Rumours.. Cronk agreed to terms a few months back. Pearce to 14 or shipped to Souths

[Lydon]

Funny how some reports circling that Keary may be the one to make way for Cronk,allowing Pearce and Cronk in the halves lol
Not sure how these reporters get away with this rubbish sometimes

[Monaco's Fan Club]

At the end of the day, this would makes sense for the club

1. Playing Pearce on the bench ( ala Ben Hunt) would allow Friend to play productive hooker role. No pressure on Jake to get repeat sets or over creative, attacking the line.

2. Friend would be more effective after a rest. His running from dummy half was non-existent, mainly due to 50+ tackles, 80 min games and lack of confidence in his halfback.

3. The transition to new halves is on the horizon, Lam, O'Sullivan and Cornish would benefit from not just Cronk's experience, but a fresh perspective and possibilities of playing halves at hooker.

4. Cronk's short and cross kicking skills would benefit and revitalise our tall wingers and centres. We have some of the best jumpers in the game, plus the introduction of Teddy and Keary chasing.. Mouthwatering

5. Repeat sets... Enough said

6. Control !! We did not control our games. Cronk is the master of this, and his services are required

7. Pearce is a great fit for utility/ hooker. He is a good front on defender, and has plenty of experience. Will be utilised come Origin and injury


We are all hugely disappointed with how the year ended. Personally, I would had felt better, losing to the Storm in the GF then the Cows, the game before.

But, even though we finished 2nd in regular season, and one game off the GF, all season, we played a inconsistent, frustrating brand of football. The inability to control games, leads me to the conclusion that we did not deserve to finish as high as we did, and change is needed.

[ROC181]

I doubt Souths fans would want Pearce....Maybe the Sharks and join Maloney.

[John Corey]

No body hates Pearce and if anyone does then they have personal issues. This hate thing you mention is only a label placed by those that continuously back Pearce to those that have anything negative to say about him, especially when we have lost a game we should have won. Many here like myself have come to the conclusion that it's going to be a cold day in hell if we ever win another premiership with Pearce at half. But like the Eagles toured after they said the same, who knows, but Pearce is no Don Henley.

And why would it destroy morale anymore than SKD, Guerra or Watson going? Players are conscious that they either perform or they're out. I'd say with the prospect of having a better conductor, you'd get them performing better. Winning makes everyone happy.

Some on here bash him every chance they get. I dont agree with you about not winning another premiership with him. As I said, our front row let us down. Not Pearce. Pretty nice halfback play from him for Watsons try. Amazing what can happen when your forwards are rolling down field and you get quick play the balls. All that lovely space to work with.

Pearce is a very good club half. Not a superstar. I honestly believe if you slotted Pearce into that Melbourne Storm team he would be enjoying all the success that Cronks had. Coz the Storm forwards do not go missing.

All we need is a couple of big front rowers that dont take a backward step. And can put some pressure on our two current starters. Lets be honest. If JWH and Napa are out of form or play in a dinner suit, they are not going to be dropped.

[Monaco's Fan Club]

I doubt Souths fans would want Pearce....Maybe the Sharks and join Maloney.

i won't lie... I laughed out loud when I first heard it. I was playing oztag at Heffron Park at the time. The response from my South's fans friends was priceless...

[John Corey]

At the end of the day, this would makes sense for the club

1. Playing Pearce on the bench ( ala Ben Hunt) would allow Friend to play productive hooker role. No pressure on Jake to get repeat sets or over creative, attacking the line.

2. Friend would be more effective after a rest. His running from dummy half was non-existent, mainly due to 50+ tackles, 80 min games and lack of confidence in his halfback.

3. The transition to new halves is on the horizon, Lam, O'Sullivan and Cornish would benefit from not just Cronk's experience, but a fresh perspective and possibilities of playing halves at hooker.

4. Cronk's short and cross kicking skills would benefit and revitalise our tall wingers and centres. We have some of the best jumpers in the game, plus the introduction of Teddy and Keary chasing.. Mouthwatering

5. Repeat sets... Enough said

6. Control !! We did not control our games. Cronk is the master of this, and his services are required

7. Pearce is a great fit for utility/ hooker. He is a good front on defender, and has plenty of experience. Will be utilised come Origin and injury


We are all hugely disappointed with how the year ended. Personally, I would had felt better, losing to the Storm in the GF then the Cows, the game before.

But, even though we finished 2nd in regular season, and one game off the GF, all season, we played a inconsistent, frustrating brand of football. The inability to control games, leads me to the conclusion that we did not deserve to finish as high as we did, and change is needed.

Your theory is based on a game without a salary cap.

[PeeGee]

Pearce's attempted tackle for their first try should have seen him sacked by the club immediately.

You can't have a halback who is a toiler. It's time for him to go.

JT, your comment made me watch a replay of the try. OMG, I nearly brought up my breakfast. I hit the exit key quick farking smart. Can't believe that cowboys hack TMM somehow accelerated through JWH and Pearce. Pearce made Manu look like a brilliant defender. He was lazy and just stuck an arm out.

I had to watch Latrell's first kick out on the full also. I'd luv to see how far Latrell could kick the ball on purpose. I'm sure he'd easily convert from 60m out.

At the game, after the final whistle, we saw Cordner quickly shake a few Cow hands and storm off. I would love to have been a fly on the wall to hear what he said to the rest of the team. And Robbo also for that matter.

