Manly Positional changes - that could work ?

[double hoops]

100%
Watching him at Blacktown playing left centre was very intriguing and his skills were a lot better than I ever expected. Seen him put Koula away down the touch line a few times and if you didn't know it was Jorge you'd be asking Manly's recruitment team to go sign this big unit gun centre playing NSW Cup.
He looked like a genuine gun centre! Could be his new spot.

Hey Robbo.

The one question mark moving Jorge to centre always had on it was defence mobility and reads.

Make us more excited for 2022 please;-)

I am pretty confident your answer will be complementary to Jorge, a) given your above assessment and b) the fact those dirty Rosters birds things thought highly enough of Jorge at centre to try and have him on loan.

 

[The better Robbo]

Hey Robbo.

The one question mark moving Jorge to centre always had on it was defence mobility and reads.

Make us more excited for 2022 please;-)

I am pretty confident your answer will be complementary to Jorge, a) given your above assessment and b) the fact those dirty Rosters birds things thought highly enough of Jorge at centre to try and have him on loan.

He was defending like he does on the wing with the up and in but what Jorge does well is when he goes up and in, he usually gets his man. Much like Matai, neither have the speed to give the opposition too much space so up and in works for them. His defensive reads are actually a strong point for Jorge. I would much rather him play centre than winger, that's for sure! He is Matai 2.0

 

[BOZO]

He was defending like he does on the wing with the up and in but what Jorge does well is when he goes up and in, he usually gets his man. Much like Matai, neither have the speed to give the opposition too much space so up and in works for them. His defensive reads are actually a strong point for Jorge. I would much rather him play centre than winger, that's for sure! He is Matai 2.0

The great thing about Jorge is . When he hits the players feel it and so does the crowd .

 

[BOZO]

He was defending like he does on the wing with the up and in but what Jorge does well is when he goes up and in, he usually gets his man. Much like Matai, neither have the speed to give the opposition too much space so up and in works for them. His defensive reads are actually a strong point for Jorge. I would much rather him play centre than winger, that's for sure! He is Matai 2.0

Another great thing about Jorge is . When he takes the ball up he does not get smashed and concussed

 

[BOZO]

He was defending like he does on the wing with the up and in but what Jorge does well is when he goes up and in, he usually gets his man. Much like Matai, neither have the speed to give the opposition too much space so up and in works for them. His defensive reads are actually a strong point for Jorge. I would much rather him play centre than winger, that's for sure! He is Matai 2.0

The other Great thing about Jorge is . He does not only run good lines he bloody breaks them as well

 

[40 nil]

Ok - this debate is about idea's based on our current squad
Share your opinions and idea's with "No Fear" that you will be sliced and diced for an "Insane Option" or 2 !!

I guess there is a distinction between makeshift & permanent positional changes. Here is my take on the squad you've selected.

1. Turbo can successfully play wing, centre & five eighth (in Des's opinion), but should be entrenched as fullback
2. Saab - only wing - the best position to utilize his speed & height
3. Parker - only centre, but with 7 kg extra bulk, could maybe successfully transition to backrow
4. Harper - only centre, but maybe a makeshift fullback also (?)
5. Garrick - only wing - why move the 2021 Dally M & RLPA team winger to another position?
6. Foran - has the organizational & kicking games to also play halfback (13 games at 7 for Dogs)
7. DCE - has the stamina & tackling technique to also play dummy half, but will probably never be selected there
8. Aloiai - only prop
9. Croker - only dummy half or utility - we now have other players to cover the halves
10. Marty - only prop
11. Haumole - second row, prop
12. Schuster - second row, but hopefully, his ball playing skills are better utilized this year at five eighth. However, his kicking game is not yet to the standard of Foran's
13. Jake - lock or prop
14. Walker - can be dynamic in this position, but would prefer to see him in centres replacing Harper or Parker. Some suggest he is now too slow to be a centre, but he is still faster than the incumbents, has abundant attacking skills and a short kicking game
15. Bullemor - lock, second row, prop
16. Paseka - prop
17. Keppie - prop, but has successfully covered lock & second row.

Something I've noticed the last few years - when Des has bizarrely selected players out of position, we lost games we could have won, e.g. AFB second row Rd 25 Eels 2019, Funa five eighth Rd 12 Knights 2021, Walker halfback Rd 23 Raiders 2021

 

[Heckenberg]

Probably main interest again would be best fit at full back when Tom is unavailable [ and of course and very hopefully specifically for rep duties ] . Garrick some good efforts last seasons , Koula could be an obvious consideration but may still nail down a regular centre spot , and even Harper who apparently went well there in last season 's only trial against the Tigers . Hope that there would be a much better outlook with this notion then say playing Funa as a 6 last season , still can not see how that was warranted in any way . Recall that Olakau - atu played lock in that well performed 2017 Manly "s 20 's and noticed him having a brief stint early last season in the centres for Black Town to cover for injuries but very influential player on the edges now and other versatile personal to cover outside back positions . Good to have additions like Bullemor to possibly cover a few positions but maybe better to develop him in a more settled role and also on the edges to allow him to mainly focus on his obvious strengths in attack in particular .

