Recruit options - Big & Small ??

[Bearfax]

Api is one of the best in the game and was far more developed then Fainu.

I would certainly hope Api was more developed than Fainu. Api is 25 going on 26. Fainu is 19 going on 20. Funny thing but age does tend to be a factor in how developed a player is. 6 years difference is no small difference of experience I would have thought, wouldn't you think Holmsey. Koroisau didn't play first grade until he was well into his 21st year.

 

[manlyfan76]

Ali had that small detail of being a premiership winner when he arrived.

 

[Woodsie]

I would certainly hope Api was more developed than Fainu. Api is 25 going on 26. Fainu is 19 going on 20. Funny thing but age does tend to be a factor in how developed a player is. 6 years difference is no small difference of experience I would have thought, wouldn't you think Holmsey. Koroisau didn't play first grade until he was well into his 21st year.

.. perhaps somebody with greater knowledge than mine can elaborate ... but I believe I have heard (and from personal experience) that it takes a few years of preseasons and playing for a player to built up to the sort of condition required by FG players today ... 3/4 years before they are at optimum ...

 

[Holmsey]

I would certainly hope Api was more developed than Fainu. Api is 25 going on 26. Fainu is 19 going on 20. Funny thing but age does tend to be a factor in how developed a player is. 6 years difference is no small difference of experience I would have thought, wouldn't you think Holmsey. Koroisau didn't play first grade until he was well into his 21st year.

Bottom line is Fainu will only start or play if Koroisau is injured. Fainu is going to be waiting a long while.

 

[40 years an eagle]

Bottom line is Fainu will only start or play if Koroisau is injured.

No, if Api is re-signed, Fainu will be on the bench to spell him.

No argument, just correcting a half correct statement.

 

[Holmsey]

No, if Api is re-signed, Fainu will be on the bench to spell him.

No argument, just correcting a half correct statement.

Is it half or just your opinion? Api may yet become an 80 player, I think Tom Wright should have the bench spot.

 

[Bearfax]

Bottom line is Fainu will only start or play if Koroisau is injured. Fainu is going to be waiting a long while.

Api only gained his stripes because South's top hooker Issac Luke was injured. He was lucky enough to be supported by a very good side that then went on to win the comp. But Api was no more brilliant at that time than Fainu is now, and he was 2 years older at that time. This is not suggesting Api is not a fine hooker. He's been one of Manly's best in a poor couple of seasons. But I suspect Fainu will be better in a few years and be up there with a couple of Manly's best hookers, Krillich and Cochrane. Unlike many on this forum, I believe Manly have a group of players coming through who will lift the Sea Eagles back to premiership contenders, with perhaps one or two more hard heads and some good coaching

 

[maxta]

.. perhaps somebody with greater knowledge than mine can elaborate ... but I believe I have heard (and from personal experience) that it takes a few years of preseasons and playing for a player to built up to the sort of condition required by FG players today ... 3/4 years before they are at optimum ...

In general - 100% correct.
The Fittler, Ponga types who explode onto the scene are a rare breed.
2-3 years till good players become great and longer for your front rowers who are tough enough to live through to that day....just on this personally- have massive wraps on Fainu.

 

[40 years an eagle]

Is it half or just your opinion? Api may yet become an 80 player, I think Tom Wright should have the bench spot.

Yes it is half correct, Api doesn't have an approved contract with us for next year at this stage. Fact, not opinion.
Api was spelled by Hodko and M Wright this year, fact, not an opinion.

It appears obvious Fainu will take that role, an observation, not an opinion.

On a different note, Api is good for about 60 minutes: my opinion.

 

[double hoops]

Bottom line is Fainu will only start or play if Koroisau is injured. Fainu is going to be waiting a long while.

I think Fainu is too good for that. Nothing wrong with playing two hookers. Hodgko is depth.

 

[Holmsey]

I think Fainu is too good for that. Nothing wrong with playing two hookers. Hodgko is depth.

Fainu benchy is fine, can also cover halves.