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'm wondering if that's a huge assumption Pops , that Baileys Eels days have been curtailed by his girlfriend. I just couldn't care less that he is leaving. I've struggled to see him anything but a fill in that gets injured when on the cusp of some consistency and then struggles to get back to first grade. The cycle keeps on going for him.
'He has now been playing since 2019, still has a poor tackle efficiency averaging over his 6 years at a tick over 80%. Some years have been Mid 70%. 6 Line breaks in 2 years, albeit not a lot of games for him in first grade.His NSW cup form / stats are worse.
Blue Eel
Cant argue with that Bluey, but the idea behind it was effectively average players with potential and what they can do to achieve it, Bailey was more an example of a negative.
Bluey, imo family members & partners would have a big say if they're in a serious relationship or with kids to avoid War of the Roses.
Even Jerome Hughes who loves the Storm to death essentially conceded his wife had a big say in him resigning & needed to be on board.
What is Bailey's go though? A head scratcher. Something is going on behind the scenes and/or between the ears. Whatever it is, the tail can't wag the dog.
Paulo
Ryley
Hopgood
Kautoga
Williams
Walker
Da Silva
Moretti
Tuaivti
Guymer
JDB to join the fold so probably start him at 13 and Walker off the bench. Not sure who drops off. Kelma Doorey reserves
JDB will give us some versatility in the forwards rotation and experience.
But if JDB starts at lock, it means Hopgood moves to starting prop with Junior, and Moretti and Tuivaiti are from the bench.
That's a fair pack, just need to figure out the 6 and centre situation and then they can look at making a run to finals. Lot of these younger forwards should take a step next year as well
I wasn't trying to asess the pack Eli as much as the players that can improve to add value.
Dont forget our very Good edge forward,
The one who many here have said they know who it is, then when questioned who it is disappears faster than Brown without Moses.
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