Weekes would be in the conversation for a fullback back up depending on how he goes for workers. Sounds like that’s where he’s being groomed to play.

 

[alafua8]

I guess there is a distinction between makeshift & permanent positional changes. Here is my take on the squad you've selected.

1. Turbo can successfully play wing, centre & five eighth (in Des's opinion), but should be entrenched as fullback
2. Saab - only wing - the best position to utilize his speed & height
3. Parker - only centre, but with 7 kg extra bulk, could maybe successfully transition to backrow
4. Harper - only centre, but maybe a makeshift fullback also (?)
5. Garrick - only wing - why move the 2021 Dally M & RLPA team winger to another position?
6. Foran - has the organizational & kicking games to also play halfback (13 games at 7 for Dogs)
7. DCE - has the stamina & tackling technique to also play dummy half, but will probably never be selected there
8. Aloiai - only prop
9. Croker - only dummy half or utility - we now have other players to cover the halves
10. Marty - only prop
11. Haumole - second row, prop
12. Schuster - second row, but hopefully, his ball playing skills are better utilized this year at five eighth. However, his kicking game is not yet to the standard of Foran's
13. Jake - lock or prop
14. Walker - can be dynamic in this position, but would prefer to see him in centres replacing Harper or Parker. Some suggest he is now too slow to be a centre, but he is still faster than the incumbents, has abundant attacking skills and a short kicking game
15. Bullemor - lock, second row, prop
16. Paseka - prop
17. Keppie - prop, but has successfully covered lock & second row.

Something I've noticed the last few years - when Des has bizarrely selected players out of position, we lost games we could have won, e.g. AFB second row Rd 25 Eels 2019, Funa five eighth Rd 12 Knights 2021, Walker halfback Rd 23 Raiders 2021

Give Schuster the first 6 games at 6 to show what he has including his kicking game .

 

[BOZO]

Give Schuster the first 6 games at 6 to show what he has including his kicking game .

Shuster IS our clubs most DYNAMIC 6

 

[BOZO]

Foz has the experience but he has lost a lot of his Fiz

 

[maxta]

I guess there is a distinction between makeshift & permanent positional changes. Here is my take on the squad you've selected.

1. Turbo can successfully play wing, centre & five eighth (in Des's opinion), but should be entrenched as fullback
2. Saab - only wing - the best position to utilize his speed & height
3. Parker - only centre, but with 7 kg extra bulk, could maybe successfully transition to backrow
4. Harper - only centre, but maybe a makeshift fullback also (?)
5. Garrick - only wing - why move the 2021 Dally M & RLPA team winger to another position?
6. Foran - has the organizational & kicking games to also play halfback (13 games at 7 for Dogs)
7. DCE - has the stamina & tackling technique to also play dummy half, but will probably never be selected there
8. Aloiai - only prop
9. Croker - only dummy half or utility - we now have other players to cover the halves
10. Marty - only prop
11. Haumole - second row, prop
12. Schuster - second row, but hopefully, his ball playing skills are better utilized this year at five eighth. However, his kicking game is not yet to the standard of Foran's
13. Jake - lock or prop
14. Walker - can be dynamic in this position, but would prefer to see him in centres replacing Harper or Parker. Some suggest he is now too slow to be a centre, but he is still faster than the incumbents, has abundant attacking skills and a short kicking game
15. Bullemor - lock, second row, prop
16. Paseka - prop
17. Keppie - prop, but has successfully covered lock & second row.

Something I've noticed the last few years - when Des has bizarrely selected players out of position, we lost games we could have won, e.g. AFB second row Rd 25 Eels 2019, Funa five eighth Rd 12 Knights 2021, Walker halfback Rd 23 Raiders 2021

Really enjoyed your summary mate - some great insight I say

 

[The better Robbo]

Weekes would be in the conversation for a fullback back up depending on how he goes for workers. Sounds like that’s where he’s being groomed to play.

He was trialled on the halves last year and I just don't see him ever playing NRL in the halves. Fullback could be his position if he wants to play 1st grade. I still think Des will use Garrick as back up and then bring in Koula/Tuipulotu to the wing but if we happen to be without Garrick and Turbo then guys like Weekes could start to be in the conversation. Id still be surprised to see Weekes in the NRL this year but in this day and age, anything is possible.

 

[BOZO]

He was trialled on the halves last year and I just don't see him ever playing NRL in the halves. Fullback could be his position if he wants to play 1st grade. I still think Des will use Garrick as back up and then bring in Koula/Tuipulotu to the wing but if we happen to be without Garrick and Turbo then guys like Weekes could start to be in the conversation. Id still be surprised to see Weekes in the NRL this year but in this day and age, anything is possible.

To all Manly NRL Players

17 NRL positions Available

All positions are on lease on a weekly basis

Own the game and you own a starting NRL spot for the week

The moral of the story ....
We are all only as great as our last Great Performance

 

[manly al]

Weekes would be in the conversation for a fullback back up depending on how he goes for workers. Sounds like that’s where he’s being groomed to play.

