Joey Walsh

[Sea Eagle 4 Life]

Isn’t Walsh an only 18?

In 1982, Phil Blake got his first grade debut at 18 & for the next 2 years was nearly unstoppable.
Are we too overprotective in this modern era?

 

[Disco]

If Walsh is good enough he'll force his way in.

Geez some people jump at shadows.

 

[Brookie1973]

In 1982, Phil Blake got his first grade debut at 18 & for the next 2 years was nearly unstoppable.
Are we too overprotective in this modern era?

And that was in a much tougher era than now. See 1981 final Manly v Newtown as exhibit A.

 

[Ohgeez]

In 1982, Phil Blake got his first grade debut at 18 & for the next 2 years was nearly unstoppable.
Are we too overprotective in this modern era?

I could be wrong but hasn’t Walsh only been playing Union the past couple years before we signed him? Definitely going to need some time reserve grade. Even Mark Nawaqanitawase who was playing for the Wallabies spent a lot of time adjusting in reserve grade when joining roosters last season

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Even Mark Nawaqanitawase who was playing for the Wallabies spent a lot of time adjusting in reserve grade when joining roosters last season

Nah, 3 games only in reserves. He joined them very late in the year

*kudos for bothering to spell his name right!

 

[Uber Eagle 72]

One a positive I hope this thread has at least half the posts as the Cherrygraph does in 5-6 years time. Even a third or a quarter would be great!

 

[Rackets]

If Walsh is good enough he'll force his way in.

Geez some people jump at shadows.

100% agree @Disco. Bringing him in too early could go 2 ways obviously. 1 he kills it, which I don't think he's ready due to not enough league games, or 2 he ends up like Ash Taylor and Jake Clifford and other struggling halves in the past who were highly regarded and failed. Not everyone is a Galvin or a Benji. With regards to Clifford though, his best football has only recently come good because he's had more time to develop after going away to SL, get more games into him and master his craft. Not that I'm suggesting Walsh goes to SL. His time will come and when it does I hope he kills it. I think people just need to be patient and let the club and pathways do what they think is best.

 

[nightster]

In 1982, Phil Blake got his first grade debut at 18 & for the next 2 years was nearly unstoppable.
Are we too overprotective in this modern era?

Yes WE are

 

[The Indian]

When our Captain threw us under the Bus it was always going to be difficult to get a top replacement but on balance we've done a pretty fair job and as good as can be expected. Maybe we've paid more than ideal and the 3rd year but beggars can't be choosers.

There's been plenty of eye roll moments so far this year but the Fogarty signing isn't one for me. First semi good news in a while

 

[Eagledare2dream]

If he's good enough he's old enough

Daley, Fittler, Kimmorley, Mullen, Cleary, Hayne, Pearce etcs were still in school when they started. I think Will Hopoate was 17 when he started and played Origin when he was 19. Galvin & Lehi are skinny as they come so there's no excuse. While he's not playing he should GYM out like Jamie Humphreys if he wants it bad enough so when he's call up he'll be ready, no excuses.

 

[Ohgeez]

Nah, 3 games only in reserves. He joined them very late in the year

*kudos for bothering to spell his name right!

My bad, I thought he had joined them much at the start of 24

 

[Hertera]

In 1982, Phil Blake got his first grade debut at 18 & for the next 2 years was nearly unstoppable.
Are we too overprotective in this modern era?

The club isn't holding him back because he is 18. He has spent the last few seasons playing rugby only. He is just not ready.

But I do agree we are a bit too overprotective these days but with respect to Walsh he is not at a Blake or Toovey standard.