moors

We have a lot of talent there. We should destroy some sides. Although sides that consistently make the Top 4 don't usually have their fans guessing like mad who will play 1 and 7. Im sure it will be another interesting year especially with Sheens doing his best to stuff things around

 

[westie]

Not sure how we will start but once everyone is fit and firing might be something like this

1. Moltzen
2. Tuiaki
3. Lawrence
4. Ashford
5. Tuqiri
6. Marshall
7. Lui
8. Galloway
9. Farah
10. Cayless
11. Ellis
12. Heightington
13. Fulton

14. Gibbs
15. Payten
16. Taumata/Flanagan/Sheens love Child
17. Tupou/Moors

We have a lot of talent there. We should destroy some sides. Although sides that consistently make the Top 4 don't usually have their fans guessing like mad who will play 1 and 7. Im sure it will be another interesting year especially with Sheens doing his best to stuff things around

I'm pretty sure Tuqiri is meant to be coming to play fullback.

 

[jasonl]

Westie,

Why would Tiquiri be slotted into fullback?

Depending on your team, this is either the 2nd or 3rd most specialised position in the game. Tiquiri is a winger - a finisher - an entirely different (and in most ways far less demanding) skill set than fullback. To suggest that he return to NRL after 8 or so seasons, considerably slower and playing purely for (mediocre) dollars and make a decent fist at fullback in what is probably a top six team seems pretty strange.

A fullback has to be a thinker and Lote really doesn't seem to fit the bill.

Why not put everything into making Moltzen a top shelf fullback?

Sure, he won a string of games with WT at half but to me he looks better at taking advantage of opportunities rather than creating them.

Plus, who ever heard of a 6"1 halfback lol.

 

[duck_dodgers]

Westie,
Plus, who ever heard of a 6"1 halfback lol.

Paul Hauff , Phil Mann ...

 

[westie]

Westie,

Why would Tiquiri be slotted into fullback?

Depending on your team, this is either the 2nd or 3rd most specialised position in the game. Tiquiri is a winger - a finisher - an entirely different (and in most ways far less demanding) skill set than fullback. To suggest that he return to NRL after 8 or so seasons, considerably slower and playing purely for (mediocre) dollars and make a decent fist at fullback in what is probably a top six team seems pretty strange.

A fullback has to be a thinker and Lote really doesn't seem to fit the bill.

Why not put everything into making Moltzen a top shelf fullback?

Sure, he won a string of games with WT at half but to me he looks better at taking advantage of opportunities rather than creating them.

Plus, who ever heard of a 6"1 halfback lol.

I wrote about my concerns with this issue a few months ago. And it's probably an indication of my opinion of the other options that I still think Tuqiri is best suited.

As I remember it, my thoughts were that, while Tuqiri wouldn't be a Hodgson style fullback - contributing to the creative abilities of the team, nor would he be a Slater/Stewart style player offering an extra man inside the 20... wrapping around to give an extra number with blinding speed - he could still offer a lot to the team.

Let's start with the kick downfield: The bloke's natural size means he should be very competent under the high ball. I disagree with the lack of pace. My opinions on RU suggest that his body will be in much better condition than it would otherwise have been playing league. I think he's got the physical ability to get the ball a long way down field and get a quick play the ball.

He should be lively, even if not exceptional, up the middle of the ruck. I see him playing out wider in general play however, slotting in as an extra centre.

Come to the 20 and I again think he'll be further out wide offering an extra big, fast man against smaller defenders, or slower 2nd rowers.

A lot of this relies on having Tupou and Tuiaki on the wings and Farah, Marshall and Taumata in the mid-field. I see those two wingers as probably the best combo in the NRL and obviously then see no reason to leave one out. Obviously this relies on Tupou and Tuiaki being fit.

The three in the mid-field I also see as top class. Farah offers a lot of ball-playing ability and dominance, negating the need for the full back to be hands on. When we won in '05, Hodgo was, realistically, just a support player. We fell down when we relied on him.

Taumata is absolutely first rate running the football, and I'd have him supporting a hell of a lot. This also doesn't mean Tuqiri will have to be tied up chasing the ruck.

The most important thing, in my opinion, is to remember that Tuqiri WAS quite simply CLASS. World class. Something we have rarely been able to lay claim to. If he can bring any thing like that form to us, he'll be 20 leagues above Moltzen or another player we can put back there.

