Mini - Back to the wing

[Guest]

With all this talk of the Roosters letting Mini go at the end of this year, yet Mini wanting to play on with Easts for a couple more years, why couldn't we push him out to the wing? Remember how well he was going in 2010 when Carney started at fullback? Before he was injured against Canberra, whilst scoring a great try, he was playing amazing. You also can't forget his early years from 2000-02 when he played on the wing. He and Brett Mullins are our last two premiership winning wingers.
Even though he isn't as electrifying as we once was, he had a pretty good year last year. He's still as safe as a house and still managed to score a few decent tries last season. His positional play is second to none and still after all these years when a bomb goes up from the opposition, I always have faith Mini will defuse it. In saying that, he's producing less tackle breaks and line breaks than his golden years but what do you expect from a guy with all the injuries he's had to overcome.
He's a Roosters legend, scored more tries than any other Rooster in history and if his form this season warrents it, throw him out onto the wing ala Mullins in 02. Imagine the confidence he could bring out in young Tautau Moga, having himself planted out there feeding off Mini's experience like Todd Byrne was with Mullo's.
He started on the wing, maybe he could finish on the wing. Thoughts?

[stephenj]

i like thye idea! who goes to fullback? mortimer, sammy, ?

[elo]

Coote, Penwiff have just released him.

[stephenj]

good, make him ours!

[Guest]

Coote, Penwiff have just released him.

Pezz @ 1 , Mini and Moga..Coote is a myth!

[Cockadoodledoo]

I don't want an ageing Mini on the Wing.. The sight of Jake Friend and JWH easily outpacing or at least out enthusing him in chasing Matt Duffie last season was more than enough to know it is a younger mans game. I like the idea of having some pace on the wing and sadly Mini post 2005 has very little.

[Guest]

Remember how well he was going in 2010 when Carney started at fullback? Before he was injured against Canberra, whilst scoring a great try, he was playing amazing. You also can't forget his early years from 2000-02 when he played on the wing.

Early in his career, yes, he was great on the wing. But sorry in early 2010 his form there was putrid. He was making about 1 metre out of dummy half, defence was poor and he didn't show the strength or athleticism to make the most of cramped opportunities close to the corner. Mini actually then went surprisingly well when he reverted to fullback. He even had a purple patch of form where he was showing some playmaking skills -- the cut out pass to win us the game against the Broncos; a Carney like shortball for Maubs to score a runaway try in our massacre of the Eels. His form fell away to merely solid in the finals, and remained reliably average last year. At least at fullback his positional play remained excellent, and when our forwards got some field position domination going he attacked weak opposition clearing kicks well and got us on the front foot (though hardly ever looked likely to break line). He can continue to contribute to a worthwhile game plan in this fashion, and Yak's report that he seemed to be taking a new approach to kick returns--targetting holes in the line--gives a glimmer of hope that he may even offer a bit more potency this year. But on the flank I suspect he would return to being a complete liability. He just doesn't have the attributes nowadays required of a modern winger. Coote would be a fantastic acquisition, but should it happen I'm afraid it should spell the end for Mini, because based on his 2010 wing form only cronyism would keep him in the team in that position.

[Guest]

With all this talk of the Roosters letting Mini go at the end of this year, yet Mini wanting to play on with Easts for a couple more years, why couldn't we push him out to the wing? Remember how well he was going in 2010 when Carney started at fullback? Before he was injured against Canberra, whilst scoring a great try, he was playing amazing. You also can't forget his early years from 2000-02 when he played on the wing. He and Brett Mullins are our last two premiership winning wingers.
Even though he isn't as electrifying as we once was, he had a pretty good year last year. He's still as safe as a house and still managed to score a few decent tries last season. His positional play is second to none and still after all these years when a bomb goes up from the opposition, I always have faith Mini will defuse it. In saying that, he's producing less tackle breaks and line breaks than his golden years but what do you expect from a guy with all the injuries he's had to overcome.
He's a Roosters legend, scored more tries than any other Rooster in history and if his form this season warrents it, throw him out onto the wing ala Mullins in 02. Imagine the confidence he could bring out in young Tautau Moga, having himself planted out there feeding off Mini's experience like Todd Byrne was with Mullo's.
He started on the wing, maybe he could finish on the wing. Thoughts?

Good post Kiwi Rooster. I agree with you. Mini may have plenty to offer on the wing. He can also hang around and mentor the likes of Mortimer, Alofa, Wells and RTS.

[Cockadoodledoo]

Good post Kiwi Rooster. I agree with you. Mini may have plenty to offer on the wing. He can also hang around and mentor the likes of Mortimer, Alofa, Wells and RTS.

Does he need to be on the field to do that?

[Guest]

Good post Kiwi Rooster. I agree with you. Mini may have plenty to offer on the wing. He can also hang around and mentor the likes of Mortimer, Alofa, Wells and RTS.

I personally dont think any of those guys will be the next long term FB at the Roosters or wing for that matter.

[Cockadoodledoo]

I personally dont think any of those guys will be the next long term FB at the Roosters or wing for that matter.

you and me both.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

I haven't seen Wells or RTS yet so I can't judge them....they could be outstanding.

[Guest]

I reckon Mini still has a lot to offer but his pace isn't what it used to be & ain't going to get any better.. I think that we'll find a real diamond in someone like Wells, Shek, Alofa or others.. his days may truly be numbered