Re: Holmes/mata’utia : Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:04 am  

Trojan Horse wrote:

Agree with most of that but you need to add Eseh to the props as he has a full time contract like Aydin. I would still be looking for 2 props though.

My opinion is we need quality additions at prop, hooker and possibly loose if Westy doesn’t stay.

For me the hooking roll is open. If Brad Walker carries on as he is and makes the role his own, then he and perhaps Bowes could be there for the next five seasons. So for me as yet it's not a priority.

Both Woods are still pretty useful.

Re: Holmes/mata’utia : Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:07 am  

vastman wrote:

Why I agree with a lot of what you say, it's not tit for tat it's just debate.

I jest

Re: Holmes/mata’utia : Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:20 am  

On the last Zoom call, Carter said our priority in terms of recruitment was a second rower and a hooker and that they were looking at potentially bringing in a new fullback for next season.

I can`t quite see the need for a another SR but I guess we don`t know how things will change going into next year.

Re: Holmes/mata’utia : Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:26 am  

Wollo-Wollo-Wollo-Wayoo wrote:

Weren't there some some alleged issues regarding Holmes a couple of seasons back that maybe why he isn't being retained and why we should steer clear?

No, it was a mountain out of a mole hill, If it’s the one I know about.

Re: Holmes/mata’utia : Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:34 am  

homme vaste wrote:

On the last Zoom call, Carter said our priority in terms of recruitment was a second rower and a hooker and that they were looking at potentially bringing in a new fullback for next season.

I can`t quite see the need for a another SR but I guess we don`t know how things will change going into next year.

vastman wrote:

Trojan Horse wrote:

Agree with most of that but you need to add Eseh to the props as he has a full time contract like Aydin. I would still be looking for 2 props though.

My opinion is we need quality additions at prop, hooker and possibly loose if Westy doesn’t stay.

For me the hooking roll is open. If Brad Walker carries on as he is and makes the role his own, then he and perhaps Bowes could be there for the next five seasons. So for me as yet it's not a priority.

Both Woods are still pretty useful.

I think your being more generous on the woods than I would be. Josh while being a great defender doesn’t offer what we need in distribution or speed of thought. There’s also the fact he’s spent more time on the treatment bench than playing over this and last season. I feel we can’t carry a player in a pivotal position who’s susceptible to injury unless he’s a very good player. He’s always put it in on the field so would thank him for his efforts.

Kyle Wood I think is a bench 9. He seems to have found his feet again coming on from the bench and taking advantage of tired defenders but he’s not a starting 9. He will also be 34 next year? Been a great servant for the club.

Walker has been good at 9 but is he long term the answer. Not sure yet but if he enjoys playing there and produces the goods why not.

Re: Holmes/mata’utia : Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:27 am  

Trojan Horse wrote:

I think your being more generous on the woods than I would be. Josh while being a great defender doesn’t offer what we need in distribution or speed of thought. There’s also the fact he’s spent more time on the treatment bench than playing over this and last season. I feel we can’t carry a player in a pivotal position who’s susceptible to injury unless he’s a very good player. He’s always put it in on the field so would thank him for his efforts.

Kyle Wood I think is a bench 9. He seems to have found his feet again coming on from the bench and taking advantage of tired defenders but he’s not a starting 9. He will also be 34 next year? Been a great servant for the club.

Walker has been good at 9 but is he long term the answer. Not sure yet but if he enjoys playing there and produces the goods why not.

Let's be fair on J. Wood, at no time in his Trinity career has he played with a confident team, so I think we owe him that chance. His injury issues are a woryy though.

Woody K has a season lest in him by the looks, even if not a first choice anymore he's handy to have around.

The key is Walker, if he decides to go for it as a hooker and the coaches agree then IMHO he will make it. He's a clever player who will continue to improve regardless of position, it just happens that his big chance has come at 9 which was probably unexpected.

He reminds me a bit of Roby in style and NO I'm not saying he's the new Roby but he has similar attributes.

