Jake Simpkin signed until 2026

[maxta]

Not really, we have payed next to nothing for him for hooker cover. I think this year the tigers are paying full freight and the next few years only costing us $200k or close to.

That's also the info I got, not sure why ppl think it's not both great value for cover, with potential to improve and compete for the 9 and also very cheap for a bloke who has proven himself at least decent as attcking service and misses few tackles.....
He had 1 ordinary game vs Roosters, but Iv'e seen a few Manly players have ordinary patches over several games, yet keep their position.
It comes down to 1 simple factor, Croker has an edge in toughness and defensively is the best 9 we have and if that's what the coach wants and it's working.....I'm gunna support the call and back the bloke coaching the NRL to know his stuff, but I still think we all deserve an opinion and that might be why I'm pressing these computer buttons while Seibs is out on the paddock with the players

 

[Top End Eagle]

Interesting. The way I see it, we've got Croker and an empty shelf. I do not rate GCKT as a serious future prospect. Lawton is off to the Cowboys. If Croker is injured again, it's step on up Simpkin, as you can be sure GCKT is not going to be asked to play 80. A roster needs three options at 9 and that's what we'll have moving forward. Simpkin hasn't broken the bank and is nice depth.

What doesn't impress with Gordie if you care to explain. I think he's played within himself (no scoots when they were available because he hasn't built that combination with the team yet) his passing is better than all three hooker options used and defence is second only to Croker. Seven first grade games isn't a lot to judge a twenty one year old on.

 

[Top End Eagle]

Please explain?

I will with one analogy. He is a tenacious meerkat.

 

[Disco]

I think we are making something out of nothing here.

Look, would I prefer Simpkin as a starter.......yeah maybe but its tight and Crocker seems a leader.

So its not some outrage that his not in the team.

With Lawton able to spell Lachie for 10 it makes sense to have backs cover on the bench.

Play on, Jake will get his opportunities.

 

[Dion Johnson]

What doesn't impress with Gordie if you care to explain. I think he's played within himself (no scoots when they were available because he hasn't built that combination with the team yet) his passing is better than all three hooker options used and defence is second only to Croker. Seven first grade games isn't a lot to judge a twenty one year old on.

Gordon’s passing game needs plenty of work, it’s the worst of the three in my view, his passing is hit and miss along with the speed at getting the ball to the ball runners.

Gordon’s running game is his strength.

 

[LeonardCohen]

What doesn't impress with Gordie if you care to explain. I think he's played within himself (no scoots when they were available because he hasn't built that combination with the team yet) his passing is better than all three hooker options used and defence is second only to Croker. Seven first grade games isn't a lot to judge a twenty one year old on.

I think he has the poorest service of the three. I also think he is hit and miss in defence, having a tendency to grab high and be fended off. He can make a nice darting run and has great energy and team spirit. I just don't see a genuine starting 9 in him, more a decent bench option for a 20 minute stint. With Simpkin, I see a well rounded game that can go 80 minutes and keep developing what is a strong foundation. Croker is Croker; poor service but one hell of a clubman, teammate and warrior. It's just how I see it and I have been wrong many times.

 

[mave]

What doesn't impress with Gordie if you care to explain. I think he's played within himself (no scoots when they were available because he hasn't built that combination with the team yet) his passing is better than all three hooker options used and defence is second only to Croker. Seven first grade games isn't a lot to judge a twenty one year old on.

The jinking pause between touching the ball, and picking it up and passing is enough to not impress.

 

[nightster]

I will with one analogy. He is a tenacious meerkat.

I was referring to the source for the comment in bold print, that Simpkin is being pushed out the door

 

[Top End Eagle]

I think he has the poorest service of the three. I also think he is hit and miss in defence, having a tendency to grab high and be fended off. He can make a nice darting run and has great energy and team spirit. I just don't see a genuine starting 9 in him, more a decent bench option for a 20 minute stint. With Simpkin, I see a well rounded game that can go 80 minutes and keep developing what is a strong foundation. Croker is Croker; poor service but one hell of a clubman, teammate and warrior. It's just how I see it and I have been wrong many times.

