We are missing our props

[Woodsie]

Just my mind wandering @The better Robbo @maxta .. but I have been pondering the positive/negative aspects of the Walker re-invention coupled with the Shuster 2nd row role ..

There is no doubt that Schuster can, and is one of the potentially most damaging X factor players in attack .. but I am wondering how much of this talent is being lessened by having to make over 30 tackles a game, and limited to one side alley of the field ..

Do you see any merit in say starting Keppie in the second row and bringing Schuster of the bench to do the role currently being done by Walker, with a roving mandate ... he would be better at it, brought on for 2 x 20 min spells ... downside would be not having a good player on for 80 min .. upside a fresh focused X factor with a lic'n to run rampant ..

Then my bench would be

Walker .. can cover any backline position ..
Schuster
Mungo Prop 1
Mungo prop 2

 

[maxta]

Just my mind wandering @The better Robbo @maxta .. but I have been pondering the positive/negative aspects of the Walker re-invention coupled with the Shuster 2nd row role ..

There is no doubt that Schuster can, and is one of the potentially most damaging X factor players in attack .. but I am wondering how much of this talent is being lessened by having to make over 30 tackles a game, and limited to one side alley of the field ..

Do you see any merit in say starting Keppie in the second row and bringing Schuster of the bench to do the role currently being done by Walker, with a roving mandate ... he would be better at it, brought on for 2 x 20 min spells ... downside would be not having a good player on for 80 min .. upside a fresh focused X factor with a lic'n to run rampant ..

Then my bench would be

Walker .. can cover any backline position ..
Lawton ..
Mungo Prop 1
Mungo prop 2

I like this dilemma Woodsie and have a few thoughts on it...
There is no doubt some give and take with Schu making more tackles on his edge, but for most part has done well in this aspect due to having great lateral movement agility and ability to make key tackles and close down opposition shifts.
Has a good motor, so I don't see it hindering his attack and seems to manage his energy super well for a youngster....also has the ball playing ability to use his slick passing game with the option of being a very dangerous runner of the ball, this outside of the very direct Foran, ensure this left edge attack with Tom chiming in- up with Souths as most dangerous left edge in the NRL
Walker - Have noticed is running with direct vigour and turning into exactly what you want off the bench - impact....the important thing with both these players is the fact they know their role - and are doing it so well

 

[Tragic Eagle]

I don't think the balance is right with both Walker and Lawton on the bench. I can see its a safe option as Walker can cover backline injuries and Lawton can play dummy half. IMO the front rowers in rotation should be Paseka, Marty, Aloiai and Sipley. Keppie needs to be on the bench as a back rower / front rower. So that leaves room for one utility in my mind. Both Walker and Lawton have played really well. Its a tough choice.

 

[Rocky]

I don't think the balance is right with both Walker and Lawton on the bench. I can see its a safe option as Walker can cover backline injuries and Lawton can play dummy half. IMO the front rowers in rotation should be Paseka, Marty, Aloiai and Sipley. Keppie needs to be on the bench as a back rower / front rower. So that leaves room for one utility in my mind. Both Walker and Lawton have played really well. Its a tough choice.

I think you are right. Just seems like we don't have the necessary 80 minute go forward with Walker and Lawton on the bench. I can see the merits in both players but just feels to me when Walker is on we don't have the necessary grunt go forward and a lot of it is Walker just freelancing with the ball. And that often stifles our other creative players IMO. Not sure if thats a recipe to beat a Melbourne or Penrith.

 

[Eagle 1]

Very accurate summary- I like the aggro of Keppie, but does have the ability of an easy turnover or silly penalty ....Manly is starting to build some good momentum and its a good problem to work out who fits the 17

 

[Eagle 1]

Nice problem for Des to have coming into the finals, with no further injuries Des will have a horses for courses approach with certain players suited for different sides.

 

[Eagle 1]

I don't think the balance is right with both Walker and Lawton on the bench. I can see its a safe option as Walker can cover backline injuries and Lawton can play dummy half. IMO the front rowers in rotation should be Paseka, Marty, Aloiai and Sipley. Keppie needs to be on the bench as a back rower / front rower. So that leaves room for one utility in my mind. Both Walker and Lawton have played really well. Its a tough choice.

