2022 spine - predictions

[red-dog]

What's everyones predictions for next year's spine (assuming we don't sign anyone)?

As it stands right now it seems
1. Allan
6. Burton
7. Averillo
9. Marshall-Smith

I would like to see Averillo at fullback with a more dominant 7 but I could see him gelling with Burton. That would mean Wakeham or Flanagan go to 7, seems like Flanagan is on the outer right now so would likely be Wakeham would be 7.

 

[bradyk]

1. JAC
6. Burton
7. Averillo
9. JMK

 

[Trafford10]

What's everyones predictions for next year's spine (assuming we don't sign anyone)?

As it stands right now it seems
1. Allan
6. Burton
7. Averillo
9. Marshall-Smith

I would like to see Averillo at fullback with a more dominant 7 but I could see him gelling with Burton. That would mean Wakeham or Flanagan go to 7, seems like Flanagan is on the outer right now so would likely be Wakeham would be 7.

JMK hasn't signed yet has he?

 

[DaBulldog]

What's everyones predictions for next year's spine (assuming we don't sign anyone)?

As it stands right now it seems
1. Allan
6. Burton
7. Averillo
9. Marshall-Smith

I would like to see Averillo at fullback with a more dominant 7 but I could see him gelling with Burton. That would mean Wakeham or Flanagan go to 7, seems like Flanagan is on the outer right now so would likely be Wakeham would be 7.

If we get stuck with Marshall Smith as our hooker for all of 2022. I think we are going to be in a world of pain

 

[bradyk]

JMK hasn't signed yet has he?

Nope, but if we don't sign another hooker we have to be re-signing him. Katoa definitely gone and Topine isn't a hooker (can maybe spell a hooker for 20 minutes).

 

[DaBulldog]

I know I’m being harsh on Marshall King. But even his body won’t be able to take 80 minutes every week. He will be ok if he shares the duties with someone else. Brandon Smith would be perfect.

 

[bradtalo]

If it ends up being the very likely spine below with 3 of the lowest ranked players in their positions in the NRL its a f..king disgrace by our recruitment team and no way to hide it

1 Averillo (16th)
6 Burton (around 5th)
7 Flanagan (16th maybe lower)
9 JMK (16th maybe lower)

If they had their planning and priorities correct it should have been

1 Allan / Dufty
6 Burton
7 Johnson
9 B.Smith

 

[EB18]

1. Allen
6. Burton
7. Averillo
9. Smith

Or

1. Dufty
6. Burton
7. Averillo
9. Smith

 

[Baseball Furies]

Am I the only one nervous about throwing Averillo in as our starting fullback next year?

I’m sure about 1% of people on here have ever seen him play in that position but everyone seems overly keen.

He seems to have the attributes but it’s such a specialist position these days with so many facets of play needed that I hope he can transition.

The jury is out for me until I can see him string a bunch of games together there and develop, should be absolutely fullback for the rest of this year if that is the thinking for 2022.

 

[steveng]

1. JAC
6. Burton
7. Averillo
9. JMK

I like this spine!

 

[halfcast]

JAC is a winger!

 

[red-dog]

Am I the only one nervous about throwing Averillo in as our starting fullback next year?

I’m sure about 1% of people on here have ever seen him play in that position but everyone seems overly keen.

He seems to have the attributes but it’s such a specialist position these days with so many facets of play needed that I hope he can transition.

The jury is out for me until I can see him string a bunch of games together there and develop, should be absolutely fullback for the rest of this year if that is the thinking for 2022.

I agree, but I guess nothing is a certainty. There were hesitations about Latrell being able to play fullback yet he's done it. I even remember the same hesitations about Barba and that he was a 6 not a 1 cause he was too small. I see it as a chance worth taking.

 

[bradtalo]

Am I the only one nervous about throwing Averillo in as our starting fullback next year?

I’m sure about 1% of people on here have ever seen him play in that position but everyone seems overly keen.

He seems to have the attributes but it’s such a specialist position these days with so many facets of play needed that I hope he can transition.

The jury is out for me until I can see him string a bunch of games together there and develop, should be absolutely fullback for the rest of this year if that is the thinking for 2022.

I'm exactly the same. Even when playing in the halves he doesn't have a passing game really so can't see him bringing that to the fullback role which is required these days. Also we (99% of us) haven't seen him under the high ball or organising the defensive line. He plays more like a centre or winger. His main game is being a finisher (side step, fast), not setting up tries for others (try assists).

 

[Trafford10]

Nope, but if we don't sign another hooker we have to be re-signing him. Katoa definitely gone and Topine isn't a hooker (can maybe spell a hooker for 20 minutes).

I guess my point is, if the club hasn't signed him yet his manager must also be looking for opportunities at other clubs? Surely the club must having something up their sleeve about a new 9 for next season.

 

[CrittaMagic69]

I'm exactly the same. Even when playing in the halves he doesn't have a passing game really so can't see him bringing that to the fullback role which is required these days. Also we (99% of us) haven't seen him under the high ball or organising the defensive line. He plays more like a centre or winger. His main game is being a finisher (side step, fast), not setting up tries for others (try assists).

He has a passing game lol, that's one thing you don't have to worry about along with his running game.

 

[red-dog]

I'm exactly the same. Even when playing in the halves he doesn't have a passing game really so can't see him bringing that to the fullback role which is required these days. Also we (99% of us) haven't seen him under the high ball or organising the defensive line. He plays more like a centre or winger. His main game is being a finisher (side step, fast), not setting up tries for others (try assists).

Averillo has shown himself to be a competent halfback with traits like passing, kicking, running and attacking organisation. So from that point of view he definately can play fullback, as the standard for a halfback is higher than for a fullback for most of those stats. The question mark is over his defence; both individually and ability to organise. He probably will need a season or so to develop that aspect of his game but he is 20 and has a lot of potential. Playing him at fullback will be a gamble but it's a calculated risk that could have great upside. I think his potential as a fullback is higher than his potential as a halfback,