Parker to second row

[1978]

As Trent has stated, Manly see Parker as a future backrower. He has the size, agility and defence to be a terrific edge backrower.

That transition needs to happen in the second half of this season.

We are well covered in the backs, particularly when Jorge returns mid-season. But forward depth looks light after Sironen / Kelepi injuries.

One or two more serious injuries in forwards - almost certain over 26 rounds - will test our depth. Parker on the bench gives us options as edge forward/replacement back if needed.

Most of all, he just looks like a gun backrower in time, but not an elite strike centre. He doesn't have same zip or try-scoring instincts of a Kelly/Walker etc.

He's a must for the 17, but won't make full-strength backline. Back row is the answer.

 

[Chip and Chase]

Another Nathan Green perhaps ? although I suspect Trent's love affair with ranga centres cum backrowers died when Nathan "trained the house down" and then went AWOL after been given a go.

Anyway I don't think our forward depth is too bad that we need to shift Spiderman just yet.

 

[stoodamire]

Would definitely needs to pack on some size if that's the case.

 

[double hoops]

I hope he is just too good in the outside backs to get moved. He does have a bit of Menzies about him. But we don't need him in the backrow yet.

 

[Eagles2nv]

This is what we did with T-Rex, and worked well (although he was a big human).

We have depth at this stage, and we still have 1 more players (or 2 with lussick going) to improve our depth.

With all the injuries we are lighter on back line depth (although Suli may help that).

 

[Disco]

I'd argue our pack depth is better than our outside back depth

I can see this happening but not for a couple of seasons

 

[brad]

I hope he doesn't bung it on and say thats we're he wants to play or we might have a Cory Oates situation on our hands .

 

[anthonyb1965]

Another Nathan Green perhaps ? although I suspect Trent's love affair with ranga centres cum backrowers died when Nathan "trained the house down" and then went AWOL after been given a go.

Anyway I don't think our forward depth is too bad that we need to shift Spiderman just yet.

Hahahaha "spiderman"

Spot on name 😉

 

[ricardo]

Yeh ok that’s just wrong!

 

[Terry Zarsoff]

Brad Symonds.

 

[Shoe1]

Parker did something twice against cronulla in the trial that none of our wingers since robbo have done - easily pulling in cross field bombs to score.

I would persevere with him as a back. He would have learned a lesson last week about when to pass I hope.

 

[R3]

Yeh we don't need another Tom Symmonds, Nathan Green utility for the moment. I think he deserves a better crack in the backs first. The calls for Mattai to move to back row ended up un-necessary so I'd give Brad some time in 1st grade before re-thinking his position. Our backrowers are pretty good too

 

[nightster]

Hahahaha "spiderman"

Spot on name 😉

well it ain't a spider ... its got nine legs

 

[Bearfax]

I've been saying for some time now that Parker would make an excellent back row forward, possibly even best at lock. Alternatively on the bench as a cover for both backs and forwards. He's strong, excellent defence, hard running but he doesnt have the footwork skill to be effective in attack as a back. He does however have a range of skills that would make him a talented lock.

 

[Top End Eagle]

I've been saying for some time now that Parker would make an excellent back row forward, possibly even best at lock. Alternatively on the bench as a cover for both backs and forwards. He's strong, excellent defence, hard running but he doesnt have the footwork skill to be effective in attack as a back. He does however have a range of skills that would make him a talented lock.

Lock is a totally different position nowadays. Parker may end up a second rower but he won't ever play lock.

And he has plenty of skill.

 

[nightster]

Lock is a totally different position nowadays. Parker may end up a second rower but he won't ever play lock.

And he has plenty of skill.

Please explain?!