Random option for hooker ?

[Rooster_6]

Sam Verrills ranks second last in tackle efficiency amongst dummy halves. I would say that has something to do with why Robbo has been a bit hesitant to use him.

He is undoubtedly talented but I think Robbo would like to get another pre-sseason under his belt before continuing to expose him to the top grade.

IronicaIy Radley ranks last in tackle efficiency for dummy halves but you kind of accept that with the way he defends.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Sam Verrills ranks second last in tackle efficiency amongst dummy halves. I would say that has something to do with why Robbo has been a bit hesitant to use him.

He is undoubtedly talented but I think Robbo would like to get another pre-sseason under his belt before continuing to expose him to the top grade.

IronicaIy Radley ranks last in tackle efficiency for dummy halves but you kind of accept that with the way he defends.

Ok fair enough....Manu it is then.

[milanja]

Ok fair enough....Manu it is then.

lol

[SideLineEye]

The only issue “may be” is that Sam Verrills was registered as a “development player” for the Sydney Roosters in 2019 and technically was not listed as part of the 30-man playing squad so I’m not quite sure but there may be an issue with him being promoted to the starting squad on a temporary-fulltime basis under the NRL rules and regulations.

I think this was also partially the issue that the Roosters had to deal with and realised hence why they reluctantly had to utilise Radley as starting hooker for 2+ months, otherwise Verrills looked much better and offered a better service out of dummy-half in comparison to Radley when he has played a few times so it didn’t make sense why they persisted with Radley as hooker for so long.

I could be wrong, if there’s someone out there that understand the rules with utilising players that aren’t listed as part of the 30-man playing squad then please feel free to chime in and inform us all...

Correct as a development player you need clearance from NRL for them to play. However after June 30 you can use any player in the top 30 and development squad. From what I've heard they are committed to run with Radley until Jake is back. The fact they didn't upgrade Verrills to top 30 or pull him out of the Bears game yesterday and they didn't buy another backup hooker for this season supports this info. Currently they believe Verrills defence is below standard and they couldn't upgrade Deitz because he doesn't have the fitness base (not fulltime) required to play substantial minutes. They will both be in the frame for 2020 as Verrills is still on a development contract and Deitz will be part of the extended pre-season squad fulltime.

[The Sack]

Has Drew Hutchison ever had a run at hooker? Don’t think going with Manu is the go. Either Radley or Verrilis if he is eligible.

[DP1990]

Correct as a development player you need clearance from NRL for them to play. However after June 30 you can use any player in the top 30 and development squad. From what I've heard they are committed to run with Radley until Jake is back. The fact they didn't upgrade Verrills to top 30 or pull him out of the Bears game yesterday and they didn't buy another backup hooker for this season supports this info. Currently they believe Verrills defence is below standard and they couldn't upgrade Deitz because he doesn't have the fitness base (not fulltime) required to play substantial minutes. They will both be in the frame for 2020 as Verrills is still on a development contract and Deitz will be part of the extended pre-season squad fulltime.

Thanks for the run down, mate, much appreciated !

It may be a good option to perhaps look at signing a back-up hooker. I think the Roosters were looking at "Blayke Brailey" from the Sharks at one point prior to him signing a three-year extension but I believe his older brother “Jayden Brailey” is currently on the market or will be towards the end of this year since his contract expires next year so he wouldn’t be a bad choice to go after. He's young, skillful and has a possibly a smalll on-field playing familiarity with Kyle Flanagan.

The Roosters would have some decent money left after Cronk's departure so re-signing a few players and chasing a new hooker would be wise.

[Thirteen]

Hrmmm right so Manu "can't pass right to left" yet Robbo picked him as Fullback on two occasions recently and if that was also the case then he wouldn't have been picked to play for the Kiwis on more than one occasion now would he ?

Here I thought I was the only one talking out on my ass !?

Don’t get me wrong. You are talking out of your butt hole. Yeh he can do a basic right to left but nowhere near good enough to play hooker. Plus he is very average as a defender. Why don’t you watch a game or two.

[Parkway_Drive]

Friend for Fullback when he returns, Teddy to hooker, Keary to wing. Latrell to prop, Morris to 5/8, Jared to centre and Toops to the bench winger position. But in the meantime I think Manu is a must for no 9.

[mattyh]

Friend for Fullback when he returns, Teddy to hooker, Keary to wing. Latrell to prop, Morris to 5/8, Jared to centre and Toops to the bench winger position. But in the meantime I think Manu is a must for no 9.

latrell could probably cause some serious havoc at prop. for the roosters and the opposition

[Louis N]

I wasn't aware of restrictions concernings Sam Verills. Looks like Radley is it. Let's hope he steers clear of injury as no-one puts their body on the line more than Victor.

