Official Bulldogs vs Raiders NRL Trial - Sat 23rd Feb - Discussion Thread

[Noeasyday]

I wouldn't mind having Okunbur on the bench. Could play in the forwards if not needed in the backs

 

[Powerslide]

I wouldn't mind having Okunbur on the bench. Could play in the forwards if not needed in the backs

Don't think defensively he is ready, and need more consistency from him before he gets a chance in the 17. But if he puts some big games in at ISP he could be the next one called up. I have no doubt he has the ability its only mental.

 

[speedy2460]

Okunbor was switched to the backs because of his defensive liabilities.
Hes going OK as a winger but he still lacks any real pace. Hes a fringe FG player at best.

 

[SweetFA]

Couldn't agree more. I'd love to see:

1. Meany
2. Smith
3. Holland
4. Hoppa
5. Chrichton/ Jay O
6. Foz (Cogger when injured)
   
7. Prince Lewis
8. Napa
9. Lichaa (sigh)/ JMK/ Nu Brown
10. Jesse Sue
11. Martin
12. Jacko
13. Elliot
14. RFM
15. CHN
16. Big O
    
17. Renouf
18. Chris Smith
19. Tualau
20. Jay O/ Crichton
21. Cogger/ JMK/ Brown

Tolman's put his blood sweat and tears into the club but unfortunately he's 3 inches and 8kgs too small to make an impact. His workrate is fantastic but I'd much rather prefer an 80 minute rotation of the forwards listed then have Tolman eat up 60 minutes for 8m per carry runs and 38 tackles without so much as forcing a dropped ball or striking any fear into the opposition forward pack.

Besides eating up 60mins he eats a big chunk of the salary cap & hence why he is so prominent game time wise

 

[The__GM]

Okunbor was switched to the backs because of his defensive liabilities.
Hes going OK as a winger but he still lacks any real pace. Hes a fringe FG player at best.

From what I saw in the ISP last season he looks like he's got some pace behind him for a big unit:

Against the run of play - https://www.instagram.com/p/BmpRq4knMU4/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1ux50d1j9en2c

Great defensive read, outruns outside backs the length of the field - https://www.instagram.com/p/BngIs93nWJz/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=z0yl7tllxto5

(Yes, I know this is in the ISP and not against FG quality opposition).

 

[GDR]

From what I saw in the ISP last season he looks like he's got some pace behind him for a big unit:

Against the run of play - https://www.instagram.com/p/BmpRq4knMU4/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1ux50d1j9en2c

Great defensive read, outruns outside backs the length of the field - https://www.instagram.com/p/BngIs93nWJz/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=z0yl7tllxto5

(Yes, I know this is in the ISP and not against FG quality opposition).

Was that Dufty chassing him in the second video?

And I agree, its a myth that he is slow.. he has shown on a few occasions that he is fast, he may not have explosive acceleration, but once hes up and running and can hold good pace

 

[Old Dog 63]

Interestingly Zac Sadlier is not on the bus to Bega, especially as he was named in the top 30

 

[Spoonman84]

Interestingly Zac Sadlier is not on the bus to Bega, especially as he was named in the top 30

He played a trial on the bench for Jersey Flegg last week. I have no idea what he’s doing in the top 30.

 

[The__GM]

Was that Dufty chassing him in the second video?

And I agree, its a myth that he is slow.. he has shown on a few occasions that he is fast, he may not have explosive acceleration, but once hes up and running and can hold good pace

I believe it was some Matt Sharp bloke? (Going off the commentary). He’s wearing the #1 regardless so should have some decent pace but Jayden just had an extra gear.

 

[Jean-Claude Juncker]

I think our forward depth at this point in time looks too strong to carry a utility type player if they are only there to cover for a concussion or injury. I reckon with guys like CHN, Holland & Hopoate we probably have enough options to carry 4 forwards on the bench and still be able to cover for an unexpected situation where we lose someone. I'd hate to see someone miss out on a bench spot so that JMK gets to sit on the bench for 75 minutes.

Have been thinking similarly but my concern is who plays 9, 7 or 6 if there’s an injury or if the 9 is gassed. These are critical positions and it’s a massive risk to play a non-specialist there as it’s so disruptive to the attack.

 

[albatross]

He played a trial on the bench for Jersey Flegg last week. I have no idea what he’s doing in the top 30.

Saddler's been in the rehab squad so probably just part of his recovery plan. Still, I have no idea either. Has anyone seen him play?

 

[Blue&whiteAxe]

Saddler's been in the rehab squad so probably just part of his recovery plan. Still, I have no idea either. Has anyone seen him play?

dropped our pants to get him to the club and sweetened the deal with a top 30 position in his final year.

 

[Powerslide]

dropped our pants to get him to the club and sweetened the deal with a top 30 position in his final year.

One final Fuck you from Dib, Des and Co?

 

[Noeasyday]

Have been thinking similarly but my concern is who plays 9, 7 or 6 if there’s an injury or if the 9 is gassed. These are critical positions and it’s a massive risk to play a non-specialist there as it’s so disruptive to the attack.

Holland to 9, Smith and Okunbur wing / centre

 

[albatross]

Couldn't agree more. I'd love to see:

1. Meany
2. Smith
3. Holland
4. Hoppa
5. Chrichton/ Jay O
6. Foz (Cogger when injured)
   
7. Prince Lewis
8. Napa
9. Lichaa (sigh)/ JMK/ Nu Brown
10. Jesse Sue
11. Martin
12. Jacko
13. Elliot
14. RFM
15. CHN
16. Big O
    
17. Renouf
18. Chris Smith
19. Tualau
20. Jay O/ Crichton
21. Cogger/ JMK/ Brown

Tolman's put his blood sweat and tears into the club but unfortunately he's 3 inches and 8kgs too small to make an impact. His workrate is fantastic but I'd much rather prefer an 80 minute rotation of the forwards listed then have Tolman eat up 60 minutes for 8m per carry runs and 38 tackles without so much as forcing a dropped ball or striking any fear into the opposition forward pack.

Love the bench. I just reckon CHN needs maximum minutes and I can't see him getting many as an edge backrower on the bench. I'd start with him and have Jacko at lock with Elliot on the bench. Otherwise I like that 17.

 

[Mr Invisible]

Interestingly Zac Sadlier is not on the bus to Bega, especially as he was named in the top 30

Did his knee a few weeks ago, had an operation and is in rehab group now. Won't be playing till about Round 6.

 

[CroydonDog]

Interestingly Zac Sadlier is not on the bus to Bega, especially as he was named in the top 30

Do they actually take a bus? I think you can fly into Merimbula?

 

[BlackDawg]

I just hope T'oomaga unlocks his true potential this season. When he played ISP he ripped shit up but was gun shy when they promoted him up. Discard the nerves mate.

 

[Jean-Claude Juncker]

Holland to 9, Smith and Okunbur wing / centre

It’s an option but The Kennel would go nuts if last season’s experiment of Holland at 9 is anything to go by.

 

[Dingo]

I just hope T'oomaga unlocks his true potential this season. When he played ISP he ripped shit up but was gun shy when they promoted him up. Discard the nerves mate.

I still have high hopes for him but he will really have to fight for a spot. Seems Ofa is ahead of him and Pay likes Fualalo for some reason.