Api a chance for Origin selection

[Bearfax]

Must admit that my opinion about Api has been changing over the past 3 weeks. He's been outstanding and I can now well understand consideration for SOO. Maybe young Turbo was right all along.

 

[robbiea]

That's a Huge wrapi on Api.

 

[TagMonster]

So the player that many were saying three weeks ago should be dropped from the team now should be picked for SOO? Is NSW in that bad a situation at hooker?

Api has improved that past three weeks but that does not mean he is up to SOO. He still misses far too many tackles and his service (whilst very much improved) is still suspect at times. Playing at the rep level have the potential to expose him and as a confidence player it could kill our season.

I am sticking to my opinion that not a single Manly player should be picked for SOO. Not because of performance or ability, but rather because I have never been good a sharing!

 

[Bearfax]

Tag, I think he is presently playing as well as any hooker in the comp. His passing has improved significantly, his defence is solid and his running from dummy half is noticeably more dangerous. Persons far more knowledgeable about the game than me have suggested his name in SOO discussions. I'm not saying he will be picked. But he'll certainly be discussed, which 3 weeks ago did seem impossible.

 

[Frank]

Tell them their dreaming. Apparently he can't pass.

 

[wombatgc]

Must admit that my opinion about Api has been changing over the past 3 weeks. He's been outstanding and I can now well understand consideration for SOO. Maybe young Turbo was right all along.

I'm in the same boat. Happy to be proven wrong. That's a fair wrap Trenty has given him, which can only help his confidence.

 

[bringbackbeaver]

So the player that many were saying three weeks ago should be dropped from the team now should be picked for SOO? Is NSW in that bad a situation at hooker?

Api has improved that past three weeks but that does not mean he is up to SOO. He still misses far too many tackles and his service (whilst very much improved) is still suspect at times. Playing at the rep level have the potential to expose him and as a confidence player it could kill our season.

I am sticking to my opinion that not a single Manly player should be picked for SOO. Not because of performance or ability, but rather because I have never been good a sharing!

Thank you for the most logical piece on this thread. Api has improved yes. But he is NOWHERE NEAR origin level. His passing is still not up to standard, look at the chooks game when DCE sprayed the drop goal. It was the 4th or 5th and the ball to him was a semi floater! That kick was always missing despite people saying mitch pierce touched it. And it was missing because DCE didnt get a spiral to his chest with the speed and urgency required in that pressure situation.
Farah is way past it, a massive hog and better not be selected. Wallace has a lot of Cam Smith about him. He's never rushed, always takes the best option, good consistent clean ball and can kick. I am big fan of Wallace playing 9 for NSW.
Knowing Daley, he will pick Tamou, Jennings and Farah which is just rubbish. All of which are out of form. Farah has been dropped in favour of Damien Cook! Better not get a start.

 

[swoop]

I've changed my mind on Api, he's been playing great and is defence is awesome. Room for improvement but looking the goods at the moment.

Credit where credit's due, well done Api!

 

[mjb136]

Let's be real here, Api is no chance for origin whilst Laurie is coach and Farah is available.

 

[nightster]

As I have said many times ... I'm an Api fan ... not saying he is the best hooker going around ... but he adds real spark and enthusiasm to our team .... however I would pick Wallace for SOO hooker... for his kicking game alone

 

[Snake]

I can tell you for a fact that the coaching staff is well aware that Api's service can improve...Api knows this himself but everyone at the club understands how important his other contributions are...on the surface it appears to the average punter that he is nothing special, but he is really good at engaging markers and creating space for his forwards as well as providing a running threat out of dummy half; this takes a heap of pressure off the halves because the defence can't simply rush them...this is the reason why Canterbury are struggling because Lichaa poses little to no threat out dummy half.

The people in high places are very happy with Api and have weighed up the pros and cons to his game and decided that although he is not robotic in his service (a la Ballin), he is a genuine attacking threat in the middle and one of the best pound for pound defenders in the competition.

Although this is also my opinion, this is 100% the attitude from inside the club I can tell for a fact.

 

[maxta]

Playing great in 2017 - always been tough and gutsy.
Not always been a personal favourite, as he needed more gloss to be a complete player....but to his credit - has improved dramatically.
Keep in mind - often in 2016, his players were not rolling through the ruck like 2017, often losing first up contacts and playing the ball at snails pace....almost like getting a bad pass - often leads to the next pass being a shocker - not making excuses - just adding logic to his overnight improvement as to why service has improved so much.

 

[nightster]

also, we seem to be playing the ball a lot quicker this season and that definitely helps take the pressure off dummy half and first receiver

 

[HappilyManly]

 

[Ralphie]

I'd be happy with that because then we could put Hasting in at Hooker. Couldn't give a rats rear end about SOO.

 

[TimmyQ]

Playing great in 2017 - always been tough and gutsy.
Not always been a personal favourite, as he needed more gloss to be a complete player....but to his credit - has improved dramatically.
Keep in mind - often in 2016, his players were not rolling through the ruck like 2017, often losing first up contacts and playing the ball at snails pace....almost like getting a bad pass - often leads to the next pass being a shocker - not making excuses - just adding logic to his overnight improvement as to why service has improved so much.

Yup he's a fan favourite alright Api - I was there last year when we pumped the dragons 36-6 or whatever it was with my 8 yr old son. It was only Api and Luke Burgess that signed his hat.. Great fella. Now if Api had a slick pass and a kicking game he'd be dynamite.. Hopefully the skills he lacks keeps improving over time. Quite amazing he still is one of first picked despite having so much potential improvement in him. Onya Api!

 

[nightster]

I'd be happy with that because then we could put Hasting in at Hooker. Couldn't give a rats rear end about SOO.

I hope non of our players get picked for SOO (totally selfish but I'd like to see us have as uninterrupted season as possible), ... if Api was to get picked I would also like to see Hastings given a shot at hooker .... needless to say if any of our players DO get selected I'll be watching their performances and supporting them keenly

 

[Kevinward777]

Tell them their dreaming. Apparently he can't pass.

And he never won a GF either. Did nothing in that game, Sam Burgess actually played at nine after busting his face.

 

[Mitch]

Looks like Api is in the frame for Origin next year if Rothfield’s column is to be believed.

Freddy to axe Peats at Blues

WE’RE hearing new coach Brad Fittler will make big changes to the NSW State of Origin side next year. Fittler wants to put the emphasis on attack, which probably means the likes of hooker Nathan Peats not getting a start.

Peats is outstanding defensively but lacks any dash or creativity with the football. We’ve heard Fittler is a huge fan of Sea Eagles hooker Apisai Koroisau. As long as his form is strong early next season, he’ll play Origin.

 

[nightster]

If Api were to get picked Manaise Fainu might get a run at 9