Burbo to lock?

[The '47ers]

I've always been and remain of the belief that Burbo is mainly a whipping boy because of his surname.

If he was Ben Thompson he'd be a solid young second rower with a few areas to continue to improve.

I've been, on a whole, reasonably pleased with him this year and do think he is currently our best option on the left edge.

Could he be upgraded in the off season, sure, but for now he starts and continues to contribute

If his name was Ben Thompson he'd be lock for Wilcannia, or bench

 

[God]

If his name was Ben Thompson he'd be lock for Wilcannia, or bench

Reserve grade bench player for Moss Vale if they even still exist. If they don't he still probably only makes the bench.

 

[Disco]

If his name was Ben Thompson he'd be lock for Wilcannia, or bench

Reserve grade bench player for Moss Vale if they even still exist. If they don't he still probably only makes the bench.

A popular refrain but hyperbole IMO.

2nd best edge at the club currently, though its a weak field for 2nd

 

[God]

A popular refrain but hyperbole IMO.

2nd best edge at the club currently, though its a weak field for 2nd

Its a terribly weak field where we need to be looking at getting Chee Cam or Matherson or even Schoupp ready as cover because one injury and we have even bigger issues than Burbos inability to play at a decent level. Certainly need to go to market at some stage

 

[globaleagle]

Might be time to merge some of the Burbo threads?

If you think that, try doing a search for turbo threads. 100 of them!

Unless I missed something, Turbo doesn't have a specified 'mega' thread like many others.

weird

 

[Disco]

Its a terribly weak field where we need to be looking at getting Chee Cam or Matherson or even Schoupp ready as cover because one injury and we have even bigger issues than Burbos inability to play at a decent level. Certainly need to go to market at some stage

The 3 positions we need atm are halfback (thanks DCE), left edge and middle IMO.

Hooker possibly too pending how Simpkin keeps going and young Zaidas

 

[Under the Sticks]

If you think that, try doing a search for turbo threads. 100 of them!

Unless I missed something, Turbo doesn't have a specified 'mega' thread like many others.

weird

But each of his injured body parts do! I believe the left hammy has slightly more posts than the right.

 

[Thewestisbest]

Might be time to merge some of the Burbo threads? I suspect he's going to be around for a while.
Some of course are convinced he's not first 'grade standard' but I see a young forward on the improve.
Last night for example he was up against one of the best in Martin and held his own in that battle.

and for reference, Haumole is just about the form 2nd rower currently, and possibly MOM last night, but Burbo's stats don't look too bad either

Burbo 80 min,13 runs, 97m, 20 tackles 2 misses
Haumole 80 min, 16 runs 113m, 30 tackles 2 misses

I believe Ben is progressing as a backrower. He was good last night.

 

[eaglebuzz]

I believe Ben is progressing as a backrower. He was good last night.

He's getting better all the time. There are plenty of other second rowers in the NRL I'd have instead of him in the starting side, but none of them play for Manly.

 

[Thewestisbest]

Played well enough last night. He's just not suited to being and edge in the modern game. He doesn't have the speed or the strength to break the line. With his size, he may end up in the front row. His hands and ball playing ability don't suit the number 13 either.

My opinion of him has nothing to do with his name. It's to do with his lack of discipline, which I'll concede was good last night.

He is more in the Lindsay Smith type build than the Isaiah Yeo. I reckon he will end up in the middle and that is where he will play his best football. For now he is improving as an edge.