We Need To Sign James Graham

[Cockadoodledoo]

We don't need to sign any new forwards. IF we need to sign anyone, it's a centre.

For 2012 our priorities in order should be;

1) A fullback to replace Mini
2) An experienced front rower to guide Masoe, Kennedy & JWH around the park
3) A Winger dependant on how Justin Carney comes back from his leg injury.

IMHO our centres should be SKD (a given) and Leulia. I think Leulia is more able to make a break or bust tackles on his own and has great offloading ability and good under the high ball in attack (See try v Bulldogs at SFS and Grand Final). I also think he is too good to be left on the bench or playing NYC. I would like to Linnett tried on the Wing as he has good pace, height which is useful under the high ball and decent defense.

[Guest]

For 2012 our priorities in order should be;

1) A fullback to replace Mini
2) An experienced front rower to guide Masoe, Kennedy & JWH around the park
3) A Winger dependant on how Justin Carney comes back from his leg injury.

IMHO our centres should be SKD (a given) and Leulia. I think Leulia is more able to make a break or bust tackles on his own and has great offloading ability and good under the high ball in attack (See try v Bulldogs at SFS and Grand Final). I also think he is too good to be left on the bench or playing NYC. I would like to Linnett tried on the Wing as he has good pace, height which is useful under the high ball and decent defense.

2. what about jason ryles

[Rooster_6]

Yeh people are writing Ryles off too easily imo, I'd like to see how he goes this season. I don't think he's lost too much tbh.

Same goes for Mini assuming we don't sign a good fullback l I'd be happy to stick with him for another couple of seasons form and injuries warranting.

[Guest]

For 2012 our priorities in order should be;

1) A fullback to replace Mini
2) An experienced front rower to guide Masoe, Kennedy & JWH around the park
3) A Winger dependant on how Justin Carney comes back from his leg injury.

IMHO our centres should be SKD (a given) and Leulia. I think Leulia is more able to make a break or bust tackles on his own and has great offloading ability and good under the high ball in attack (See try v Bulldogs at SFS and Grand Final). I also think he is too good to be left on the bench or playing NYC. I would like to Linnett tried on the Wing as he has good pace, height which is useful under the high ball and decent defense.

precisely my sentiments. I think the answer to 1) is signing a talented younger player we can try and bring through - ulugia was floated as a potential recruitee but im not sure that has come to fruition but that sort of signing would be the sort i think we should make before we look at a dugan type player who is already well established in the top grade.

I think in terms of looking for a winger, hopefully during this season the likes of naughton, blair, kherillah and carney all get a good run. contingent upon their performances i think will determine whether we decide to purchase a winger for 2012. I am of a similar view that linnett can develop into a graham type player - lightning quick, consistent solid performer who can play centre and wing. The only downside to his game imo is that like graham, at times, his runs can lack the sort of purpose and go forward that others like perrett and SKD and mini can provide.

I think carney and linnett named in tandem down the left edge is the key - in carney we have someone who is explosive and powerful equally adepth in the centres and on the wing and in linnett we have a tall, athletic speedy player. I think having them interchange between centre and wing throughout the game could be the most effective option for us with linnett possibly defending on the wing when we are closer to our line to defuse bombs and the like as carney doesnt quite have the height to match it with some of the real leapers in the comp however when the other team is camped further down field maybe carney could defend on the wing to ensure we get better go forward from his powerful and explosive kick returns. Similarly i think they can interchange in an attacking capacity as they both offer something different in the centres however i can see carney being more effective inside linnett as opposed to linnett inside carney as with his strength and linnetts blistering pace, i think carney can put linnett on the outside of is opposite more often than not. Ultimately, i just think the key is for us to allow them to establish a combination and understanding much like SKD, Maubs and Perrett did this year whereby all 3 often interchanged a bit and became an extremely threatening trio once they established a good understanding.

In terms of leilua as a centre, i think he could do a more than competent job for us there and offers us plenty but the kid is an out and out backrower in the SBW/Mateo sort of role thats what makes him so awesome. He has the size and power of a forward with the skills/speed and attacking traits of a back. Give him a couple of years to continue to grow into his frame and he will be a monster in the backrow. We need to give carney, linnett, naughton, blair, kherrilah and dont forget graham game time first before we turn to leilua as a back. He is a stop gap and although he is capable of doing an excellent job, we need to look at a more long-term solution to our left centre/wing combination.

