The glimmer of hope.

[bondi.boy]

Sandon Smith in 2021 won the SG Ball Player of the year
In 2022 led the NSW Cup in try and line break assists
2023 he almost won us the semi against the Storm if not for a freak last second play

I have full confidence this kid has it

That record you detailed certainly is impressive.
Also, he's played well in first grade.

[King Salvo]

The Roosters need to be better at the fundamentals—high completion and low error rates—and be disciplined—no leg-up penalties and six again conceded. The defence is the key, and it needs to improve to limit points conceded.

Not sure how the attack will perform, but they will be up against the better D sides, so any chances created must be converted.

Must put in a 80 minute performance if they are to be a chance - no clocking off during periods of the game - stay focused for the 80 minutes

[Bondicigar]

Manu is key , move him to 6 or 1 play teddy in the centres whatever. Manu is it and should stand up and deliver before he goes on long service leave...

[Bondicigar]

I personally think & Ive posted this in the past that Sammy will play for whoever pays him the most.

Big call

[The Lip]

Manu is key , move him to 6 or 1 play teddy in the centres whatever. Manu is it and should stand up and deliver before he goes on long service leave...

Contrary to popular belief I don't think Manu has had a single good game at 6. Actually at 6 he's been worse than average imo. Now at 1 he has been unbelievable when filling in and maybe this is what's confusing people.

Or is it me that's confused?

Even in the centres this year Joey has been only average.

[Judge Smails]

Contrary to popular belief I don't think Manu has had a single good game at 6. Actually at 6 he's been worse than average imo. Now at 1 he has been unbelievable when filling in and maybe this is what's confusing people.

Or is it me that's confused?

Even in the centres this year Joey has been only average.

You are 100% correct.

Manu is a great centre but a ineffective 5/8

His style stifles the players around him. Adding also that he can’t assist in long or short kicks

No use weakening 2 positions ( Centre and 5/8)

Sandon is a halfback

Keary isn’t a halfback

Manu isn’t a 5/8.

[The Lip]

You are 100% correct.

Manu is a great centre but a ineffective 5/8

His style stifles the players around him. Adding also that he can’t assist in long or short kicks

No use weakening 2 positions ( Centre and 5/8)

Sandon is a halfback

Keary isn’t a halfback

Manu isn’t a 5/8.

Totally agree with all of that

[Steggles]

Totally agree with all of that

You’re both on the money.

[Bondicigar]

Contrary to popular belief I don't think Manu has had a single good game at 6. Actually at 6 he's been worse than average imo. Now at 1 he has been unbelievable when filling in and maybe this is what's confusing people.

Or is it me that's confused?

Even in the centres this year Joey has been only average.

Yes I think he should not be expected to play a tradition 5/8 roll, that don't suit . He definitely needs to be around the ball I feel though.

[Steggles]

Yes I think he should not be expected to play a tradition 5/8 roll, that don't suit . He definitely needs to be around the ball I feel though.

Manu was very effective roaming as a 2nd fullback some time ago. I’m not really sure why that stopped, but he did get his hands on the ball in better attacking positions more often.

[Funky Chicken]

The problem with games like last week is that the senior players like Keary, Manu and Teddy (600+ games of first grade) panic, lose composure and continually try for the low percentage individual hero play (That usually doesn't come off). This panic then spreads throughout the team to the more junior players.

Even with all the adversity we faced if we had played even half decent, we would have lapped those muppets.

[Vasco]

Manu was very effective roaming as a 2nd fullback some time ago. I’m not really sure why that stopped, but he did get his hands on the ball in better attacking positions more often.

Until Sunday we've been on a record point scoring run, so it hasn't exactly been a bad thing.

[caz]

joey had a few motm performances at 6 in 2022 i think it was. but last year he was a fizzer. the argument to play him at 6 is that he's a bigger body than sandon and a better defender and him having his hands on the ball more is a good thing. the argument against it is his string of sub average performances last year and he's not a great kicker.
i'd play sandon in the halves this weekend but if he has a shocker and marky has a blinder then maybe joey at 6 is the way to go

[BTRD]

Same old crap from me - but please everyone run STRAIGHT and pass the bloody ball.

I am confident Walker will stay.