Sam Verrills yesterday

[Batemans Bay Rooster]

Involved in multiple tries, and all round his sharpest game since returning. His passing from dummy half is immaculate. Will only improve further. Good enough to make the Brandon Smith signing a bad one.

[BraveTheWorld]

This bloke has always been an extremely classy player. He's absolutely starting-9 quality. It was only a matter of time before he came back from his injury and starting looking terrific again.

I don't know the full details of what was decided on, but I really hope Brandon starts games next year, and we just bring Verrills on later in the game (in the way that Melbourne do with Grant). I've got no doubt that this is the best option, but I'm wondering if Smith was signed with the expectation of playing 80 at Hooker?

[Rooster R]

Can we start a rumour that Smith wants to stay at Melbourne, I have always liked Sammy.

[roosterproud]

from News Ltd
SMITH BACK FLIPS ON ROOSTERS DEAL.
personally i wouldnt give a $hit

[Lydon]

Hopefully we can utilise both Smith and Verrill’s in the 17 next year, the team will be better for it!

[Serenader]

He was good. We need an out and out 9 on the paddock, if we are to trouble the scorers this year. It also freed Watson up to play a different role, who I thought was pretty good also

[Inflictor]

I can't help but think that Sammy will move on next year.
I doubt we will move on Watto after signing him for 3 years to play for Norths.
We can't keep both as well as Hutch.
I know which one I would let go but it won't happen.

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

BSmith is an outstanding hooker and a class above Sammy Verrils.
Best option for us is having both in the 17 next season

[Rooster_6]

BSmith is an outstanding hooker and a class above Sammy Verrils.
Best option for us is having both in the 17 next season

I'm not sure the first part is true. He seems to be a decent hooker and I said this when we signed him.

What he is outstanding at that we are missing at the moment is his intensity in defence. Worst case scenario he's a huge upgrade on Hutchinson, best case scenario he's going to push Radley & Verrills and pinch one of their spots.

Tactically Robinson seems less invested in carrying 3 big middles on the bench than he has in the past so it will make for an interesting 17 next year.

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

I'm not sure the first part is true. He seems to be a decent hooker and I said this when we signed him.

What he is outstanding at that we are missing at the moment is his intensity in defence. Worst case scenario he's a huge upgrade on Hutchinson, best case scenario he's going to push Radley & Verrills and pinch one of their spots.

Tactically Robinson seems less invested in carrying 3 big middles on the bench than he has in the past so it will make for an interesting 17 next year.

So if you had to choose between Brandon and Sammy who would you go with?

[mattyh]

So if you had to choose between Brandon and Sammy who would you go with?

bramdon , due to the facymt sammy has barely played in the last 2 years

[Rooster_6]

So if you had to choose between Brandon and Sammy who would you go with?

If I could only sign one? Verrills, he's a third of the price, gives you better service and defence is still solid.

If I was Robinson and had to pick the Round 1 team sheet for next season today I would start Smith. But I would use him in a similar fashion to the Storm, have him start the game at dummy half for the first 25 and then shift him to lock and let Verrills play out the rest of the game at dummy half.

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

If I could only sign one? Verrills, he's a third of the price, gives you better service and defence is still solid.

If I was Robinson and had to pick the Round 1 team sheet for next season today I would start Smith. But I would use him in a similar fashion to the Storm, have him start the game at dummy half for the first 25 and then shift him to lock and let Verrills play out the rest of the game at dummy half.

And that's the best way to use both, hence why I said earlier that I'd have both in the 17. The only issue is what do you with Rads after the 25min mark? I personally prefer Rads playing lock (admittedly I'm bias towards Rads), as he is to good to leave out.
You could probably have all 3 of Rads, Brandon and Verrils on the field at the same time. It probably means that Watson is the one that is forced out and Hutch only plays if there's an injury.

[Johnny Brass]

And that's the best way to use both, hence why I said earlier that I'd have both in the 17. The only issue is what do you with Rads after the 25min mark? I personally prefer Rads playing lock (admittedly I'm bias towards Rads), as he is to good to leave out.
You could probably have all 3 of Rads, Brandon and Verrils on the field at the same time. It probably means that Watson is the one that is forced out and Hutch only plays if there's an injury.

Not many hookers get through the full 80 at a high level unless they are a freak like Cam Smith. They are usually the smallest bloke in the middle and have to make a ton of tackles plus get to nearly every ruck in attack.
Could be a great one two punch with Smith and Verrills as our nines.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Involved in multiple tries, and all round his sharpest game since returning. His passing from dummy half is immaculate. Will only improve further. Good enough to make the Brandon Smith signing a bad one.

Pretty much said same in the gameday thread so...I agree with you!