How do we unlock Koula?

[mickqld]

Really went missing yesterday but is that his fault or the lack of creativity from the halves. I really think our backline has been vastly over rated.
Turbo - not much to say always injured but super when he's on and we're beating up a weak opposition but against the top teams he gets easily shut down and defensively very suspect.
Saab has improved his hitup meters but isn't being setup properly and again seems constantly getting injured.
Garrick - leading points scorer but he's a quality winger not a centre and defensively gets caught out constantly.
Koula - has speed but why aren't we seeing it enough. 3 tries so far. Not enough and doesn't make enough post contact hitup meters.
Lehi - a good winger but not convinced he's up to fullback yet. Haven't seen him tear through any defenses yet with speed and footwork.
Talau/Falaulo/Vegas- average nsw cup standard only.
Our defense on the edges is a joke , we can't cope with any team that gets a few sets in our 20 and sends it from side to side

 

[LeonardCohen]

Much like the semi final last year, is there a better sight than a crucial Manly try where this guy’s poetic running style is on full show?! Geez he is great to watch in open space.

 

[Stewbojevic]

Much like the semi final last year, is there a better sight than a crucial Manly try where this guy’s poetic running style is on full show?! Geez he is great to watch in open space.

Bloody amazing

 

[Hibyemama]

If only Koula was 10kg- 12 kgs heavier and a few inches taller, he would be an elite centre.

 

[Uk eagle]

If only Koula was 10kg- 12 kgs heavier and a few inches taller, he would be an elite centre.

Doubt he'd be as quick off the mark though

 

[madmax]

If only Koula was 10kg- 12 kgs heavier and a few inches taller, he would be an elite centre.

I think he’s up there right now!

 

[Uk eagle]

I think he’s up there right now!

No he's not. The odd spectacular try doesn't make up for the fact that you don't notice him for a lot of games. He has to get involved more.

 

[madmax]

No he's not. The odd spectacular try doesn't make up for the fact that you don't notice him for a lot of games. He has to get involved more.

Not sure what games you’re watching! I notice his hard runs & defense most games.

 

[Uk eagle]

Not sure what games you’re watching! I notice his hard runs & defense most games.

The point was about him being elite. I stand by my point that what he provides isn't that of an elite centre.....yet. He's still very young and hopefully will learn how to get himself into the game more

 

[Hibyemama]

No he's not. The odd spectacular try doesn't make up for the fact that you don't notice him for a lot of games. He has to get involved more.

his defence leaves a lot to be desired.eg; Tonite against the panthers. Koula missed the one on one tackle on his opposite. lehi got his man but he flick it back to the centre, TRY TIME. JAc and T'o are in fact taller and heavier than Koula. I wonder why they play wing whilst Koula plays Centre? Koula is basically ineffective except in open space. (open space are rare) he cant create open space by crashing through the defence as he is too small.
Here are the stats from NRL
T'O weighs 97Kg and height 182cm
JAC weighs 90Kg and height 183cm
koula weighs 88kg and height 180cm

Tommy talau should reverse positions with Koula. Talau is 189cm and 90kg.
IMHO, a centre needs to be bigger, as you will see in all 17 teams, except manly.
Also , a centre needs to be quick but speed is even more important for a winger
Garrick is good size to play centre

 

[castle eagle]

No he's not. The odd spectacular try doesn't make up for the fact that you don't notice him for a lot of games. He has to get involved more.

normally the only time you see him is when he does the hard hit ups early in the set after the opposition has kicked downfield. he doesn't get the chance often to use his speed and footwork

 

[Uk eagle]

normally the only time you see him is when he does the hard hit ups early in the set after the opposition has kicked downfield. he doesn't get the chance often to use his speed and footwork

And this is where the elite (Crichton, Farnworth etc) are different. They will often take the second or third hit up but they have the ability to bust tackles from inside their half and take their team deep into the other half. Because of his size Koula isn't likely to be able to play the same way as those two but he possesses superior speed and footwork and needs to find the space to use his own attributes

 

[Hibyemama]

And this is where the elite (Crichton, Farnworth etc) are different. They will often take the second or third hit up but they have the ability to bust tackles from inside their half and take their team deep into the other half. Because of his size Koula isn't likely to be able to play the same way as those two but he possesses superior speed and footwork and needs to find the space to use his own attributes

Thank you UK Eagle. We think exactly the same. Koula is a good player but much overrated by many manly fans. he would be great on the wing. He cant bust tackles, not 1 since the 2025 NRL season started. Garrick,(centre) however has busted tackles on the other side. Can you imagine if josh Addo Carr or T'O plays centre? it makes no sense.

 

[Pepi]

. He cant bust tackles, not 1 since the 2025 NRL season started.

This is incorrect. I don't think he's elite but not the dunce you're making him out to be.

 

[Thomoeagle]

This is incorrect. I don't think he's elite but not the dunce you're making him out to be.

The way to unlock his full potential is to swap haumole to the left. Find someone else to protect dce. Did anyone see haumole play left edge in the pacific nations? His ball playing to his outside men was fantastic. Has anyone seen Ben T pass the ball?

 

[DieHardManlyFan]

I personally wouldn’t consider selling for anyone. When you consider his age, potential upsize and attitude he could be one of the elite centres in the game in years to come. I loved seeing us use his skillset last night and I hope it continues to happen moving forward. Him & Saab either side of the ruck with Turbo creating through the middle is an advantage no other team in the game has. We just need our forwards to continue to setting the platform. Bully was incredible

 

[LeonardCohen]

I personally wouldn’t consider selling for anyone. When you consider his age, potential upsize and attitude he could be one of the elite centres in the game in years to come. I loved seeing us use his skillset last night and I hope it continues to happen moving forward. Him & Saab either side of the ruck with Turbo creating through the middle is an advantage no other team in the game has. We just need our forwards to continue to setting the platform. Bully was incredible

I agree. I’ve said it before but I think because he is quick, people are expecting highlight reel stuff in most plays every game.

If you look at Steve Crichton, he is probably the most high profile centre in the game. How many times do you see him blow the opposition away with individual brilliance? Once in a blue moon is the answer. I’ve seen him get caught out in defence a couple of times this year too.

You can make errors and be well marked and still be a great footballer….unless you play for Manly! Then you have to bust 1000 tackles, score long range tries and never miss a read in defence!

 

[Mac Man]

I think the forwards as we all know have allot to answer for with an aging roster. Its good to see some of them playing for their future and contracts which normally means they will try their best. Our backline is not our problem more our forwards, however they stood up last night and most importantly we had complete sets. The Koula try was superb and will only keep teams guessing even more now with Koula lurking out the back.

 

[Lloyd]

No he's not. The odd spectacular try doesn't make up for the fact that you don't notice him for a lot of games. He has to get involved more.

 

[Lloyd]

Agree. I’d like him to play around the ruck more. If he can take an offload from a forward he would cause so much damage with that acceleration. A lot like blacklock used to do for at St George