Albert hopoate cleared by specialist

[manlyfan76]

List of young players.
If you are good enough, you are ols enough.

 

[manly al]

Interesting that young Hoppa has not even been included in any of the extended squad" s listings in recent times and since he has been apparently cleared quite some weeks ago . Miski has and one would think that Albert would have resumed some full body contact training in recent weeks as well . Just recall reading a couple of weeks ago that Manly were very keen to re sign him with interest with quite a few other clubs as well . In reality, would be a very considerable risk starting him as a full back or centre at Manly, in recent times wing would be a different matter but Garrick and Jorge are going well enough . Not even sure what a realistic contract that Albert would warrant at Manly to be re signed , would not be able to match the overs from some other clubs of course No doubt on a minimum contract now but with Thommo and possibly Elliot leaving , would be some funds there to access for a decent upgrade . Then there is always the Morman mission factor . No idea really , probably need someone like poster Snake to give some better insight if he feels like offering some interesting posts again .

 

[Smokin Joe]

The dad was touted as the next superstar fullback after destroying opposition as a junior,got found out at fullback and moved to centre,got found out at centre and ended up as a pretty good winger.
Will was touted as the next Inglis at fullback and has issues with the high ball and explosiveness and pace and is making a name now at centre.(not worth the massive money he is on)
Jamil was touted as being a potential star in the backrow and can't get a regular run in a Broncos side struggling and with a horrendous injury toll.
Sione was touted as a star in the making and is struggling with the Bears Massey side after going on a mormon mission(not playing at the moment)
Would love to have seen more of Albert in reggies and with the way it is unfortunately we can't.Hopefully at some stage this year he gets a crack to see just what he has.all for giving him a shot,but better judges have to make that call.
Even rugby who are desperate for stars don't seem to be making a beeline to him and offering big money at this point(considering his background in union would seem like a target for them)
The last thing I want to see is the club making a huge mistake in offering a kid big money and no return and creating salary cap issues,also don't want to see him kick on a be a star elsewhere....
Hopefully he hangs around for a one year contract to prove himself,but if he wants to go then so be it...
Crazy idea,but maybe if he is physically ready to loan him to warriors on a month long trial(they are losing Fusitua and Maumalo next week) to see if he can cut it and then go from there,if he kills it then let the bidding begin,if not then make that call then.Would say to him that we want to see him in action and don't want to stand in his way but doesn't put us at risk if he is found wanting in a match.

 

[silvereagle]

The dad was touted as the next superstar fullback after destroying opposition as a junior,got found out at fullback and moved to centre,got found out at centre and ended up as a pretty good winger.
Will was touted as the next Inglis at fullback and has issues with the high ball and explosiveness and pace and is making a name now at centre.(not worth the massive money he is on)
Jamil was touted as being a potential star in the backrow and can't get a regular run in a Broncos side struggling and with a horrendous injury toll.
Sione was touted as a star in the making and is struggling with the Bears Massey side after going on a mormon mission(not playing at the moment)
Would love to have seen more of Albert in reggies and with the way it is unfortunately we can't.Hopefully at some stage this year he gets a crack to see just what he has.all for giving him a shot,but better judges have to make that call.
Even rugby who are desperate for stars don't seem to be making a beeline to him and offering big money at this point(considering his background in union would seem like a target for them)
The last thing I want to see is the club making a huge mistake in offering a kid big money and no return and creating salary cap issues,also don't want to see him kick on a be a star elsewhere....
Hopefully he hangs around for a one year contract to prove himself,but if he wants to go then so be it...
Crazy idea,but maybe if he is physically ready to loan him to warriors on a month long trial(they are losing Fusitua and Maumalo next week) to see if he can cut it and then go from there,if he kills it then let the bidding begin,if not then make that call then.Would say to him that we want to see him in action and don't want to stand in his way but doesn't put us at risk if he is found wanting in a match.

Hey Smokin Joe. Love your posts mate. That's actually the smartest idea I have seen re Albert. I think the new news on Tommy T may force Dessie's hand here. Last game I saw Albert play in at Blacktown he was at centre and man he played well. NRL definitely a big step up but only one way to find out. The Warriors would love to get their hands on him and we can see how he goes. Great thinking there mate.

 

[Disco]

To be fair Will could have been a superstar but you cant underestimate how two years off on morman mission can slow your progress down

 

[manlyfan76]

Im not a specialist, but i am also clearing Will.

 

[The Who]

Last game I saw Albert play in at Blacktown he was at centre and man he played well. .

I didn't think he'd played a match for Blacktown or in any grade other than Under age.
Can someone confirm or refute this?
Thanks

 

[Smokin Joe]

To be fair Will could have been a superstar but you cant underestimate how two years off on morman mission can slow your progress down

I think Will was/is the most talented,he is a good defender and makes good reads/tackles,he is good with his hands and a good ball player.
He lacks real pace,does not run into the line with real purpose and has issues under the high ball.To me he is an excellent centre and potential five eighth but not talented enough to be a massive priced option at fullback or winger.(not that wingers really get paid huge money)
He did well when thrown into origin as a rookie but I think it was at centre?

