Manly v Raiders Round 8 (Pre-Game Day Discussion)

[TagMonster]

I suggested that a couple of days ago and you said something to the tune of "Api's one of our best and people want to get rid of him"

I even had Api on the bench where @TagMonster moved him out all together for Shaun Lane.

Maybe @Turbo1 has changed his mind on Api??

Api is a good reserve player for depth as he can cover a number of positions in a pinch but he isn't someone I'm sold on in any form as a starter.

As for Shuan Lane, I like him as an impact forward who plays maybe 20 odd mins total and just charges hard in attack. His defense is horrid which stops him being able to play consistent mins. Still, at this point I'd rather him than Brown haha!

 

[mickqld]

Cullen at 6 Hastings at 9 or even visa versa. Brown out. Api on the bench. But won't happen while we have a myopic coach.

 

[Holmsey]

Maybe @Turbo1 has changed his mind on Api??

Api is a good reserve player for depth as he can cover a number of positions in a pinch but he isn't someone I'm sold on in any form as a starter.

As for Shuan Lane, I like him as an impact forward who plays maybe 20 odd mins total and just charges hard in attack. His defense is horrid which stops him being able to play consistent mins. Still, at this point I'd rather him than Brown haha!

Haven't changed my mind but I think Hastings has to start somehow personally id have Api at 9 and Hastings 6 but if Green could make the transitions to 9 he would give a lot more in the kicking and ball playing department, don't think it will happen but bottom line is Hastings gives us more Kicking ability in general play, and goal kicking and he is also a bigger body and better defender than green.

 

[Holmsey]

Cullen at 6 Hastings at 9 or even visa versa. Brown out. Api on the bench. But won't happen while we have a myopic coach.

Cullen couldn't handle 9. He defended on the wing in QLD cup.

 

[Kevinward777]

Surely Myles is injured....he plays sh1t all last season and is continually picked. Finally he starts to do what he was signed to do, is then rested and then picked outside the 17 behind Lewis Brown. Beyond comprehension.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Great mysteries of the world...the Taos Hum, the Voynich manuscript, Jack the Ripper, the Bermuda Triangle, and Lewis Brown making the Manly seventeen for 36 consecutive matches.

That's a classic Kevvie!!

And yes it is a mystery ( we have to truly think that the goat photos have been handed down , that's the only explanation!).

 

[COMMANDER]

Men v boys

 

[Ned]

As for Shuan Lane, I like him as an impact forward who plays maybe 20 odd mins total and just charges hard in attack. His defense is horrid which stops him being able to play consistent mins. Still, at this point I'd rather him than Brown haha!

Worth a try, bringing Brown on sure isn't having much impact.

 

[TagMonster]

Cullen couldn't handle 9. He defended on the wing in QLD cup.

Haven't changed my mind but I think Hastings has to start somehow personally id have Api at 9 and Hastings 6 but if Green could make the transitions to 9 he would give a lot more in the kicking and ball playing department, don't think it will happen but bottom line is Hastings gives us more Kicking ability in general play, and goal kicking and he is also a bigger body and better defender than green.

I couldn't agree with you more about Cullen not being able to play at 9. He is far too light and he would be trampled on a regular basis by the big forwards on the comp.

In my opinion Api is a one trick pony. He is very good with the ball in hand running at the defense. His ball placement and kicking game are almost non existent. Whilst his workrate is high, he does miss quite a few tackles.

I would honestly try Green at 9 and Hastings at 6. If Green doesn't pan out then drop Green and put Api back in as what other options do we really have.

For mine Api is not the long term answer at 9. Even if Green does transition well he is only a short term fix due to age. Hastings is potentially a long term fix there as he has shown he has ability. The question then comes down to what is available on the open market / in juniors at either 9 or 6? One out of the box option could be trying to lure Gutho back from Parra either next year or the year after. Play Hastings at 9 and Green at 6 until Gutho arrives then Gutho to 6 haha!

 

[Kevinward777]

That's a classic Kevvie!!

And yes it is a mystery ( we have to truly think that the goat photos have been handed down , that's the only explanation!).

Mate, goat photos is the only feasible explanation. Hope you're enjoying the outback. I really am envious, it sure would cushion the pasting I expect we're going to cop at the old Bruce stadium. Can I jump in the van somewhere along the Birdsville Track? I'll bring some top quality eye fillet, I'll even adopt some of your common sense.

