This is inspired by observations from another blog comparing the merits of Luca Moretti and Matt Doorey.
Let’s compare Luca Moretti, Kelma Tuilagi, Matt Doorey, and Kitione Kautoga.
Moretti is the standout. He could be anything.
With another full season in him, he would be a chance to make the Kangaroos given the exodus of players these days.
In comparison, Doorey and Kelma show more deficiencies. Kelma posts good contact metres but has an abysmal defensive record and tends to switch on and off during games. That is probably what stops him from being a regular starter. He needs a defensive coach and a sports psychologist in the off season if he is to reach any heights.
Doorey’s hit ups are solid with occasional gusto, but his overall focus is inconsistent. He is trying hard and has the size to play as a middle, but is he tough enough to play big minutes and stay fit?
Kautoga is a bit of a mystery. At times his concentration wavers, but he has excellent attacking instincts and off loading skills. He has improved but still makes too many errors. That said, he needs to lift his workload, just like his peers. His tackling reflects inconsistency, but he is a huge improver with plenty of potential.
Liam Martin. The model they all should follow. He brings everything. Application. Passion. A big engine. Grit. An enforcer. Our boys have the same skill sets. The question is, do they have the desire and consistency? For me, Moretti has the best chance of filling that role with controlled aggression. Still, all of them could add more of that edge to their game.
As for Charlie Guymer and Sam Tuivaiti, it is early days. Same with Talyn Da Silva. He needs a full off season and more time in our 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 let’s not forget Ryley Smith. In my eyes, he is already a star with future captaincy potential. Hard working. Calm head. Inspiring. Passionate. A glue type of player.
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
Coryn, that kid looks a beast. Would probably fit the Ryles type? Surely, the Warriors can't keep all their forwards?
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.
Yes but they had a coaching change at the dogs that off-season.
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