Who do we let go next year now?

[cc eagle]

I've read posts suggesting we need a back-up fullback.
What decent fullback is going to come to Manly knowing he'll be playing reserve grade unless something happens to Turbo?
You'll only get a no-name trying his luck. It would be more sensible to retain Tyfuna who we know is a back-up fullback/outside back. Plus we also have Koala and Tippytoes who are going to be better than a no-name recruit.

Agree, Zorba on BSB this morning saying we definately need a backup FB, insinuating without tom we're no chance, he then compared panffers, losing Edwards and shifting Crichton to FB lose nothing in attack, I think he forgot Edwards isn't a gun like tom, and look what happens when Cleary doesn't play, they just can't replace him and just do the best they can
If we unearth a good young FB from our juniors he won't stick around behind tom

 

[Briza]

Garrick is young and improving, he should be doing some intensive fullback training with snake and tom(assuming he isn't) as i see him here for a few more years yet.

 

[40 years an eagle]

its only good if you move on players your paying overs.

Agree, and we have a couple that are being paid overs even if they were on minimum wage(but they are not) and would be easily replaced by promising young guys for $200k or so. A little bit extra can buy a LOT more.

 

[KNUCKLES]

Garrick is young and improving, he should be doing some intensive fullback training with snake and tom(assuming he isn't) as i see him here for a few more years yet.

He doesn't really have the ball paying skill set to really be an effective fullback in today's game.. that, and I noticed that in attack he is never where he should be chiming in trying to create 3 on 2s etc. Don't think I can remember one play from the raiders game where he featured in a backline movement either. Either he was to gassed or its a part of his game he needs to work on

 

[The Who]

He doesn't really have the ball paying skill set to really be an effective fullback in today's game.. that, and I noticed that in attack he is never where he should be chiming in trying to create 3 on 2s etc. Don't think I can remember one play from the raiders game where he featured in a backline movement either. Either he was to gassed or its a part of his game he needs to work on

There aren't many clubs that have two good fullbacks in their squad. Melbourne is one but they are losing Hynes next season.
Generally if your No. 1 fullback gets injured the club will use a centre or a winger. The 'Boys used a hooker for a few matches.
If a club is lucky enough to have two gun fullbacks one of them will be poached.
Sandwich, Tyfuna and Harpo are stopgap options and are probably as good as any other fullback who'd come to Manly knowing they'd only get a match in Turbo got injured.

 

[40 years an eagle]

I would think Lionel could make a very good fill-in FB. He has good hands, game awareness, very good positional play, is a very good defender and would be a very good link man.. The problem is who babysits Wasaabi when he is doing it. Now that I really think about it, he would probably make a very good fulltime NRL FB.

 

[The better Robbo]

He doesn't really have the ball paying skill set to really be an effective fullback in today's game.. that, and I noticed that in attack he is never where he should be chiming in trying to create 3 on 2s etc. Don't think I can remember one play from the raiders game where he featured in a backline movement either. Either he was to gassed or its a part of his game he needs to work on

I dont think fitness is his issue. Watching live, I reckon he is the fittest in our club! I just don't think he has that ball playing ability. He would be a perfect 3rd string/back up fullback but I would definitely like a ball playing back up as our priority signing.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

Fullback is a difficult position. Garrick and Walker do not have the defensive qualities required and IMO Harper and Parker are not quick enough. That is our conundrum.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

I dont think fitness is his issue. Watching live, I reckon he is the fittest in our club! I just don't think he has that ball playing ability. He would be a perfect 3rd string/back up fullback but I would definitely like a ball playing back up as our priority signing.

Did Des mention Saab at one stage in pre-season as a possible replacement full-back? Still may need another year or 2 of NRL first, but he can cover the ground and also catch a bomb.

 

[Highflier]

Fullback is a difficult position. Garrick and Walker do not have the defensive qualities required and IMO Harper and Parker are not quick enough. That is our conundrum.

I know it was only a trial ,but when Harper played FB he looked ok ,and he is maybe not the fastest FB going around but he is energetic , can pass a ball and is a good defender.
Garrick has speed is an OK defender and ok under the high ball ,positionally a little weak sometimes, but zero ball playing ability IMO .
I'm not sure if that can be developed at this stage of his career .Harper seems to be able to put his man away and count numbers in defense and attack .So not going to score a length of the field try but probably quick enough in the legs and the head over 20 M .
Anyway heres hoping for 50-0 and no injuries and for the Rorters to be lapped by the vengeful Rabbids and cranky Cody Walker
Go Manly

 

[ShakeySeaEagle]

I think Funa played better at 1 last year than Garrick. He has zero play making in him and can be suss under the high ball.

Release -
Morgan Boyle, Curtis Sironen, Jorge Taufua, Jack Gosiewski

Resign -
Sione Fainu, Tevita Funa, Zac Saddler, Dylan Walker (on reduced wage)

 

[QueefRichards]

Did Des mention Saab at one stage in pre-season as a possible replacement full-back? Still may need another year or 2 of NRL first, but he can cover the ground and also catch a bomb.

Hes a way off but Ive never seen him take more hit-ups than he did against the milkmen which was good to see

I dont think manlys problem is backup fullbacks, its that our structures don't come off without a gun fullback

 

[Taylormanlyfan]

Is Cade Cust joining the Warriors?

 

[Ryan]

Is Cade Cust joining the Warriors?

Hope not, I don't want to lose any of our boys. ANY.

 

[40 years an eagle]

Is Cade Cust joining the Warriors?

This is about a rumour from a month or so ago?

 

[Taylormanlyfan]

This is about a rumour from a month or so ago?

Yes just was thinking he’s not getting any game time so he could be on the move

 

[The better Robbo]

Hope not, I don't want to lose any of our boys. ANY.

Yeah I'd definitely be keeping Cust. What happens if Croker gets injured? We have Lawton as our only real option. It's good to have depth, especially in the important positions. The only way I'd consider letting Cust go is IF Fainu is free to play.

 

[AlxFromNthNarra]

Think we can all agree that Boyle, Gosiewski and Taufua haven't either had the opportunity or impact we need of them, and will likely go.

Sironen, Walker, Funa and DeLuis have had their chances with varying returns.

I'd keep DeLuis and Funa if they stay cheap, and ship Sirro if he sees himself as expensive still. As a cheaper option Sirro may have value for leadership/experience, but being so injury-riddled I wouldn't haggle too long.

Walker seems to have found a new role in the team and has that rare mix of utility and experience. Is he worth 400-500k to come in as a 14 when we have Lawton? Not convinced. If Walker accepts that the past few injury-riddled seasons have lowered his market rate and cops it, keep the guy for sure on a Foran-style Club Option with incentives. He is 26, and has time to work his way back into a more lucrative contract here or abroad.

If Suli leaves and we pay no freight we have potentially 500k+ to use wisely in upgrades, and to hopefully sign guys like Bullemore.

As for the backup fullback situation, our best option is to look to our youth for value - blood Koula or Weekes, maybe Tuipolotu. Alternative is to sign a centre/wing/half who has that utility and brings something the others (Funa/Garrrick/Walker/Harper) don't currently bring as backup FB. I can't think of anyone available or remotely within budget i'm afraid.

 

[Brisbane Tragic]

Seconded.

Thirded!

 

[Will on the hill]

Siro, Suli and Walker all gone for mine, they all offer something but can be or have been replaced by better/cheaper options.