Re: Holmes/mata’utia : Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:37 am  

vastman wrote:

Let's be fair on J. Wood, at no time in his Trinity career has he played with a confident team, so I think we owe him that chance. His injury issues are a woryy though.

Woody K has a season lest in him by the looks, even if not a first choice anymore he's handy to have around.

The key is Walker, if he decides to go for it as a hooker and the coaches agree then IMHO he will make it. He's a clever player who will continue to improve regardless of position, it just happens that his big chance has come at 9 which was probably unexpected.

He reminds me a bit of Roby in style and NO I'm not saying he's the new Roby but he has similar attributes.

I think wherever Brad Walker is asked to play he will do a job he`s just that sort of player, I have no issue with him filling in at 9 if we are short though having watched him captain England Academy and be so influential as a ball playing loose it would be a huge shame for me to be a half decent hooker, I think he can be so much more than that if he gets a chance to play in one of his natural positions, 13 or half.

You see so many players look so promising at that academy level and then fail to make any sort of impact at pro level but I think Walker is different, just from what I have seen of him in the first team - I genuinely believe he can go on to be one of the best.

Re: Holmes/mata’utia : Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:08 am  

homme vaste wrote:

I think wherever Brad Walker is asked to play he will do a job he`s just that sort of player, I have no issue with him filling in at 9 if we are short though having watched him captain England Academy and be so influential as a ball playing loose it would be a huge shame for me to be a half decent hooker, I think he can be so much more than that if he gets a chance to play in one of his natural positions, 13 or half.

You see so many players look so promising at that academy level and then fail to make any sort of impact at pro level but I think Walker is different, just from what I have seen of him in the first team - I genuinely believe he can go on to be one of the best.

I don't get that logic at all. How do you know he'd only be half decent? How do you know LF is his natural adult position?? Dave Fifita started as a centre! Players develop after they leave age limit and they very often find different toles that suit them better.

Bill - Winger <> Centre
Lyn - FB <> Centre
Kaye - HB <> Winger
K Wood - HB <> Hooker
Arona - LF <> Prop
Arundel - Centre <> now seems to be a SR in the making

It goes on, positions are not set, players adapt as they change. FWIW I don't think Walker is big enough to be a top LF but only time will tell.

[PopTart]

Re: Holmes/mata’utia : Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:15 am  

vastman wrote:

I don't get that logic at all. How do you know he'd only be half decent? How do you know LF is his natural adult position?? Dave Fifita started as a centre! Players develop after they leave age limit and they very often find different toles that suit them better.

Bill - Winger <> Centre
Lyn - FB <> Centre
Kaye - HB <> Winger
K Wood - HB <> Hooker
Arona - LF <> Prop
Arundel - Centre <> now seems to be a SR in the making

It goes on, positions are not set, players adapt as they change. FWIW I don't think Walker is big enough to be a top LF but only time will tell.

I do agree on this.
Walker is clearly gifted in the skills needed to play rugby league.
But like others he can apply the to more than one position.
In today's game there is a speed associated with 6 and a bulk associated with 13 that he'd have to develop to make the best of those roles. He isn't the finished article and focusing on a position will help him.
The same applies at hooker.

There is no doubt Roby would make an excellent 13. But he's focused on a position that works for him and his team needs.
Sinfield would have made an excellent Hooker, and did for England a couple of times against Kiwis.

So Walker for me could be 6, 13 or 9......but right now, concentrating on 9 will benefit him most.

Re: Holmes/mata’utia : Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:31 am  

Strange one stating that we are looking at bringing a fullback in , we have max and Walker and Rocky does a decent cover job when required .Obviously don’t know what the thinking is but all will be reviewed in due course . On the hooking front I thought Walker as a loose forwards when he arrived but obviously can do a sterling job at hooker ,but would like to see him at loose as I think in time he will have the size and skill set to make his mark in the game at that position .Early days yet for his development and looks to have a very bright future in the game along side others coming through may I add .