Re: Our "forwards" : Wed Jul 08, 2015 12:20 pm  

Been watching a few NRL games over the last few days, and there really are some excellent hard-running (and skilful!) forwards in there who are a pleasure to watch. Perhaps it's not so surprising these talented young halves can do their stuff, if they're playing behind a Martin Taupau, or a Jason Taumalolo, or a Ben Matulino.

How I'd love to see one of those (or even, more realistically, a poor man's version thereof) at the DW.

It certainly puts our forward-related woes into sharp relief.

Re: Our "forwards" : Wed Jul 08, 2015 12:41 pm  

Tilse at Hull KR and Garbutt at Leeds would have both strengthened our pack, and I'm guessing probably didn't cost the earth. Some good scouting there. Cuthbertson is the signing of the season for me. We tried with Pettybourne, and failed. But that shouldn't stop us trying again.

Needs to be someone with something to prove though because Hull FC got bitten with the likes of O'Meley and Fitzgibbon, who had the pedigree but maybe not the desire.

Re: Our "forwards" : Thu Jul 09, 2015 9:07 pm  

I think tonight highlighted how important Props are. When ours went forward we looked comfortable, when they lost the wrestle which I feel they did for big periods of the match we were put under huge pressure.

Re: Our "forwards" : Thu Jul 09, 2015 9:12 pm  

yes we have had our fingers burnt on more than one occasion,but those two I would have back in a shot,

Re: Our "forwards" : Thu Jul 09, 2015 11:16 pm  

Aboveusonlypie wrote:

Tilse at Hull KR and Garbutt at Leeds would have both strengthened our pack, and I'm guessing probably didn't cost the earth. Some good scouting there. Cuthbertson is the signing of the season for me. We tried with Pettybourne, and failed. But that shouldn't stop us trying again.

Needs to be someone with something to prove though because Hull FC got bitten with the likes of O'Meley and Fitzgibbon, who had the pedigree but maybe not the desire.

I've said it before but we need to tap into the network Hull KR have in NRL.

They keep pulling rabbits out of thier NRL hat. Guys like Paea, Galea, Wayman, Vella etc all had an NRL pedigree and plenty of experience. All however still had that fire. All would walk on up the current Wigan side as well.

Re: Our "forwards" : Fri Jul 10, 2015 8:15 am  

sergeant pepper wrote:

I've said it before but we need to tap into the network Hull KR have in NRL.

They keep pulling rabbits out of thier NRL hat. Guys like Paea, Galea, Wayman, Vella etc all had an NRL pedigree and plenty of experience. All however still had that fire. All would walk on up the current Wigan side as well.

And watching Cuthbertson last night, I mean that guy is a seriously good footballer. It seems unfair to say it, but was he considered something of a journeyman in the NRL? Man of Steel for me, so far.

I agree re Hull KR's scouting. Somebody's doing a good job for them.

Re: Our "forwards" : Fri Jul 10, 2015 10:21 am  

I was always a big Mossop fan before he went to Australia but at the moment he is running with zero aggression. At times last night he looked absolutely petrified when taking the ball in.

Re: Our "forwards" : Fri Jul 10, 2015 11:12 am  

I imagine the poster who labelled O'Loughlin as finished and too stubborn to retire is feeling pretty silly after his performance last night.

He didn't play huge minutes but his effect on the team was clear for all to see. He seemed to make more yards than any other forward including the props. If it wasn't for Sarginson not passing to Burgess he would have also created a try from a lovely pass which is typical Sean O'Loughlin.

I agree we could do with another prop. I'm unsure of everyone who is off contract in the NRL but I think Sam Tagatese and Suaia Matagi both are and could be worth a shot. Matagi was impressive for Samoa in the Workd Cup.

Re: Our "forwards" : Fri Jul 10, 2015 11:41 am  

DP_wwrlfc wrote:

I imagine the poster who labelled O'Loughlin as finished and too stubborn to retire is feeling pretty silly after his performance last night.

He didn't play huge minutes but his effect on the team was clear for all to see. He seemed to make more yards than any other forward including the props. If it wasn't for Sarginson not passing to Burgess he would have also created a try from a lovely pass which is typical Sean O'Loughlin.

Why, because he put in a half decent performance, let's see how long he can keep it up

Re: Our "forwards" : Fri Jul 10, 2015 11:48 am  

I'm normally all for promoting from the academy but I agree with what others have said here, two props required for next season IMO. One pack leader (probably NRL) who will start every game he is fit for, one to add depth (Championship?) let Mossop and Patrick go as soon as we can, send Crosby out on loan to an SL club for the season to see if he iimproves with another season under his belt