One Back Shy or Opportunity Knocks?

With all of this speculation about centres coming into the market, how do we all view the current line-up in our backs?The consensus would indicate that we have a strong pack of forwards, good halves a solid fullback and arguably the most potent left side attack in the premiership.The right side? That's been an entirely different scenario.So the recruitment has brought in Gutherson, Schulte, Moss and theoretically Gardner.The incumbents include Morgan, Faraimo, Toutai and Folau,.There also exists the possibility of blooding French.So where do we sit?For mine, Gutherson is a quality recruit. He has a fine pedigree with junior representation, some first grade experience and leadership qualities. There is also the added benefit of his versatility across centre, wing and fullback. The questions exist over his injury problems and limited experience. Early reports from training are extremely impressive. Of course training is but one small indicator, but he appears to be making every post a winner thus far.So on the basis of wanting a high quality right side to match the potency of our left, perhaps we are one back short. Given Gutherson's versatility, perhaps this could be either a winger or a centre.If we don't make another signing, where does that leave us?In my opinion, and without heaping extra pressure on him, I believe that the answer to this lies with Foran.Without a quality half for such a long time, our right side attack has never been given the opportunity to shine.Firstly, a running edge forward on the right will probably reap the rewards of a quality half.Perhaps more importantly will be the likelihood for our right side attack to shine. This may be where opportunity arises.Will a new gun like Schulte step straight into first grade? Followers of the NYC certainly believe he has some undeniable talent.Will a speedster like Moss finally get his chance. He is reportedly faster than Robinson, which will certainly be a string to his bow.Will Morgan have his best ever season. He has the experience and is a noted hole runner.Finally, will Folau fulfil his potential? He is probably on his last chance so it will be interesting to see what his attitude is.I see it unlikely that Toutai or Faraimo will be first choice. Gardner is signed on a Wenty deal so he is less likely. Our on trial player, Honeti Tuha could get a shot, but he is probably down the pecking order.Of course another signing would probably end the speculation. Perhaps circumstances will mean a number of these players get a shot.I'll go with my usual glass half full and view our right side as an opportunity for a player to establish themselves as an NRL player. Time will tell.

Nick,

Who cares about 3 years from now. What are we going to save our money for. Dont the rules stipulate you lose your cap if you dont spend it all.

Money should only be saved if you believe or know of a mid season trade.
Even if you have 200k in the Kitty. Come June and not 1 player is on the market how do you spend the salary cap money now that you saved it. I do not understand how it can be spent. There is a risk either way.

Lets come back to Morgan. Comments on this forum state he is a decent first grader. I beg to differ, he is not a first grader full stop. He is a good player to have stop/gap filler for 2-3 weeks max.

If I could keep morgan it would not be in the top 25 but on a Wenty contract, same for toutai and kelly and folou.

They wont get picked up by other clubs not in the top 25 anyway.

If I am running this joint, lucky for all I am not :)

make a big play to get roberts. If he has decided to play at Bronco's or Saints lets throw in the 400k +plus into his contract and see if he is willing to budge. If he comes we get our man, if he decides on another club we know they are either paying him more or he had agreed to go there in the first place and just made a big song and dance about going to the market so he can leave the Titans.

Talk is he will be a bronco.

Replies

Hugo December 13, 2015 at 11:33am

Faraimo has never let us down when given a chance. I reckon Schulte will be our run on winger due to his ability in the air.
Don't discount Nathan Gardner. Very good player that always gives 100%.
Personally I think both Falou and Toutai are lost causes.
- Ricky > Hugo December 14, 2015 at 9:16am
  
  Gardner would be a consideration, FH, but he's only on a Wenty contract at this stage.
Wile E. Coyote December 13, 2015 at 11:33am

I like the fact that there is opportunity for the young guys coming through
Hopefully a few will step up
Hugo December 13, 2015 at 11:34am

Tuha is a smokie as he seems to have more ability than Falou and Toutai combined.
Feel an Eel December 13, 2015 at 11:36am

Watch Morgan improve with Foran in the team.
He runs great lines and was very good late in the season. I'll predict Morgan to become a regular first grader this year due to his improvement and not just because we have no other option.
Gutherson has all the makings to be a great centre too. If he has luck with injuries, there is no reason he can't have a season similar to what Roberts had this year. He is far cheaper and doesn't have the history Roberts has.
Let's not forget, Roberts has had one good season. Which ever club buys him, they will be parting with 500-600k for a player who has had one good season, a troubled past and a Mundine man.
- Nick > Feel an Eel December 13, 2015 at 5:54pm
  
  Poppa i think you need that cataract operation. Your dribbling again.
Nick December 13, 2015 at 11:37am

Sixties, we'll be fine. We dont need another centre. The money should be saved. Watmough and Scott are realistically only playing for at most another two years. So there is more money. Gutherson started at Manly last year. So we know hes quality. Just unlucky with injuries. Morgan is a decent first grader and definate value for money on his current contract. Runs great lines. Vai Toutai is a putrid winger and has only ever been given that chance in first grade. Reports indicate that hes a far better centre. A very strong ball runner. Someone must see something in him. John Folou in my opinion is too big with shocking lateral movement. He should be playing prop but i dont know if he has the ticker or the desire. Vella was a big winger who became an international prop. With regard to the wing i know the cowboys tried to keep schulte. That tells you something right there. Moss is also an option. He is small however there is no substitute for speed which has in abundance. Hes a fullback but was behind too many guns at Penrith. All in all we ll be fine with our current squad and im happy with the depth as well.
- 2h724rid3otnd > Nick December 13, 2015 at 1:53pm
  
  Nick,
  
  Who cares about 3 years from now. What are we going to save our money for. Dont the rules stipulate you lose your cap if you dont spend it all.
  
  Money should only be saved if you believe or know of a mid season trade.
  Even if you have 200k in the Kitty. Come June and not 1 player is on the market how do you spend the salary cap money now that you saved it. I do not understand how it can be spent. There is a risk either way.
  
  Lets come back to Morgan. Comments on this forum state he is a decent first grader. I beg to differ, he is not a first grader full stop. He is a good player to have stop/gap filler for 2-3 weeks max.
  
  If I could keep morgan it would not be in the top 25 but on a Wenty contract, same for toutai and kelly and folou.
  
  They wont get picked up by other clubs not in the top 25 anyway.
  
  If I am running this joint, lucky for all I am not :)
  
  make a big play to get roberts. If he has decided to play at Bronco's or Saints lets throw in the 400k +plus into his contract and see if he is willing to budge. If he comes we get our man, if he decides on another club we know they are either paying him more or he had agreed to go there in the first place and just made a big song and dance about going to the market so he can leave the Titans.
  
  Talk is he will be a bronco.
- Nick > Nick December 13, 2015 at 4:57pm
  
  You want to spend the money bud. Spend it on an increase for Jr Paulo
Cranky Brad is here!!! December 13, 2015 at 11:48am

If dragons or broncos gets Roberts then they are going to have to move a back or two. We just have to sit and wait and hopefully a young gun will pop up. If not then will just have run with what we have and see how we go.

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