There is not denying, Parramatta are one of the youngest teams in the NRL. The oldest player in our squad is Fergo at 31, against Penrith with our strongest 17 our oldest player is Brown at 28, therefore is there a need for a veteran prescence? Only Ferguson has over 200 NRL games of experience, our forwards yes have played origin (Paulo, RGC, Brown) though only RGC has played Test footy, and with all do respect RGC is more of a get out there do as told player, with none of these players being looked at as captains besides Gutho.
If Gutho went down do we have a clear cut vice-captain to come in and take over? it would be Brown or Moses but even we do not know if it'll be any of them, both havent been put as captain before either having there leadership skills not developed fully. Look at RD 14, Moses how approached Gutherson, i had no real issue with it however it didnt show me the sign of a player who is captain, Gutherson handled it as a captain but Moses still lets his emotions get the best of him in games. Same with Nathan Brown who has been mentioned as a leader of the forwards, look at RD 5, we were down and starting to get frustrated and Brown got aggitated and started to push and shove, again he shows aggression and love it however it did not show signs of a player that can lead the entire team.
Could this be where Woods comes in with some value? Look at his stats, has started all 16 games so far for Cronulla, averaging 128 metres per game, 12 tackle breaks and a tackle effeciency of 94%. All i can say is having that on the bench, with added experience and locker room personality on cheap money is a win. He is not being expected to start or be relied on to be a breakthrough player, his role is to guide these young forwards (Hollis, Hughes, Greig, Makatoa, Kaufusi) teach them what it takes to be an NRL player and add some leadership beyond Gutherson, when in the heat of a game and we are down by 10 or so Gutherson can get into the habit of trying to much at once which is appreciated but can be what hurts us, Woods can add that calm effect of sticking to the game plan and making sure everyone is on task and doing their job.
Having a one year deal is not harmful for a guy who is still at NRL standard, not rep standard but still at a starting NRL standard, has played in big games before minus a grand final and is a great personality to have around the club. Look at Crounlla the last two seasons, very average team on paper with alot of rookies and NSW Cup players and made the top 8 twice. Now not saying Woods was the main reason for that, but surely his leadership in the forwards played a part, look at Hamlin-Uele, Rudolf, Hunt, Talakai, all players that were unwanted and were given a chance and are now good NRL players, Woods would have at least been apart of their development with John Morris. He is a professional and is a great influence for our players on and off the field.
If Parramatta do sign Woods, i'd be happy with it to be honest. However do you believe that is the reason to bringing him in or am i way off in my assumptions?
Please no hate as it is just me wondering and thinking and thought id write what i think haahah
Replies
These are good points he would add value and experience.
David Gower gave us that sort of player no frills professional that translated to the reggies maybe Woods adds that for a year or 2
Difference is Woods has origin and Test experience that Gower couldn't offer
Gower though did offer off field leadership and good footy brain, as Arthur said out of all players who could coach after footy he said Gower, which is testiment to his leadership.
Where there's woods there's hate
Good balanced blog LB. Can see where you're coming from and with his offloading capabilities he does suit our style of play.
Woods is a very good player. Not a power player but certain very effective defensively and a good yardage man. Don't know that he is a better player than what we have but offers depth and experience
Surely Finucane would be a better fit, if thats what you believe
Of course but would we really get rid of Paulo, Brown or RGC for Finucane who is older than all of them?
I don't think age has much to do with it
Dale Finucane at 30 will do more for your club than 2 goid 25 yr olds who haven't learnt what being a champion takes
Surely Lane goes before Matto.
As I said in an earlier blog I would have signed Dake Finucane - guy comes from the best club - is a winner - only 30 and would improve our club off the field. Ppl try to look at signings from a very simple angle... is he as good as a player we have like Marata... but learning what it takes to be a champion from a champion that's not happening from anyone in our roster because nobody lining up this weekend for Parra has ever won an NRL comp PURE AND SIMPLE.
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