THE CROKER POLL .. THE RESULT UPDATED!

[Mark from Brisbane]

Let’s not jump the gun , he’s had one good game in how long ?

But that said he went pretty well today.

 

[The better Robbo]

Let’s not jump the gun , he’s had one good game in how long ?

But that said he went pretty well today.

He did go well last week too. His defence was a big reason we got the 2 points last week too. Agreed, let's not jump the gun but the last couple weeks we have seen a vast improvement and he is actually starting to take on the line. Hopefully he continues to improve!

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

He did go well last week too. His defence was a big reason we got the 2 points last week too. Agreed, let's not jump the gun but the last couple weeks we have seen a vast improvement and he is actually starting to take on the line. Hopefully he continues to improve!

Couldn’t agree more , happy to eat my words if the improvements continue.

 

[Waz13]

Couldn’t agree more , happy to eat my words if the improvements continue.

He has tackled his ass off in the middle since round 1 tbh. I think that’s why Des likes him to start. I’m happy to let Des be the judge on the Croker/Cust 9 rotation. Bit of a shame it rained all second half. Didn’t get to see the boys really open up and Cust get a good run in the 9.

 

[Eagles4Life]

Croker played well yesterday. His best game for a long time. I don't rate him as a nine (and probably never will). But if he keeps on putting in performances like that, he deserves his spot in the team. It's great to be proven wrong, (particular when it results in a fantastic Manly win) and I hope it continues like that. Go Manly.

 

[Brisbane Tragic]

Croker played well yesterday. His best game for a long time. I don't rate him as a nine (and probably never will). But if he keeps on putting in performances like that, he deserves his spot in the team. It's great to be proven wrong, and I hope it continues like that. Go Manly.

he was tough in defence and playing off a forward pack that was just smashing through the middle. Without the forwards laying the platform, Tommy T and the rest don't have the room to open up the Titans like they did. Croker benefited from that. He needs to learn the vagaries of dummy half play though and when to shoot out from dummy half to get us on the front foot when we are struggling for yards. His passing is still only average for dummy but all round he was much much better yesterday. The really good 9's know when to to go to change the tempo when we are struggling for yards - that is his biggest deficiency.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

His best game for a while

BUT

Off the back of the best game the forwards have had for years.

He’s still bog average but Des loves him

 

[winnyason]

Well I agree too, he was good last week too. He a tough little bugga

 

[manlyfan76]

A dynamic nine and we are a threat.

 

[stoodamire]

How about that line break straight up the guts eh?!?!?

 

[nightster]

his defence is excellent ... dare I say it yesterday he played like Matt Balin .... he topped the tackle count

 

[JenEagle]

He’s always been a very strong defender. Trent Barrett loved him as well.

 

[Yaz Eagle]

There will be a conundrum in round 11 or 12 when Lawton is fit to play and what Des does with Croker, Cust and Lawton.

 

[manlyfan76]

There will be a conundrum in round 11 or 12 when Lawton is fit to play and what Des does with Croker, Cust and Lawton.

Lawton hasnt reallyhad a good go in the "new" nrl.
I think it will suit his game quire a lot.

 

[JakeyB789]

He’s growing into the role. I’ve said before that he’s the worst player in the NRL but I would be very happy to be wrong, he’s actually got a pretty good running game so let’s hope he keeps using that

 

[The better Robbo]

He’s growing into the role. I’ve said before that he’s the worst player in the NRL but I would be very happy to be wrong, he’s actually got a pretty good running game so let’s hope he keeps using that

That's it. He has the ability to run but the first month just refused to do it, maybe he was just fatigued? Now he has his match fitness up and people pushing up around him we might see a different Croker. I hope so because it seems Des is hell bent on keeping him so we need him to succeed and surprise us each week.

 

[QueefRichards]

There will be a conundrum in round 11 or 12 when Lawton is fit to play and what Des does with Croker, Cust and Lawton.

Plus, perhaps, Fainu.

 

[Dion Johnson]

Plus, perhaps, Fainu.

Now that would be fantastic having Manase available, if we can get a fair run of not getting injuries we could get back to where we were in 2019.

 

[nightster]

He’s always been a very strong defender. Trent Barrett loved him as well.

yeah but Twent loved him as a 5/8

 

[robbiea]

That's it. He has the ability to run but the first month just refused to do it, maybe he was just fatigued? Now he has his match fitness up and people pushing up around him we might see a different Croker. I hope so because it seems Des is hell bent on keeping him so we need him to succeed and surprise us each week.

I heard the new hooker may be good to go in a couple of weeks also.