Lol how does piakura make the extended squad? I know it doesn't mean much but why reward complete mediocrity.
Agreed... it seems odd that Billy talks about standards, but is bringing Piakura through who noticeably struggles with the 1%'ers on the field and struggles to put together an 80min performance at NRL level.
He would need to have some sort of off season and then come flying out of the gates next year to be anywhere near origin.
I get that Billy wants him there to expose him to QLD camps, etc. but it's a little bit like handing out jerseys rather than earning them. I would say Fermor has earned it more and should be ahead of him at this stage, but hasnt really been talked about at all.
If there's one player coming through that really needs to earn a QLD jersey it's probably Piakura.
For his career so far he got a big contract based on potential, spent it basically injured or in reserve grade, got himself an extension... most likely on potential again... found himself getting some games off the bench, finally earning something, but was then immediately rewarded with the starting spot and 80min role the following year.
He hasnt really been great in that starting role, but there's no competition for his spot, and it's non stop cheerleading from all the media and getting call ups to the Qld extended squad.
He is super talented and has a heap of potential, but it feels like it's all just falling into his lap and he's not really undergone all that much adversity at this point in his career... outside of injuries here and there that has delayed his first grade spot... but it didnt really affect him as he's there now.
If Piakura became the kind of player that was hammering home his fitness, defence and the 1%'ers he could be one of the best second rowers running around in the game, but he's not near that yet and getting all these plaudits without really achieving anything could see him get complacent with his development, as he might think he's already achieved it all.
This is where back in the day the strong leadership from Webke, Tallis, Thorn, etc. would bring him way back to earth.... there is no way they would be allowing him to get away with lapses like he does on the field at the moment.
Patty and Payne need to be the ones driving those standards now, but even then do they have that real hard edge to knock a young guy back and demand he be better.
I get the sense Jensen would and if Kobe can get himself back on track he could as well... that's why these guys are needed in a squad. They've had to earn absolutely everything they get out of the game... they weren't allowed to take shortcuts and still have it fall into their laps. You want those guys as leaders in the team so the young guys know their place and what's required to be in first grade week in week out.
