The 6 and 9 shuffle

[jbb/james]

Next season if
api being shopped
Walker wearing 6 and better than most
Api contracted
Elgey contracted
Cust
Croker
Docker clay
So will we replace the 9 or go with contracted utilities . Both croker and docker clay look most likely as a utility. Cust also is a strong dude and could end up in the back row and moving jake upfront improving that deprh.

Its easier to have depth in centres than 5/8 and the utility options help

But with contracted players and cap bullcrap our second hooker may end up utility.
Maybe they have different plans.
Id still like to start with a nuggety no frills 9 and have fainu off the bench next season. It just suits our game
I just dont see any of our utilities filling that role as well as id like. But i am neither des, or technical

 

[robbiea]

I can see Croker taking 20 mins hooking duties in the middle of the game next year.

 

[The better Robbo]

Croker cust elgey docker clay. I think we've got it covered. Walker has given us the extra play maker we would have been short

 

[Tragic Eagle]

In my opinion we have one of the best spines in the competition at present. If it ain't broken don't fix it.

 

[maxta]

Is Metcalfe still an option....is he injured ?? Knew he was fast, but a few reservations on his game management, thought he may get a shot at some stage.
I better change this answer as atm, there is no need for ANY changes in the 1,6,7,9...agree with Tragic - the Best in the NRL....If talking bench should be Croker who can cover halves and fill in at dummy half if needed....the Metcalfe part above was based on the fact he was bought to Manly as a future option and has gone missing.

 

[robbiea]

Croker cust elgey docker clay. I think we've got it covered. Walker has given us the extra play maker we would have been short

Dont forget the best thing Walker has given us ,"The fire breathing Ginger Ninja" back.

 

[robbiea]

The Bulldogs seem destined to miss out on Broncos hooker Jake Turpin, but may come up with an even better prize - Manly jack-in-the-box Api Koroisau.

As Wide World of Sports predicted last week, the Fijian international has been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs by the Sea Eagles.

One of the best dummy-halves in the game, Koroisau has already attracted interest from the Warriors but the Bulldogs are prepared to launch a massive bid to sign him.


The hooking spot has been one of Canterbury’s biggest problems in recent seasons and signing Koroisau would be a huge coup for the club.

 

[Snake]

Playing Walker at 6 could be the answer to our cap problem.

If we snare him on a reduced contract and pay him centre money to play 6, we’ll be laughing. I just worry that the longer he plays 6 the more his stocks rise. Get it done.

 

[Snake]

Is Metcalfe still an option....is he injured ?? Knew he was fast, but a few reservations on his game management, thought he may get a shot at some stage.
I better change this answer as atm, there is no need for ANY changes in the 1,6,7,9...agree with Tragic - the Best in the NRL....If talking bench should be Croker who can cover halves and fill in at dummy half if needed....the Metcalfe part above was based on the fact he was bought to Manly as a future option and has gone missing.

It’s not game management that is the problem; he is terrible in defence.

 

[The Who]

The Bulldogs seem destined to miss out on Broncos hooker Jake Turpin, but may come up with an even better prize - Manly jack-in-the-box Api Koroisau.

As Wide World of Sports predicted last week, the Fijian international has been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs by the Sea Eagles.

One of the best dummy-halves in the game, Koroisau has already attracted interest from the Warriors but the Bulldogs are prepared to launch a massive bid to sign him.


The hooking spot has been one of Canterbury’s biggest problems in recent seasons and signing Koroisau would be a huge coup for the club.

Good to see Canterbury's "salary cap crisis" is now solved . . .
They are chasing players like a Bulldog chases a mailman.

 

[manlyfan76]

Good to see Canterbury's "salary cap crisis" is now solved . . .
They are chasing players like a Bulldog chases a mailman.

Exactly, paying 500+ of For salary is effective a salary cap penalty of half a million.

 

[maxta]

It’s not game management that is the problem; he is terrible in defence.

Well defence is number 1 to break into NRL, so game over....personally had only seen him in lower grade games and his game management was missing in the sense he lacked control as a half and tended to drop in and out of games, strength was pace and good in support play.

 

[BOZO]

Next season if
api being shopped
Walker wearing 6 and better than most
Api contracted
Elgey contracted
Cust
Croker
Docker clay
So will we replace the 9 or go with contracted utilities . Both croker and docker clay look most likely as a utility. Cust also is a strong dude and could end up in the back row and moving jake upfront improving that deprh.

Its easier to have depth in centres than 5/8 and the utility options help

But with contracted players and cap bullcrap our second hooker may end up utility.
Maybe they have different plans.
Id still like to start with a nuggety no frills 9 and have fainu off the bench next season. It just suits our game
I just dont see any of our utilities filling that role as well as id like. But i am neither des, or technical

Fainu is being groomed as our future prime hooker and I do not see him being a bench player next season

All those others players you mentioned are improving under our system and it will be the one that shows the best form to warrant selection

 

[Shoe1]

Good to see Canterbury's "salary cap crisis" is now solved . . .
They are chasing players like a Bulldog chases a mailman.

Bulldogs are fat, slow, lazy and can’t see very well. More like a kelpie chases a mailman!

 

[Bearfax]

If Manly retain these guys there are three players who could be very much in the picture in 2020 who have not yet been mentioned in the backs.

Albert Hopoate (full back or wing)
Ben Trbojevic (centre)
Josh Schuster (five eighth or back rower)

Not suggesting these guys will start be in the team at the 2020, but I can see each of them coming into the equation by mid season. Hopoate has to take time getting his confidence back and Schuster and Ben T. will be fresh out of the juniors and will take time to adjust. Certainly wont be risked too early, but watch out for them making the backline question even more complicated.

 

[mjb136]

I believe Technical coach said that Fainu should move to the halves and he is a legend in his own lunchtime so Des should listen to him.

 

[The better Robbo]

If Manly retain these guys there are three players who could be very much in the picture in 2020 who have not yet been mentioned in the backs.

Albert Hopoate (full back or wing)
Ben Trbojevic (centre)
Josh Schuster (five eighth or back rower)

Not suggesting these guys will start be in the team at the 2020, but I can see each of them coming into the equation by mid season. Hopoate has to take time getting his confidence back and Schuster and Ben T. will be fresh out of the juniors and will take time to adjust. Certainly wont be risked too early, but watch out for them making the backline question even more complicated.

Also Funa. I believe he is the most ready. Hoppa looks a star but lets just hope for him to be back playing footy next year and not expect too much.
Ben T is still probably a couple years away.
Schuster again looks a star and could well earn a start at some stage next yr.
All in all we are starting to look strong and have depth in positions we thought we were weak especially with the emergence of cust suli parker waddell garrick etc. Cant really see any significant signings on the cards but I dont think we really need any. Just a couple good handy buys to complete the squad...

 

[The better Robbo]

T rex and simona 😉