 

[Ralphie]

Maybe @Turbo1 has changed his mind on Api??

Api is a good reserve player for depth as he can cover a number of positions in a pinch but he isn't someone I'm sold on in any form as a starter.

As for Shuan Lane, I like him as an impact forward who plays maybe 20 odd mins total and just charges hard in attack. His defense is horrid which stops him being able to play consistent mins. Still, at this point I'd rather him than Brown haha!

Api was in his rightful position when he was at souffs, a backup hooker when there was no one else available.

He lucked out with a GF appearance and has somehow convinced a succession of people that he was a genuine GF hooker when in fact he was there because they had no one left.

 

[Kevinward777]

Haven't changed my mind but I think Hastings has to start somehow personally id have Api at 9 and Hastings 6 but if Green could make the transitions to 9 he would give a lot more in the kicking and ball playing department, don't think it will happen but bottom line is Hastings gives us more Kicking ability in general play, and goal kicking and he is also a bigger body and better defender than green.

Go hard young fellow, fight hard for what you perceive.

 

[desreturnoftheking]

I have no doubts about Hastings ability to play 5/8 but I'm a little more doubtful about Green's ability to cope with the defensive pressures of moving into hooker.

green and api can share the role. I like where this is going lol won't happen but we can dream

 

[desreturnoftheking]

Api was in his rightful position when he was at souffs, a backup hooker when there was no one else available.

He lucked out with a GF appearance and has somehow convinced a succession of people that he was a genuine GF hooker when in fact he was there because they had no one left.

mate why are you so negative? Api is doing pretty good for us he tries his ass off sure he can improve and he will. hastings needs to come on for him as I don't think he's an 80 minute player. who would you put there

 

[bringbackbeaver]

defence isn't first grade standard and he zones out of games sometimes.

I have no doubts about Hastings ability to play 5/8 but I'm a little more doubtful about Green's ability to cope with the defensive pressures of moving into hooker.

tend to agree. So, give hastings a crack at 6 and 'rest' Green. See what happens

 

[Ralphie]

mate why are you so negative? Api is doing pretty good for us he tries his ass off sure he can improve and he will. hastings needs to come on for him as I don't think he's an 80 minute player. who would you put there

Green to hooker & Hastings to 5/8th. API can stay on the bench ONLY if Brown goes to Blacktown.

 

[Ralphie]

mate why are you so negative? Api is doing pretty good for us he tries his ass off sure he can improve and he will. hastings needs to come on for him as I don't think he's an 80 minute player. who would you put there

Also, "pretty good" doesn't cut it in the NRL.

 

[TimmyQ]

I know a lot on here have a love affair with Api but his service just not good enough. Green is also not a good defender on the edges. He needs forwards around him to help. Maybe moving him to defend in the middle of the pitch will help, plus his service and kicking game will be handy. I'd love to see this as the 17 this weekend:

1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jorge Taufua
3. Dylan Walker
4. Brian Kelly
5. Akuila Uate
6. Jackson Hastings (gk)
7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c)
8. Darcy Lussick
9. Blake Green
10. Martin Taupau
11. Frank Winterstein
12. Curtis Sironen
13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Brenton Lawrence
15. Addin Fonua-Blake
16. Nate Myles
17. Shaun Lane

Coverage in the Halves is with Green and Sironen
Coverage in the Centers with Sironen
Coverage at FB and Winger with Kelly and Walker
Coverage at Hooker with Sironen and Hastings
Coverage in the Front Row / Lock with the Bench
Coverage in the Second Row with Lane

We don't need a utility when you have players in the starting lineup that can play multiple positions. Go big and adjust for injuries IF they happen.

Like ure style thinking outside the box. Green passes and kicks well and up the guts he'll have some of the Big boys to help out defensively. We NEED Hastings in our team if for nothing else but enthusiasm and a decent goalkicker ffs. I wouldnt have Lane in the 17 but - man hes playing bench reserves and from what i hear doing little to show hes a first grade option. Id keep Api in the 17... Poor Greeny will be rooted with all that tackling and need a breather at the end of each half.. 😉

 

[Phil Blake]

WHY LEWIS BROWN, other than that it's great to have Taupau back (hopefully)

I'm so over the Lewis Brown selection every week!
Hastings is miles ahead and only need one utility

 

[Fluffy]

Lane on the wing for Jorge as he can catch bombs without needing to jump.