Kelly deserves first shot

[pjayz]

Aside from 2017, has Kelly played against men? Hasn't his career thus far been limited to U20s?

Give the kid 4-6 weeks with Blacktown to adapt to the bigger bodies. Keep him training with the top side. If he handles the physicality of reserve grade, consider him for firsts at centre / wing.

Until then, Matt Wright won't set the world on fire but he'll try his guts out, defensively solid.

Don't rush young talent

Yes some good points there for sure. I do think it is less important for a winger/centre to come via that route than say a forward or a half.

Tom T, Nathan Cleary and many others have handled it (both only 18) and I think Kelly (20) has shown he can too. His defence has been very solid in the nines and the trial (from what I saw) - that is a sign he is physically up to it. Having said that, I think Barrett will do exactly as you suggest - I just don't want to see a young talent wasted if he is ready.

 

[Bearfax]

They have to face the top grade some time. If they look like they are coping, bring them straight in. If they falter, return them to the lower grade for a while. Manly wants to get off to a good start. Having the talent of Kelly there seems more likely to assist Manly to achieve that. Remember Fulton started first grade at 18 and Eadie at 17

 

[BOZO]

They have to face the top grade some time. If they look like they are coping, bring them straight in. If they falter, return them to the lower grade for a while. Manly wants to get off to a good start. Having the talent of Kelly there seems more likely to assist Manly to achieve that. Remember Fulton started first grade at 18 and Eadie at 17

Kelly ain't no Fulton or Eadie . Remember that

 

[Woodsie]

Haven't seen much of Schuster other than his highlight reel, 9's and trial, but the one thing that did impress an old goat like me was his positional play ..... he knew where to be and when to be there. He has a very good read on what's in front of him.

 

[jwaa]

Yes some good points there for sure. I do think it is less important for a winger/centre to come via that route than say a forward or a half.

Tom T, Nathan Cleary and many others have handled it (both only 18) and I think Kelly (20) has shown he can too. His defence has been very solid in the nines and the trial (from what I saw) - that is a sign he is physically up to it. Having said that, I think Barrett will do exactly as you suggest - I just don't want to see a young talent wasted if he is ready.

Agreed -
Barrett should have the greatest insight into Kelly's progress. Fingers crossed he has the guts to make the right decision based on that knowledge.

I'm a fan of young players working their way up - positives for work ethic, durability and longevity. With that said, I'm guessing players like the turbos (+ Cleary et Al) made their maturity well known at training

 

[Bearfax]

Kelly ain't no Fulton or Eadie . Remember that

Probably not but really we dont know that Bozo. Discuss it in 5 years

 

[Woodsie]

I'm starting to think Kelly wing, Uate Centre, as uate's defence has looked good and his running confidence also, although as people have mentioned his confidence with the high ball is yet to be seen.

1. Trbo
2. Taufua
3. Walker
4. Uate
5. Kelly

Good Lord Harry, you were the hope of Silvertails ..... I only pray that your account has been hacked by lunatic Parra supporters with an evil sense of humour.

 

[StuBoot]

Haven't seen much of Schuster other than his highlight reel, 9's and trial, but the one thing that did impress an old goat like me was his positional play ..... he knew where to be and when to be there. He has a very good read on what's in front of him.

Yep, from the little I've seen of both, I'd lean towards Schuster over Kelly.

 

[nightster]

I'm starting to think Kelly wing, Uate Centre, as uate's defence has looked good and his running confidence also, although as people have mentioned his confidence with the high ball is yet to be seen.

1. Trbo
2. Taufua
3. Walker
4. Uate
5. Kelly

.... where's that WTF! button

 

[Deleted member 26876]

Good Lord Harry, you were the hope of Silvertails ..... I only pray that your account has been hacked by lunatic Parra supporters with an evil sense of humour.

Ok I tap out! Forget that, Uate ain't no centre to me anymore

 

[brad]

Ok I tap out! Forget that, Uate ain't no centre to me anymore

Pheww . Smart move harry .

 

[BOZO]

Probably not but really we dont know that Bozo. Discuss it in 5 years

I hope you and the kid can prove me wrong Bearfax as we can do with another superstar wearing the mighty maroon and white .

 

[Fluffy]

Kelly is 20, Parker was 19 last year when he played, both look likely to have decent NRL careers and can swap with each other if they need a break for niggles or to work on things in the lower grades.

They did this with AFB as well to give him time on the park for match fitness as he wasn't able to play long enough minutes early in the season but it worked well in the end.

Bainbridge was 18 last year when he played so expect him to be back in contention as the season goes on for more game time.

 

[pjayz]

Bainbridge was 18 last year when he played so expect him to be back in contention as the season goes on for more game time.

I liked the look of Bainbridge - I think he might surprise a few people if he gets a few games under his belt through-out the year.

 

[Fluffy]

I liked the look of Bainbridge - I think he might surprise a few people if he gets a few games under his belt through-out the year.

I agree - I liked a lot about his lines and defense in his short stint, did the tough stuff. Thought it was strange they extended his contract 2 years @ 17 but you could see why last year.

He debuted as a forward at 18 - wonder who was the last forward to debut younger?

 

[Fro]

I agree - I liked a lot about his lines and defense in his short stint, did the tough stuff. Thought it was strange they extended his contract 2 years @ 17 but you could see why last year.

He debuted as a forward at 18 - wonder who was the last forward to debut younger?

Jordan Su'a from the Broncos last year was younger, but not by much

 

[pjayz]

I agree - I liked a lot about his lines and defense in his short stint, did the tough stuff. Thought it was strange they extended his contract 2 years @ 17 but you could see why last year.

He debuted as a forward at 18 - wonder who was the last forward to debut younger?

Would be a while ago as I believe 18 is now the minimum age limit for first grade. I can only think of the young Broncos back-rower - Sau something, that debuted last year (also at 18). Very rare for a forward to come through at such a young age.

A number of players mentioned Bainbridge as impressing in the off-season.

 

[brad]

After watching the highlights from souths game posted earlier, kelly definitely has the pace . DCE's little kick in behind the defense and a flying kelly to retrieve and score was good to watch. He obviously listens and watches to what goes on around him . Haven't seen much of his defense, but if that holds up he could be a very good buy .

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

After watching the highlights from souths game posted earlier, kelly definitely has the pace . DCE's little kick in behind the defense and a flying kelly to retrieve and score was good to watch. He obviously listens and watches to what goes on around him . Haven't seen much of his defense, but if that holds up he could be a very good buy .

Are you sure that was Kelly, not Schuster?

 

[pjayz]

After watching the highlights from souths game posted earlier, kelly definitely has the pace . DCE's little kick in behind the defense and a flying kelly to retrieve and score was good to watch. He obviously listens and watches to what goes on around him . Haven't seen much of his defense, but if that holds up he could be a very good buy .

That was Peter Schuster.