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
Two Eels made the team of the week. Well done fellas. Not bad Tallyn for only 20minutes game time.
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.
He jumped from Ball to Flegg and handled it quickly, he jumped from Flegg to Cup and handled it pretty well considering size, age, experience. He has played more Cup games now than Flegg i believe. That's saying something.
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?
Interesting LB, would love to know what the thoughts are here from Ryles and co.
Well they may feel he needs to fix a few things and will be fine. Maybe even the mindset of he could be fine now but why play him when he can be more ready in from Cup?
Lorenzo is in a great spot right now, Flegg eligible and starting in Cup. He will get better as the level slows down.
I recon Fletcher will play Flegg and maybe a game or two in cup this year. In 2027 I recon he will be the nsw cup halfback so back up halfback to Moses. Essentially following the same development as Sanders.
I can see Lorenzo making his NRL debut at the end of this year. Obviously have to wait and see how he goes in cup since the season just started, but there is every chance after another pre-season he will be ready for the NRL 5/8 spot alongside Moses in 2027. He finally is playing alongside a halfback this week in Cup as the first 2 games he had Twiddle and than Joash at halfback when both are natural fullbacks.
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