Really hope that Weekes can go to another level this season and come into i st grade contention .[ and as a one option ] , certainly has the ability and skill level to go on with it . Then maybe also the prospect of being a capable 6 . , though that would certainly have its challenges for any up and coming talent . But just like Koula, , has to show that they can be consistently at a i st grade level or standard .

 

[BOZO]

We have all these young talented players waiting in the wings

But if Des does not give them the opportunity to fly in the NRL

We have Nothing

 

[maxta]

He was trialled on the halves last year and I just don't see him ever playing NRL in the halves. Fullback could be his position if he wants to play 1st grade. I still think Des will use Garrick as back up and then bring in Koula/Tuipulotu to the wing but if we happen to be without Garrick and Turbo then guys like Weekes could start to be in the conversation. Id still be surprised to see Weekes in the NRL this year but in this day and age, anything is possible.

I reckon your about 100% accurate here....but have a sneaking suspicion either Koula or Weekes will be known across the NRL by the end of 2022....not sure room for both (just yet), but both will get an "opportunity" at some stage and from there - Talent and ability talks in actions.

 

[The better Robbo]

I reckon your about 100% accurate here....but have a sneaking suspicion either Koula or Weekes will be known across the NRL by the end of 2022....not sure room for both (just yet), but both will get an "opportunity" at some stage and from there - Talent and ability talks in actions.

My money is on Koula. He will be our version of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. Koula kind of reminds me of a mix Brian Kelly with his evasiveness and strength for a smaller build and Addo Carr's finishing ability. I think he is a genuine star in the making!

 

[Jay Eagle]

I think Bullemor will play second row pushing Jake to Prop and the Shoe to lock..

Bulleomor is a big strong and fast player who could cause massive headaches on an edge, the Shoe at lock basically then plays both sides of the ruck as a ball player and Jake has the ability to be that ball playing prop and still be in the middle with his defence.
Looking at pics of Shoe be looks to have trimmed up and this could be the hint of things to come.
I also feel one of our centres will lose his spot to Koula

 

[manly al]

Interesting suggestion but mentioned previously , not too sure that Shoe would be particularly suited to a lock role with the present playing format around the middle now . Probably would restrict his effectiveness with the extra workload and limited room to work in with his undoubted attacking and high skill level . But for sure Bullemor is the one to keep an eye on with his obvious potential .

 

[40 nil]

From a Fox League article analysing each team's positional depth:

Halves: Daly Cherry-Evans, Kieran Foran, Dylan Walker (also centre and fullback)
Hooker: Lachlan Croker
Prop: Martin Taupau, Josh Aloiai, Ethan Bullemor (also lock), Morgan Boyle, Sean Keppie, Toafofoa Sipley, Taniela Paseka
Second row: Haumole Olakau’atu,Josh Schuster (also halves), Karl Lawton (hooker), Andrew Davey, Ben Trbojevic
Lock: Jake Trbojevic, Sione Fainu
Fullback: Tom Trbojevic, Kaeo Weekes
Centre: Brad Parker, Morgan Harper
Wing: Reuben Garrick (also fullback), Jason Saab, Tolu Koula (also fullback), Christian Tuipulotu, Jorge Taufua

Manly have added four new faces to their Top 30 for 2022, but their depth at hooker is still lacking. As it stands, Former Bronco Ethan Bullemor is the club’s only gain ahead of this season. The 21-year-old has a tonne of potential and will create healthy competition amongst an already stacked front row.

Sione Fainu, Alec Tuitavake and Kaeo Weekes were all upgraded from development deals. Fainu and Tuitavake are front-rowers, while Weekes is a fullback. The trio are very much rookies when it comes to playing against grown men, which could end up being a concern if troops start falling. Tuitavake was injured for the opening months of last season but played five Cup games, while Fainu played three Cup games but wasn’t quite ready for the step up so was dropped back to Flegg. Weekes featured in Manly’s SG Ball team last season before getting a taste of NSW Cup prior to the lower grades being cancelled. It’s highly likely though that Hasler will turn to Reuben Garrick — before calling on Weekes to fill in for Tom Trbojevic.

While he only played 10 NRL games last season, Cade Cust is a huge loss. The 23-year-old was naturally a half but was on call to step in as a ready-made hooker if something happened to Lachlan Croker.

And speaking of hooker, there’s still a significant hole there. The club hasn’t really invested in this position ever since Manase Fainu was stood down. Croker made the No.9 jersey his own last season and had the help of the versatile Karl Lawton. But it’s hard to understand why Manly haven’t secured a back-up specialist hooker. They’ve signed Gordon Chan Kum Tong on a development deal after impressing in SG Ball, but the 19-year-old hasn’t been tested in the middle against grown men yet and is still considered a couple years off NRL.

The halves can get by with Josh Schuster and Dylan Walker as options to fill in but a back-up half that isn’t already expected to be in the 17 would be a handy addition, as would an extra second-rower and specialist centre... but there’s only two spots to fill.

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