Point 2 is contingent on a few things - a) whether ryles can potentially go another year or 2/how well some of our younger forwards like Tasi, maliota and masoe continue to develop meaning that post ryles there would be no need for an additional prop in the squad and thirdly in terms of cash that can be spent/availiability. The key is to sort the mini issue imo as the other 2 things can be easily solved but finding a young player to fill that void down the track whether that be a henare wells or keanu te kiri or someone from outside the club remains to be seen. In POS I trust....

[Guest]

Yeh people are writing Ryles off too easily imo, I'd like to see how he goes this season. I don't think he's lost too much tbh.

I think the problem is that props often drop off rather quick when they get a bit older. It usually only takes 12-18 months for a prop to lose it. I think with Ryles - and any of our props for that matter - we need to assess rather stringently next season. If we are in any doubt we need to pull out the well worn chequebook unfortunately.

Same goes for Mini assuming we don't sign a good fullback l I'd be happy to stick with him for another couple of seasons form and injuries warranting.

I think Mini still has two seasons in him anyway. That long break has probably extended his career somewhat. As to signing a replacement, I am really hoping some of our backs shine. I think we could easily slot Perrett in at fullback and bring in a winger, or shift someone like Naughton to the back. We've got an abundance of talented backs and we don't need to sign anyone despite what some say. It's just that experience is limited between them. Should we sign anyone, I've got huge wraps on Hoffman and Norman from the Broncos. And Dugan for obvious reasons. I would kill for any of those three, and they are all off contract at the end of 2012.

[Guest]

I think the problem is that props often drop off rather quick when they get a bit older. It usually only takes 12-18 months for a prop to lose it. I think with Ryles - and any of our props for that matter - we need to assess rather stringently next season. If we are in any doubt we need to pull out the well worn chequebook unfortunately.



I think Mini still has two seasons in him anyway. That long break has probably extended his career somewhat. As to signing a replacement, I am really hoping some of our backs shine. I think we could easily slot Perrett in at fullback and bring in a winger, or shift someone like Naughton to the back. We've got an abundance of talented backs and we don't need to sign anyone despite what some say. It's just that experience is limited between them. Should we sign anyone, I've got huge wraps on Hoffman and Norman from the Broncos. And Dugan for obvious reasons. I would kill for any of those three, and they are all off contract at the end of 2012.

The only players id consider if we were looking for a more ready-made replacement would be someone out of locke, gagai, widdopp, gardner, hopoate. They are all on the cusp of first grade/big things and would still come at relatively good value imo. Most of them are behind a couple at their current clubs and could all offer something special

[Guest]

I think carney and linnett named in tandem down the left edge is the key - in carney we have someone who is explosive and powerful equally adepth in the centres and on the wing and in linnett we have a tall, athletic speedy player. I think having them interchange between centre and wing throughout the game could be the most effective option for us with linnett possibly defending on the wing when we are closer to our line to defuse bombs and the like as carney doesnt quite have the height to match it with some of the real leapers in the comp however when the other team is camped further down field maybe carney could defend on the wing to ensure we get better go forward from his powerful and explosive kick returns. Similarly i think they can interchange in an attacking capacity as they both offer something different in the centres however i can see carney being more effective inside linnett as opposed to linnett inside carney as with his strength and linnetts blistering pace, i think carney can put linnett on the outside of is opposite more often than not. Ultimately, i just think the key is for us to allow them to establish a combination and understanding much like SKD, Maubs and Perrett did this year whereby all 3 often interchanged a bit and became an extremely threatening trio once they established a good understanding.

In terms of leilua as a centre, i think he could do a more than competent job for us there and offers us plenty but the kid is an out and out backrower in the SBW/Mateo sort of role thats what makes him so awesome. He has the size and power of a forward with the skills/speed and attacking traits of a back. Give him a couple of years to continue to grow into his frame and he will be a monster in the backrow. We need to give carney, linnett, naughton, blair, kherrilah and dont forget graham game time first before we turn to leilua as a back. He is a stop gap and although he is capable of doing an excellent job, we need to look at a more long-term solution to our left centre/wing combination.

Great post!

The Linnett/Carney combo is the way I would go as well. Their styles of play complement each other so well. I wouldn't shift them around too much in play though. At least initially. I think they need to get experience playing in the one spot and playing with each other. Keeping it simple will be the best thing for them - at least in the early days.

