Your RD 1 2018 line up

[OldPanther]

CHN was great when he was given his opportunity in the NRL. Jed Cartwright, Corey Waddell and Jack Hetherington all capable to performing at the same level if and when they get the call up. Add these guys to the established back rowers and we have nothing to worry about.

I hope you're right. If they step up our forwards are well covered.

 

[Whino]

I hope you're right. If they step up our forwards are well covered.

We have the fowards to cover Latu's and Carty's departure but we don't have the flair in the forwards to replace Cartwright nor do we have another ball playing prop in Latu.
Those kind of things can't be readily replaced.

 

[MrBlack]

We have the fowards to cover Latu's and Carty's departure but we don't have the flair in the forwards to replace Cartwright nor do we have another ball playing prop in Latu.
Those kind of things can't be readily replaced.

I think May pays in the 13. He was a genuine X-Factor at the back end of last year.

Also I expect Kikau to step up.

 

[OldPanther]

We have the fowards to cover Latu's and Carty's departure but we don't have the flair in the forwards to replace Cartwright nor do we have another ball playing prop in Latu.
Those kind of things can't be readily replaced.

Yeah Merrin and Kikau have an offload ut they aren't really creative players. It will be interesting to see how we go. Definitely going to the trial against Roosters to get an early look.

 

[MrBlack]

Melbourne and Roosters don't really have creativity in the forwards. They just run good lines and are solid in defence. But for this to work you need good halves. Maybe that's the way we will go this year.

 

[OldPanther]

Melbourne and Roosters don't really have creativity in the forwards. They just run good lines and are solid in defence. But for this to work you need good halves. Maybe that's the way we will go this year.

It certainly looks from the outside that this is what Griffin is aiming for.

 

[Whino]

Melbourne and Roosters don't really have creativity in the forwards. They just run good lines and are solid in defence. But for this to work you need good halves.

And to be very well coached.

 

[franklin2323]

Penrith Panthers site has Kikau listed as a prop, along with RCH, James tamou, a bloke called Nick lui Toso, Sam Mackendry, Tim Browne: They listed in the NRL side, now I know Latu will be replaced here that will make six props.

We are fine for forwards even allowing for a few minor injuries still lurking but yep 20% of the squad props

 

[Kilkenny]

Don't really need Kikau to play in the front row IMO. Surely he would be more dangerous and offer more playing wider similar to what Tony Puletua or Franky Pritchard brought to the team in days gone by.

 

[billypilgrimnz]

Don't really need Kikau to play in the front row IMO. Surely he would be more dangerous and offer more playing wider similar to what Tony Puletua or Franky Pritchard brought to the team in days gone by.

I think Griffin would love a team of 11 props, one half, and a fullback. Just barge the ball over the line, kick if you don't make it, and have someone at the back to cover the opposition's kicks.

 

[Kilkenny]

I think Griffin would love a team of 11 props, one half, and a fullback. Just barge the ball over the line, kick if you don't make it, and have someone at the back to cover the opposition's kicks.

Your probably right. I suspect he will play KIkau in the front row, I just think it is a waste if he does. Kikau could be an offensive weapon if used correctly. We'll have to wait and see I guess he may surprise us.

 

[kinghippo]

I think Griffin would love a team of 11 props, one half, and a fullback. Just barge the ball over the line, kick if you don't make it, and have someone at the back to cover the opposition's kicks.

He doesn’t really like the kicking though, especially in the oppositions 20.
The current plan seems to be to make the team as exciting as Griffins personality.

 

[kinghippo]

I think May pays in the 13. He was a genuine X-Factor at the back end of last year.

Also I expect Kikau to step up.

X factor currently means find another club at the panthers.

That may be looking at the glass half empty but it also could be our new recruitment plan.

 

[franklin2323]

X factor currently means find another club at the panthers.

That may be looking at the glass half empty but it also could be our new recruitment plan.

