Halves Combo

[Berkeley_Eagle]

THE Sea Eagles' budding halfbacks won't forget a torrid Australia Day training session in the blazing heat at their Narrabeen headquarters. Just back from a two-week coaching stint with the Warrington Wolves, which included a week in the Canary Islands, Andrew Johns ran with the Eagles' rookie halves Trent Hodkinson and Kieran Foran for the full session.

Joey looked right at home positioning the prospective No 7s in attack and defence before staying behind to have a kicking session with the two youngsters. Having Johns at some specialist sessions, on top of using the NRL referees in mock games as much as possible, is a tribute to the forward thinking of coach Des Hasler who has established himself as one of the best footy brains in the business.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/cranky-franky-has-final-say-on-willie/story-e6freye0-1225825081394

 

[Darren]

I am still hoping Trent and Keiran were going to play 5/8 and half. Jamie is so more effective out in the centres. Hopefully, Dean Whare shows the goods in the trials or even Hoppa jnr and give Dessie some serious considerations. In my mind, we could have 5 centre prospects: Lyon, Matai, Whare, Farrar and Hoppa. A possible Brett Stewart at centre or 5/8 in 2-3 years ala Lockyer with Hoppa at fullback??

 

[swoop]

We could have a heap of combinations, with Trent, Keirin, Lyon and we've also got Bailey although he hasn't impressed so far. I bet Johns and Hasler will cover all bases just in case.

 

[DSM5]

From the article in the paper, one might surmise that Des will give these two a go in the halves early.  I think. like many on the site, that Lyon is best suited in the centres where he can direct a little traffic and mop up any blunders.  His defense is just so good.

 

[OneEyedEagle]

I was thinking the same thing DSM5, when we won the premiership in 2008 Johns was helping Dessie, no Johns last year and we fell short. I think there is something special going to happen again this year so bring home the 2010 premiership

 

[willstyles]

Johns was definitely there last year OEE. It's a nice thing to read though, you can only imagine how much knowledge he can pass onto these two who would be like sponges when in his company.

Let's hope he keeps the topics limited to football and being one club players though.

 

[Wolfpack]

Johns was definitely there last year OEE. It's a nice thing to read though, you can only imagine how much knowledge he can pass onto these two who would be like sponges when in his company.

Let's hope he keeps the topics limited to football and being one club players though.

As far as I was aware Johns was our halves coach in 2008 but not in 2009. Can't blame him if that is the case, I wouldn't want to try & pretend that Bailey is a 5/8th either.

Does anyone know if Blake Davey is still at the club? If so he should be ahead of Whare in terms of our center prospects.

 

[willstyles]

Really? I know that he definitely worked over summer, before the world club challenge, with Foran etc.

 

[OneEyedEagle]

[quote author=willstyles link=topic=182354.msg250363#msg250363 date=1264932379]

Let's hope he keeps the topics limited to football and being one club players though.

As far as I was aware Johns was our halves coach in 2008 but not in 2009. Can't blame him if that is the case, I wouldn't want to try & pretend that Bailey is a 5/8th either.

[/quote]

Thats right Wolfpack, Johns was not assisting last year. I say take all the help you can get if it wins another premiership.

 

[Canteen Worker]

Might be worth noting that one Des Hasler and another Geoff Toovey both played for Australia as half-backs and have a few clues about what is needed to develop a player into that position.  Hopefully the combination chosen will develop and thrive, meaning that Manly won't get into some competition for that grubby halfback up North!!!

 

[DSM5]

Or the hopeless one to the East.

 

[Canteen Worker]

Pearce off!!! as Billy Birmingham used to say!!!

 

[The Wheel]

Gibbs on

 

[DSM5]

Agreed Canteen, now get back to work!!!!!

 

[Jatz Crackers]

Also interesting to see the exact wording in that article:

"positioning the prospective No 7s in attack and defence"

No mention of Foran in the 6. It might not mean a whole lot, but you could think that they are both vieing for the same position as opposed to become the halves pairing. 

 

[Crusher_Cleal]

Can't we entice Joey to play for us instead? I'm sure an apartment overlooking Freshie as a pressie from Max will do the trick.

 

[Duff]

Also interesting to see the exact wording in that article:

\"positioning the prospective No 7s in attack and defence\"

No mention of Foran in the 6. It might not mean a whole lot, but you could think that they are both vieing for the same position as opposed to become the halves pairing. 

Also no mention of DCE as a prospective halfback.

It looks like a few decisions have already been made.

 

[nita]

AAAAH if foran plays at 7 i'm going to cry. It would be such a waste.

Pleeeeeaseeee Des..
3. Killer
6. Foran
7. Hodko

 

[clontaago]

Start crying Nita. I cant see Des playing 2 inexperienced halves to start the season.

I wouldnt be surpised if we see Foran start the season at centre, with Trent and Jamie in the halves.

 

[The Gronk]

Gibbs on

don't you tell me to Pearce off Wheel