Reality check

Ok guys, it is time for a dose of reality. Let's take off the blue and gold glasses for a minute and assess our chances in 2017.I see a few glaring problems. 1) we have only one half. Corey Norman is quality but Gutho is a virtual Virgin in the playmaking role and we shouldn't expect much consistency from him. He doesn't have a kicking game and that puts a load of pressure on Norman, particularly with Peats replaced by a non kicking De Gois. 2) we have a kid at fullback. While French is a raw talent, he is going to have a few bad games and he will be targeted due to his size. 3) We don't have a lot of creativity at hooker. De Gois is a solid defender, but I can't remember him making a bust it setting up many tries. We essentially have one creative player in our spine. 4) we have no goal kicker. Remember in 2015 we lost a few games by less than 4 points and identified the need for a kicker to convert those into wins? Well nothing has changed. Gordon will be a bigger loss than we think. 5) we are short in the props. Junior was such a powerhouse for us He consistently bent the line and could create second phase play through his passing ability. Our premier prop is Mannah now that Wicks has gone and my Grandma is bigger than him. We have a lot of "depth" in the forwards - but these guys are really fringe first grade back rowers.Conclusion? I can't see us scoring more than 14-16 points a game and that won't be enough to et us in the semi trailers. Another long year ...

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  • I actually think we are top 8. Wont threaten the last two weeks of finals, but we should be making it. I predict 6th - 8th
  • 1) did you watch any of the games with Gutho at 5/8, he'/ no Norman but he was consistently dangerous at their end.

    2) it's expected French might have bad games, but you're making him out to be a weakness when so far, we've seen very little evidence to suggest that at Fullback.

    3) I agree with this point, up until you said we have 1 creative player in our spine. French is arguably more creative than Norman, Gutherson is a fantastic runner and always takes the ball to the line before moving it onto a second phase. That's 3, then you have Mennings and Semi, plus Taka and his kicking.

    4) If Semi works on the form he showed off in that one kick last year (yes, definitely a small sample size) then I think we will be just fine in the goal kicking department. But it is definitely a concern.

    5) ....I feel like you haven't paid attention to our signings at all. Vave and Frank are a good place to start.

    Albeit I do agree we shouldn't expect wonders, or that we're going to dominate - but frankly, every point you've made has been incrediably pessimistic and without any foresight. This side has more scoring potential than last years, and we put some big points on the board without Norman.
    • Well said..
    • From his little time in 5/8, Gutho showed he passes well, can run, hits the line, can set up outside men. Yes his kicking needs work but I think he has shown he is a fast study and will improve faster. Also, playing along side Norman, his kicking games won't have the pressure he had last year.
    • I was going to say my own spiel in response to it all but this sums up my thoughts. 

  • 1. Yes Gutho is inexperienced but he is a footballer and can devolp its a risk but thats why we have Robbo on the books to mentor and act as cover.
    2. Yes beven is young but thats why weve signed josh hoffman as cover plus Gutho can cover if needed.
    3. Hooker is our weak spot agreed it puts extra pressure on norms to manage the attack.
    4. Goal kicking is a issue but Gutho has kicked alot in the 20s so i hope he can step up. This maybe how the fog gets a run.
    5. We have signed more big boppers brown vave etc.. we will be stronger next year.
  • 1. We only have one half – yeah and that is Corey Norman and the other at the moment is Clint Gutherson......does Gutho have as much talent or more then Chad Townsend?? I think from what I’ve seen Gutho has more......Chad f**kn Townsend won the comp!!

    2. We have a Kid – yeah and that kid scored 19 tries in 13 games!!!!

    3. We don't have a lot of creativity at hooker – other than Cameron Smith & Josh Hodgson please tell me who the creative hookers in the game are?? and please dont say Robbie Farah look what hes done for NSW killed it...literally.

    4. we have no goal kicker. – mmm Semi looked like he could kick to me.

    5. we are short in the props – this is the best one...Mannah, Matagi, Pritchard, Brown, Alvaro, Vave, O Brien, Terepo......

    • I agree with you Bart. The props you have mentioned have plenty of size!!!!!

  • Top 8 contenders. Making the finals would be great after such a long time out.

  • Generally Poppa I really enjoy and value your responses on here but this has been less than thoughtful. I actually agree with the majority of what is written here and think it is a fairly accurate summation with the exception of our forward stocks (maybe Jimbo was unaware of Matagi's likely signing).

    Just scraping into the 8 but not going any further is where we are at I think. At this point in time, we would have towards the bottom end of the competition in our 1,6,7 and 9 for the reasons outlined in the blog. We also don't have an established goal kicker. Don't get me wrong I really like Gutho and Bevan (I have said that the club should make significant efforts to retain Bevan) but at the moment both are unproven.

    Maybe you should have thought more laterally prior to the start of last season in assessing Cronulla's chances. I had them down to finish 2nd after the regular season. Their roster based on simply two players (Ennis and Maloney) tops ours by a long shot. The rest of the two teams are probably on par with each other. 

    http://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/who-do-you-think-will-feature-...

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