PRE-GAME DISCUSSION: Chooks v Manly [Round 1, 2021]

[SeaEagleRock8]

Well after settling down and a nights sleep anyone feel different than yesterday ???

I get the impression a few people just won't forgive Des for not selecting the likes of Pappenhuyzen, David Fifita or Brandon Smith. Instead he picks hacks (just because they're in Manly's squad). As for the Injection of Youth brigade, we hear so little from them about that Hoppa kid who debuted last year. Odd.
Schuster obviously will be a key member of the 17 by year's end, but there's many good reasons not to throw him in from day 1.
Meanwhile I like the 21 chosen, and look forward to seeing the final 17, one hour before kick-off.
I especially like the choice of Funa at 14. Not a single fan, journo or expert picked that one, Bravo Des!

 

[Kevinward777]

Wasn "t really that surprised with the make up with the side after Snake 's interesting suggestions last week but still a couple of quandaries with only Croker listed for main 9 duties at this stage. Prop rotation was fairly predictable and do not have a problem with Boyle there in the mix ,Keppie did drop of the pace a bit last season and Sipley probably needs more game time after a long lay off . Saddler is still the one i like in the longer term , Just have to hope that Marty and Alioia can lay a decent platform especially in the early stages . Also have to hope that Siro and Jet Ski can lift , the Roosters have a good pair of 2 nd rowers to keep in check . Walker at the back can work out , just has to be sound with managing the Rooster's kicking game and then try and threaten the Rooster 's line on a regular basis . Just how Croker is going to be managed is a bit of a puzzle at the moment , would not be inclined to move Foz , Funa as just a utility back role unless an occasional switch at the back and with Walker to fill in as a 9 . i have seen more unusual tactics in the past . At least Schuster is 18 th man , looks like that Des does not consider him ready as a starting back rower yet , Foz has to be the first pick at 6 for now , no doubt that he could handle centre , should be just a matter of time before he either starts or spends a fair bit of time on the paddock . Davey , Haumole and Harper must be considered pretty close to being in the game day squad That is why guys like Siro and Jet Ski and a couple of the backs really will have to play at a consistent good level to keep their spots . Have never seen Saab play so that is going to be a bit of a revelation for me at least . Just have to see how things pan out with this present line up and combinations but regardless , Go Manly .

I think some of the incumbents would be feeling the kids snapping at their heels, but the trial result didn't do the up and comers any favours.

They really missed an opportunity there because aside from Schuster, Davey, Aloiai, and Harper (albeit to a lesser extent,) nobody demanded selection.

Parker and Garrick are under the most pressure I assume. They need to really do a job defensively and take every opportunity that comes their way.

Still, the Roosters in the first game of the season is not the time to throw out an inexperienced side.

 

[jbb/james]

I get the impression a few people just won't forgive Des for not selecting the likes of Pappenhuyzen, David Fifita or Brandon Smith. Instead he picks hacks (just because they're in Manly's squad). As for the Injection of Youth brigade, we hear so little from them about that Hoppa kid who debuted last year. Odd.
Schuster obviously will be a key member of the 17 by year's end, but there's many good reasons not to throw him in from day 1.
Meanwhile I like the 21 chosen, and look forward to seeing the final 17, one hour before kick-off.
I especially like the choice of Funa at 14. Not a single fan, journo or expert picked that one, Bravo Des!

Oh look at you,....... trying to cloud the issues with facts
Pffft

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

I sorta get Des’s selections.

He’s gone with experience first and on the proviso that if they **** up they are binned I don’t have much of an issue.

But what we cannot handle is players who are clearly ordinary being picked week after week after week.

AND, let’s face it unless he’s had a lobotomy that’s what Des will do.

 

[Ryan]

Thats a good assesment. Nice work al.

I have hope for jetski, but less for sirro just going off how many chances each have had to impress

Ive only seen saddler in the allstars and the trial. He has been ok in my eyes but hasnt been busting the door down . He holds his own . A lot of talk about him previously as a firebrand might have had me looking for more

I think aliaoi is just what the doctor ordered. As good as afb was he was the wrong type of tough. Manly needs to get on top early with the forwards and that doesnt always equate to run metres and attitude

Aloiai is as good as Sipley.