You are exactly right about Leilua. I think he is born for the backrow. Unless he can fill out AND keep or even gain speed, then he won't be a centre but he will be a great line running backrower. Which I think is a good thing with the style of halves we have. I don't think the lumbering backrower suits their style as well as the backrower who can hit holes and run good lines.

[Guest]

The only players id consider if we were looking for a more ready-made replacement would be someone out of locke, gagai, widdopp, gardner, hopoate. They are all on the cusp of first grade/big things and would still come at relatively good value imo. Most of them are behind a couple at their current clubs and could all offer something special

To be honest I haven't seen much of them. I remember Gardner's mind blowing try, but I can't judge someone on one try. Hopefully I get to see more of them this season.

[Cockadoodledoo]

Yeh people are writing Ryles off too easily imo, I'd like to see how he goes this season. I don't think he's lost too much tbh.

Same goes for Mini assuming we don't sign a good fullback l I'd be happy to stick with him for another couple of seasons form and injuries warranting.

I am not writing them off yet but also if suitable replacements can be lined up I would rather Ryles and Mini finish off a year early than a year too late.

[Vasco]

For 2012 our priorities in order should be;

1) A fullback to replace Mini
2) An experienced front rower to guide Masoe, Kennedy & JWH around the park
3) A Winger dependant on how Justin Carney comes back from his leg injury.

IMHO our centres should be SKD (a given) and Leulia. I think Leulia is more able to make a break or bust tackles on his own and has great offloading ability and good under the high ball in attack (See try v Bulldogs at SFS and Grand Final). I also think he is too good to be left on the bench or playing NYC. I would like to Linnett tried on the Wing as he has good pace, height which is useful under the high ball and decent defense.

Can't fault anything you've said there.

I too believe Leilau is our best left centre option. Linnett could make a handy winger. You know he will make the right decisions in defence.

[crikey chris]

The only players id consider if we were looking for a more ready-made replacement would be someone out of locke, gagai, widdopp, gardner, hopoate. They are all on the cusp of first grade/big things and would still come at relatively good value imo. Most of them are behind a couple at their current clubs and could all offer something special

Hoppa jr was offered a juicy amount to leave Manly, but stayed.

Uncle Nick was super keen to get him.

The little I have seen him play on fox in the U 20's, he, like a hundred others, seems to have genuine potential.

But with B Stewart back, will be interesting where they play him, as he is not quick enough for a winger. Maybe on the market again.

Crikey.

[Guest]

I think James Graham would be a great inclusion in 2012, if Ryles was to retire. Also I hear that James Roby (hooker) is looking to come Down Under. From what I've heard/seen he is a very good player. So considering how Anthony Watts goes next year, maybe Roby could find a home at the Roosters in 2012; or even a bloke called Scott Moore if we can persuade him to come down here.

[crikey chris]

I think James Graham would be a great inclusion in 2012, if Ryles was to retire. Also I hear that James Roby (hooker) is looking to come Down Under. From what I've heard/seen he is a very good player. So considering how Anthony Watts goes next year, maybe Roby could find a home at the Roosters in 2012; or even a bloke called Scott Moore if we can persuade him to come down here.

Would rather have Shillo back from the Faiders.

Graham is a hoax. Not worth the $$$ he would be asking.

Watts coming home, will do well.

No more Mark Edmonson's signings please, most pommies cannot cut the mustard in Oz.

Crikey.

[Guest]

Would rather have Shillo back from the Faiders.

Graham is a hoax. Not worth the $$$ he would be asking.

Watts coming home, will do well.

No more Mark Edmonson's signings please, most pommies cannot cut the mustard in Oz.

Crikey.

Yes if I had a choice between Graham and Shillo, I'd choose Shillo. But I wouldn't underestimate Graham's ability.

[Rooster_6]

I dont reckon Carney has the ball playing necessary to play centre then again I can't recall seeing him ever playing there even though it's supposedly his natural position. I'd choose my left centre out of Graham & Linnet and my left winger out of Naughton & Carney. Having Anasta play on the left would be pointless if our centre couldn't even draw and pass. I'd only interchange Linnett and Carney on the last tackle, ala the Broncos with Folau this year.

I reckon the major reason BS bought Carney was to turn get him to play a similar role to Perrett, i.e string kick returns and dummy half runs, I'd be surprised if he doesn't play on the wing.