Player Movements and Rumours 2011

[Coxy]

Ugh. Hopefully Ben Hunt or Norman play well enough that we don't need to waste money on Khunt.

Re: hoffman vs Khunt, Hoffman is faster, more explosive runner, better support player, better cover defender. Hunt a better playmaker/decision maker. Things Hoffman can improve with experience. Hunt was never going to get faster or more evasive, and his last line defence was pretty useless.

Therefore long term Hoffman is a far better option.

 

[Coxy]

If we bring back Hunt and ditch Wallace I might be persuaded ;-) a hunt-hunt halves combo appeals to me ;-)

 

[Bucking Beads]

I expect Norman to do well in the 6 next year so a hunt/hunt combo is no deal

 

[pennywisealfie]

#### karmichael altogether. he shouldn't be welcomed back.

 

[Bucking Beads]

#### karmichael altogether. he shouldn't be welcomed back.

Trademark penny carry on.

 

[Big Pete]

Comparing Hunt & Hoffman's abilities as Rugby League players would make for a fascinating thread but given Hunt's AFL transformation somebody has to ask...

Karmichael Who?

Hoffman's covered him perfectly and hopefully he gets through this season injury free.

 

[Big Pete]

He may not have the playmaking skills but he more than makes up for it in other departments.

Not to mention, Hunt really didn't seem with it in 2009. Rarely played with that trademark intensity.

 

[Coxy]

He may not have the playmaking skills but he more than makes up for it in other departments.

Not to mention, Hunt really didn't seem with it in 2009. Rarely played with that trademark intensity.

A rarity, but I agree completely with Big Pete. I haven't missed K at all to be honest. Of course Hoffman's not as polished on the 2nd man play as Hunt was. Without doubt, Hunt was the best in the NRL at that kind of contribution from fullback, far better even than Billy Slater. However, while that may be a weakness for Hoffman, his strengths lie in more traditional fullback skills - speed, safety at the back, cover defence, support play, and ability to beat the first defender on a kick return. All of those areas I think Hoffman has already well and truly passed Hunt.

All that's lacking is the crispness of his play on those 2nd man plays. I have no doubt he has the skillset to do it, so it will come with experience.

 

[pennywisealfie]

Trademark penny carry on.

ffs. ok, yes I'm carrying on.

 

[Porthoz]

If we bring back Hunt and ditch Wallace I might be persuaded ;-) a hunt-hunt halves combo appeals to me ;-)

But it would be a Khunt/Hunt combo, which could be quite appealing in other type of businesses, but not RL (at least not on the field)...

And will you leave the Wallace agenda alone!

 

[m1c]

On radio last night Hook said Dodds has piled on muscle over the off season. Reiterated that Hunt and Norman will get first crack at partnering Wallace. Was also full of praise for Reed and our new skipper.

 

[Alec]

Hunt was the best player we produced since Lockyer IMHO. Definitely better than Hoffman. But I wouldn't take him back.

 

[GCBRONCO]

Hunt was the best player we produced since Lockyer IMHO. Definitely better than Hoffman. But I wouldn't take him back.

Best player we have developed since Lockyer? not when his got competition of the likes of Hodges, Webcke, Tuqiri, Civoniceva, Carroll, Parker, Thaiday(and thats just a few off the top of the head) for competition to being the best player the club has developed since Lockyer, Hunt was a quality player I don't doubt but its a big call to claim his the best to come through the system since lockyer.

 

[Big Pete]

There was certainly a time when Hunt appeared to be the heir to Lockyer & his name was being thrown around for future captaincy but the way he exited the club left a lasting impression that has tainted a lot of fans views.

In retrospect I do believe he's been underrated BUT it's his own fault as he left before he could truly define his career in Rugby League.

Both parties have moved on.

In fact, now that I think about it, how fortunate are we to have so many talented fullbacks on our roster? Aside from Hoffman we have Beale, Gagai, Maranta, Kahu etc. etc. who can all fill that role and do a great job of it. The only club in the NRL who can match us is in that department is the Warriors - not exactly shabby company.

 

[m1c]

Easily the best since Lockyer. Daylight between Hunt and the rest. He is a superstar. The fact he can make it in another code is surely testament to the basic skill set he possesses and his ability to handle variation (the determinant of a good player in any sport).

 

[Big Pete]

Tuqiri was hardly a slouch in Rugby Union...

Brendon Gibb returns to the Broncos after a injury stricken stint with Penrith.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...ayers-to-step-up/story-e6frep5x-1226227015690

Don't think he'll get much game time but he really impressed me for Norths in 2010, reminded me a lot of Gillett that season on the fringe and strengthens our depth. Personally, I'd like to see him debut to see that NYC GF 08 stat. improve. Hey if Rivett could play a couple of games, giving Gibbs a couple of sneaky games on the bench surely wouldn't hurt. :P

 

[Coxy]

Hoffman is a better support player, but I can't really rate any other part of his game over Hunt's. Not at this stage anyway. I am sure he can develop his skills and evolve over time, but Hunt was a fantastic all-rounder. Good talker too.

How about tackle breaks, beating first defender on kick returns, cover defence...all areas that Hunt was pretty average.

Hunt was great for us. But he wouldn't fit in the team now.
And LOL @ m1c saying he's "made it" in AFL. As if. He faded out at the end of the season after reaching a peak of, well, mediocrity as opposed to his beginning of utter ineptitude. If he doesn't "make it" this year, he's finished in AFL. If Folau fails (as I expect) then the whole "let's pinch rugby league players to play our gay game" experiment will end.

 

[Coxy]

I'm not saying that. What I am saying is that bringing Hunt back after 3 years out of rugby league to replace (what will be) a current Kiwi international fullback is ludicrous.