I see it as a matter of getting as much class into the backline as possible. I see Ayshford as the only other player needing replacing. My ideas probably won't ever see the light of day I still think they're best and will probably be vindicated when Sheens will run out something like this and try to win the spoon:

1 Moltzen
2 Ryan
3 Lawrence
4 Ayshford
5 Brown
6 Marshall
7 Lui

 

[magpie_man]

1. Tuqiri @ 191cm, 105kg
2. Tuiaki @ 183cm, 110kg
3. Lawrence @ 187cm, 96kg
4. Ayshford @ 190cm, 92kg
5. Tupou @ 190cm, 117kg

fmd. that's gotta be one of the biggest backlines in the nrl, if it happens...

 

[jasonl]

I wrote about my concerns with this issue a few months ago. And it's probably an indication of my opinion of the other options that I still think Tuqiri is best suited.

As I remember it, my thoughts were that, while Tuqiri wouldn't be a Hodgson style fullback - contributing to the creative abilities of the team, nor would he be a Slater/Stewart style player offering an extra man inside the 20... wrapping around to give an extra number with blinding speed - he could still offer a lot to the team.

Let's start with the kick downfield: The bloke's natural size means he should be very competent under the high ball. I disagree with the lack of pace. My opinions on RU suggest that his body will be in much better condition than it would otherwise have been playing league. I think he's got the physical ability to get the ball a long way down field and get a quick play the ball.

He should be lively, even if not exceptional, up the middle of the ruck. I see him playing out wider in general play however, slotting in as an extra centre.

Come to the 20 and I again think he'll be further out wide offering an extra big, fast man against smaller defenders, or slower 2nd rowers.

A lot of this relies on having Tupou and Tuiaki on the wings and Farah, Marshall and Taumata in the mid-field. I see those two wingers as probably the best combo in the NRL and obviously then see no reason to leave one out. Obviously this relies on Tupou and Tuiaki being fit.

The three in the mid-field I also see as top class. Farah offers a lot of ball-playing ability and dominance, negating the need for the full back to be hands on. When we won in '05, Hodgo was, realistically, just a support player. We fell down when we relied on him.

Taumata is absolutely first rate running the football, and I'd have him supporting a hell of a lot. This also doesn't mean Tuqiri will have to be tied up chasing the ruck.

The most important thing, in my opinion, is to remember that Tuqiri WAS quite simply CLASS. World class. Something we have rarely been able to lay claim to. If he can bring any thing like that form to us, he'll be 20 leagues above Moltzen or another player we can put back there.

I see it as a matter of getting as much class into the backline as possible. I see Ayshford as the only other player needing replacing. My ideas probably won't ever see the light of day I still think they're best and will probably be vindicated when Sheens will run out something like this and try to win the spoon:

1 Moltzen
2 Ryan
3 Lawrence
4 Ayshford
5 Brown
6 Marshall
7 Lui

Yep - thoughtful reply Westie. Agree that his body should be in relatively good shape since he hasn't been banged up at all in RU (well let's face it, no one really gets banged up in RU eh?).

The pace issue I guess is up for debate but he sure looked a lot slower to me in the season prior to being axed by the Wallabies. As to the idea that since he is big he should be competent under the high ball - hmm.

Kinda leads to the fullback question. First and foremost, it's a confidence position and one which relies entirely on on team cohesion. Even at his best fittness and motivation Lote at the back represents an unknown quantity to his teamates - which in itself is reason enough for pause. Plus, there's the spotlight factor - fullback tends to either make you look very good or very bad. Quite a bit of pressure.

I know nothing about what's going on at the club but have a feeling that Tuaki is nowhere near right and even if he gets back to 1st grade will be a shadow (not literally) of the animal that ripped it in 2009. Damn shame. That leaves one spot on the wing (Ryan will get the other). IMO it may as well be Lote - WT score their tries out wide and to the left. No doubt that with Farrah, Marshall and Moltzen working deep set plays Tiquri could star Broncos style.

As you mentioned, Class is omnipotent and very few players have it. Moreover, of the players thet have it how many convert it into success? Dean Collis reeked of class and what went wrong there? Agree with you on Ashford - have looked carefully and to be honest just don't see anything there whatsoever (Sheens seems convinced though so there's something I'm obviously not getting). Personally (and like you my ideas will never see the light of day), I'd have Lawrence and Tiquri on the wings and Moltzen at fullback. Sure, it leaves a question mark over the centres and half but as a back three, with the right forward thrust it could be quite a devastating combination. Let Farrah take care of the ruck and push Marshall wider and deeper - more like a centre. Use the traditional 5/8 position as an extra lock (not difficult, plenty of players can fullfill this role). With a strong pack (and on paper this pack looks really good) this kind of setup tends to work pretty well.