So hope Paseka is ok to go against the cowboys, bit of game time before the finals would be ideal.

 

[Lyonstomenzies]

You've never seen a guy hit it up harder off a kick-off than Aloiai?

Like ever?

Um, Tony Iro circa 90’s says hello

 

[manlyfan76]

Um, Tony Iro circa 90’s says hello

Josh Perry's first run for Manly.

 

[Eagles4Life]

I think you mean damn you Gladys

Changed it to damn you Covid. I would have used a lot stronger word to describe the feelings I have for Gladys.

 

[Heckenberg]

George Rose our loose cannon in 2011?

Watmough.

 

[manlyfan76]

Watmough.

In the GF it was Gorgeous

 

[Eagle 1]

Watmough.

Remembering that huge SOO series that Watmough played in and the Blues won, he was unstoppable.

 

[The better Robbo]

Just my mind wandering @The better Robbo @maxta .. but I have been pondering the positive/negative aspects of the Walker re-invention coupled with the Shuster 2nd row role ..

There is no doubt that Schuster can, and is one of the potentially most damaging X factor players in attack .. but I am wondering how much of this talent is being lessened by having to make over 30 tackles a game, and limited to one side alley of the field ..

Do you see any merit in say starting Keppie in the second row and bringing Schuster of the bench to do the role currently being done by Walker, with a roving mandate ... he would be better at it, brought on for 2 x 20 min spells ... downside would be not having a good player on for 80 min .. upside a fresh focused X factor with a lic'n to run rampant ..

Then my bench would be

Walker .. can cover any backline position ..
Schuster
Mungo Prop 1
Mungo prop 2

I like it! Schuster has declined in his performances recently and I was smashed on here at the start of the year when I called him out for not really doing the tough hit ups. He would certainly be a super sub and probably get more out of him playing 60 minutes as a rover compared to 80 on the edge. Could be a master stroke!

 

[Stillman]

Regarding people's comments on Keppie being all rocks and diamonds, I think it's worth pointing out that his brain farts only really happened when he was playing big minutes at lock. As an impact prop / second row he was a beast.

With him and paseka back we have the rotation to take this competition by the nuts.

 

[Eagles4Life]

I like it! Schuster has declined in his performances recently and I was smashed on here at the start of the year when I called him out for not really doing the tough hit ups. He would certainly be a super sub and probably get more out of him playing 60 minutes as a rover compared to 80 on the edge. Could be a master stroke!

Just swap Schuster with Lawton.
14. Walker
15. Schuster
16. Aloiai
17. Keppie
Schuster comes on early. (Walkers role - plays 60)
Walker comes on later, when Croker is taken off. (Walker plays 30) Croker is replaced by Lawton as dummy half, Schuster shifts back to the edge, Walker in the middle)
Aloiai and Keppie play their normal prop rotation role.
Simples.

 

[Eagles4Life]

Just swap Schuster with Lawton.
14. Walker
15. Schuster
16. Aloiai
17. Keppie
Schuster comes on early. (Walkers role - plays 60)
Walker comes on later, when Croker is taken off. (Walker plays 30) Croker is replaced by Lawton as dummy half, Schuster shifts back to the edge, Walker in the middle)
Aloiai and Keppie play their normal prop rotation role.
Simples.

When using this formula I would still have Schuster on the edge in defence. Lawton in the middle. The concept of using Schuster as a rover is a good one. It will mean he gets his hands on the ball more often, and he can link with DCE and Foz more effectively.

 

[QueefRichards]

Sipley looked pretty exposed in that match

 

[pjayz]

Sipley looked pretty exposed in that match

He might cop a fine if that is the case. Was he doing a Donny McKinnon?

 

[Shoe1]

Just swap Schuster with Lawton.
14. Walker
15. Schuster
16. Aloiai
17. Keppie
Schuster comes on early. (Walkers role - plays 60)
Walker comes on later, when Croker is taken off. (Walker plays 30) Croker is replaced by Lawton as dummy half, Schuster shifts back to the edge, Walker in the middle)
Aloiai and Keppie play their normal prop rotation role.
Simples.

Complicated