Sam Walker in 2021 was 18 and making his debut in round 4. Why are you talking about Walker in 2023 missing 5 tackles? The comparison is because both are young play makers that are going to make their debuts at the same age. Walker in 2021, Oloapu in 2023.
The irony is Burton was one of our worst on Saturday, I’ve seen guys play in a local A Grade men’s comp that would have had more influence on the game… but Flanno is not the answer… when Burton was struggling, Flange had to grab the game by the balls and he didn’t. He’s failed to deliver for over 2 years, no sign of improvement… zero.
On the subject, Oluapo is much bigger than Walker at the same age, Walker at 18yo was barely 80kgs ringing wet - Oloapu is 95kgs…. He’s bigger than Walker even after Walkers bulked up off season. Point being, Oluapo can handle NRL. The speed of the game and his fitness is his only challenge. This is why I’d have Oluapo start and bring on Reynolds off the bench until KO gets up to speed.
Yes, and a way better defender than Walker was at his age. So this shouldn't even be a question to give him his debut sooner rather than later.
good grief
yes exactly, tpj tommon paulto like jeez when we need Paul Vaughn this was the perfect time to have kept him…
Give him a go as 14 for 15 mins or so and nurse him along that way.
He'd get way more out of playing 80 minutes in NSW Cup. I get what you are saying but no. Would learn more from playing 80 minutes and showing he can control a side at that level first, then the transition to first grade will be easier. The last thing we should want is a team getting belted like we are in first grade and putting a young half on with 15 to go and expecting miracles, that's asking for trouble.
Im no Flanagan apologist but that’s an appalling conclusion .
Having looked at it again I get why it was a bin, it's soft but it's there for sure. The learning lesson is don't put yourself at the mercy of a ref. I'd actually have been okay with a penalty try being awarded, heck it's better for us if it was.
And why people focus on his missed tackles. He has areas of his game he needs to improve on no doubt but he is not picked based on his defence. He is 10 times the creative half Flanagan is. Flanagan may have missed no tackles last weekend but his influence on the game was NATA and has been for 3 years.
Best half at the club, come off it mate. I value your opinions over most on here but that is a terrible call. Flanagan isn't only not a half, he isn't a first grade NRL player.