Looking forward to the season. I would imagine that Farrah and Marshall in particular feel they have something to prove. Lots of talent and lots of players on the roster ...

... ask not for whom the bell tolls fellas ... it tolls for thee.

 

[westie]

While I disagree with many things you've written, I liked that response. Some good points, especially the Collis thing - though I think you answered your own question. Collis was class in '06. A certain halfback went North and we attacked purely to the left and Collis basically didn't touch the ball for the next 3 years. I'm hoping we can rectify that, and I see Tuqiri as being a big part of that.

The main thing that's become fairly obvious to me is that while I think we could put out a premiership winning side at certain stages in the season, it's likely we'll run out with something that I'll find embarrassing. In fact I'll wager that at points this season, our 1-5 will be worse than the Magpies '03 backline.

The main thing is going to be getting the right side on the field at the business end of the season. I'd rather have injuries and the like now.

 

[Magpies Forever]

If, as I hope, Teflon does not alter a winning 1/2- 5/8 combo in Moltzen & Marshall, could Taumata be a possible fullback? He is a thinker and a good runner but I have no idea what he is like under the high ball.

 

[macnaz]

some xlant points there westie, mainly on selections. I really feel as this could become a season killer for us. Sheens experiments to much and is very very slow to change when things dont work. I can see heaps of differant combinations being trialed this year and if they are left to long it is likely competition points down the drain . Lui better prove he is a worthy halfback and f*cking do it quick as im gunna be really pissed if he plays sh*thouse like last year and keeps talent like sauce from getting a game.

 

[macnaz]

.when Sheens will run out something like this and try to win the spoon:

1 Moltzen
2 Ryan
3 Lawrence
4 Ayshford
5 Brown
6 Marshall
7 Lui

Thats exactly the side im expecting to see for the first 6 weeks or so, possible 12 points gone right from the start.

 

[N.C.]

if matt hyland plays first grade ill blow everyone on this forum

Only if you take your teeth out first.

 

[alien]

sheens will probably choose something like this for round 1

1. Moltzen
2. Daniela
3. Ayshford
4. Lawrence
5. Ryan
6. Marshall
7. Taumata
8. Gibbs
9. Farah
10. Galloway
11. Ellis
12. Payten
13. Heighington

14. Fitzhenry
15. Fulton
16. Cayless
17. Moors/Schirnack/Dwyer

 

[macnaz]

Did anyone happen to hear Sheens on 2sm on friday? He made some comments on team selections but didnt give away to much. He did mention the deepth we have in the halves having Lui , Moltzen and benji with Tuamata in the background. He also spoke of Fifita maybe filling the role of Laurie ( hmm 18th man one week and reserve grade the next ) . In regard to Lote he said maybe 1-2 or perhaps a centre and when the panel suggested 2nd row Sheens said a defiante NO Never!

 

[Magpies Forever]

For what its worth- here is a SMH article in todays paper. I'm still reading the tealeaves trying to figure out the line up. Forwards are relatively straight forward however the halves and backs seem to be very fluid at present.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...-wants-to-play-at-the-back-20100207-nkzi.html

Moltzen happy to move to halves if new recruit Tuqiri wants to play at the back
by GLENN JACKSON

February 8, 2010
WESTS TIGERS coach Tim Sheens is open-minded about which position Lote Tuqiri will fill when he arrives from Leicester - and so is the player who made fullback his home for the club last season, Tim Moltzen.
Moltzen is in the curious position of being able to gain and lose the most from the Tigers' acquisition of Tuqiri; the 21-year-old could lose the fullback position, but he might also fill the halfback role the club has struggled with since Scott Prince departed.
That explains why Moltzen is cautiously content to hand over the No.1 jersey, in which he excelled late last season, should Tuqiri hit the ground running upon his return to the NRL.
''I've played a fair bit of fullback and halfback [at training] in the off-season,'' Moltzen said. ''Lote will be an asset for the team - he's a world-class player. I think everyone's happy to have him on board.
''From my point of view, this time last year I was happy to play anywhere. It might take Lote a bit of time to find his feet, which might mean me staying at fullback a little while longer, but if fullback's where Tim wants Lote to play, I might hopefully slip back into the halves.''
Moltzen said he had no preference yet. ''There are pros and cons of half and fullback but I've enjoyed both,'' he said. ''I'll be happy to play wherever. We'll just wait and see.''
Moltzen said Tuqiri would help the Tigers reach the finals for the first time since 2005.
''It's an exciting time for the club,'' he said. ''He's a big-name player and he's one we'll benefit from. Everyone's excited about the prospect of playing with him.
''Hopefully, on the back of where we finished the season last year, it'll be a successful year. We haven't made the top eight since they made the grand final but I think he'll help us achieve that.''