X factor players usually come with being a knob or lazy off field. Preston is the only one I can think of not in that boat.

How many in the Aust team have X factor? It seems to be a trait not wanted now

 

[kinghippo]

X factor players usually come with being a knob or lazy off field. Preston is the only one I can think of not in that boat.

How many in the Aust team have X factor? It seems to be a trait not wanted now

That’s true, the last Australian team was very conservative. Tonga on the other hand was XXX factor and they did well.
Football can be played as boring as you like and if that’s our goal fine.
I will be happy if we are winning but for me it’s about more than just mucking through to get 2 points.
The players make the game, I loved cheering for Cartwright, Moylan and Peachy, knowing that we always had a chance to jag a try with a bit of freak skill.
Same as I like watching Tedesco, Inglis, slater and Fifita. Good teams get the best out of their special players not piss them off.

 

[franklin2323]

That’s true, the last Australian team was very conservative. Tonga on the other hand was XXX factor and they did well.
Football can be played as boring as you like and if that’s our goal fine.
I will be happy if we are winning but for me it’s about more than just mucking through to get 2 points.
The players make the game, I loved cheering for Cartwright, Moylan and Peachy, knowing that we always had a chance to jag a try with a bit of freak skill.
Same as I like watching Tedesco, Inglis, slater and Fifita. Good teams get the best out of their special players not piss them off.

The back end of 2016 when those 2 were firing was awesome. Like with Hayne flying in 09 or Benji in 2005 (both of whom left both clubs) is great. The problem is rarely do you get an average game. Either on fire or struggling. So who is the X factor player at Storm or Roosters?

Blake has the skill can score from nothing. Peachey and Kikau same. Not to mention Edwards and co scored 70 a few times together in NYC.

We have guys still. Whether we can do it or not is the question... We will see soon enough

 

[kinghippo]

The back end of 2016 when those 2 were firing was awesome. Like with Hayne flying in 09 or Benji in 2005 (both of whom left both clubs) is great. The problem is rarely do you get an average game. Either on fire or struggling. So who is the X factor player at Storm or Roosters?

Blake has the skill can score from nothing. Peachey and Kikau same. Not to mention Edwards and co scored 70 a few times together in NYC.

We have guys still. Whether we can do it or not is the question... We will see soon enough

We certainly do still have a great roster, and we will see soon enough as you say.
Blake the peach and kikau all have the potential to be world class, hopefully we get the best out of them.

 

[franklin2323]

We certainly do still have a great roster, and we will see soon enough as you say.
Blake the peach and kikau all have the potential to be world class, hopefully we get the best out of them.

That is the key. Getting Blake to play like he did v Canberra down there every week. Get Kikau in his WC form and we are set

 

[kinghippo]

So who is the X factor player at Storm or Roosters?

The storm always have a few special players, slater for sure, Nelson whatever he’s called, both wingers, kassiano.
The roosters have less especially in the forwards who I wouldn’t swap a single player from but certainly Tedesco and Mitchell, even Ferguson. Keary was awesome last year, a discard who they got the best out of.

I guess that’s the real trick, and due to our hideous error rate the last few years and missed tackles I fully understand Griffins logic. Basics first.
It just smells a bit like another “rebuilding” phase, I was hoping this year we were going to hit the ground running, which we certainly still can.

 

[franklin2323]

The storm always have a few special players, slater for sure, Nelson whatever he’s called, both wingers, kassiano.
The roosters have less especially in the forwards who I wouldn’t swap a single player from but certainly Tedesco and Mitchell, even Ferguson. Keary was awesome last year, a discard who they got the best out of.

I guess that’s the real trick, and due to our hideous error rate the last few years and missed tackles I fully understand Griffins logic. Basics first.
It just smells a bit like another “rebuilding” phase, I was hoping this year we were going to hit the ground running, which we certainly still can.

You don't sign an aging test player to rebuild. Whether we have the coaching right or the right players left to do it is the question