I do not mean to be party pooper but CHT has been involved in our halves for years. We seem to be in love with his potential over what he actually is. He promises a lot but is not a NRL standard half. He is a very good bench utility and bleeds for the team but he is lacking what we need as a starting half. He is Mr half break, half chance, always nearly but very rarely..... hard truth but if we stick with him we will get what we always got. TMM or Boyd in over him at the halves.
Pick Your Team Warriors v Manly - [Round 2, 2025]
- Thread starter mt.wellington
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We got absolutely zilch from our halves yesterday.However in their defence we had no go forward or platform to work from.
They spent a lot of energy helping out in D where our second rowers went missing.
I have never wanted LM at 7 .Better at 6 where hes more effective but yes a poor gamer from both our halves.
This is complete BS imo. They flew business class over there and will fly it back. Spent the majority of the week doing light training sessions with a lot of down time to see the city. Only +3 hours time difference all be it, they are a day behind. Plus now have 2 weeks to prep for our next game. I just don’t buy in to this excuse.
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I dont either but I wouldnt be surprised if it gets raised.
The team that scored 30 points against us didn't seem to lack energy, they better not try using that as an excuse. 
Lack of speediness and the plethora of missed tackles on the opposition speedsters was the obvious point of difference yesterday (hence the score), whichever of our squad that didn't play in Vegas that can both run fast and put effort in defence would be nice (do we have any of those?)
Lack of speediness and the plethora of missed tackles on the opposition speedsters was the obvious point of difference yesterday (hence the score), whichever of our squad that didn't play in Vegas that can both run fast and put effort in defence would be nice (do we have any of those?)
I'm not expecting to many changes either. Not expecting a significantly different result either. The thing with AW is he seems to go with what his idea of a best team is regardless of results instead of looking at what is or isn't working. Perfect example of that last season. You almost need a run of losses and then hopefully he makes changes that work so it cements in his mind. But even then he's probably going to try to change back again.
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Yeah, In Webbys mind it seems like the grind is the most vital thing (which is true - 2023 was hardworking and pinning teams in the corners). The ideal team for him is a group of hardened experienced professionals who can execute that game plan. Kick to the corners, hard rushed defensive speed, Strong back three to make metres and give the forwards a break. So in theory - Capewell, Niukore, Ford, Barnett with metre eating wingers and CNK/RTS type fullback is the recipe. The problem now is that Capewell, Niukore and to a lesser degree Ford are starting to lack the physicality and two way game (both offensive and defensive) that we need to remain competitive. ALL TEAMS NEED TO PLAY A FORM OF THIS GAME PLAN BUT WE DON'T HAVE THE CATTLE.
The intensity his game plan requires is not something we now possess. Look at Yeo, Sorensen, Martin etc from Penrith, these guys are intensity two way machines! We are not like that, we need to try and be like that but also realise our DNA is a little different, and let our youth and xfactor players loose.
I now do not believe we can rely on the 2023 game plan that did us so well. We don't have the cattle to execute it. We need to do our best in that style but supplement that style with our own strengths. Until Webby accepts we don't have the cattle to execute this the required standards he will continue to chase the gold at the end of the rainbow. We just exhaust our players and end up getting spanked because we start to crack as the pressure we attempt to exert on other teams ends up causing us to crack and get exhausted.
If we can beat Manly with this game plan I will eat my words but I think what I am saying is true. Webbys biggest test as a coach is starting here against Manly. It is not just who will play, but am I prepared to change the way I have the team play? The sooner he wrestles with this question, the better.
What potential?
He never dominated in first grade, he never dominated in NSW Cup. People got excited because he occasionally put on a big hit and did some fluke kick that dribbled the right way in a jr test once.
He tries hard and I wish him well, but he's not even Thomas Lealuai level.
I do think he's a decent 14. He offers energy, good defence and the ability to cover a number of positions in an emergency. Yeah, I wouldn't say he is as good as TL, but not miles away. I just don't think he's going to lead us to a ton of victories in the halves.
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Don’t watch the press conference then. Zero accountability
The worst part for me was not really accepting it as a fail.
I don’t think you change too much after one game. I think we have better options than Ford, and I’d bench Niukore for Halasima to give him a bit of a rev up.
If Webby’s decided after preseason that Metcalf and CHT are the best options than they need to be there for a few weeks to see if they can develop some cohesion.
If Webby’s decided after preseason that Metcalf and CHT are the best options than they need to be there for a few weeks to see if they can develop some cohesion.
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Pretty much. Good squad player but not one of the go to guys which the club thinks he can be.
As always though our lack of speed is embarrassing and it's not even just an outside back issue. The way our second rowers were worked over yesterday was pretty embarrassing.
Very difficult to defend out wide when the defensive line is collapsing around the backrowers.
And that was on a smaller field against a team who are at best fringe top 8.
Woof.
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Realistically, team won't change too much. Nor would I expect it to barring injury.
Niukore has been trash for too long. There to have short spurts in the middle, with hopefully more energy than on the edge.
Laban provides a tall attacking option, similar to Nanai at the Cowboys.
Keep Clark starting.
Walker for Clark around 25 mins
Vaimauga for Fish around 25 mins
Niukore for Barnett around 30-35 mins
Halasima for Capewell or Laban, game situation dependant.
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Political material??
Yeah someone nailed it when they said we are far more concerned with the appearance of success than actaully winning games.
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The thing for me is he has gone from standing for something and you could follow his mantra of controlling what we can control, not being victims, next man up to now I have no clue what his philosophy or direction is. And as you hav pointed out, if you are a young player busting your ass and not getting game time while older players aren't performing it creates a negative culture IMO. Im beginning to think we are in bigger trouble than I initially thought.
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