Ryan
Journey Man
Guys - a bloke on MSE asked why I was such a huge advocate of young Adam Cuthbertson, and I replied like this. What do YOU all think of my summary of the situation? Before I start, like Corso said, I know NO-ONE will be able to replace BK, and agree with that, so with that in mind:-
Ok - here's the deal with my assessment of Cuthbertson. Midway through 2004, Cuthbertson was a lot quicker, mobile and was a true blue 2nd rower. I remember attending a many a home game to watch all three grades, and remember one of the highlights each week, was the combination Cuthbertson had with Jye Mullane, who was playing centres at the time. Cuthbertson, who appeared to have about 5-10 Kg's less on his frame than he does now, was allowed to roam wide of the ruck (hence term wide running backrower), where he excelled. In my opinion, he was ALWAYS a standout in Premier League, and why in my opinion was touted as the next big thing at the start of each season in Rugby League Week.
Then, all of a sudden, Manly have a depth issue in 2005 in their props. So what happens? This mobile, wide running second rower seems to all of a sudden bulk up, lose mobility, and is told to go on in the front row....a position that in my opinion completely doesn't suit him. I THOUROUGHLY disagree with Manly's assessment of Cuthbo to be a prop. I would also say that at the time, we had plenty of depth in the 2nd row / lock positions with Stewart, Tutt Williamson, Harris, Beaver, Watmough, Kennedy & co.
Therefore, I believe if he slimmed down again, was able to play his natural game, as a wide running second rower (possibly BK's replacement), he would strike up a ruthless combination with Lyon and Bell with his ability to offload in traffic.
I also say that it is Des"s fault he didn't excel at prop, because it was a position foreign to him, and now he is being punished with no 1st grade time due to that error in judgment.
This seams to be a real problem with this team (players playing out of position). For goodness sakes;
Travis is a 5/8. Let him play 5/8 next year;
Lyon is one of the best centres in the world. Let him PLAY there;
Beaver isn't a centre or 5/8. He is the most prolific forward try scorer. Play him there;
Matai is a good centre / winger (played wing against Canberra in 05). The thought of him replacing BK, and battering 200+ metres a game with his frame is plain silly.
Let Cuthbertson play his natural position, and give him a free range to play. We've done it with Rose, and look at him improve (albeit as a prop).
Mate - that's why I think he's good.
Ok - here's the deal with my assessment of Cuthbertson. Midway through 2004, Cuthbertson was a lot quicker, mobile and was a true blue 2nd rower. I remember attending a many a home game to watch all three grades, and remember one of the highlights each week, was the combination Cuthbertson had with Jye Mullane, who was playing centres at the time. Cuthbertson, who appeared to have about 5-10 Kg's less on his frame than he does now, was allowed to roam wide of the ruck (hence term wide running backrower), where he excelled. In my opinion, he was ALWAYS a standout in Premier League, and why in my opinion was touted as the next big thing at the start of each season in Rugby League Week.
Then, all of a sudden, Manly have a depth issue in 2005 in their props. So what happens? This mobile, wide running second rower seems to all of a sudden bulk up, lose mobility, and is told to go on in the front row....a position that in my opinion completely doesn't suit him. I THOUROUGHLY disagree with Manly's assessment of Cuthbo to be a prop. I would also say that at the time, we had plenty of depth in the 2nd row / lock positions with Stewart, Tutt Williamson, Harris, Beaver, Watmough, Kennedy & co.
Therefore, I believe if he slimmed down again, was able to play his natural game, as a wide running second rower (possibly BK's replacement), he would strike up a ruthless combination with Lyon and Bell with his ability to offload in traffic.
I also say that it is Des"s fault he didn't excel at prop, because it was a position foreign to him, and now he is being punished with no 1st grade time due to that error in judgment.
This seams to be a real problem with this team (players playing out of position). For goodness sakes;
Travis is a 5/8. Let him play 5/8 next year;
Lyon is one of the best centres in the world. Let him PLAY there;
Beaver isn't a centre or 5/8. He is the most prolific forward try scorer. Play him there;
Matai is a good centre / winger (played wing against Canberra in 05). The thought of him replacing BK, and battering 200+ metres a game with his frame is plain silly.
Let Cuthbertson play his natural position, and give him a free range to play. We've done it with Rose, and look at him improve (albeit as a prop).
Mate - that's why I think he's good.
