Staff Andrew Webster

My take aways from the interview, in some cases by reading into what he was saying

1) Luke back round 7 as you say. I guess that means round three or four for Barnett who got injured four rounds earlier.
2) Leka will not be an 80 minute player in 2026. He wasn't clear if this means he will come off the bench or start but I suspect off the bench by his gist.
3) AKP will be 1st drop back up winger behind the incumbents. He did not say this directly. He said the three wingers would be a unit.
4) Taine Tuapiki is not going anywhere and he was mentioned as being our back up fullback for next year.
5) Centres are a concern for him. He says we have three great centres but two of them have been injured frequently. He didn't seem to offer a solution. But overall is happy with our team and says we don't need anyone else for 2026.

If centre is a concern, I wonder if Toeava and Fatialofa could get some time there?

BangBro's (still banging) said:

If centre is a concern, I wonder if Toeava and Fatialofa could get some time there?

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Maybe. He needs to give someone some reps there as a 4th centre option so it isn't Capewell or Leka.
I personally like the idea of Charnze being used as our centre back up when needed and Tuapiki going to fullback. Maybe Charnze's time at centre for the Kiwis this year could sway Webster to give it another try.
Interestingly Rocco Berry is signed to the end of 2026 and to the best of the knowledge has not been extended yet. He is now open to offers from Perth as it is after Nov 1. I would say we are going to look at his time on the park before we renew him. So probably won't make an offer before mid season.

FormerlyJamesW said:

I would ask, is he good enough in THIS system?

I'm leaning into the idea that we really need an xfactor halfback for Webby ball. Someone who can setup a play that is really left field and unexpected.

If this is the question, then I'd say the signs say no.

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He has shown so far that he has no trouble setting up plays for his outside men by passing deep to his support to run onto the ball. What with his superior goal kicking and kicking in general play, I think he fulfilled his duties well and, in fact, added a variety in his play which the opposition found difficult to master. This will be further enhanced with a full pre-season, trials and gametime before LM is available.

John Nick said:

Great summation JLSO. I would add Webster could benefit from having a director of football or whatever to mentor him in matters like making the most from his bench. Someone like John hart , Bennett or someone similar to bounce ideas off. We certainly need at lease one OB with pace preferably 2.
We are wasting the few opportunities that we create now.

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Ivan Cleary perhaps?

CWC said:

Weekly chest pain for 2 months took a toll

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It started round about round 1 and, with a few exceptions, continued on throughout the season.

Wrighty said:

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Interestingly Rocco Berry is signed to the end of 2026 and to the best of the knowledge has not been extended yet. He is now open to offers from Perth as it is after Nov 1. I would say we are going to look at his time on the park before we renew him. So probably won't make an offer before mid season.

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Im a berryliever but got to say if he can’t string a season with no major injuries he might just be unlucky with his career.

Good player but I don’t think we can resign him if he copes another long stint on the sideline.