I posted that prediction on Hoey's Blog and had some interesting feedback.
Of course I am right Hoey, Tad and Mick... When I have I ever been wrong?
I look down the page/ post and we are still worrying about the Tigers game.....it doesn't matter, does it? I hope we win of course, but don't get lost on it.
We basically have 3 to 4 FG players holding a reserve grade side together. Some of those reserve graders will transition up and the remaining ones that don't are going to provide greater depth.The rest "see you later".
WE have a couple of players to recruit still and they will happen. Not counting on losing anybody, if we do, then so be it. You bring in Moses, Lomac and you have two of the best players in the world coming back, not to mention goal kicking. Brown is probaly the 5/8 in a world team if NZ win the the South Pacific championships.Throw in Matterson, Hopgood and Junior Paulo and you have a nucleaus of a quality pack, you have players like Simmonson adding depth. You have a young player like Longi who is ready (and proven) for first grade and someone like Guymer who shows he is close, throw in Penisini, Sivo and you have players that have not fullfilled their potential. We are yet to see Sivo outside of some quality backs and Penisini follows into the same. Soldiers like Lane and Joe O, Joe O maybe ready to go to another level.
The hooker position and an edge forward are still required but I really do think and I exaggerate and it probably won't happen straight away that Guth will make a hooker that will give us a Harry Grant presence around the middle and some one like Jazz Tavana is that missing edge/utility forward. By the way those guys that laugh at Guth being hooker are the same guys that have him as a lock, lock is a true middle and requires a forward style, hooker these days is a half with a workhorse defence. If people think we miss Reed Mahoney, look no further than Guth, tell me what he can't do that Reed can?
Now the pessimists believe that RCG and Sivo won't be there, not a problem if that's the case. BUT if Ryles can afford them they will be there!! If he can't keep them we will probably be stronger with their replacements.
YES, I AM AN OPTIMIST.
Cannot believe that we will not be one of the best defensive sides next year and that will be the catalyst for my prediction.
Not interested in the stats and precedents, this is a whole new football side with a group of rookies with a plan. Not much else out there that's innovative, just may be us this time.
Now defence has been an issue unquestionably, but the incoming staff have witnessed something that most would not believe if they have not seen games like they witnessed in the past few weeks. Taking Talagi out of the defensive line saves anywhere from 2/5 tries per game being a simple example. Turn the defence into a single unit ah la what Penrith have done for the past 4 years (losing it at the moment) and the Dogs have started this year. Recent matches dominated by mistakes and refereeing momentum have caused some massive blow out scores for all the teams, how many times have you seen a side down by 16 points or so, evening up before half time. Its the new nature of the game that has not been identified yet......we have a big start in understanding why.....if we harness the WHY.
Get on now when you can get some odds.
Replies
Hi Poppa, this year wasn't our year, its noted. We had a myriad of reasons why. Next season most of us are sure Ryles will drill our defence to hold out invaders and be like we were when Peter Sharp was shaping us. Tough! All our best guys will be back and we'll be joined by Lomax Liongi perhaps Wilson and Co. in my mind it just needs a tweak. And Rylesy being good for us and motivating our squad like Wayne does. Most of the guys on here are still tortured by our last 10 minutes of footy where we gave up 28 pts but I review it and notice Ravalawda thru a one handed forward pass to create the first 4 pointer and the next four trys were off kicks. It happens when a team throws caution to the wind when they are so far behind and can be fixed. Hey I'm an optimist as well.
We have always been a good pair Richard, I remember fighting in the trenches against the "haters" and you always coming in and encouraging me against them..... looks like we have outdid them Richard.... for the time being anyway LOL
We're the real deal Pops, team players. And looks like you've got plenty of support here as well. Chuckle
Richard, Geez. I admire your positive energy. Respect. We need that.
I'm probably not a full blown optimist like you or Pops. I don't mind parachutes in planes.
Thanks for that Hoe, I believe, without exception, theres always a Plan B. I was assurred of that while standing at the toilet urinal at Parra and reading the message from the RTA of how to avoid getting done for drink driving. Theres always options lol
Parra will certainly be a different team next year. Ryles has had the luxury of sitting back watching everything unfold, gaining perspectives and ideas on what to improve upon. I have no doubt there will be big changes in how we approach games.
We know we have some good players, and that's why Parra played a grand final a couple of years ago. With a few tweaks (and much better luck with injuries) there is no doubt we can be a heavyweight again. One of the keys for us however is not to be reliant on the Moses/Lomax partnership. If we do, other teams will nullify this.
Finny, you are right about "luck with injuries" I nearly felt sorry for Roosters, but realised that was a mistake when I secretly hoped they would be out for most of next season as well. Lol
Get off the disco biscuits you old fart
Fcuk, I must be getting old.....what is a disco biscuit Micky?
I'm actually optimistic about next season, who knows what position we land in at seasons end - the appointment of Scott wisemantel is exciting and interesting, given Scott's background I think he will have most influence, Ryles will surprise us next season I have not doubt.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
of 7 Next