In today’s NRL environment, intelligently managing your salary cap is imperative for success and I always view how a team manages it’s wingers and being a critical part of this.
It wasn’t long ago that Parramatta had arguably the best wing pair in the game. In Luke Burt it had a skillful finisher and in Eric Grothe Jnr it had the best-in-the-business for giving you a strong start to your set. We’ve also carried other specialist wingers like Etu Uasiele.
However, I’d argue that when your wingers are earning as much, or perhaps even more than your halves, you’ve probably not got your salary cap being spent on the right decisions.
This year, I reckon the Eels have nailed it, we’ve got some great options for the winger from players who either aren’t earning big pay packets or they provide additional value via their ability to cover other positions.
Luke Burt will have a lock on one wing spot. His experience, finishing talent and also his versatility make him a must-pick even though he is coming into the twilight of his career. Yes, he has shortcomings, he’s relatively small and can get dominated by larger flankers but he also has one of the quickest play the balls in the game. If you’ve got a pet set play that you think is going to bring you a lot of points, there is no-one you want on the end of it more than Luke Burt.
I have a huge boom on Kenny Sio, and at this stage looks to be Luke Burt’s heir-apparent in that he’ll hold down one wing spot but also provide cover for your fullback. Sio has speed and size and he’s a great finisher, who has made tremendous progress through the Parramatta ranks. His debut game against the Titans showed just how talented he is and I’d personally like to see him lock down the other wing spot.
Sio may have to battle Esi Tonga for that position, though, depending on who’s selected in the centres. Tonga’s got size on his side, and he’ll certainly be able to contribute a strong start to the set but from what I’ve seen of the two Sio’s game is more complete and mistake free. Either way, they’re both great wing options and both complement Burt well. Tonga’s ability to play centre makes him a nice addition to the squad, and the same can be said of Ryan Morgan who can play wing as well as centre.
Additionally, Parramatta also boast Jordan Atkins, who is the odd-man out in that he is a specialist winger. As such, I see him as a suitable replacement for Burt, because he does finish very well. From what we’ve seen of him in the past, he misses that little bit of explosive power that you like to have in your wingers these days, but he’s very dependable and you couldn’t want for a better back-up option, really.
On top of these blokes, Parramatta boast a few very strong prospects in the junior grades who I have no doubt could come into the top grade for a period this year and hold their own. Vai Toutai is most ready. He was close to NRL last year and he boasts a powerful running game and rock solid defence. Another who is a centre first, but more than capable of playing wing, I like the idea of a player like him finding their NRL feet in on the flank.
I’ve always had a massive opinion on Jacob Gagan. He dominated the juniors at Harold Matthews level, but has since then been playing up in age and has also battled injuries, and it’s probably fair to say, hasn’t quite made the splash yet that some of us were expecting him too. However, if he can stay injury free, I reckon this might be the year that we see that raw talent start to shine through and I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of him breaking through this year if he can do that.
VERDICT: I love how we’ve managed our wing options this year. We’ve got great depth and players who can cover other positions, yet haven’t broken the bank on any of these guys. We also have a nice balance of players who are class finishers and bigger guys who’s strength will be bringing the ball back on a second hit-up. That’s not to mention some exciting juniors who will be capable fill-ins, or who could even force their way into the side like Jarryd Hayne and Kris Inu did through their sheer ability.
Replies
Nice read, thanks!
As much as Eric Grothe Jnr was a liability in defence, there has not been another winger that had a better kick-return than him. He was a second forward to us.
With Burt's lack of size, it is paramount whoever the other winger is has this ability.
It provides momentum and relieves our forwards from getting involved until 3rd or 4th play.
Worth noting that Burt was 5th for Kick Return Metres in the entire comp last year, despite playing most of his games on the wing. He's small, but he's no slouch when it comes to returning the ball.
Just a shame that when the training and expectations got tough Jnr Got Going...
Another great read Phil,however what about young Jacob Loco. Did you leave him out because he is injured or dont you think he can make it. He is very young and i can see in him another Eric. He is very strong and quick. All he needs is time and to be injury free for awhile.What do you say mate.
I've not included him as I don't think he'll play again this year - and I think if he does it will be in the centres.
"Parramatta also boast Jordan Atkins, who is odd-man out in that he is a specialist winger"
What a waste of talent.
Why oh why hasn't any coach given him a shot at Fullback?
Rock solid under the high ball and prepared to cop a flogging making sure the opposition don't get their hands on it.
His defense is as good as any - pretty quick across the turf - and does have some size to him.
Opens up even more options with him taken out of the "specialist" one spot player catagory.
It's a long season and unfortunately we are kidding ourselves if we think there will be no injuries. Players like Aitkens will get there shot. I hope we can get through with minimal injuries but if Hayne plays Origin then we can shuffle players and not suffer too badly.
I think the exposure that S.K provided to some of the young players last year will come in very handy this year.
I like Morgan and I think he'll come on a bit this year. There is plenty of competition for spots and that is conducive to good footy.
SOO could be a difficult period for Parra. Hayne Tonga Sandow Mannah all likely to be selected. Thats when the lesser likes will get a shot....who on earth will cover for sandow? jason Seage?
What about Maitua?
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