Ryan said:
Warriors:-
Who had a Quiet 2007? Ropati
Who will be the most improved in 2008? Tate / Witt
Ropati had a good season. Sure, he copped a few injuries but still managed to be second highest try scorer in the team I think. Scored heaps, was getting 2 a game for the ones he played at one stage. I think he'd be odds on to be the most improved this coming year. I am admittedly biased because I see a huge potential in the guy and some amazing skills.
I also think Sonny Fai is going to take the NRL by storm this coming year. He can't miss out this time around, he was one of the highest try scorers in the prems last year which isn't easy to do from the second row. We need more creativity in our backrow and with him and Lauaki who is also on the improve this will help.
I don't know whether this guy Henderson we're getting to replace Gatis is any good or not, but I'm thinking he's either going to be awesome or woeful. Because we have reports that always seem to be firmly to one side or the other.
I've always thought Manu was a bit of a waste of physical attributes but he was starting to really use his brain toward the end of the last season before copping an injury. He was a walking brainfart that, in typical poly fashion, used to just like running through people. This doesn't work forever, and seeing him being more evasive under the tutelage of Wade McKinnon made him truely exciting to watch as the season wrapped up. If he can sort those hands out he will finally kick on to become a feared opponent this coming season.
Witt, despite being much maligned was very good for us last season. I expect more of the same this coming season. One of those players that's trendy to dislike, but has been developing all the while and could become rep quality.
Crockett needs to work on his high ball, and his sexual assault charge (sic) but has great footwork and an assload of pace. I saw some really sizzling plays by the guy in glimpses last season and I hope he can sort out his defensive and legal woes to show us something this coming season. I don't like the thought of our first choice being Paddy Ah Van, who went backward last season. Might he get back to the levels we saw him play in 06, and at lower grades?
Anyways I'm farting on a bit much about my team - Missing my fix