Thanks, I think simpkin and Gordie off the bench would be a good transition through 2025, Croker never quite learnt to bend the back or look around defenders knees like someone exposed to the position earlier on but his heart and unquestionable footy pedigree has seen him make a bloody good fist of it, it's just going to come to a crashing halt I fear with the way he has treated his body on behalf of the team.

 

[Top End Eagle]

Gordon’s passing game needs plenty of work, it’s the worst of the three in my view, his passing is hit and miss along with the speed at getting the ball to the ball runners.

Gordon’s running game is his strength.

I think his speed getting there is fine, but I do tend to notice some other players feel more like they have permission to jump in to dummy half when he is on the field, having never started I think he needs to work on being more assertive.

 

[XV-1]

Will Seibs do a Bennett, show some balls and vision and pick this kid against the dogs?
His service and speed are much needed.

 

[Carl]

Will Seibs do a Bennett, show some balls and vision and pick this kid against the dogs?
His service and speed are much needed.

No.

And I doubt we'll have a hooker on the bench with Turbo starting injured.

 

[Nordburg]

Will Seibs do a Bennett, show some balls and vision and pick this kid against the dogs?
His service and speed are much needed.

Very noticeable today at the ground that there is no threat from dummy half.Sharks defence just ignored Croker every time he picked up the ball and the lead runner was picked off immediately.Now to be fair,Croker was one of only a couple of players,Garrick being another who was awesome by the way,who went around signing autographs for fans at the northern end.Garrick was terrific,he signed just about every kid’s request with a smile and a quick chat.

 

[Scorpio]

I doubt the starting hooker role will simply be given to him... so surely it's up to Simpkin to win the starting hooker spot during 2025 pre-season training.

 

[The Insomniac]

I'd love to know what's transpired to put Jake on Siebold's black list. His form in his last game wasn't that bad, but it looks like he's been banished to the scrapheap.

 

[Stewbojevic]

I'd love to know what's transpired to put Jake on Siebold's black list. His form in his last game wasn't that bad, but it looks like he's been banished to the scrapheap.

Very strange isn’t it

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

I'd love to know what's transpired to put Jake on Siebold's black list. His form in his last game wasn't that bad, but it looks like he's been banished to the scrapheap.

Blame the clueless journos who interview him frequently but never ask the question. Seibold has been happy to answer questions, such as last week about why Koula was preferred at fullback over Lehi.
Re Simpkin, the answer is probably that there's something in his game the coaches want him to work on. Meanwhile Croker finally became available, and despite his limitations he's a mainstay in this current team (for this season anyway).

 

[maxta]

I'd love to know what's transpired to put Jake on Siebold's black list. His form in his last game wasn't that bad, but it looks like he's been banished to the scrapheap.

There are 2 reasons imo -

1) Seibs has stated Croker when fit will ALWAYS be in the top 17 - likely the starting 13
2) The Roosters game Simpkin had a dud game, as did many, but he copped the axe

As for Croker, he is there and that's NOT gunna change, so I'm all in to support him all day....just hope croker has a few cracks from dummy half (without the crazy offloads) and some outside backs can get in and scoot to create momentum, especially behind a Lodge/Paseka play as need to challenge that ruck area more and loosten up the edges.

 

[The Insomniac]

There are 2 reasons imo -

1) Seibs has stated Croker when fit will ALWAYS be in the top 17 - likely the starting 13
2) The Roosters game Simpkin had a dud game, as did many, but he copped the axe

As for Croker, he is there and that's NOT gunna change, so I'm all in to support him all day....just hope croker has a few cracks from dummy half (without the crazy offloads) and some outside backs can get in and scoot to create momentum, especially behind a Lodge/Paseka play as need to challenge that ruck area more and loosten up the edges.

Not knocking Crocker's effort. Gives 100%. But his form has been down since his return, on what it was beforehand.
My main thought was what has Jake done ? As you say, others from that Roosters game were poor also, but he seems the only one to had paid a price.

 

[HK_Eagle]

Re Simpkin, the answer is probably that there's something in his game the coaches want him to work on. Meanwhile Croker finally became available, and despite his limitations he's a mainstay in this current team (for this season anyway).

Yeah... not like Croker doesn't have anything to work on in his dummy half game eh 🙄