Burbo to lock?

[PONTIAN SEA EAGLE]

The roosters game at alianz last year showed his not a 1st grader.

 

[Dion Johnson]

I didn’t think he would be a good middle, though after watching him Saturday I think he could go well there.

My thought last season is he wasn’t ready to be an 80 minute footballer on an edge, that’s no knock on him just where he was at, some developing players need more time than others, think he is best suited off the pine for me at the moment.

If there were other options on the edge this could be an option, for now though with the squad the left edge looks like where he will be.

 

[HoldenV8]

You picked a few immortals there!

I’d like to have Jesus on our team ….. but apparently he is up in heaven playing rugby!

Reminds me of the old "What would you do if Jesus came to Manly??"

Play him at 5/8 and move Bozo to the centres.

This year I am one year older than last year. Am I getting that old

Oh, and I don't mind moving Burbo to lock ... only if Jake can produce the sort of metres at prop that he did on Saturday night. I did note that when he did take a hit up, he wasn't surrendering quick to get a quick play the ball in so much. He was pushing and gaining metres.

I think Burbo has the skills to be a ball playing lock. But is he physically enough to play in the middle??

 

[Bringbackcliffy]

I didn’t think he would be a good middle, though after watching him Saturday I think he could go well there.

My thought last season is he wasn’t ready to be an 80 minute footballer on an edge, that’s no knock on him just where he was at, some developing players need more time than others, think he is best suited off the pine for me at the moment.

If there were other options on the edge this could be an option, for now though with the squad the left edge looks like where he will be.

Honestly if he had a different surname he would be a fringe 1st grader at best. Lawton had his measure last year and he was a hooker / utility. Lacks the power, aggression or creativity of the better forwards. Needs to offer more imo

 

[Nike]

It's one game but I feel like Burbo has been settling in nicely as an edge, I would describe him as serviceable in a team that has lacked the needed balance. I don't know if coming off the bench would be any better because I can't see who would replace him apart from Waddell, who wouldn't be an improvement. I don't think he has the skills or physicality required to play in the middle as a lock though.

I think it will be interesting to see how they use Talau, I can see him getting a spot on the bench and giving Ben a spell in the last 20 if he's not required for injury backup.

 

[Tomay]

Burbo is occupying a very important defensive position and looks lost. In the first half when we were dominant the other day he still came out of the line and made a poor read. He tackles with his hands. He really looks confused and lacking confidence. This team doesn’t need more indecision or inconsistencies. He offers nothing in attack.

I would love to see him become a no frills defensive edge that can just run a decent line. Unfortunately I think he’s well off the mark and probably our biggest impediment at chasing a premiership.

 

[double hoops]

Who is knocking the door down to take Burbos spot?

 

[Dion Johnson]

Honestly if he had a different surname he would be a fringe 1st grader at best. Lawton had his measure last year and he was a hooker / utility. Lacks the power, aggression or creativity of the better forwards. Needs to offer more imo

Credit to Lawton he played well on the edge last season but he lacked size for me.

On Ben he has played some good games for the club, big enough body with decent height to have an impact in the middle from what I have seen of him.

 

[Dion Johnson]

Who is knocking the door down to take Burbos spot?

With the season just starting I think the question would be, what has Ben done to lose his spot, I don’t think on one game you could replace him with players on the selection fringe in MCK or Waddell they both have their weaknesses also.

The hope is Dunford makes good use of his full pre-season and plays consistently well to put himself in the picture, but it’s Ben’s spot to lose at the moment and he deserves a few more games.