Luke Williamson

[Ryan]

With Ballin / Monaghan / Dunley all at odds to get the Hooking role next year, I thought earlier on that Willow would stuggle to find a spot in the team. But as the season wore on, and I had been watching The Tigers 2nd rowers run around with little size, but more mobility & ball playing skills, I thought hang on, Willow is very much in this mould.

What do you guys think? Is he a 2nd rower, or should he be a Hooker predominantly.

I'd also like to add Glenn Stewart to that. He is a ball playing second rower / Lock. I originally thought his size would hurt him, but his creativity, speed & skill in the modern game is much more valued.

 

[Guest]

Willo doesn't have the leg speed and creativity that the Tigers forwards have. A hard worker but doesn't possess many ball skills.

 

[Ryan]

You think so? You know he was dummy 1/2 a lot of this season? You DO get very varied opinions of him.

A lot of people / players say that the "workers" in the game are going out.

I, presonally though, think Willow adds more.

 

[Dan]

At the expense of Kennedy, Menzies or Watmough?

 

[Ryan]

I don't think Kennedy OR Beaver for that matter are 80 minute players. I thought Beaver looked lethargic coming to the end of this season.

 

[Dan]

but willow already slots into replace them from the bench

 

[Chip and Chase]

Willo is a journeyman. He is solid enough but isn't a dynamic runner of the ball, in either speed or power. He is basically a no frills, low error, defensive workhorse, with good utility value. Won't cost you any games, but won't win you any either.

 

[ads]

Willo is a journeyman. He is solid enough but isn't a dynamic runner of the ball, in either speed or power. He is basically a no frills, low error, defensive workhorse, with good utility value. Won't cost you any games, but won't win you any either.

Exactly the sort of person you can use to start at dummy half before an impact player comes on like this year, or use on the bench to give your stars a rest.

I like Willo and I think he adds a lot of utility to our bench.

 

[lasvegas]

i have a horrible feeling glen stewart just isnt big enough for a backrower.i hope i am wrong as he has a lot of talent.

 

[lasvegas]

could glen stewart make it as a hooker.

 

[ads]

Is he any where near as quick as his brother?

Perhaps he should play centre if he isnt quite big enough as back rower. How are his ball handling skills?

 

[lasvegas]

i have seen him throw some nice passes before,not sure about his pace for a centre and to be honest centres are gettin g bigger than backrowers these days.

 

[byso]

I agree that he may be a bit small for NRL and he's not that quick.

He wouldn't play hooker, maybe a lock. He is a tireless player and always gives 100% though.

 

[Ryan]

I find Glenn to be a very good wide running back rower. He has the ability to pass when he is being tackled. I am having a vision of this last year when he passed on the his brother who scored out wide.

Like The Toigers backrowers who aren't the biggest, it's his ability that keeps the play alive that may help him.

He will also need to get that aura back he had early in 2004 in his defense. He seems to have lost that.

 

[CC_Eagle]

Willo doesn't have the leg speed and creativity that the Tigers forwards have. A hard worker but doesn't possess many ball skills.

Yet he is a quite capable 5/8th and centre?

Forgive me, but both these positions require passing? Not forgetting he is almost a specialist Hooker.

Willow is one of the essentials in every team. Each side has their own Willow.

Tigers - Galea
Dragons - Thompson
Parra - Morrison
Melbourne - Kidwell
Cowboys - Southern


etc etc

His utility value alone is essential for success in 06. Many times this year he has slotted in where the regular players have become vacant due to long term injury or and injury just sustained.

Not to mention his goalkicking ability.


P.S - He kicked our first and one of few 40/20's this season.

 

[CC_Eagle]

I find Glenn to be a very good wide running back rower. He has the ability to pass when he is being tackled. I am having a vision of this last year when he passed on the his brother who scored out wide.

Like The Toigers backrowers who aren't the biggest, it's his ability that keeps the play alive that may help him.

He will also need to get that aura back he had early in 2004 in his defense. He seems to have lost that.

Good post Ryan.

With the emergence of the small and mobile pack of the Tigers this year, it gives Glenn and us Manly alot of hope that his full potential will be reached.

When in PL he is the best player on the park consistently. With no Sam Harris next year ( :yeah: ) hopefully Glenn will be a favourite to nab the now vacant bench spot. He would be quite useful once fatigue starts to wear down Choc.

 

[Bradza]

Up until this season Willo was a favourite of my wife and I. After coming back from his injury this year we both thought he was very disappointing. Lack of drive in attack and poor missed tackles and lateral movement for a "mobile" backrower.

He is absolutely not starting player quality in a good team. It hurts to say it, but for a team that is a premiership threat, I don't think he would be part of the seventeen.

He is definitely someone you need in a club to cover for injuries and lead the youngsters. Possibly a PL captain.

 

[The Wheel]

I agree Bradza he is really a player that would the 18th to 21st man in most other clubs. Handy back up but that is it.

 

[SilentBob]

The Tigers small pack is working for now but it obviously isn't a long term option going by the recruitment Tim Sheens has done for next year.

 

[Ryan]

Yeah - I can't believe that they will better than thy are now. It's ludicrous.