Official 9’s Game Thread

He had a good running game from hooker. I wasn't on TheKennel at the time but for me personally I was hoping he'd make our centres for the 2019 season (we also needed a goal kicker - didn't know Meaney would be as good as he is). He did and had a season from hell really. I think it's time to move on from players like him and Montoya. At best they should be back ups. Katoa will be back up anyways and Holland is only a chance if JMK (or Katoa) is injured. Not a fan of Marschke and apparently JMK can't play 80 minutes. Cogger is another option if Wakeham is in the halves (when Foran is back we're going to need someone who can play in the halves too).

 

He ran from dh like any outside back would do against tired opposition and a few people blew their loads, hardly anything impressive. His service, decision making, etc aren't up to scratch and imo won't ever be. I don't get why we need to recycle certain players over and over again, just give someone else a crack.

 

I hope the cocky eels lose...

 

Me neither but at this stage I would put him on the wing over Okunbour if their was no other options.

 

His defence is the same as it was in the Juniors - he marks space, takes for ever to turn - he did improve last year however for me he has been / will continue to be spotted by other teams - an enormous amout of work has been invested in his defence but it doesn't sink in.

 

Bloke needs lessons from Dr Buddy Rydell

 

I actually think with the options available JMK bench (hooker) and start Katoa

At least with JMK he understands the role of a hooker and halves plus pretty much covers 1-7 plus 9

Holland does not have the vision or passing/kicking skills to cover 9 at NRL level

 

Katoa could do the Lichaa role. JMK has more impact off the bench and it's possible to still give him more minutes off the bench (e.g. Katoa 30, JMK 50). If we wanted our strongest bench/impact off the bench it'd be that. JMK is apparently injured for round one which is why I assume Holland's name is being brought up.

 

If JMK not ready then throw Averillo into that utility role at least he can ball play and has pace

 

Our hooking options are genuinely rubbish. JMK is average at best...will pass the ball, make some tackles and has some pace in a straight line but that's about it. Katoa was dreadful at the Panthers but looked a lot better during the internationals, guessing he will start the season at 9 with JMK injured so we will just have to go from there.

 

Our attack will stay shit until we find some quicker more powerful runners across the park. We are not suited to 9s at all

 

My main concern heading into this tournament was that we didn't lose any quality players to long term injury. Success in the tournament might have given me a small feeling of pride. But our playing stocks really can't handle the loss of much quality in so many positions. So I was happy to have sent a squad full of promising youngsters rather than the bulk of our top squad.

Some people on here get way too worked up about nothing competitions.

 

If people are overreacting to or drawing definitive conclusions from what is essentially an Oztag tournament, then it's going to be a long season on The Kennel..

 

I dont know why JO is forced to play on the wing.

The bloke does not have any attributes whatsoever to play on the wing or in the backline

He needs to be played in the forwards learning his trade in cup for the next 2 years

 

Agree with this 100%. I reckon he should be played in the 2nd row.

 

Good to see a new year and Ben Cummins still a shit ref

 

Hahahha... what a joke! How can the in goal ref not see where that ball was grounded?? Hahaha..

 

Cummins the fixer!