Api /Hastings or Both

[maxta]

Why not start Hastings and bring API on when the other forwards are tired?

That's the tough call mate....
Hastings no doubt adds smoother service and is heads up taking out the market and parking his runner inside the A defenders gate adding to a roll on effect which is vital.
Api has earned my respect big time- his defence including that amazing trysaver also needs serious consideration....many say defence wins games and that was 1 of about 5 key moments of last nights victory.
Both are serious competitors ...either way for me others drop out and both earn a spot in the 17.

 

[MightyEagles]

Why not start Hastings and bring API on when the other forwards are tired?

I think Api is there for his toughness and defence. For his size he leads the way in defence. 1st off the line and there to put on a big hit. He has to stay in the side IMO. Hastings certainly straightened up the attack and got our pack going over the advantage line. I think the one under the most pressure when all are available is Sironen (Brown of course but he isn't going anywhere). Maybe Lussick will come into the middle and Marty will play on the edge

 

[Tragic Eagle]

Why or why are we stuck on Lewis in the 17 every week. What happened to earning your spot. We need a first grade goal kicker with 80% accuracy so that makes Hastings a no brainer. This bling loyalty to players treated like mates is akin to NSW's failure under Daley.

 

[Woodsie]

I think Barrett is doing an excellent job with Hastings and Api. I believe that he is bringing Hastings on slowly and making him earn his game time and respect the opportunities, something Hastings has clearly said he didn't do at Easts. He appears to have given him clear instructions as to his role when he gets on, and doesn't over play his hand. The more time he gets the more "creative" license I think he will be given.

And this is being done without alienating or pissing off a guy that gives 100% like Api. Means he has 2 players on the same page.

How something like this is handled is the test of a good coach or people manager. The same with Walker's kicking last night ..... sack him mid game and ****et his confidence for the rest of the season .. although that decision was probably made by the captain of field DCE.

 

[Fluffy]

swap their roles and we are sorted.

Also allows Barrett to play Api as a darting fresh middle runner like DCE/Morgan sometimes have in origin should the game warrant it.

 

[chuckee]

Keep it the way it is for the moment. Hastings changed the tempo of the game late in the piece once he came on as I predicted. He gives us a lot of energy for our boys to piggyback on.
He has to be or permanent 5/8 after Green calls it a day. As long as he can bide his time for another season and a half.

 

[Snake]

It's simple...If Api doesn't play last night, we lose. There is no way in the world that Hastings would be able to control that big aggressive pack like Api did last night. A second half stint is much easier than the first 20 minutes of a game when the tempo and tone is set for the match. Api was so energetic and courageous last night against Boyd, Paulo, Papa and co. Massive fan!

 

[Loobs]

Was thinking about this last night @Turbo1 . If you're Tim Cleary, you seek a 3-4 year extension NOW before his stock dramatically rises. That's how you get those bargain buys. See if his management team nibbles.

I can see him as the long term replacement for either Blake Green, Api Koroisou or Lewis Brown. Offer him $125k per season for 4 years or something?

Haha he'd never take that. Too many cashed up clubs that could use him. He'd start at 3-400 realistically.

 

[Ryan]

Haha he'd never take that. Too many cashed up clubs that could use him. He'd start at 3-400 realistically.

300k - 400k, for a guy in and out of first grade? Don't get me wrong, I think long term, he'd be worth that and more. Unsure why Roosters didn't want him.

hey, if we could get him for say $300k per, for 5 years or so, I'd take that punt...and do it now, because if we go on a huge run, and he's part of that...his price expectation will sky rocket.

Get in early, get a contract on the table imo.

 

[Damien2812]

I was thinking maybe drop sironen and give lewis brown the starting spot since barrett won't drop him so you can keep both api and hastings and add another prop.. ☺