This heading is probably something we don't like admitting to. Yes it implies criticism but I don't want to start looking for blame or scapegoats, just accept it and move on.
The main issue in my mind is the "Pezet" experiment. It hasn't worked and the future has to be now. If its not, then it is a pointless exercise.
Back to Pezet. It occur's to me that just about everyone is in concurrence that he is not up to the 5/8 role.
The fact that our Reserve Grade side is struggling and do not have a proper half, it is a good opportunity to let Pezet fill this role and see what he can achieve, and how our long term 5/8 potential reacts to having a "proper" half!....????.
After all the real point of having Pezet was a backup half for Moses and the developing of our junior 5/8 talent. Well the 5/8 role ain't working.
He has no speed. His defence is poor. And he show's me nothing much as a link man.
I believe all the rhetoric and dislocation, not to mention the poor form of Moses is directly related to covering Pezet's shortfalls. That included the positioning of Williams at lock and the dropping of JDB to provide cover defence for the Pezet shortfall.
We are in a remarkable good position with 2 out of 3 games, whereas we could be zero and 3 and in deep shit.
Lets not abuse our good fortune. Let's act now.
There is no way we will beat Penrith going forward with this current make up.
Finally, I expected with our back ups and juniors coming through that we were good things for Reserve Grade. But we are now showing issues there. Our junior's are struggling as well. The issue is our upcoming 5/8's are not exactly killing it!
Have we overated our position and personell?
How does this happen? Well, we, Parramatta, are total optimists with the exception of a few and we always want to see the positives.
All that being said, I continue to believe in Ryles and our coaching staff and the reality is he is still learning as well.
Just a smokey to end this discussion. Bevan French.
I do not know the contract implications, but if we get cap dispensation on Hopgood, how about making an offer for French to take the 5/8 position? He hasn't played for Wigan yet this season and I would be not against making an offer he "can't refuse". Obviously this could simply be too hard, but we are a long way short of what we want to be!
Please don't bring up the "French" defensive issues, he is now one of the best players in the world and a lot stronger defensively than when he was with us.
Replies
Don't be surprised about the Dolphins, one of the best backlines in the comp and still have 5 forwards to come back in.....
Yeah Warriors look great at the moment. Hopefully playing the others puts us in some form so when we do play Dogs and Warriors we've ironed out any of the early season defensive kinks.
To be honest, I think Pezet will be dropped sooner or later. His attack is "ok" but not great (he had alot of luck in the Brisbane game) and his defence is quite poor. (He doesnt miss many tackles as he cant even get close enough to actually touch them). I think if he doesnt imrpove in the next month, he will be in reserve grade. I dont see any reason why Talatiana cant play 5/8 for us from that point on in the season, as we have nothing to lose.
I think he will play games as our other options are not ready. But, Ryles has shown he is not afraid to make calls despite what money you are on. He seemed displeased with Pezet after Brisbane. But if Ryles feels Joash will help us win he will name him but i do not see that. If Pezet is to be dropped at any point it will be for Lorenzo.
But asking why Lorenzo cannot play for us, well firstly there are rules that he cannot play as he is on a dev deal unless exemption. Secondly, his defence is not great either. That is the main area he must fix before playing NRL.
Walker at 6. Doorey to 13.
Walker at 6 makes us weaker. He is so important as a link man. Doorey you do not want to complicate his role. He does pass out the back in block plays at times but his job is simple get one on one and make metres running off the back fence.
I agree with not starting Walker, but if you did start him as a 6, he would not have anywhere near the work load he would have by starting like he did yesterday.
I see merit in Mutt's discussion, Doory at 13 is that you can call your lock a prop, but at the same time if Walker is 6, you have less need for a covering lock.
Though you have options for Lcok you are lacking your link man with Walker. Him at 6 doesn't do much for our team if he is not in middle.
Seeing Pezet defend, I am not too worried about anyone replacing him i dont think there will be too much difference. I think everyone is pointing to the broncos game as why Pezet could be good... But just look at the reaction from Ryles after that "good" game, he wasnt too impressed. So I can only imagine after the other 2 games he has played. Im sure he tries hard, and he could come good... But i expect if he doesnt within a month or so, Talataina will come in once eligible.
Recruiting French is an interesting concept Poppa. However it would feel like a massive overreaction after a win against a reasonable side. Can't imagine Bevan fitting in without an offseason so not a fan of this.
And yes we may be overrated if you expect a top 4 finish but top 8 remains possible.
Pezet is early career and as Ryles said after the Broncos game he's a WIP. He'll do a job for the Eels this year but not sure how excited the Broncos would be with him stepping into Reynolds shoes.
Pezets defence is suspect but when the opposing forwards are winning the ruck, you can't expect your #6 to shine.
The middle forwards are a concern covered elsewhere. IMO Moretti, JDB and maybe Teacan come in and we bide our time with Pezet.
N#6 next year gets interesting and maybe a temporary French solution is viable, we'll have to trust Ryles to sort this.
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