Always thought he was a decent player back at sharks but has the odd handling error. He has been insanely good on the edge for us and seems to be improving every week ? Not sure what's up with hopgood but the rest of our forward pack seems to be firing. Even matto 😂
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He's our answer to our right edge. I wish JR would just name him and leave him there all game. It's a shame we keep moving him back into the middle. As a dedicated right edge player he can form some lethal combos with Moses and Lomax.
He seems to be running elite lines and making breaks at will. Definitely needs to stay on that edge. Can't wait till Tuaviti is back to bulk up the middle.
I agree, though the reason that Ryles playes Williams in the middle also is a few things i gather.
Firstly, Tuilagi is more of an impact player but is not a middle at all. Therefore he comes off the bench and when he does either Kautoga or Williams moves, Williams is that person as he can seamlessly move into the middle.
Secondly, Moretti starts but is a better impact player. Not having another Prop at this stage to start, with Ofahengaue leaving, is causing us to use Williams in the middle at times.
I think Williams being dominant on the edge shows are glaring need for a Prop. Tuivaiti is good but on the bench with Moretti is better suited. Having a middle rotation of Paulo, Moretti, Tuivaiti and a new signing would be better.
Jack Williams is a joker player for mine and I don't mean that in an insulting way either.
Where you start him is dictated by what we need and what the other team presents roster and talent wise.
If we want to add leg speed to the middle we go small in the middle he can cover there.
If teams like Canberra has Hudson Young on an edge because of Williams athleticism we start him there.
Willams is what I call the urgent athlete that Parra need to find in the fowards and and across the park.
Super great signing and plays right into the Ryles gameplan and play style.
I think Hopgood is just overplaying his hand this year - the change of coach and style was always going to take longer to gel for some. He's too talented not to come good again, he'll get there.
Eli, Love Williams too. Why plant him on one edge? Ryles' use of him as a floating impact player is intriguing. He was in the middle, right & left edge at times v Panthers. Yeah, he'll make errors & Moses gave him the evil eye for one on Sunday.
Moses was also floating, left and right. Like it.
Hopgood seems low on confidence. Injury-return-related? Off-field ssues? Apaptation issues? Ryles' style relies on speed and more skilled ball play. That's why Walker works well as a link man coupled with his experience (helps the rookies). Not sure what it is with Hoppy atm. But I'm a big fan and we know fit and in form, he's Origin class.
Agree he is much better on the edge. Runs great lines. His footwork and ability to change directions makes him well suited.