Team changes vs Doggiezzz

[Guest]

Imho if Piggy is dropped it should be for Conn or Arona, not Symonds.
Symonds should be challenging Anasta for his spot, but that will never happen, so the only other scenario is Maubs shifting to centre.
I thought Anasta showed signs of developing a damaging running game as a second-rower late last season. He's only had one game in the position so far this year, so hopefully he can still continue that development.
J. Carney should eventually come into calculations in the backline, but I would have thought he needs at least a couple of big games for Newtown to show he's ready. He hasn't played NRL for a long time, and it didn't help his off-season that he missed our main trial against the Tigers.

[Guest]

Well its ironic hearing all this from our fans now when we pushed and petitioned to get him resigned recently for another 2 years

That's the thing.

I actually wanted him to be re-signed. And if I was coach, I can't say I wouldn't be picking him every week.

But he isn't part of our strongest seventeen.

I'd like to know how Nate Myles qualifies for captain

Good point - I picked that example out of thin air. He probably doesn't. To be honest, apart from Braith noone does - Minichiello has enough trouble holding onto the ball without being captain.

Still though, don't think it can be said Braith is in our strongest seventeen, captain or no captain.

Not saying I wouldn't pick him.

[Guest]

What happens when Cherrington returns?
In a few years will have Symonds, Cherringon, Tasi, Lowe, Cordner and probably a few others all in line waiting for a shot in FG.
Unfortunately, most wont stay.

[BUDDY]

Imho if Piggy is dropped it should be for Conn or Arona, not Symonds.
Symonds should be challenging Anasta for his spot, but that will never happen, so the only other scenario is Maubs shifting to centre.
I thought Anasta showed signs of developing a damaging running game as a second-rower late last season. He's only had one game in the position so far this year, so hopefully he can still continue that development.
J. Carney should eventually come into calculations in the backline, but I would have thought he needs at least a couple of big games for Newtown to show he's ready. He hasn't played NRL for a long time, and it didn't help his off-season that he missed our main trial against the Tigers.

You are slowly coming around

Nobody will be challenging Anasta for his spot. That's a given.

Only injury should see our centre partnering change. SKD and Linnett have played consistently well over the last 12 months. A spot needs to be found for Symonds though. I would be gobsmacked if he is not in the team this week.

[Guest]

Dropping Anasta could either be a masterstroke or it could backfire badly. I know he didnt contribute on sunday but he when he fired in the second row late last year he was getting quality ball from Carney and flying into gaps, he didnt get that service on sunday. If he was to be dropped, the team might lose all confidence and start turning in $ouffs like performances because you wont have a cool head or a reliable captain in the team.
he is still playing like a 5/8th for mine, as much as he says he is comfortable playing second row and how it dosent affect him, it is more than likely burning inside him as that is where his preferences lay. he should feel a bit unlucky having a champ like Todd in the team, bwaiff would cut it at 6 for most teams, his kicking is exceptional and passing is crisp. even though he was the best option at five eighth against souff$, it was probably a bad idea playing him there, he would of had intentions of staying there permanantly.

[Guest]

You are slowly coming around

Nobody will be challenging Anasta for his spot. That's a given.

Only injury should see our centre partnering change. SKD and Linnett have played consistently well over the last 12 months. A spot needs to be found for Symonds though. I would be gobsmacked if he is not in the team this week.

LOL, not really. My point has always been that I don't think a team with Maubs and Anasta in its second-row and FPN and Myles as locks who can also play second-row (especially FPN) needs another second-rower on the bench.

Ideally there should be a dummy-half with some kind of utility value on the bench. If Riddell isn't going to offer anything than sure we have to compromise. I thought there were signs yesterday that he still has something to offer. He would have got a bit of praise if his kick had been a few feet shorter and we'd trapped them in goal, or he hadn't stuffed up his play the ball ofter his barge from dummy-half. Too many "ifs" of course, but enough to suggest to me that we should give him another week or two.

Should he still be offering nothing, I think we would be better off strengthening our stocks in the middle of the field with Conn or Arona. The Symonds situation is frustrating, but to me it's not much different than having three centres or two fullbacks to choose from. The coach just has to make the tough call; you can't put them all in the team and disrupt the balance no matter how talented the guy who misses out might be. The fact we have to face is that there is an imbalance in the squad: imagine the debates if Cherrington was fit and firing.

