Roosters Sign raiders u20s Steve Naughton

[Guest]

Oh on the contrary, I think he is a good solid young player.

I am just under the impression that in a competition such as the NYC, if you are not a REAL standout, then it is hard to make it in first grade. Last year there were plenty of players who were consistently good but are now floating between Bundaberg Cup and NSW Cup.

The players have stepped up to NRL level are mostly players who were simply FAR too good for the NYC competition. Josh Dugan, Justin Carney, Daniel Vidot, Kevin Locke, Russell Packer, Ben Matulino, Luke Capewell, Wade Graham, Kieran Foram, Jamal Idris, Esi Tonga, Eddy Pettybourne, Tim Mannah, Kevin Gordon, Jharal Yow Yeh, etc.

Looking through the NYC graduates, the only players now consistently playing NRL who were NOT standouts in the NYC are...

Jarod Croker
Stanley Waqa
Steve Rapira

What I am saying is, basically, killing it at the U20s level doesn't necessarily mean first grade ability. Williamson, to me, looks a first grader even though he hasnt dominated as much as other players, simply because if you watch the games, he stands out. he plays in a poorly coached team, yet his size, power, speed and aggression sets him apart from his peers.

Naughton seemed to be a solid winger who is a good finisher. We need a functioning backline for that sort of player to be a success.

[TheBigFella]

Mack I'm always reminded of players that were huge in the lowe grades but never made the step. People like Joey Williams is a prime example. How many players have the Roostes had that were going to be the next big thing & couldn't hack 1sts.

I also wholeheartedly agree with you on Williamson.

[Guest]

thats how he has come across to me in the little I have watched him but that said, you dont really look out for players unless there is a reason so i will watch him particularly closely this arvo. I am actually quite excited about this signing. He is very safe and solid defensively and doesnt mind getting his hands dirty as you have said as well as having a pretty decent ability to break the line, tackles and score the odd try.

On the other wall, one of the wallsters said that his nickname at canberra is "Flash Naughton". The fact that he is solid defensively as we already know, really quick and according to you mack took out the u20s player of the year for canberra, this kid is a really good prospect and a very very intelligent signing. Any bloke that can beat the likes of crocker, dugan, picker, waddell, vidot, lowe among others for that title has some serious ability. Great signing and I think would have been a really good value signing like graham but ovbiously a player that we can turn into a really good first grader. Good stuff POS.

Dugan and Croker were not considered for the award as they were in first grade for most of the year. Michael Picker was injured for most of the year and Travis Waddell couldN't put any runs on the ball because he was shifting between NRL and NYC. Lowe's form hasn't been all that great because he didn't consistently have Michael Picker, Daniel Vidot, Josh Dugan and Jarrod Croker inside him to provide him with opportunities. Steve Naughton is a safe and reliable signing. I expect he will at least get a run at some stage next year.

[Cockadoodledoo]

Like roz stated, any guy that beats the likes of Croker and Dugan et al to win the Raiders U20s player of the year sounds very promising to me and I'm quite happy about the signing. As Tones would say, welcome Steve.
And do you know the really good thing about this signing? He isn't a backrower and heaven forbid is actually what the Roosters need - a centre. My goodness, I need to have a lie down now.

Croker and Duggan weren't in the running as they were playing First Grade.

[Vasco]

I hope he turns out a bit better than our other NYC signings for first grade.

We signed Sonny Tuigamala and Tu'u Maori at the end of last year, with the intention that they were to play first grade this year, but one struggled with the NRL's quality, and the other couldn't elevate himself from Newtown.

That said, Kane Linnett, Steve Naughton, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Brad Takairangi are massive improvements.

Did Peter O'Sullivan have a say in the Newtown Jets signing players from last years NYC competition, for this year?

Luke Hume (Sharks), Luke Lutele (Sharks), Liam Foran (Storm via Auckland Vulcans), Hala Laula (Rabbitohs) and Scott Jones (Warriors) all played in the NYC last year, and were signed up to play for Newtown Jets this year.

The difference is now these players will be coached, unlike the ones you've mentioned above.

[Guest]

Mack I'm always reminded of players that were huge in the lowe grades but never made the step. People like Joey Williams is a prime example. How many players have the Roostes had that were going to be the next big thing & couldn't hack 1sts.

I also wholeheartedly agree with you on Williamson.

I also agree but I may be biased as I'm his mother
and i'm Murry, Willow's mum's next door neighbour

[Guest]

I also agree but I may be biased as I'm his mother
and i'm Murry, Willow's mum's next door neighbour

How can you be both his mum,and his mums neighbour?Twins??

[Guest]

How can you be both his mum,and his mums neighbour?Twins??

How did you come to that conclusion. Ryans mom lives next door to me, and just happened to come over while I was reading MacK's post. She read the post and replied. I just tried to clarify what happened but didn't do a very good job. By the way my name is Murry and I'm a male not female

[Guest]

Dugan and Croker were not considered for the award as they were in first grade for most of the year. Michael Picker was injured for most of the year and Travis Waddell couldN't put any runs on the ball because he was shifting between NRL and NYC. Lowe's form hasn't been all that great because he didn't consistently have Michael Picker, Daniel Vidot, Josh Dugan and Jarrod Croker inside him to provide him with opportunities. Steve Naughton is a safe and reliable signing. I expect he will at least get a run at some stage next year.

yea yea fair enough. Vidot played almost exclusively NYC however and whilst lowe and co werent at their best the whole time, imo, to beat those sorts of blokes to the punch for that award is a great effort. My point is just that. The side on the whole is pretty good for them apart from the obvious standouts I have pointed out and I just think that even if their side didnt boast all of those stars, I would still look favourably on the fact he secured such an award thats all but i take your point

[TheLoneRooster]

Croker and Duggan weren't in the running as they were playing First Grade.

Ah, I wasn't aware of that and subsequently it changes things but nevertheless, I hope he goes well here and flourishes under a coaching structure that knows WTF it is doing.