 

[jbb/james]

Aloiai is as good as Sipley.

Then i would presume at his basement dollar price we must get requests to release him weekly, sipley that is

the sips is a goer. I like him

 

[Ryan]

Then i would presume at his basement dollar price we must get requests to release him weekly, sipley that is

the sips is a goer. I like him

I like him too. Much better than a player that's been selected. That's all I'll say on that.

 

[Tomay]

A lot of these guys did the job defensively against the Chooks to start last season. I remember the days when we got through a whole game without an outside back injured. Sure we don't have Tom (and he was amazing in that game) but we have a bit more experience with the young guys and the boost of another half in Foran.

 

[Ryan]

A lot of these guys did the job defensively against the Chooks to start last season. I remember the days when we got through a whole game without an outside back injured. Sure we don't have Tom (and he was amazing in that game) but we have a bit more experience with the young guys and the boost of another half in Foran.

We are going to get destroyed out wide. Tedesco, Tupou, Manu, Keary, The Morris twins and others will slice through Parker, Suli, Garrick.

That, and we were blowing after 2 minutes in the trial.

The games sped up 4-5 notches. We are slowing down.

 

[Kevinward777]

I sorta get Des’s selections.

He’s gone with experience first and on the proviso that if they **** up they are binned I don’t have much of an issue.

But what we cannot handle is players who are clearly ordinary being picked week after week after week.

AND, let’s face it unless he’s had a lobotomy that’s what Des will do.

I agree with the need to try something different if plan A isn't humming by week three.

 

[manly al]

Thats a good assesment. Nice work al.

I have hope for jetski, but less for sirro just going off how many chances each have had to impress

Ive only seen saddler in the allstars and the trial. He has been ok in my eyes but hasnt been busting the door down . He holds his own . A lot of talk about him previously as a firebrand might have had me looking for more

I think aliaoi is just what the doctor ordered. As good as afb was he was the wrong type of tough. Manly needs to get on top early with the forwards and that doesnt always equate to run metres and attitude

No doubt that A F B is going to be a bit of a loss with his go forward ability but the way the ruck speed has increased in recent times , really expecting [ or need ] the remaining Manly forwards and especially of course Alioia to take up the slack and at least give it a decent crack . Saddler just seems to have the natural inclination to take the line on well and looks a strong running type of forward , defence again will have to be brushed up a bit but seems a good prospect . Still prefer Schuster in the game day 17 but again surely only a matter of time . Jake can ideally be a bit more influential this season , never can doubt his defensive resolve but has to be used better in attacking plays and not so predictable

 

[Kevinward777]

A lot of these guys did the job defensively against the Chooks to start last season. I remember the days when we got through a whole game without an outside back injured. Sure we don't have Tom (and he was amazing in that game) but we have a bit more experience with the young guys and the boost of another half in Foran.

Turbo's defence is what won us that game against the chooks. Hopefully, Dylan won't be required to make as many one on one try saving tackles on Saturday.

 

[jbb/james]

I like him too. Much better than a player that's been selected. That's all I'll say on that.

You may be right. He really looks in the game defensively in his crab like posturing, permanately fixated on the play. Moves ok for his size. Just not seen enough of him consistently to be sure

I like keppie as a defender also but attack is borderline plod

Boyle has moments of pretty good, and dead set plodder

 

[Ryan]

You may be right. He really looks in the game defensively in his crab like posturing, permanately fixated on the play. Moves ok for his size. Just not seen enough of him consistently to be sure

I like keppie as a defender also but attack is borderline plod

Boyle has moments of pretty good, and dead set plodder

Can't afford one plodder in the team anymore, what with the repeat sets, and momentum. We have Garrick, Suli, Parker, Boyle, Keppie, Croker, Funa, Aloiai, Sironen, Jake who are relative plodders, or don't make too much impact.

We need to emulate the strong teams. Fast, big, mobile, lightning play-the-ball speed, great ruck control. Need to get on a roll. Play as a unit.

We make a few metres, play the ball slow (you could turn the Titanic faster than Taufua plays the ball).

