This is an observation from another blog where the merrits of Luca Moretti and Matt Doorey were being discussed.
Let's compare Morretti, Kelma, Doorey and Kautoga.
Moretti is the standout. He could be anything.
If he had another season in him, he would be a chance to make the Kangaroo's given the exodus of players these days.
In comparison, Doorey and Kelma have more deficiencies. That being said, Kelma posts good contact metres, but has an abysmal defensive record and can switch on and off during games. I'm guessing this stops him from being a regular starter. He needs a defensive coach and a sports psychologists in the off-season if he's to get to ang heights.
Doorey's hit ups are fine with occasional gutso, but his overall focus is inconsistent. He is trying hard and is big enough to play as a middle. But is he tough enough, can he play big minutes, and stay fit?
Kautonga is a bit of a mystery. Occasinally, he has poor concentration, but has excellent attacking and off-loading skils. Though he has improved he has too many errors. Just the same, he needs to increase his workload like all his peers. His tackling also reflects that inconsistency but a huge improver with lots of potential.
Liam Martin. That's who they all need to model themselves on. He brings all those things to his game, princibly by application. Passion. A big engine and gutso. Our blokes have the same skill set as him, just need to do the work and have the desire to be consistent. Do they? Martin is also an enforcer. Moretti to me is the one for that role: controlled aggression! That said they all could focus more on that.
For now, I have put Charlie Guymer and Sam Tuivaiti aside. It's early days for them to talk about lack of committment. It's also way too early to talk about Talyn Da Silva. He needs an off-season and more time in or systems.
Talking about commitment and consistency: What happened to Bailey Simonsson? A head scratcher. He was in a similar position a while back. But he did all the hard work, and improved himself to be a good player only to then shat in his own nest! If his girlfriend (Fox Sport) was the reason behind this, he should come back to the fold and piss her off. He needs to understand that wives and girlfriends should not get involved with professional athetes, when it comes to career aspirations even if they try their best. He can't have his cake and eat it too.
All the forwards I have mentioned have the ability, they just need to look in the mirror to bring it out.
And who could forget Ryley Smith? He is already a star in my eyes with future captaincy potential. Hard working. A calmish head. Inspiring. Passionate. Glue potential.
Will these forwards make it? The opportunity is there. There is some talent in that lot. We now have a coach and staff, and perhaps need a good sports psychologist to help raise their game and develop their potential. A lot depends on it.
Replies
I think there is a fair amount of upside in Morretti for his toughness and Kautoga for his ball playing skills. Doorey does have time on his side to improve but not sure there is any further improvement for Kelma and his laziness in the ruck. He does have an offload but creating one try is one thing, letting in three is a whole other matter....anyway be good to see how they progress after a good pre season...
Is this Pops corner rigged for self-deletion too???
What do you mean Randolph, must be something in it for you to read this far.
"Rigged for self-deletion"...... please explain or is it something you don't understand?
PS You know you can delete your own posts and blogs Randolph, do everyone a favour now you know that and I will delete this post.
Tuilagi is like the QE2 he needs a wide berth his lateral agility is poor you saw it when coming from the inside he was well off the pace.He has impact with the ball but once he turns his shoulders in or plants his feet he's done there's no recovery from him.He's another guy like Doorey imo are just one trick ponies.
If Tuivaiti and Guymer step up I'd happily see the back of the above mentioned wouldnt bat an eyelid.
Lot of eels players off-contract next year like Doorey & Tuilagi. They are just filling spots in the top 30 while our juniors develop into First Graders
We've got probably around two-thirds of the squad off contract Nov 1st, 26.' By 27' Ryles should have a clean slate. My guess is we're around $3m behind atm with Matto, Lane, Simo, Hands & freight. How we aren't last & generally resilient is a miracle of sorts.
Yep that win v broncos and then cowboys pretty big, we are definitely heading into most games way under done roster wise
Eli, 2026 could be telling. With another off-season we should see more cohesion. Thus less errors & better fundamentals. Improvement. In theory. Assuming the right habit patterns on-and-off field.
But in 2023, Gus' Second Year of the Dogs' Rebuild, which he started mid-21, they regressed. To 3rd-last. Worst defence. A warning.
I don't disagree with the rhetotic EA but Ryles seems to have persevered with both, one of the reasons I summarised those players. Without actually do so consciously before I started I looked at who we had and maybe what they need to do if they go that extra step.
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