Our Next Five Eight

[zac]

I think Manu killed it yesterday at 5/8 but my main concern long term is how do you get him to play to our team structure or set plays without hampering his style or the other way around is do we hamper our structure and let Manu run wild.

He may destroy teams below us but I don't think we can beat top teams purely with Manu individual brilliance.

sweeping backline movements with precision passing is great but there's nothing wrong with great ball runners causing havoc - teddy and joey carved the panthers up only a fortnight ago

[milanja]

Loved Manu there yesterday. But think we need a 5/8 with a big boot. My first preference is still Burton. Manu obviously needs to get his hands on the ball more and so he plays that roving centre position, coming in when he wants

Sounds dumb, but can you train to kick the ball longer? Manu is a big boy, I’m sure he has the power to give it a boot, but like everything, need to get the technique right first.

[eddie]

He gave us something to consider.
I like many others here would only question his kicking game...............and would have to see him own the position in a few more games first.

[Johnny Brass]

Sounds dumb, but can you train to kick the ball longer? Manu is a big boy, I’m sure he has the power to give it a boot, but like everything, need to get the technique right first.

I don't think you can at that late age to be a proper kicker. The technique is honed from a young age with countless hours of practice, it's the problem with the Walker/Manu pairing as great as they are with ad lib footy that has freed up our attack we lose so much distance in the arm wrestle.

[Billy Gunn]

I just worry that between Joey and Walker our kicking game is too weak.

I agree but Keary does'nt exactly have a big boot either, it's something we really miss.

[BraveTheWorld]

Munster has a monster boot on him, something we sorely need.

True, but I have no doubt Manu could at least learn to kick to Cronk and Kearys' standard, at least in terms of distance. He's a big unit.
Walker will also grow his boot as he continues to play. Definitely has a bit of filling out to do.

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

Sounds dumb, but can you train to kick the ball longer? Manu is a big boy, I’m sure he has the power to give it a boot, but like everything, need to get the technique right first.

True, but then also consider Manu is the arguably the best centre in the world. And is in the process of forming a lethal right side attack with JS.
Say you move Manu to 5/8 who on the market (centre or winger if you move JS in) do you sign? Which young power, fast outside would we target?
IMO I think Burton at 5/8 and Manu as a roving centre is a better prospect than signing any current centre/winger

[Rooster89]

sweeping backline movements with precision passing is great but there's nothing wrong with great ball runners causing havoc - teddy and joey carved the panthers up only a fortnight ago

I hear your point I just don't think it would get us consistent success...... But probably better than what we're getting at the moment anyway that's for sure.

[DP1990]

I think Manu killed it yesterday at 5/8 but my main concern long term is how do you get him to play to our team structure or set plays without hampering his style or the other way around is do we hamper our structure and let Manu run wild.

He may destroy teams below us but I don't think we can beat top teams purely with Manu individual brilliance.

You have to let Manu run wild ... that's just his style and how he plays. If you try and add structure and set plays, he'll be come plain and average.


His best asset is his unpredictability and unorthodox style of playing and that's what makes him an absolute weapon (X Factor). Unfortunately, Walker is at a point in his career where he is in the same boat (not in the same class) where he also plays that 'eyes up footy .. instinctive way'; but if anything ... he will have to be the one to quickly develop that "methodical, game -manager" skill-set as a half-back because we really do need that one specific person who can control and call the shots in the spine.

[ConGa]

I think Keary should go back to 6 and Walker to 7, it will be his team in not very distant future with retirement looming for Kez

[TumutChook]

He gave us something to consider.
I like many others here would only question his kicking game...............and would have to see him own the position in a few more games first.

That’s my question on him,but have no idea as I don’t see him train or do kicking practice. My worry is he’s a very off the cuff player who everytime he gets the ball wants to make a special play & kick to himself,score a try or pass for a score. Will he be the type of bloke that thinks strategically & is happy to put a last play kick up for a repeat set,or to kick it over the sideline 5 metres out to get a stop & a breather & make the oppo grind it out. Not sure he’s that type of player who will be happy to play at one end without scoring if that’s what’s needed.

[Dr. Voodoo Man]

Manu has been outstanding. I think he deserves a shot when and if Keary calls it a day.

[NorfolkStreetKid]

Hard not to love Joey playing just about anywhere, and he will certainly be an option if Keary cannot continue for whatever reason, but until that happens i would stick with Keary, I just think he creates more opportunities.

[Cockadoodledoo]

The best thing about Manu at 5/8 is that Teddy doesn't think he has to get into first receiver every second tackle and run the ball.

[Cockadoodledoo]

True, but I have no doubt Manu could at least learn to kick to Cronk

Seriously? Cronk had one of the best boots in the game. He won't get close, no matter how much the training. The best we can hope for is him being a serviceable option, alongside Walker.