 

[westie]

.when Sheens will run out something like this and try to win the spoon:

1 Moltzen
2 Ryan
3 Lawrence
4 Ayshford
5 Brown
6 Marshall
7 Lui

Thats exactly the side im expecting to see for the first 6 weeks or so, possible 12 points gone right from the start.

You know your coach has been here too long when he says he's "really excited about this group"

 

[Borat.]

Our bench lacks an arse kicking forward....laurie would have been perfect if he had a heart......

Hopefully Moors or Cayless or maybe Fifita can step up to this role.....

 

[westie]

I'm going Moors. A big boy with skill out wide. We all know he'll be discarded because he can't cover for CH despite coming up with more offloads than the entire team (bronson) or line breaks (Te'o).

 

[jasonl]

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...ure-on-early-tuqiri-return-20100216-o90i.html

On today's news you can strike Tuaki for 2010. It was a pretty poorly kept secret that he wasn't right (even on the night of the injury the docs were shaking heads - a gruesome fracture, worse even than the Pat Richards one). Now it's confirmed. Hard to see any kind of comeback here.

 

[Vicious]

You know your coach has been here too long when he says he's "really excited about this group"

I can`t see a problem at all with that backline and then throw Tuquiri into the equation and I think we`re looking pretty good.

For the record this is what I think is our best 17.

1.Jake Mullaney (a freakish talent, don`t worry about his smallish stature, but no need to rush him into first grade until atleast halfway through the season). I`m happy to have Motzen at fullback until Mullaney is ready to explode onto the scene.
2.Lote Tuquiri (Looks like Taniela will be out for virtually the season. If that`s the case i`d be leaving Lote on the wing as he`s the only person who could possibly replace Tuiaki`s impact out wide)
3.Blake Ayshford (Still growing into his huge frame. I must admit it took a while for me to accept Blake`s talent, but he made every step a winner last season and with natural improvement, who knows how good he can become ?)
4.Chris Lawrence (This is his big season. With a couple of seasons under his belt, he is good enough to take his game to another level, become one of the games elite players and play SOO)
5.Beau Ryan (He gives 110% everytime he straps on a boot, Beau will do me as a winger or centre if needed)
6.Benji (We need Benji to take off where he finished last season. Benji only has to play on par with last season and we`ll finish top 4 without a doubt)
7.Robert Lui (No idea why people are doubting this kid. I`ve seen him do some freakish things in the lower grades and I have no doubt he`ll transform that ability into first grade this season. My only concern is his suspect defence, but we were all saying the same about Chris Lawrence a few seasons ago, now Lawrence is one of the best defensive centres in the game. Good young players make these necessary improvements and I have no doubt that Lui will as well)
*** In saying this, he`d have to be in sensational form to hold his position if Tuquiri or my preference Mullaney take over as the fullback at some stage, meaning Moltzen would be gunning for the halfback spot.
13.Chris Heighington (Needs to improve on last season, no doubt that he will)
12.Liam Fulton (A bigger, more mature and more confident Liam Fulton will do me. I`m tipping a big season from Liam, running onto the ball at pace and making plenty of line breaks)
11.Gareth Ellis (If he can repeat last season I think we`ll all be happy. No reason why he can`t go even better and score a try or two as well)
10.Keith Galloway (Similar to Lawrence, this is big Keith`s year where he should take it to another level and play SOO)
9.Robbie Farah (c) (I reckon this may be Robbie`s best ever season, behind a bigger more aggressive forward pack, he`ll reclaim his SOO position)
8.Bryce Gibbs (Bryce is another who should have his career best season surrounded by some real size and aggression which will make his life much easier)

14.Arana Taumata (A real game breaker who can play anywhere in the backline as well as lock or hooker if needed. He`d be my first choice utility, but will be a battle between him and Fitzy who`ll also do the job required if he gets the nod)
15.Junior Moors (I think he can be a real smokey and a genuine line breaker coming off the bench. Needs to really impress early as we have plenty of others who could also perform this role)
16.Todd Payten (Deserves to be in the top 17 on what he`s done for us in his time at the club, but i`d want him to produce a lot better than he did last season, otherwise i`d have no hesitation replacing him with the beast Andrew Fifita)
17.Jason Cayless (Only has to play at 80% of what he`s capable of to be a huge success for us. His size and aggression will be a breath of fresh air and would displace Gibbs as a starter if he performs to his best)