The Options

Being at the game yesterday was very disappointing. I'm sure that there are members here who perhaps see me as a unicorn but I can assure you that I'm anything but a unicorn when im sitting at a game and watching a performance like yesterday's. I knew it was not going to be good in the first 5 minutes. The energy and intensity were missing. It was substandard from the start and we were false leaders at half time.Changes are probably needed, but I'm not going to trash players. There will be disappointment among some of the more established stars, if not some embarrassment. Rather, I'd like to examine what players may be ready for a call up.Firstly the Wenty team had a win but it was not a great game. The refereeing was confusing and Wenty's ball control was not the best. Who were the standouts?Fuss had a rugged game. After only two games back from his forced retirement he may come under consideration.Pauli looked very strong. Caused headaches with every run. A great first game back.Tepai needed that run. He played big minutes. His recent issues have actually limited his game time in first grade. He needed time on the field rather than a break. First grade was not the place for that. He made some impressive charges yesterday.Goodall is one of my favourite players. To me he looks like an NRL player in the making. Scored a great try using power and pace yesterday.Other players of interest? ZDC had a solid hit out at this level. He looked at home from dummy half and scored a good try. I hope that they persevere with him in this grade. Crooks was solid but is still adjusting to the Aussie game. He's not being rushed. Quinlan was busy and made a great tackle to prevent a try. The halves did their job but needed to be more dominant. Matterson is learning to play at a senior level and does not always take the best options.So, if changes are to be made, where do they need to come from? Firstly, we would hope that Taka is ready to return. Semi is still many weeks away. I'd like to see Goodall get a run but that probably won't happen.Fuss, Pauli and Tepai are probably up for it. Would all three get a call up? Unlikely. Fuss would probably increase the energy levels, so he might be the most likely. Pauli would be good to introduce when the team is playing with confidence. They might want Tepai to have another game of longer minutes under his belt before a recall.Having the benefit of a cooler head today, if changes are made it is most likely to be two or three at the most. I would expect Taka to return if ready and maybe a forward brought in, possibly Fuss. Turning yesterday's form around will be a tall order.

"This has been the problem. Our juniors are always 'not ready'. It shouldn't matter who we are playing. Playing inexperienced juniors with all upside is better than persisting with players that aren't doing the job. Ryles has done it with alot of…"

Replies

hindy April 12, 2015 at 8:29am

I hope they bring in the 4 you have suggested in taka, fuss, Pauli & tepai.
I feel for tep, how would he feel when choc comes up with a performance like that and will be picked next week.
Big call but I would make an example of choc and playing him off the bench or even at Wenty
- robert maxwell > hindy April 12, 2015 at 12:39pm
  
  right on hindy agree ,facts are . choc can't pass, to play he needs a new game plan.
  
  fuss, Pauli & tepai. and goodall should get a run in the top grade..
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 April 12, 2015 at 8:32am

Ok team lists time :)

1. Quinlan
2. Robinson
3. Takairangi
4. Goodall - faster & fitter than Folau
5. Faraimo until Semi returns
6. Norman
7. Sandow - gone soon
8. Mannah
9. Peats
10. Wicks
11. Moeroa
12. Mau
13 Watmough

14. Fa'aoso
15. Gower
16. Lussick
17. Pauli/Matto
- Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 April 12, 2015 at 8:52am
  
  Watched him closely at the Dragons. Actually went to a few Dragons games as my cousin is a supporter.
  *Quinlan definitely has more than enough speed to worry the opposition.
  *Has played 30 odd NRL games.
  He pulled off copy book last ditch defense yesterday to save a try.
- Camo73 > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 April 12, 2015 at 8:53am
  
  We're all disappointed with the Hoppa experiment. Surely he's playing out of position. Quinlan looks like Mullaney. He isn't going to win you games.
  Robinson played his best football when Dugan was out and he shifted to fullback. Hoppa played really well at centre last year. For me it's a no brainer.
  Richie looked really good yesterday. He ran hard and tackled with venom. I'm not sure what number 17 for the Bulldogs said or did to him but Richie was clearly annoyed and came up with a massive hit against a pretty big bloke.
- Matty90 > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 April 12, 2015 at 10:53am
  
  i like your team but you do need a few changes, you can completely drop hoppa cause you will shot his confidence,
  
  1.Robinson
  2.goodall
  
  3.taka
  
  4.hoppa
  
  5.folau
  
  6.norman
  
  7.sandow
  
  8.mannah
  
  9.peats
  
  10.lussick
  
  11.Gower
  
  12.Mau
  
  13.Watmough
  
  14.Pauli
  
  15.Wicks
  
  16.Fa'aoso/lasalo (he has put on some size and leg speed)
  17.matto/zdc (reminds of of issac luke) (Matto has to be around the team more as well)
  
  18.Seffa/Terepo
- Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 April 12, 2015 at 11:41am
  
  Hopa shouldn't be let near an NRL backline. State cup at best.
  
  Folau is not ready. Needs to get his fitness right before he returns.
  
  Robinson has been good out wide and I wouldn't change his position.
aveel April 12, 2015 at 8:35am

Brad Arthur just needs to stop with the De Gois and Paulo experiment off the bench. What team plays with a back up hooker onthe bench if their first choice hooker can play 80min? Its just plain stupid, particularly when De Gois offers nothing that Peats can't.

As for Paulo....He offers little go forward, less playmaking and is a weak defender. That's not what you need off the bench. It's worrying that Brad Arthur thinks this is how we will make the 8.
- Bernie Dowling > aveel April 12, 2015 at 8:46am
  
  Cowboys have for the past few seasons. Works for them.
- aveel > aveel April 12, 2015 at 9:09am
  
  You know who else is a good defender and sharp in attack? Peats.why move him into the backrow when he's not a backrower? Leave him at hooker