Summary of the Kids

maxta

maxta

First Grader
Premium Member
Keen to hear opinions on our rookies.
Start with Schuster - nothing but admiration....had a pearler in attack and they launched a heap of attack at him and failed, as his defence is also top shelf, did not deserve to be on the losing side and in fact, we were up by a couple of tries when he was there.
Added another dimension in attack which looked far sharper immediately with his inclusion
Harper was also a breath of fresh air and constantly runs through holes at speed....scored 2 and nearly scored 2 more, best attack any Manly centre has performed in 2020 and for a skinny kid, doesn't mind the tough stuff and tackles well
Hoppa is struggling in top grade, I think he is still unconfident of his injury and his electric pace will not be back till another off season....if it comes back - disappointing when he is a natural talent who has had horrible injuries that have taken their toll
 
In order of goodness:

Funa - Looks like he's made for NRL and will excel at centre full time
Haumole - Very good and I'm surprised he hasn't been used more since his outstanding debut
Schuster - This kid could be anything. Added real spark which has been missing for weeks/months
Harper - I think he could become a good depth player? No better.
Hopoate - Is that it? If reports of him saying he would show his value on the field (in lieu of training hard) are true then we may as well loan him back out to the Warriors and play Miski, who I'm sure won't be puffed after 10 minutes of off-the-ball tracking.
 
Even though the team capitulated, what a breath of fresh air it was to see some of our talented young players getting a go.

I thought you Funa did some good things at Full back.

Morgan Harper made a great impact with his direct running and he got 2 great tries.

Ive been calling for Schuster to play for about 10 weeks now and he lasted 65 minutes and really showed his potential. Smart running game, passing game and his grubbers were good too. Its lovely to see a half create chances and that makes DCE's task an easier one.

Hoppa did well on the wing, defused a couple of bombs and he held his own.

These boys apart from Funa and clearly not match fit and it showed especially in the last 15 minutes. It is good that they have a game under their belts and they will be better next week.

All season we have struggled to score more than 18 points, yesterday we looked so much better with the ball and great chances were created.

I would go a step further next week and bring in young Oka as we need some strength added to our pack in the back row especially.
 
Schuster is a future star (if not a current star). He literally has everything. This is a big call, but I think he is more important to Manly’s future than DCE, Jake T, Taupau and AFB. If Tom stays fit, I put them on the same level of importance to our future. Despite all the ability he showed yesterday, the biggest thing that told me he was ready was his confidence. So many players (especially halves) go missing in early career games. This guy is ready.
 
The loss yesterday was somewhat caused by the defence issues many of the youngin’s had BUT the positives of playing them now that the season is dusted , simply for the experience and leading into 2021 is priceless.

Add Fainu & Tom back in and we have the makings of a pretty good side.

One thing though was glaringly obvious , as soon as our two Props left the field we started the rot, so the thoughts that anyone had of discarding either is ludicrous.

If we can move Slowfua on ( medical retirement ) and replace him with say Alex Johnson then we have hope for next year.
 
Kez said:
I think harper contributed more in his chance than suli ever has with us
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Suli had that great game in the finals against souths last year, but hasn’t really kicked on. I think he is still first grade standard, but I agree that Harper looked good... put 7-8 kilos on him in the off season and he could be a goer for sure.
 
Mark from Brisbane said:
The loss yesterday was somewhat caused by the defence issues many of the youngin’s had BUT the positives of playing them now that the season is dusted , simply for the experience and leading into 2021 is priceless.

Add Fainu & Tom back in and we have the makings of a pretty good side.

One thing though was glaringly obvious , as soon as our two Props left the field we started the rot, so the thoughts that anyone had of discarding either is ludicrous.

If we can move Slowfua on ( medical retirement ) and replace him with say Alex Johnson then we have hope for next year.
Click to expand...
We’ve tried it a little this year, but maybe we need to start with either Taupau or AFB on the bench. For example, start with AFB and Paseka, and then bring on Taupau and Keppie. Might help stop the rot through the middle of the game.
 
After watching last night, one thing is for sure, and that is we've got plenty of young talent in the backline for 2021 onwards, we just need to settle on our back 5.

Fullback will obviously be Tommy.

Wingers will probably be out of Hoppa, Garrick & Funa (although he's a centre, we've got heaps of centres)

The centres is probably we're we are stocked up the most; Walker, Suli, Harper, Parker and Funa (if he doesn't play on the wing).
 
Just wondering what Schuster "s most useful position will be , certainly has all of the attributes of a top line player . Maybe as an edge back rower where he can use his elusiveness and clever ball play . Obviously can play at 6 at a pinch also and even as a lock - Gifty type role but the game has changed a little bit in the last few years around the ruck . Harper looks good and from indications has some good set up skills as well , seems a natural as a centre but would think that Suli would be and injury free one of the main centre options next season and Walker if he is not still preferred at 6 . Young Hoppa had very few opportunities again but noticed one strong hit up . Will still need a little more time to adjust to i st grade level but if he can hopefully stay , still think that he and Suli could be the best centre combos and Walker at 6 . And while not selected last night , would have to think that Haumole would still offer more then Jet Ski and Waddell .Anyway can only be a good thing that some of our very promising up and comers are finally getting their [ over due ] shot in Manly colours this season .
 
sheridanstand78 said:
Even though the team capitulated, what a breath of fresh air it was to see some of our talented young players getting a go.

I thought you Funa did some good things at Full back.

Morgan Harper made a great impact with his direct running and he got 2 great tries.

Ive been calling for Schuster to play for about 10 weeks now and he lasted 65 minutes and really showed his potential. Smart running game, passing game and his grubbers were good too. Its lovely to see a half create chances and that makes DCE's task an easier one.

Hoppa did well on the wing, defused a couple of bombs and he held his own.

These boys apart from Funa and clearly not match fit and it showed especially in the last 15 minutes. It is good that they have a game under their belts and they will be better next week.

All season we have struggled to score more than 18 points, yesterday we looked so much better with the ball and great chances were created.

I would go a step further next week and bring in young Oka as we need some strength added to our pack in the back row especially.
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Spot on champ, I totally agree with everything you said.
 
Anyone know how fast Harper is - wondering how he would do at winger? Shame he is not a bit taller (180cm according to the website).

When is Jorge signed until? Wondering if last night was his last game for us. Much appreciation for what he has done over the years, but Des can't let him run on next year.

Luke Metcalfe and Jade Anderson now the only ones not to have had a run this year (of the backs).
 
Kez said:
I think harper contributed more in his chance than suli ever has with us
Click to expand...
Harper was good, suli underwhelming post signing the big contract. Still, can’t forget how good his form was last year... Suli is definitely the better player but would love to see Funa/Harper compete for that other centre spot next year
 
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