Just an observation on these last few posts Ser8....Firstly I have always been a Des fan, but feel he is the Captain who will try fix the holes in the boat himself and go down with it, rather then listen to ANY outside advice, as you recently made a thread about thinking outside the square which was eye opening and in fact, should be looking at perhaps sneaking under the guard of some Top sides trainers and systems, as we have dropped behind and the footy on the field speaks louder than words....he was a proven Champion coach in his last stint at Manly, but his record dwindled since that time at the Dogs and Manly have unfortunately not looked super coordinated or full of energy since his return and to be blatently honest, the Manly team have fallen even further off the pace since the 6 again rule changes.
Many factors of key injuries and outs, but I am judging the performances based on players who are on the field, playing to their capabilities and I feel they have looked way short of this area most games.
As you stated, there is not only truth but fact, in the claim most youngsters debut's come from opportunities (injuries, SOO - ect), but when it is a freakish talent a cut above, these youngsters can actually PUSH their way in on simply being (the better option) than the more experienced NRL player.
Personally don't like the idea of a kid with a great youtube highlight reel being thrust into a battling side as a saviour, but there are many variables.
I think Schuster fits into this category and young Hoppa, who is no great example, as was coming off a serious 2 year injury and won't find himself properly imo, till 2022...but was still as good as our other outside backs I seen on the field last season, just didn't set the world on fire, so was well worth the shot NZ were prepared to give him 2 weeks before he got his Manly debut.
Is the youngster Koula worth a look - well being too young is not a crime if you are good enough, but in this case I personally feel he needs a bit more size,but not far off a shot on the wing....and as stated above, only should get a run if it's a good thing will do better than the blokes in the top grade and as we all agree speed is key, but you don't run around the team like U11's at this level and need to cope with playing through the opposition copping shots, which is a big call - though has huge talent.
Players I do feel are lucky to still be given a green light include Croker, Parker, Garrick, Goz and think Guoc should have been selected from game 2 and Sipley offers more power through the line apart from Paseka, also Saddler could add more mongrel.
I think Walker is FAR more effective as centre and would bring in Harper or The Blacktown FB.
As for the 9, well you are spot on, though I have my own reasons for thinking Fainu will be back in 2021...the backup plan has been a debacle, no doubt the key to where the rot starts....anyways there's my take for good and bad...now get on Manly to lead at HT over Penrith and thank me later....
Interesting read some of these threads.
