Seems like a decent guy in this video.
https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/12/22/dragons-grant-thompson-release/
Good signing, and great news! ... more than anything it is his aggression that will make the biggest difference, it is infectious and Something our pack has been short of.
2nd row depth is no longer an issue ....
Thompson, Siro, Winterstein, Kelepi, "JetSki", Lane, Brown .....
PSS. Don't say goodbye to Frankie yet .... he may just have a big year.
He will also be making some ball players and hole runners have a little bo-peep a few times and have a few reservations about running down that side....Add the impact of Sipley, that young Ex Rabbit backrower and young Paseka, who is training with the big boys and this pack seems to have a tussle to make that 17 which is good.
Thompson will start and offers great edge running, particularly near the line, but his main asset that is a perfect match for Manly - his defence is rock solid and will help nullify those easy edge tries we seen in 2016/17 and the outside men will appreciate his “no panic” experience in these situations also
Thompson is a fantastic addition to the squad and really adds depth into an area that was looking a bit thin on quality
We are still shy a good prop I reckon. Backrow depth is OK now with Thompson + Siro, Frank, Brown, Lane, Gossie.
Kapow, Darcy and AFB need some depth. Maybe Tanginoa steps up - club must have seen something because they extended him for another year. Perret had some good moments last year, but just lacks a bit of leg drive and dynamism for mine. History shows that young props take a while to mature so not sure on Sipley and TP just yet. Do we think about moving Jake back to the front row ??
Big call. Yes he will be great for us but not so sure it will be to BK level. Needs more crazy eyes for startersThompson=Kennedy !!
I think Frankie is more suited to being an impact player off the bench. The bloke could be a weapon if he plays shorter minutes than he did last season.
Left edge attacking structures directed by either Hastings or Croker could also offer some contrasts with Hastings probably more of a ball distributing type role and Croker maybe noted more as a running style 5/8 . It was often noted last season how Frank was regularly used a a decoy runner [ and an effective one apparently ] but one would think that with Thompson on that left edge , that he would be utilized more as a go to man hitting a left edge . Not aware if Thompson has any off loading traits [ but probably does not necessarily need them with his hard running style and mainly as a hole runner .]I believe with the departure of Green and the inclusion of Thompson that you will see a vey different pattern of attack on the left edge .... Winterstein has always been capable and willing, but Green always preferred the cut out ball.
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