It has happened in the past, Tim Mannah, Bevan French. These players once they were named in Cup never came back. Waqa, being off-contract, will not come back from this as Russell is the future and will be given a great chance to sure up a Centre spot. If he works then great as it means we have a good Centre that can play Fullback if needed.
As for Waqa, if it is his last game, i have never seen such an up and down career for a Parramatta player in my time watching them. Coming to Parramatta mid 2019 from Penrith, he had recently signed a 5 year deal with Penrith, before the ink could dry new coach Ivan Cleary moved Blake on to create room for other Centres at the club. Blake played Centre for us every year, up til 2022 where he featured on the wing with no Sivo and Russell injured. He had one of his better seasons in 2022, finding the try line 12 times, though issues under the high ball stopped Blake from being a full-time option. The reason for Blake being added to Parramatta was a need for a Centre, with a backline of Gutherson, Sivo, Jennings and Ferguson. Blake is an athletic freak, tall, one of the fastest players at the club. Should work out surely? Not quite. He was plagued with injuries, with 2020 and 2021 suffering long term injuries, 2019 he came back late in the year from an injury also.
My brother, and i have mentioned this before, has played a high level of footy being involved in Ron Massey cup, under 20's for Easts and training with Cup teams, he knows a thing or two about footy. He has always said, Blake is not a dreadful player, he just does not suit Parramatta. The marriage, so to speak, has not worked. His 2022 season showed that Blake can be a good attacking player in the NRL, though with Blake it was constant rocks or diamonds that cost him.
What is next for Blake and Parramatta? Let's start with Waqa, ESL looks like his best bet. He will earn more money in England and would kill it, we have seen how athletic backs with pace go in Super League and they are stars. If he is to stay in NRL he will have to take a massive pay cut and go to a less desirable situation, either culture or location or both.
For Parramatta, Sean Russell gets first nod. He is signed til 2024 and cannot seem to find a spot as he is a Fullback by trade but is hard when your captain is the same position. Russell i feel is better suited at Centre than Wing. Russell is a hard worker, like Gutho, this is his chance. If he doesn't take it, then of course we will be looking for a Centre for rest of the year. Something will pop up.
Waqa played 75 games for Parramatta, scoring 28 tries. The writing was on the wall for a while and this dropping is the final straw. Is it deserved? I would say yes, it is time to move on. As failed NSW Labor opposition leader Michael Daley once said to Alan Jones, i will mirror to Waqa, "Thank you for your service".
Replies
Not necessarily LB. I wouldn't be surprised if BA brings him back due to injuries or lack of performance by Russell or Dunster. We don't know whether he's been carrying an injury and it may have affected his performances this year. Although I do recognise the fact that he has performed well below expectations for the last 2 seasons.
I do not think so Axel. We have seen BA do this three times, Mannah, French and Brown. Brown the only exception making a return for the GF for a role.
Waqa is shopping himself, i think it is done. If i am wrong, i will admit it.
What about Fui???
Yeah that's what I was thinking. I never liked what BA did to Fui.
Fui was 35years old. His replacement wasnt bad. A young bloke called Junior Paulo.
The French situation was diffrent French was called up to play on the wing but told BA he'd rather play fullback in reserve grade.
BA gave him what he wanted.
Mannah and fui both had the sent to finish in Cup scenario
You're assuming BA is a smart coach
Carrying an injury ?... you haven't seen the Mal Meninga bandage then
Nice blog LB... respectful but honest
It was on the radio today that Waqa has apporached Eddy Jones for a potential shift to Union.
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