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
Not sure Bluey, I'm glad Pezet didn't make it, I would really look silly then! LOL
Agree with a lot of the comments here regarding PEZET and current form of Lorenzo and co in reserves. I have watched Lorenzo closely for past 4 years. He has talent and speed of the mark, deception , kicking game ( short really good ). What I see and know I am concerned with Lorenzo being a shy individual and not a great communicator ( YET ). Just remember this time last year he was playing SG BALL and since then has played Flegg - NSW CUP and NRL trial match. He was player of the year SG ball last year. If he gets a sample game or two this year I will be happy.
PEZET worries me to be honest. His defence is average and his running game is average. He has a nice passing game and definately has vision which is almost non negotiable these days in NRL for halves. I dont think we are moving away from him yet. The best player IMO so far has been RUSSELL. He has come on leaps and bounds . His has good game awareness now and can set up his winger. That catch and pass action for JAC try was timed to perfection. If he tried to take the tackle and pass, we dont score.
I'm starting to think Talataina will be a star, despite his size. He has been our best player across two reserve grade games this year. He is certainly not out of place, including in defence.
Some on here NOS mention Talataina might not be ready til at least 2028. So if that's the case do we go with Joash? Or a stop gap? Or just throw him in?
Good points PT, I haven't really seen those young players to judge them fairly, the Pezet fear I have was after watching him closely last year and he is now confirming those fears.
I use the word overated juniors because I am disappointed they have not played to any authority this year in their respective grades, although I read on TCT that Fletcher had a blinder over the weekend.
I am also a believer that Reserve Grade is a bastard for good players to be recognised as their abilities become compromised by the lack of same from disenchanted players wondering why they are in Reserve Grade. It maybe that someone as good as Lorenzo is held back on this basis, I always have had a strong belief if they are physically up to it and have the preceived extra ability to be a First Grader, get them in there as soon as possible.
I have noted your accolades of some of these youngsters and recognise your experience in judging them.
Moses has been dangerous at five-eighth and Pezet has allowed it to happen.
1. Our juniors are doing alright. THey've lost one game so far. Jersey Flegg also winning.
2. NSW Cup destroyed Melbourne earlier and lost to the Dragons which are quite good at reggies.
3. Even if we drop Pezet, Talataina or Papalii will show some problems still. Too early to drop Pezet.
4. I like Bevan French and call for his signing as a 6 for a year or two. But also I'm sure Pezet would kill it even more in Super League, so......
God. Another Bevan French reference. Hes not coming mate. And so he shouldnt. Killing it over there, and we shafted him.
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