[Guest]

Well its ironic hearing all this from our fans now when we pushed and petitioned to get him resigned recently for another 2 years

For starters, not everyone pushed and petitioned for him!
Secondly, it was a 1 year extension....not 2!

[Guest]

People are saying drop Piggy and let Symonds/Conn come in and cement a spot. But what happens when Watts is injury free? Does he come in and only play 20 mins. Or do we have all props and second rowers on the bench?

[BUDDY]

People are saying drop Piggy and let Symonds/Conn come in and cement a spot. But what happens when Watts is injury free? Does he come in and only play 20 mins. Or do we have all props and second rowers on the bench?

If Watts was available now then I don't think too many would have a problem with him on the bench as he has plenty to offer. But Piggy offers so little and is a waste of a bench spot. We were in the game with ten to go yesterday no matter how bad we played. Who knows what could have been if Symonds was on the bench instead of Piggy.

[Guest]

Someone had to start this thread.

I can't see Smithy making too many changes and I don't see any reason he should. We let our guard down and based on last year, it shouldn't surprise anyone. We played with little intensity and were illdisciplined/undisciplined (does anyone know the right term because Gus had NFI). I thought we played as bad as we did when the doggiez put 60 on us last year yet we were still in the game with 10 to go.

Changes for next week:
Piggy has to go and I'll sing that until Watts is available. Offers absolutely nothing apart from a chuckle watching him wabble around trying to catch players. His second stint was like watching some Neville who paid $14,000 to get a 15 minutes stint with his heroes. IIIRostermanIII can you do a clip on Piggy to the music of the Little Elephant Song?

Symonds should cement himself a spot in first grade after yesterday. I hope to replace Piggy and not at the expense of an injured Masoe.

I would have Carney on for Perrett even if he plays at centre and Linnett on the wing. He matches Perrett for dummy half runs, is faster and a much better defender. And it's not because of this one game. Perrett will do his job but I think Carney will offer us more.

No more changes necessary. The others have proved themselves over the last 12 months without hitting the panic button for one game. Like last year, we will improve as the season goes on and Carney gets more match fitness under his belt.

It would be nice to see Symonds back,he changes the direction of play very we'll. We seem to be going sideways to much on sunday!

[Guest]

If Watts was available now then I don't think too many would have a problem with him on the bench as he has plenty to offer. But Piggy offers so little and is a waste of a bench spot. We were in the game with ten to go yesterday no matter how bad we played. Who knows what could have been if Symonds was on the bench instead of Piggy.

Friend isnt an 80 minute player and you are suggesting that we take our backup hooker from the bench and replace him with a backrower that has shown no hints of being an able to provide an adequate passing game from dummy half let alone being able to make vital tactical decisions from that position. I think everyone underestimates the neccisity of good clean ball coming from the ruck, something which Riddell provides.

[BUDDY]

Friend isnt an 80 minute player and you are suggesting that we take our backup hooker from the bench and replace him with a backrower that has shown no hints of being an able to provide an adequate passing game from dummy half let alone being able to make vital tactical decisions from that position. I think everyone underestimates the neccisity of good clean ball coming from the ruck, something which Riddell provides.

You need open your mind a bit. I didn't mention that Symonds is to play at dummy half. There are players that can take on the role. When Friend is tackled, does someone jump in at dummy half? So for the sake of 20 minutes, train someone there be it Anasta seeing he does little else in attack when Pearce and Carney take control or train someone else. Anasta has a good passing game and can make vital tactical decisions from that position. With Anasta at dummy half for 20 minutes, Sydmonds can take on Anasta's usual role who I believe can do a better job. Piggy offers little in attack and defense let alone make vital tactical decisions from that position. He also occupies a bench spot that can be utilised more to our advantage.

[Pass the Ball]

Sorry Buddy - Anasta to dummy-half is not the answer...

Dummy-half may be the most specialised position on the field these days..

[BUDDY]

Sorry Buddy - Anasta to dummy-half is not the answer...

Dummy-half may be the most specialised position on the field these days..

I was throwing up a name. As I said, train someone else. There are more positives having someone fill in for Piggy for 20 minutes that have him take a bench spot for 60 minutes and provide little when on the field.

But Kyle Stanley did a good job of it last night forgetting the final result although when he came on they won 10-0. Not a noted dummy half but probably trained for it.

[Guest]

Sorry Buddy - Anasta to dummy-half is not the answer...

Dummy-half may be the most specialised position on the field these days..

he couldn't go any worse there than he does in the 2nd row