[Resurrected] Gordon Chan Kum Tong

Gordie is a keeper.
In only 4 first grade outings (2 trials and 2 NRL) I've seen him make 2 clean breaks, which is about the same as Croker has managed in 3 full seasons. Gordie has excellent vision.
In 2 Tests, playing big minutes against the world's best front rowers, he wasn't exposed in defence, and his passing remained pretty good throughout.
Best of all, he has a great attitude and that surely is a boost for any team he plays in.
 
What's the view on GCKT on this season and the future?

Personally, i don't see him ever being a starting caliber hooker but wondering if he can still add value off the bench.

I was rather surprised he was preferred over Simpkin for the bench role when Croker returned at the back end of last year.
 
I like the guy, He has go, and does some good things .. but IMO

His arms are too short ... he can't wrap blokes up in defence ... and appears to have a small motor, looks like he gets winded often .
 
Yeah I dunno. He needs to compose more and be more patient. I would play him in the final 15 minutes of each half as he will provide high energy when players are tiring
 
I still think Gordie has a bit to offer but can't see him ever being a starting hooker with his size limitations.. but with his energy and running game could still be a handy #14 going forward. Just needs to work on some parts of his game and get rid of the pause before passing, he's still only 22 so I'm sure he can work it out. If only we had a ex-premiership winning and Origin hooker on the coaching staff specifically to work with the hookers...

Him and Simpkin are different styles of players hence why Gordie was preferred on the bench when Croker returned. Simpkin largely struggled at the Tigers playing second fiddle behind Api and is more suited to a starting role, where he was doing just fine for us before Croker came back last season. In fact that period where Simpkin and Gordie played in tandem was probably the best we played all year. Hooker is definitely a weak spot for us but I wouldn't be blaming Gordie or Simpkin for that just yet, if you catch my drift
 
double hoops said:
Simpkins just had this team looking at another level in the middle. Jackie strength is his running game IMO. I just don't believe he played to his strength anywhere near enough.
Click to expand...

Just from observation, a hooker can usually only have a quick dart out of dummy half if the defense is already retreating, and/or we get a quick play the ball with 0 or 1 markers, AND there are no better options for the hooker to pass to. If those things do not happen then a quick run out of dummy half is not really an option worth taking.

In my opinion... GCKT is better than Croker and Simpkin for a quick run from dummy half... but for the remaining 90+ % of the time, a hooker has to provide service (i.e. passing) and defense, and in both of these Croker and Simpkin are better options.
 
Still very surprised how Simpkin was jettisoned from the starting 17 on Crokers return after Croker’s long lay off with a serious injury. Apart from the last game Simpkins played against the roosters he was playing in a dominant pack and we looked real good. Our pack was dominated by the Roosters and Simpkins got dropped because he missed a couple of tackles. After Simpkins was dropped we went back to our slower game style which is easily shut down. We took a step backwards in IMO.
 
I like Gordie and I would have him as my 14. I like his passing and running game however the pre-condition for selection in 1sts would be a real improvement in his tackling technique. I think this lets him down and I would be insisting he goes low every time and not worry about trying to wrap up the ball on guys 20+ kilos heavier and almost half a metre taller.
 
Gordon’s strength is running the ball and attracting defenders, he has a good running game and his defence improved in 2024, young player still working on his overall game, needs to nail down a position in the 17 when the opportunity comes.
 
Gordie seems to be the type of 9 who may be or is capable of offering some value with his reasonably sharp and direct running when the game has opened up a bit .
Has showed a bit of grit in defence at times also when spending some time in the middle .
Doesn 't seem suited as a run on 9 however when a platform from that position is really needed initially or for a good part of a match and then a bit hard to warrant a spot on the bench in the current circumstances.
Guess the question then is whether Simpkin is able to go the full 80 as Froggy is not able to these days , so a bit of a quandary there unless someone like Tavega is being considered as a possible 9 , forward utility option .
Just not sure if he may be able to add some decent variety or agility there let alone the defensive requirements .
Still the hope i guess is that Simpkin has or is having a good off season and has toughened up a bit ,and maybe can go the full 80 but would be a big ask .
Also still have to respect Foggy 's defensive resolve but alternatively , the type of service and creativity at 9 to get the side to a better level over time now , just can not be delivered
Maybe Simpkin went the full 80 in that very courageous win last season against the Dragons at Brookie so that is something i guess
 
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