Williamson warming up in changeroom?

[Guest]

Graham was good as a strike centre for the first handful of rounds this year.

Joel Monaghan showed tremendous potential as a strike centre the moment he signed for the Raiders again

His form, from the time Freddy took over at the backend of 2007, was nothing short of devastating. He was near unstoppable from 10m out, his confidence in his own ability in the air came back, and he became an integral strike weapon out wide.

A centre pairing of Monaghan/Cross would be up there with the most dangerous (and ugliest) in the NRL if we had held onto them. We hedged our bets on Soliola though, shunting Monas out to the wing - big mistake.

Mack, I don't mean to offend you

But if you honestly think a centre combination of Joel Monaghan and Ryan Cross would be up there with most dangerous in the comp, then you are either a terrible judge, or something worse

[Guest]

Cross was easily one of the most underrated centres in the comp. Always had a truckload of linebreaks and tries, but was never rated too highly because of his average defense.

Monaghan in his time since returning to the Raiders has been outstanding, and he showed how good he can be if used properly with us.

Look at the other centre pairings going around. A fair few are pretty bloody average, with most only having one really good centre.

[Guest]

Cross was easily one of the most underrated centres in the comp. Always had a truckload of linebreaks and tries, but was never rated too highly because of his average defense.

Monaghan in his time since returning to the Raiders has been outstanding, and he showed how good he can be if used properly with us.

Look at the other centre pairings going around. A fair few are pretty bloody average, with most only having one really good centre.

I do

every week

you should too

they'll surprise you

neither Cross nor Monaghan were/are in the same stratosphere

[Guest]

I will probably be shot down for this, but I think SKD can become a really good strike centre. He just needs to get consistency in his game! He has a shocking game every now and then. But so did Hodges in his youth, now look at him

[elo]

On the topic of centre pairings - who would you take in a 2 on 2 Mack?

This weeks NYC pairing of Blair/BJ or Jones/SKD in Firsts? I honestly rate both NYC guys over our first grade pairing.....which is a concern, Brian needs to give one of them a go! Blair is the same height as Idirs with better pace and footwork, Leilua would run over Benny Jones like a speed hump. Add in Linnett and our first grade centre pairing just isn't good enough, wake up Brian.

[Guest]

I will probably be shot down for this, but I think SKD can become a really good strike centre. He just needs to get consistency in his game! He has a shocking game every now and then. But so did Hodges in his youth, now look at him

Duck Kramer!

[Guest]

I'm prepared Ozzy. SKD just needs to iron out some handling problems he has

[BUDDY]

I will probably be shot down for this, but I think SKD can become a really good strike centre. He just needs to get consistency in his game! He has a shocking game every now and then. But so did Hodges in his youth, now look at him

You mean, he has a good game every now and then. More then than now though.

[Vasco]

Richie Barnett was very dangerous in his short time with us.

[Guest]

I'd like to see him go well but some of the things he does has me using words I normally avoid using.

[Guest]

Richie Barnett was very dangerous in his short time with us.

Yeah I remember watching him play. Very enjoyable. One of he few in that era for us.

[Vasco]

Yeah I remember watching him play. Very enjoyable. One of he few in that era for us.

Mate he played 1998-2000. If there were only a few from that era then there mustn't be any from the current era!

[Guest]

On the topic of centre pairings - who would you take in a 2 on 2 Mack?

This weeks NYC pairing of Blair/BJ or Jones/SKD in Firsts? I honestly rate both NYC guys over our first grade pairing.....which is a concern, Brian needs to give one of them a go! Blair is the same height as Idirs with better pace and footwork, Leilua would run over Benny Jones like a speed hump. Add in Linnett and our first grade centre pairing just isn't good enough, wake up Brian.

The pairing is too slow.

The best balance to have, is to always carry a powerful centre who is effective 10m out, with the upper body strength to put away a smaller speedy outside winger, and a slight strike centre with the ability to cut through the line, as well as support a larger winger outside of him.

To me, SKD, Blair, Moeakiola, and the now leaving Williamson are all in the same style of play - power centres who have the ability to push their way through defense.

Graham, Tuigamala and the now leaving (?) Du Plessis are examples of strike centres - speedy footwork sort of players who slice through the line and sprint in the clear.

Jones isn't a centre, he is a hooker/halves utility. Should be used as impact. Leilua is as much of a centre as Mitchell Aubusson - he is a backrower with a high level of mobility.

If Graham stays on the wing with Mini at fullback, I would honestly try Tuigamala in the centres. He has more pace, size and experience in the centres than Jones.

[elo]

I really think Blair has both in him Mack, his footwork for his size is immaculate....with some proper sprint training he could be the next Inglis. (who has both power and strike)

Leilua sure, but he shouldn't be blooded via the second row - I would also take him in the centres over Jones 100/100 times.

[Guest]

Strike centres that come to mind: Cross, Hodges, Hegarty, Sing, Barnett