DCE for Game III?

[Taylor1921]

Mark my words it'll be Morgan at 6 and Hunt or DCE off bench.

 

[Taylor1921]

I really do hope Milford miraculously recovers in time.

 

[BroncsFan]

That second half defensive effort in particular was inspirational for the club. Even though the Cowboys had plenty of excuses, you could just tell the Sea Eagles took plenty of pride out of that defensive display and it was one of the better wins Manly have produced since 2014. I had forgotten about Cherry-Evans' first half against JT, my memory was of Trbojevic just completely taking the momentum away from the likes of Taumalolo and Bolton in the middle of the ruck. He produced a similar effort against the Eels to little fanfare, but on that night the rest of the team really bought into it.

Regardless, I still think it's in everyone's best interest if Queensland rely more on squad members and give DCE a clean slate in 2018. Have him focus on Manly, build up his confidence and then unleash him in a leadership capacity for the next generation of Queensland stars. I fear throwing him into the mix right now wouldn't suit him as a player and would forever tarnish his chances as a Queensland half.

At the very least, I'd like to see the selectors meet DCE half-way and name him on the bench where he has performed strongly in the past.

Yeah I would have to agree with that Pete. I don't think Hunt offers enough as a utility in that he has to come on as hooker or half and I just don't think he can play that lock role.

Cherry probably deserves the vacant half role going on form but I think he'd be happy just to get back into the team.

Moving forward the only real options for halfback next year look to be DCE and Hunt. As Milf/Morgan will likely be the 6 and we need someone to get the team around and do the kicking.

TBH a DCE/ Hunt halves combo might be our best setup. With Hunt getting the team around and assisting with the kicking, while DCE is the main kicker and takes control of attacking sets.

 

[BroncsFan]

I really do hope Milford miraculously recovers in time.

There's no way they name Milf in a clutch decider with only one origin game under his belt and he's also only played one game since origin 1

 

[Taylor1921]

There's no way they name Milf in a clutch decider with only one origin game under his belt and he's also only played one game since origin 1

If he's fit, I have no doubt they will. He out performed Thurston in a grand final. He's a proven big game player. Where Hunt and Norman are not but people want to see them in the side

 

[Taylor1921]

And what has how many origins got to do with it, DCE had played quite a few before getting a start and let us down big time?

 

[tommy]

Cheers for the welcome mate. I'd put DCE's return to form down to three reasons. A halves partner that shares the workload, Blake Green has even surprised me with his ability especially in general play kicking. In other years DCE would be swarmed by the opposition as they knew he'd get the ball. Manly's forward pack has actually grown a pair, Taupau especially has been sensational and gives him room to scheme. Finally, giving him the captaincy has really helped his game, it sort of forced him to get out of his shell and own the team.

His performance against the Raiders was class, if I had to put DCE's form reversal down to one moment this year it's against the Cowboys at Townsville in Rd 3, where after we were under the pump he kicked the long range 40/20 and set up a try in the next set, the upset win got Manly's entire season started.

What were Manly fans' thoughts on Tooveys' sacking and did DCE have anything to do with that? Can vaguely remember hearing that when he backflipped he would be getting the captaincy and the team he wanted and was given alot of say in how things would be done.

 

[Sproj]

What were Manly fans' thoughts on Tooveys' sacking and did DCE have anything to do with that? Can vaguely remember hearing that when he backflipped he would be getting the captaincy and the team he wanted and was given alot of say in how things would be done.

I remember reading that too. That said, if this is the side he wanted, he might well make a good coach after his playing career is over.

 

[Renegade]

if we pitchfork milford into a decider after an extremely ordinary game 1 AND 3-4 weeks on the sidelines, walters has money on nsw.

there is no other explanation for such idiocy.

 

[animal eater]

if we pitchfork milford into a decider after an extremely ordinary game 1 AND 3-4 weeks on the sidelines, walters has money on nsw.

there is no other explanation for such idiocy.

While I would personally play Munster at 6, I wonder if we were watching two different game ones? By no means did Milford have an extremely ordinary game one. He more than held his own and it was unfortunate that he suffered a concussion.

 

[Renegade]

While I would personally play Munster at 6, I wonder if we were watching two different game ones? By no means did Milford have an extremely ordinary game one. He more than held his own and it was unfortunate that he suffered a concussion.

We definitely did watch a different game if you think he played well and held his own. Go re-watch without broncos glasses.

 

[tommy]

I remember reading that too. That said, if this is the side he wanted, he might well make a good coach after his playing career is over.

They will be doing well if they can keep it together. Few of the younger blokes are gonna need a decent upgrade, and DCE takes up a massive chunk of the cap all by himself.

 

[Battler]

Morgan is a deadset plodder most of the time in the halves, picking him would be a mistake.

 

[BroncsFan]

And what has how many origins got to do with it, DCE had played quite a few before getting a start and let us down big time?

My point is that Milf is hardly considered a necessity in the origin squad after 1 game.

If it were JT, Cronk or Smith coming back with no football in the last month you'd take the gamble as they're proven performers at origin level and know the system inside out, so they can get away with a limited preparation.

 

[holdzy]

Morgan is a deadset plodder most of the time in the halves, picking him would be a mistake.

Big game player, clutch as. He can do the job.

 

[uptheguts]

TBH I thought DCE was not in contention , but seeing his highlights package from this year ,the guy in in best ever form. Mal and Hodgo vote for for him,which may actually carry some weight with Kevie. It does with me.

If DCE is the future for Qld ,then there is no better time then now to start him.I can't think of any good reason not to pick him.A yes from me for DCE.

 

[Huge]

I too have no problem with DCE. Have the 5/8 and 1/2 roles really become that interchangeable?

 

[Number6]

Norman didn't help himself last night. Had a chance to stand up against a weak team and failed. See how Morgan goes this weekend. Hunt would have to play out of his skin the entire game, basically torch Melbourne near single handed to be considered for bench. Not leaving much options maybe is time to answer the dce question for the final time? Have to be clear though one last shot if plays great then maybe again next year. If average or poor never again barring absolute catastrophic for every other Queensland half.