Friend would have to be wary, coming back again after such an operation. Fitness and confidence would be a problem for even the most fearless player considering the circumstances. But if he can do it, he'll be hailed a hero.

The Roosters have taken a battering this year with Keary and the concussion issues adding to that. Flanagan may have come in real handy but it wasn't to be.

We still have talent to burn, with guys like Butcher stepping right up to the mark, Collins has shown improved form in his last two outings with the Bears and I still have faith in Crichton delivering when it counts.

As for Manu hooker...not to sure Joey would appreciate the positional move. I was the one who started the Butcher suggestions and if push came to shove, he could handle it with ease. Huge motor, good ball skills, can handle a middle forward role with ease etc. Knows how to read a game well. But he's playing well where he is and I've always pushed for him anyway.

[SideLineEye]

Thanks for the run down, mate, much appreciated !

It may be a good option to perhaps look at signing a back-up hooker. I think the Roosters were looking at "Blayke Brailey" from the Sharks at one point prior to him signing a three-year extension but I believe his older brother “Jayden Brailey” is currently on the market or will be towards the end of this year since his contract expires next year so he wouldn’t be a bad choice to go after. He's young, skillful and has a possibly a smalll on-field playing familiarity with Kyle Flanagan.

The Roosters would have some decent money left after Cronk's departure so re-signing a few players and chasing a new hooker would be wise.

No probs. Hooker is one of the most interesting positions in the game at the moment. Farah is gone, Smith is coming to an end, Cook has established himself as number 2 and that has only been in the last 18 months and Hodgson is locked down for as long as he wants at Canberra. I am concerned about Jake's long term future as he has been playing long minutes for many years and he's not the biggest bloke so it seems it is now starting to take it's toll. His arm injuries aren't the problem his neck/shoulder nerve injury is going to impact either his performance or his game time over the coming years. Every other team are constantly changing or not convinced their hooker is a long term option. So in the market every manager is shopping their hookers around as a number one hooker asking for top 20 squad dollars which makes shopping for a backup hooker very difficult. For example, Turpin from the Broncos was a complete nobody just 5 weeks ago and within a month clubs are jumping out of the ground with 3 year deals on basically a backup guy, so you can only imaging what the likes of Lichaa and Co are asking.

[DP1990]

No probs. Hooker is one of the most interesting positions in the game at the moment. Farah is gone, Smith is coming to an end, Cook has established himself as number 2 and that has only been in the last 18 months and Hodgson is locked down for as long as he wants at Canberra. I am concerned about Jake's long term future as he has been playing long minutes for many years and he's not the biggest bloke so it seems it is now starting to take it's toll. His arm injuries aren't the problem his neck/shoulder nerve injury is going to impact either his performance or his game time over the coming years. Every other team are constantly changing or not convinced their hooker is a long term option. So in the market every manager is shopping their hookers around as a number one hooker asking for top 20 squad dollars which makes shopping for a backup hooker very difficult. For example, Turpin from the Broncos was a complete nobody just 5 weeks ago and within a month clubs are jumping out of the ground with 3 year deals on basically a backup guy, so you can only imaging what the likes of Lichaa and Co are asking.

Probably best to stick and develop Sam Verrills in that case especially if the market available Hooker's are asking too much $$$ or not worthy to sign. Another possibility/thought could be to try and use Lachlan Lam (if possible), he does have capable ball-playing and kicking skills, unsure about his defence and passing game though.

[The Axe]

I’d like to see Radley rested soon. Hard work in the middle.

perhaps Maubs could cover for 1-2 weeks with all other forwards available?

[rented tracksuit]

Last night on Matty Johns, Josh Hodgson mentioned he was first approached by Easts about being a second string hooker. Mostly playing NSW Cup so he wasn't into it.

What might have been.

I know right. It would have been great considering the relationship at the time between Steve MacNamara and Hodgo on the all England front.

I reckon he is a great fit in Canberra though and is really well settled there now both on and off the field.

[Disco Stu]

Sam Verrills ranks second last in tackle efficiency amongst dummy halves. I would say that has something to do with why Robbo has been a bit hesitant to use him.

He is undoubtedly talented but I think Robbo would like to get another pre-sseason under his belt before continuing to expose him to the top grade.

IronicaIy Radley ranks last in tackle efficiency for dummy halves but you kind of accept that with the way he defends.

Giving Sam some decent minutes against the Bulldogs and Titans would be a great way to give him an opportunity to gain confidence defensively before he might needed for some high pressure games at the back end of the season.