 

[Tomay]

Paying big money for unproven players is for desperate clubs. For every Ponga out there there’s an Ash Taylor. We have enough superstars - keeping some solid and reliable thrifty guys around should be the priority.

 

[MW66]

Does anyone know his current physical condition? I know he has been cleared by the specialist but does that mean he is only running in straight lines due to recovery, is he fit, is he able to do everything required e.g. at 100%. Maybe its a simple case that he is not ready yet (physically).

Re leaving for the Dogs. Don't know how I feel about it. He has had 2 recos before 18. Mind you Gutho also had consistent knee injuries and hasn't looked back. I would be disappointed if he left however nothing to base it on except for junior rep reputation. 50/50 call this one.

 

[40 nil]

Does anyone know his current physical condition

Think it was reported by a forum member that he played in a trial match a few weeks ago...(?)

 

[Shoe1]

The dad was touted as the next superstar fullback after destroying opposition as a junior,got found out at fullback and moved to centre,got found out at centre and ended up as a pretty good winger.
Will was touted as the next Inglis at fullback and has issues with the high ball and explosiveness and pace and is making a name now at centre.(not worth the massive money he is on)
Jamil was touted as being a potential star in the backrow and can't get a regular run in a Broncos side struggling and with a horrendous injury toll.
Sione was touted as a star in the making and is struggling with the Bears Massey side after going on a mormon mission(not playing at the moment)
Would love to have seen more of Albert in reggies and with the way it is unfortunately we can't.Hopefully at some stage this year he gets a crack to see just what he has.all for giving him a shot,but better judges have to make that call.
Even rugby who are desperate for stars don't seem to be making a beeline to him and offering big money at this point(considering his background in union would seem like a target for them)
The last thing I want to see is the club making a huge mistake in offering a kid big money and no return and creating salary cap issues,also don't want to see him kick on a be a star elsewhere....
Hopefully he hangs around for a one year contract to prove himself,but if he wants to go then so be it...
Crazy idea,but maybe if he is physically ready to loan him to warriors on a month long trial(they are losing Fusitua and Maumalo next week) to see if he can cut it and then go from there,if he kills it then let the bidding begin,if not then make that call then.Would say to him that we want to see him in action and don't want to stand in his way but doesn't put us at risk if he is found wanting in a match.

is your dad Smokin Joe Kilroy?

 

[Kevinward777]

I imagine that if the team plays well and wins on Friday then there won’t be any unforced changes.

 

[susan]

Let’s be serious here

The kid is coming back from the most serious knee injury you can get, has no training base underneath him, has very little experience playing outside of his age group against men, has no lower grade stuff to get match fitness back into his legs, and people think it’s a great idea to throw him to the Wolves straight into first grade ?

Have a look around. NRL has kids on fire all over the place. AFL is being dominated by really young kids at Lions Suns etc. 12 out of 22 in a soccer game the other night were under 22.
It’s a different world now.
Not sure if many of you have seen the kid. He’s as strong as an ox and a sensational player.
So he’s done his ACL ? He has to play sometime. None of these kids popping up everywhere have been playing either during Covid. Those two young cowboy pups looked sensational. I know for a fact hes fit strong and ready to go.

if he goes without playing a game and we end up with the same backline next year as a result it will be a disgrace.The 2 to 6 we have now will not win a comp. I’d bet a lot of money on that.Anyone who thinks they will ain’t watching every week.

Bottom line is without Tom we are going nowhere at the pointy end of season and he’s looking dodgier by the minute. Our only hope is to unearth a bright young star . Nothing to lose in my books ( except Albert if he’s kept out of side by average footballers). Parker Garrick Tafua Funa etc are not going to get us a comp. If we lose Albert ,Shuster has better be super man next year because we will struggle again out wide.

 

[susan]

To be fair Will could have been a superstar but you cant underestimate how two years off on morman mission can slow your progress down

He is Canterbury’s best player every week in a **** team. Blokes a great footballer still.Fantastic passer of the football.Id have him back in a flash. He makes our outside backs look like most of them are - average.

 

[Kevinward777]

He is Canterbury’s best player every week in a **** team. Blokes a great footballer still.

He never has a bad game either. Great defender, knows how to get on the outside of his man, and sets up his winger as good as anybody.

 

[Disco]

Oh 100% agree, very good player. Just ponder what he could have been without that 2 years off

 

[Shoe1]

Oh 100% agree, very good player. Just ponder what he could have been without that 2 years off

After having the world at his feet at 19 I wonder if he regrets the whole secret eel deal / mission / eel years / dogs years / wilderness thing?

 

[susan]

We haven’t exactly set the world on fire since he left so in terms of premiership success he’s lost nothing. And he missed Barrett which he’d be absolutely over the moon about.Looks like he loves his footy. Puts in 100 percent every week.

 

[Mataiforever]

Paying big money for unproven players is for desperate clubs. For every Ponga out there there’s an Ash Taylor. We have enough superstars - keeping some solid and reliable thrifty guys around should be the priority.

Solid and reliable comes in spades. You can always buy an Aiden Tolman but can’t always buy a JWH as we all know. Never stop looking for and trying to hold onto talent, for the fairly right price that is.