Fullbacks - Off-contract for 2016

[Danish]

Mitchell is no RTS doesn't have the explosive speed from standing start or the step, he is a big lanky kid has talent but is no superstar at this stage. If you watch any of the u20s games you will see. He is not ready for fullback next year, he will have to defend against so many big strong fast guys with lots of experience for a start and it could hamper his development

He doesn't need to be as good as RTS though. He just needs to be a serviceable fullback for now and can develop as he goes. There are plenty of bad defenders who get shoved at fullback while they develop. Hell its probably the best position to put your weakest defender really as they rarely need to make tackles, and when they do with a bit of coaching you can make most of them on your own terms. Check how awesome a defender lockyer was at fullback compared to when switched into the frontline for proof of that.

Honestly I think trying to find the cap space for a ring in fullback will just cost us in the long run by forcing us to let go of a squad member we could have otherwise have held onto. We are heavily invested in hooker, half, centres, and the 2nd row for our squad from 2016 onwards, so we won't have the money to spend on other positions without really hurting our depth (which is already fairly shallow, but better than a lot of clubs).

[davos]

Considering our position without a FB for next season, I thought I will have a look at which FBs were still off-contract for next year (on ZeroTackle.com). Effectively we have 2 options, either play Fergo/Mitchell/Slaimankhel or sign one of these guys. Who would you guys sign? Keeping in mind Mitchell will be ready in 2 yrs time.

Jack Ahearn, Mitchell Cronin, Jaelen Feeney, Glen Fisiiahi, Nathan Gardner, Jordan Kahu,Tim Moltzen, Hezron Murgha, Tyrone Phillips, Adam Quinlan, Kurtis Rowe, Zac Santo,David Simmons, Billy Slater, Dallas Wells, Sam Perrett, Reece Robinson, Will Hopoate

Mind you, this is if Hayne does not return to NRL.

My first preference would be Slater followed by either Fisiiahi/Robinson. Also I personally rate Quinlan quite highly and when he was released by Parramatta to goto ESL early, I was surprised we didn't make a play for him. His first game in Super League he scored a hat trick as well.

Ewwwfffft thats one ugly list but if I had to make the choice probably Jordan Kahu or Fisiiahi. Both are young players with potential and the oppurtunity to play behind a pack like ours at fb is too good to turn down especially given the fact they are on the fringes of their clubs 17.

Robinson is average defensively, $later I couldn't stand wearing our colours and Simmons is too injury prone, even though he is a very underrated winger.

[Bigchook]

He doesn't need to be as good as RTS though. He just needs to be a serviceable fullback for now and can develop as he goes. There are plenty of bad defenders who get shoved at fullback while they develop. Hell its probably the best position to put your weakest defender really as they rarely need to make tackles, and when they do with a bit of coaching you can make most of them on your own terms. Check how awesome a defender lockyer was at fullback compared to when switched into the frontline for proof of that.

Honestly I think trying to find the cap space for a ring in fullback will just cost us in the long run by forcing us to let go of a squad member we could have otherwise have held onto. We are heavily invested in hooker, half, centres, and the 2nd row for our squad from 2016 onwards, so we won't have the money to spend on other positions without really hurting our depth (which is already fairly shallow, but better than a lot of clubs).

The question will be whether we are willing to sacrifice Moa for a fullback to achieve greater team balance.

[dj_sta]

Yea I am not a fan of Fergo in FB either. Just dont believe in weakening one part of our team to strengthen another. Fergo is incredible in the centre and SKD is incredible at wing.

Youngsters is a big risk, but it will be a learning experience more than anything else. Hopefully Robbo sees it as that and gives Mitchell first dibs at FB.

My only concern is the fact that Mitchell is not playing for Wyong yet, not even on the wing, would indicate that Robbo does not believe he is ready to play FG yet.

[rwbfl]

I'm worried about two things with Fergo at fullback

- his ability to direct our defence

- his passing game

I much prefer him out in the centres, like many on here. His ability to draw defenders and create room for his outside man is like no other centre in the competition.

[rwbfl]

Another thought - could we put Hastings at fullback and look for a 5/8?

I guess there really isn't anyone around. The only option I could come up with is Carney - but I can't see that happening.

However there a range of options we could look at for 2017 - Mbye, Milford and Jack Bird are three players I'd be looking at.

By that stage Hastings and Mitchell would be ready to play first grade regularly I guess.

[morley101]

Having watched the 20's I believe Joseph Manu is ahead of Mitchell. If Tupou leaves, I would give Elliot a shot on the wing before Mitchell. We need to buy a new half to cover for Hastings and Pearce.

[Guest]

Luke Kelly from the Eels is off contract and he plays five-eight and halfback

[One Eyed Willy]

Luke Kelly from the Eels is off contract and he plays five-eight and halfback

WOW!!

I say give the kid a crack. He's here, he knows our systems, we have mini to guide him. Our forwards are dominant, our centres are without question the best pair in the comp. SKD has gone to another level, if Toops stays Burgess will be nipping at his heels.
Our spine will be young but the two key positions have been playing first grade for a long time and have many years in front of them yet. I say let's take a punt with Mitchell, he may live up to the hype, he may not but I know I want to see

[Rooster_6]

Having watched the 20's I believe Joseph Manu is ahead of Mitchell. If Tupou leaves, I would give Elliot a shot on the wing before Mitchell. We need to buy a new half to cover for Hastings and Pearce.

Rumours Elliot might be headed to the Dragons.

[Bigchook]

Rumours Elliot might be headed to the Dragons.

Gotta feel for the kid. Hes probably earned a spot ahead of burgess but I don't think it'll pan out that way.

[Chooky]

Having watched the 20's I believe Joseph Manu is ahead of Mitchell. If Tupou leaves, I would give Elliot a shot on the wing before Mitchell. We need to buy a new half to cover for Hastings and Pearce.

I think there are a couple in the 20s that are capable of playing fullback and are great under the high ball as well. But the club might buy someone on a 2 year deal for the spot. Like Elliot I think we could lose a few more of our outside backs in the lower grades for next year to other clubs

[dj_sta]

Rumours Elliot might be headed to the Dragons.

This was based on a Fox Sports article a couple of days back. Wont be surprised though if it happens.

Watched the 20s properly for the first time last weekend and was really impressed by Manu and JTS. Mitchell may have had an off game but he had an average game (nothing great, but nothing too bad either). I don't know how POS and Robbo plan on managing our back line next year because I would hate to lose any of the following players:

SKD
Fergo
Jennings
Tupou
Burgess
Manu
JTS
Mitchell
Elliott

Out of that list, I dont mind losing Elliot only and that too out of reluctance.

[Kingsgrove-Loiner]

What about Omar? Has everyone written him off?

He'd probably be a better option than Skid, fergo, Pearce, Toops etc etc.

At least he's a fullback.

[Chooky]

What about Omar? Has everyone written him off?

He'd probably be a better option than Skid, fergo, Pearce, Toops etc etc.

At least he's a fullback.

Most wingers can easily move into fullback. Even Mini and RTS were both wingers Omar is just a fill in