- Nov 13, 2024
- 7
- 2
The fact that Shibasaki has been training there all preseason while Mariner has almost exclusively trained with the reserves, watch closely.
[2025 Trial] Broncos vs. Titans
- Thread starter Big Pete
- Start date
Manofoneway
NRL Player
- May 22, 2022
- 2,202
- 5,250
I honestly think Mariner is far too (want for a better word) dopey to play consistent football. You need more than just fast and skilful, specifically defending in the centres. I rate Mariner, Piakura and Mam as our biggest let downs in the 2024 season. All of them are a bit dopey in their own right, Madge knows it which is why he is looking elsewhere to fill some starting positions.
Tristan1990
QCup Player
- Sep 29, 2016
- 425
- 769
would need to be elevated into the top 30 though
NSW stables
NRL Player
- May 3, 2019
- 2,619
- 7,035
I think there was an interview where broncos players basically said mariner and piakura were both space cadets.
Reading of the attack is so important in Edge defence, and mariner just did not demonstrate those skills. The nrl is not the greatest place to learn the basics/essentials. That is why the broncos were not successful with the "potential" young players. Yes they could be good, but they have some big holes in their game that first graders identify and exploit.
Previously many centres were introduced to top grade via the wing, and would learn working next to a more experienced centre. This is why I think he is best playing the wing for now (at least defensively).
With regards to mam, In Qcup, mam's defensive reads were terrible, but when in first grade, was positioned next to capewell and herbie who were both pretty good defenders/readers of the attack, and this wall papered over mam's deficiencies, but when they left and he was placed next to mariner and piakura who both had their own defensive issues, the flood gates opened. That was one of my major issues with KW coaching, he did nothing to address the defence on that side.
Big Del
State of Origin Rep
- Apr 22, 2017
- 5,780
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Do you go to training ?
HarryAllan7
QCup Player
- Jul 20, 2017
- 941
- 4,199
Years ago, Mariner is exactly the type of player you could put on the wing while he got up to speed with a view to shifting him inside eventually. Nowadays, Mariner is too small to produce metres on kick returns and early set hit-ups and so has limited value as a winger. Unless he managed to put it together in the centres (he still might, and I hope he does), I can't really see any other spot for him in the team.
He wouldn't be the first player with plenty of pace to burn and a wicked step who ends up not cracking regular first grade. Most in that boat end up over in Super League and often dominate over there.
We are so thin in the back row we don't have much choice with Piakura. I hope Madge has tasked a forward leader like Patty with being on his back constantly to make sure he's focused and not daydreaming, because he has so much talent but its so obvious sometimes that he's just not thinking or paying attention closely. I'm really hoping we see a renewed focus and intensity from both these guys under Madge.
- Jul 28, 2016
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That's a good point... I'd imagine Shiba is on a T&T contract at the moment, which means he can't play until Rd 11.
He'd need to be on a dev deal or top 30 to play from round 1.
