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.
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I will always remain solid that BA stuffed up Frenchs career. The bloke is so naturally talented and when they beat panthers in the club challenge, it was on the back of him. Unfortunately I think its too late for him to return to the nrl given his age and time out spent out of NRL. The bloke has the footwork, acceleration, passing game and short kicking game. I am quiet confident if he was at the Storm he would have been better than Papenhuyzen
Well said EA, I am glad others saw the same things I saw and the posterior ligament injury which BA suggested should be removed, just so he could get him back on the field early was the real reason we saw the French dermise.
I love your comparison with Papenhuyzen.....I'm impressed!
If French is one of the best players in the world, why hasn't any of the current 18 NRL teams looked at bringing him back?
Also, to be overrated, you have to be rated. I doubt we are rated.
A few commentators had us Top 4
A few experts had Dragons beating us yesterday. After Melbourne we were brought down massively and rightfully so.
Have us as top 4
We rate ourselves LB, is just a case of how you approach it, when you get older and a little wiser you will realise that everyone gets rated.
Yes I believe French has proven that and knowing the way he was treated in the NRL, why would he want to come back (Cappy's point). Also how do you know 18 NRL teams are not looking to bring him back!
In my "punt" I was hoping he may like to say " prove I can do it"
Make your point by the way....are you supporting the persistence of Pezet or do you "rate him"?
I just remember French getting absolutely ragdolled in defence out on the wing. Imagine how he's going to be defending in the middle.
Defending on the wing can be more difficult Clint i.e. 5/8 is more systemized and you can be effective in that environ or steam rolled on the wing.....just looking at perspectives.
French was not a winger. He was a FB. I remember when he got demoted to cup he was playing 6 for wenty. Every game he scored and set up so many tries but BA kept persisting with Salmon from memory when DB did his back
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