Maurie : Sat Jun 13, 2009 10:35 am  

Has started to actually tackle his weight in defence this season. He is also making more drives for better gains rather than a couple of hit ups.

He is becoming a better all round prop this year.

: Sat Jun 13, 2009 12:06 pm  

To be honest, I think we've seen the best of Maurie. I preferred him when he was an athletic second row rather than the current muscle-bound WWF imitator. Back then he seemed to be everywhere whereas today his muscle mass precludes a similar level of fitness.

That said, he's been enormous value for money. When you consider he arrived from Union speaking little English and understanding nothing of the game it's a miracle he's made it. Credit must go to Maurie's attitude, which has helped him beat the substantial odds.

: Sat Jun 13, 2009 1:09 pm  

He's not hit the heights of 2006 where he had a freak year.

For me, he's been hit and miss again this year.

: Sat Jun 13, 2009 1:15 pm  

He also lost his temper which gave away two penalties, which would cost us against a good team. He seemed to calm down a bit, but its been creeping back into his game lately.

: Sat Jun 13, 2009 1:33 pm  

Which is odd because he was as placid as a goldfish when he arrived at the club.

: Sat Jun 13, 2009 1:45 pm  

Smurf wrote:

He also lost his temper which gave away two penalties, which would cost us against a good team. He seemed to calm down a bit, but its been creeping back into his game lately.

Like last night. I'm glad he decided to go after whoever it was in the dying minutes of the game otherwise he would have been yellow carded.

: Sat Jun 13, 2009 2:11 pm  

You lot are harsh on Maurie. He's a far, far better player now than in previous seasons. He's fitter now and able to work harder, his stints on the field are filled with effort in both attack and defense.

Sure he's not doing the two barn storming runs a game he used to that won over so many fans, but he's doing the graft. We won comfortably last night without Jammer and Cayless, that says it all about Maurie.

: Sat Jun 13, 2009 3:09 pm  

Saddened! wrote:

Sure he's not doing the two barn storming runs a game he used to that won over so many fans,

I don't think he's allowed to. I'm sure coaches and players got the measure of Maurie ages ago and know exactly how to go about limiting his effectiveness, regardless of how he may be playing at any given time.

: Sat Jun 13, 2009 3:16 pm  

Saddened! wrote:

You lot are harsh on Maurie. He's a far, far better player now than in previous seasons. He's fitter now and able to work harder, his stints on the field are filled with effort in both attack and defense.

Sure he's not doing the two barn storming runs a game he used to that won over so many fans, but he's doing the graft. We won comfortably last night without Jammer and Cayless, that says it all about Maurie.

Is this a positive comment from you? Surely not

: Sat Jun 13, 2009 3:39 pm  

and he doesnt do the haka now...