In the modern game, you definitely need specialist players playing specialist positions. Then , you need to have mitigates if your specialist goes down (a ready made player to replace them). We don't have a single specialist Hooker at the club (that's not potentially going to prison), and we don't have one specialist fullback to replace Tom. That is such poor roster management.

 

[Ryan]

BTW, has Walker had his court appearance. If he's gonski as well....

 

[madmax]

Can't afford one plodder in the team anymore, what with the repeat sets, and momentum. We have Garrick, Suli, Parker, Boyle, Keppie, Croker, Funa, Aloiai, Sironen, Jake who are relative plodders, or don't make too much impact.

We need to emulate the strong teams. Fast, big, mobile, lightning play-the-ball speed, great ruck control. Need to get on a roll. Play as a unit.

We make a few metres, play the ball slow (you could turn the Titanic faster than Taufua plays the ball).

In the modern game, you definitely need specialist players playing specialist positions. Then , you need to have mitigates if your specialist goes down (a ready made player to replace them). We don't have a single specialist Hooker at the club (that's not potentially going to prison), and we don't have one specialist fullback to replace Tom. That is such poor roster management.

Ryan.....don’t think Suli is a plodder to be realistic. Yes he was when he joined due to weight issues & last year was injured so couldn’t do much but he has toned up & if he gets back to his 2019 form then I think he’ll be unstoppable. Let’s hope he proves to everyone what all the original hype was all about.

 

[ALinda]

BTW, has Walker had his court appearance. If he's gonski as well....

Walker's court case is on 14-17 May.

 

[John Nicholson]

I expect there will be changes to the 17 before the game. With the current 17, what happens if a half or dummy half is injured? It would require more than one positional change (with possibly the game plan going down the spout). If a half is injured, Walker would move into the halves with Funa replacing him at fullback. If the dummy half is injured, then Foran would replace him with Walker moving from fullback to the halves & Funa to fullback.

In contrast, if Schuster is on the bench, he would cover the halves & dummy half if they were injured. He could also rotate with the dummy half. If Funa & Schuster are on the bench, they could cover all back postions & a couple of forward positions. In this scenario, there would only be one prop, Paseka, on the bench. Davey, Sirro or Jurbo could rotate as props if needed. I guess we will learn later in the week if Walker is even fit to play.

Be careful what you write here 40-nil. Roosters coaching staff may be watching.

I think you are close to the money with Des planning a merry-go-round, either before kick off or during the game.

Funa > Walker > Foran > Croker > bench.

 

[ALinda]

Schuster obviously will be a key member of the 17 by year's end, but there's many good reasons not to throw him in from day 1.
Meanwhile I like the 21 chosen, and look forward to seeing the final 17, one hour before kick-off.
I especially like the choice of Funa at 14. Not a single fan, journo or expert picked that one, Bravo Des!

Well said. I like the 21 chosen too, except Cust should be in there.

I don't get all the hype with Schuster when he hasn't even played a full game of NRL yet. Let him come in gradually, rather than throw him in the deep end.

On a positive note, it's so good to see Foz in the team list and back with DCE. Just hope he lasts!

 

[jbb/james]

No doubt that A F B is going to be a bit of a loss with his go forward ability but the way the ruck speed has increased in recent times , really expecting [ or need ] the remaining Manly forwards and especially of course Alioia to take up the slack and at least give it a decent crack . Saddler just seems to have the natural inclination to take the line on well and looks a strong running type of forward , defence again will have to be brushed up a bit but seems a good prospect . Still prefer Schuster in the game day 17 but again surely only a matter of time . Jake can ideally be a bit more influential this season , never can doubt his defensive resolve but has to be used better in attacking plays and not so predictable

Maybe in time saddler doesnt have to end up in the middle. I still live in hope that schuster is in the 17. Not enough flexability on the bench regardless of schusters abilities

As somone mentioned hooker can be covered by foran but that would require many moving pieces if walker is indeed fullback

Would love to see jake removed from first reciever, dont see foran copping or needing it. Jakes season and positional play will say a lot about last season if we care to take interest

If he is to play like a middle forward instead of a link man it could impact the bench. Regardless we probably need more of his defence and less of his settlers