What is everyone's prediction for our 2024 breakout star. I thought I would give the possible options:
- Russel: He has been okay for us on the wing and is likely to retain his starting spot in 2024. In my eyes, he seems like a reserve grader at this point of his career. I think he has the potential to have a solid first grade career once he gets older and develops more. He provides great versatility. I see more of the same in 2024, and it will really surprise me if he has a breakout year.
- Penisini: Everyone has seen glimpses and patches of his potential in 2023, however he really regressed as the year went on in 2023. He is still very young but has now had a couple of season of first grade. His defensive lapses is something that needs to be really worked out.
- Tuilagi: Had a promising start to his career at tigers however after a facial injury this year at manly, his defence was exposed badly. Will Tuilagi be another player added to the list of BA's master revivals?
- Lussick: Was great during his first stint at the club. With a pre-seaon could he be solid without being spectacular given the role BA gives our dummy halfs?
- Hands: Had a great start to the year off the bench but than got tired when he had to play the full 80min with JH injured. He then got dropped from the side. Remain to be seen if BA wants him at 14 given his record when on the field to start the year
- Moretti: Was a consistent player of the bench playing very limiited minutes. Assuming he is top 30 next year will be interesting if he gets a bench spot still with the new signing. Provides high energy.
- Joe O: After a promising start to his career and playing for QLD, his career starting to fall apart. However, he was tigers player of the year in 2022. So can BA return him to that form like he did to RCG.
- Lane: After a terrific 2022, he had an injury crueled 2023 and couldnt string any games. Will he get some luck and get his lethal combo with DB again.
- Greig: Some would say he had a breakout year and some would say he was about to before his injury got in his way. After his best ever game against the bunnies he was injuryed. He did return and played well in the game he started. I like Greig. He goe flat out and should start next year with Paulo off the bench.
- JBBM: The only man on this list that hasnt played NRL. He reminds me of Leniu. Not sure what contract he is on next year but I can see him earning a bench spot espically if BA choses a 4 forward bench rotation. He would be perfect for 10-15min cameo.
- Doorey: Was providing good impact of the bench before being dropped and injured. He still needs to work on his fitness. Will be hard for him to get a spot in the playing 17 due to our forward stocks
- Dunster: Poor guy didnt have a good return this year as expected. The injury was so devastating. I am hoping after a pre-season he returns back to his pre-injury form howeever I am not confident. I think it will take him one more year even.
My Predictions:
- Minimal improvement: Russel, Hands, Doorey, Dunster, Lussick
- Good improvement: Penisini, Tuilagi, Moretti, Lane, Joe O
- Best improvers: JBBM, Greig
Replies
I think bit harsh on Russell, he was good. Not great but good.
Improvers I can see Hands after a full pre-season as a squad member. Penisini a year older also.
Career revival: Only one that falls into the category, if he can turn into a decent centre and becomes versatile, Jirah Momoisea could be a decent bench option, long shot but there is nobody else. Maybe Ofa or Sivo too.
Tuilagi is a career revival. Manly fans know he was shit and falling off because his defence.Dunster also is eligible for it really.
Yeah good point on Tuilagi. Wests loved him when he was there, went to Manly for Des and got Seibold. It didn't work as he went for a system that suited him then had a new coach with new system come in. So form would have dropped learning a new way of playing, then since Seibold didn't bring him in automatically there is pressure to perform, he didn't and confidence dropped.
Now going to a club and coach that wants him and think he fits the way they play. Give him benefit of the doubt. Best thing about it is if he is not starting quality, we have Lane and Cartwright anyway.
I suspect Tulagai will play a lot of minutes in the middle. Lane, Papali, Cartwright, Niukore all spent plenty of time in the middle almost as if to say if you want to run at the little guys you have to run at the big guys first
Imo Morretti will have break out year. Brown will be named games best 5/8 by end of next season.
He would be this year if he wasnt suspended
Brown needs to learn how to inject himself into games. He was ordinary last night.
I thought it was the Kiwi tactics that were ordinary. They have a pack that could provide time and space to the backs but instead Maguire had them passing way to often.
JFH isn't Yeo. If they play to their strengths the backs might actually get quality ball
They needed Shawn Johnson in the halfs. Must be a reason he wasn't there as one of top three best halfbacks in NRL.
Hands to step up
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