: Mon Feb 23, 2009 1:58 pm  

PAUL M wrote:

I agree, whilst I see Luauki more as a prop and as much as I like Manu, there is a chance we will use Luauki as a backrower at times and it could be at the expense of Manu who needs to be much more consistent and have a bigger say in games.

May be the option we choose when Manu needs a rest.

I would see value in having Lauaki as a prop and manu as a 2nd row off the bench. teams wouldnt know whats hit them if they both play well.

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 1:58 pm  

Both brian noble and tony smith have tried to sign kingy in the last couple of years so he can't be that bad. He's had a poor run of injuries over the last few years and hasn't had much game time. He needs to get onto the field consistently and we'll see teh best of him

As for manu, I'm still convinced we don't use him right. If he were playing for leeds or saints he'd get better quality ball and not be expected to barge his way through 3 or 4 defenders every time he gets the ball. He's a big man and we should be using him sparingly. We've all seen what he can do when he gets half a chance. Some of it is obviously down to consistency but also down to our style of play IMO

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 1:59 pm  

Jake the Peg wrote:

Both brian noble and tony smith and Justin Morgan have tried to sign kingy in the last couple of years so he can't be that bad. He's had a poor run of injuries over the last few years and hasn't had much game time. He needs to get onto the field consistently and we'll see teh best of him

As for manu, I'm still convinced we don't use him right. If he were playing for leeds or saints he'd get better quality ball and not be expected to barge his way through 3 or 4 defenders every time he gets the ball. He's a big man and we should be using him sparingly. We've all seen what he can do when he gets half a chance. Some of it is obviously down to consistency but also down to our style of play IMO

Typo

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 2:01 pm  

Jake the Peg wrote:

Both brian noble and tony smith have tried to sign kingy in the last couple of years so he can't be that bad. He's had a poor run of injuries over the last few years and hasn't had much game time. He needs to get onto the field consistently and we'll see teh best of him

As for manu, I'm still convinced we don't use him right. If he were playing for leeds or saints he'd get better quality ball and not be expected to barge his way through 3 or 4 defenders every time he gets the ball. He's a big man and we should be using him sparingly. We've all seen what he can do when he gets half a chance. Some of it is obviously down to consistency but also down to our style of play IMO

Very true we often give him the ball like he is a prop whereas we should have him at full tilt and hitting the line at pace.

AS we use him now he is just like a wide running prop

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 2:02 pm  

abel711989 wrote:

Very true we often give him the ball like he is a prop whereas we should have him at full tilt and hitting the line at pace.

AS we use him now he is just like a wide running prop

Thats maybe out of the need to have some impact down the middle. If Lauaki and Sam Moa bring that then it may allow Manu to play his normal wider game. (providing he gets the service)

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 2:29 pm  

abel711989 wrote:

Very true we often give him the ball like he is a prop whereas we should have him at full tilt and hitting the line at pace.

AS we use him now he is just like a wide running prop

Aye, the gaps should be created for him by dummy runners and running into gaps. Whereas now he gets the ball and has to sidestep across the pitch looking for a gap. As been said already, Manu isn't been used properly.

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 2:32 pm  

A unknown superstar wrote:

Aye, the gaps should be created for him by dummy runners and running into gaps. Whereas now he gets the ball and has to sidestep across the pitch looking for a gap. As been said already, Manu isn't been used properly.

Same reason why our backs are not getting used properly, we don' get the ball wide enough, quick enough.

We need better distribution in the middle of the pitch, get it out wide quicker and give the likes of Yeaman/Manu etc more time and room to work in.

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 2:41 pm  

PAUL M wrote:

Same reason why our backs are not getting used properly, we don' get the ball wide enough, quick enough.

And what would get us playing a more exspansive game? The correct coach? Someone like Nathan Brown who loves to play attacking rugby. Or the type of player(s)? If you know what I mean..?

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 2:42 pm  

Superbowl Scott wrote:

Pretty obvious for me that our props in order of selection will be

Cusack
Dowes
Lauaki
Thackray
King
Moa
Maloney

Would agree with that i just wish Thackray would start running hard and straight again like he used to do instead of trying to step round opposition players all the time.

: Mon Feb 23, 2009 2:42 pm  

A unknown superstar wrote:

And what would get us playing a more exspansive game? The correct coach? Someone like Nathan Brown who loves to play attacking rugby. Or the type of player(s)? If you know what I mean..?

Cooke could do it