[Johnny Tobin]

Some on here bash him every chance they get. I dont agree with you about not winning another premiership with him. As I said, our front row let us down. Not Pearce. Pretty nice halfback play from him for Watsons try. Amazing what can happen when your forwards are rolling down field and you get quick play the balls. All that lovely space to work with.

Pearce is a very good club half. Not a superstar. I honestly believe if you slotted Pearce into that Melbourne Storm team he would be enjoying all the success that Cronks had. Coz the Storm forwards do not go missing.

All we need is a couple of big front rowers that dont take a backward step. And can put some pressure on our two current starters. Lets be honest. If JWH and Napa are out of form or play in a dinner suit, they are not going to be dropped.

I have always stuck up for Pearce and said I am happy we have him. But that Cows game was the last straw for me.

[Johnny Tobin]

JT, your comment made me watch a replay of the try. OMG, I nearly brought up my breakfast. I hit the exit key quick farking smart. Can't believe that cowboys hack TMM somehow accelerated through JWH and Pearce. Pearce made Manu look like a brilliant defender. He was lazy and just stuck an arm out.

I had to watch Latrell's first kick out on the full also. I'd luv to see how far Latrell could kick the ball on purpose. I'm sure he'd easily convert from 60m out.

At the game, after the final whistle, we saw Cordner quickly shake a few Cow hands and storm off. I would love to have been a fly on the wall to hear what he said to the rest of the team. And Robbo also for that matter.

Sorry, I didn't mean to make anyone watch that garbage again.

[PeeGee]

Sorry, I didn't mean to make anyone watch that garbage again.

Didn't realise my scars were still so fresh. Garbage is spot on.

Also, we're all talking about Cronk. We've lost a heap of players and bought 1. Teddy.

We need 1 or 2 big metre eating forwards. Many teams are going to be much stronger in 2018, as well as the usual suspects. We will definitely have injuries, this time with bugger all forward depth.

[Lydon]

At the game, after the final whistle, we saw Cordner quickly shake a few Cow hands and storm off. I would love to have been a fly on the wall to hear what he said to the rest of the team. And Robbo also for that matter. [/QUOTE]If Cordner had any Stern words for the team I'm sure he would've said it closer to the end of the game when a loss was on the cards,based on the end result I don't think it had its desired effect anyway.
As for Robbo,3 prelim losses in a row would make you think his words aren't of too much concern for the team.
I'm sure he would've patted the boys on the back with the hope of turning things around next year..
Mr.nice guy Trent

[Half time]

I have also been a big supporter of pearce over many years.

But if cronk is available for say 2 years, then its a no brainer.

Having said that, I would get rid of friend and fergo first and foremost. Weilder said that fergo is on $500k next year, that is $500k for dropping the ball regularly in tackles.

[ism22]

JT, your comment made me watch a replay of the try. OMG, I nearly brought up my breakfast. I hit the exit key quick farking smart. Can't believe that cowboys hack TMM somehow accelerated through JWH and Pearce. Pearce made Manu look like a brilliant defender. He was lazy and just stuck an arm out.

I had to watch Latrell's first kick out on the full also. I'd luv to see how far Latrell could kick the ball on purpose. I'm sure he'd easily convert from 60m out.

At the game, after the final whistle, we saw Cordner quickly shake a few Cow hands and storm off. I would love to have been a fly on the wall to hear what he said to the rest of the team. And Robbo also for that matter.

It’s a point with conversions (and drop goals) from 60 out... would you do it in the NRL? You’d be giving up certain field position in their zone if it’s a penalty, but IMO you could really rattle a team’s defence if they knew that Latrell had (and regularly used) this weapon.

It’d be like a triple threat.
1. If Roosters have the ball 60 out and Latrell gets it, there’s a serious chance that they’ll get a point + a ‘repeat set’ from the subsequent kick-off.
2. Because of 1, you have to go up early on Latrell and commit extra defenders. This creates overlap and allows Latrell to do a long pass over to the other side, resulting in a long-range try.
3. If you focus on preventing the long pass, Latrell’s an awesome ball runner so he’ll smoke you.

New tactic for 2018? If Robbo doesn’t use it then he should be sacked and I should be coach.

[The Corner Post]

Just regarding this whole Cronk thing. If I ruled the world, I would sign Cronk for a year, give him a coaching gig at the end of it and throw the Bondi Icebergs at Cleary Jr. We fed and clothed his father (he was a great defensive centre in his day) and would be able to offer the moon. And sixpence.

This is the best sounding idea I've heard. Transition our halves, secure possibly the best future half for the next 10 years and secure Cronk on our coaching staff. It's exciting to think that Cleary could develop the game management that Cronk has.

My only thoughts are where Pearce would fit in. Utility 9 / 6 / 7 may be the change he needs?

[Billy Gunn]

I think most are missing the big picture.

Whenever our forwards demolish their opposition, go forward with quick play the balls, Pearce and Keary have a field day. Like most halves.

With the addition of Teddy, all we need do is strengthen our front row. That's who let us down.

I've never gotten the Pearce hate. He is no superstar. He is conservative in his play. He is steady. Defensively sound. He is a good first grader and a good enough halfback to win a Premiership for us, as long as we have a consistently dominant pack.
He proved it 4 years ago.

No point destroying morale for a guy who could only be here for a year.

Finally some common sense !