NRL Player Movements and Rumours 2015

[1910]

Ricky has used 43 players in the halves in his coaching career.

 

[Big Pete]

Sezer is an improvement on what they have, but I don't think he's the type of player that will help the Raiders turn the corner either.

Sort of sums up their recruitment in general.

Handy players, sure, but nobody of any real stature of class who can help lead their next generation.

If I'm Ricky, I'm hoping that Lachlan Croker really steps up, because I can't see a Austin/Sezer, Sezer/Williams or Sezer/Cornish combo working.

 

[Splinter]

If I were a half, no way I would be going to the Raiders under Stewart

 

[Manbush]

Don't know Pete I might be biased but his recruitment has been good.

Hodgson is proving himself to be one of the better hookers in the game (by far our best since Priddis and potentially better).

Austin has been going great and still a lot of potential for improvement.

Sezer is quality, good organiser with great last tackle options (should complement Austin).

Soliola has been going great.

Whitehead is an international backrower with a great try scoring record.

FPN has been the only disappointment so far but he's always been lazy.

Young Croker does look to be a gun though.

 

[Ari Gold]

I can already see the fantasy tantrums...

"I can't believe Sezer/Croker isn't kicking. This is ridiculous!"

 

[Harry Sack]

Maybe to Manly.

Yep Austins got the 6 locked up on form, so far looks like the Tigers let the wrong one go.

Lol, silly Tigers.

 

[Alec]

Sezer/Austin go well together IMO. Both offer completely different things, Sezer is a structured half, while Austin plays whats in front of him.

Both players have pretty big potential too.

 

[Ari Gold]

Lol, silly Tigers.

Marika's life motto!

 

[Broncoman]

Good signing by the Raiders Sezer is quality. Blow for the Titans but the young bloke Elgey looks like a good player so they've got someone to replace him.

 

[Morkel]

Waiting to see the price tag before I pass judgement.

 

[Manbush]

Waiting to see the price tag before I pass judgement.

Reports are $500k a year for 3 years which is good for a proven halfback.

 

[Ari Gold]

Reports are $500k a year for 3 years which is good for a proven halfback.

Umm, what!?

Sezer isn't really proven. 500k is massive overs!

 

[Big Pete]

The problem with Sezer is that he maybe an organiser, but he's also a fairly passive player who's going to stick to his job and rarely offer anything else. I don't think he really reads the game that well and is more or less the type of player who has the skills but not the instincts.

Meanwhile, Austin is your classic ball-running five eighth and that's it. I don't think he's the type of player that can take the game by the scruff, rather, he's just an option.

Good halves pairing if you want to finish 10th, think the Raiders should aim for 4th myself.

 

[Manbush]

So not a fan of ball running 5/8s who are good at making line breaks and supporting players Pete?

Give me Austin/Sezer over Wallace/Soward any day of the week and look where Penrith are.

 

[Big Pete]

Not a fan of enigmatic players with a limited skillset that are going to play footy while the other does his best Adam Reynolds/Trent Hodkinson impression, no.

 

[Ari Gold]

Blake Austin is basically a less grubby version of Josh Reynolds. I'm not sure if that's a compliment or an insult so far as footballing abilities go, but that's my take.

 

[Manbush]

Isn't that Milford though, enigmatic with a limited skill set, both good runners Milf uses acceleration while Austin strength, reminiscent of Campo in his prime, quicker but without the massive boot.

Biased but it looks a well balanced halves combo, one organiser who has a good long and short kicking game while the other is enigmatic ball runner. Our best halves combo since Stuart and Daley. Austins kicking game needs work but with Hodgson having a good boot on him it's not essential. Our 5th tackle option has needed a kick up its ass for ages and it's something Sezer does well.

 

[Big Pete]

Blake Austin is basically a less grubby version of Josh Reynolds. I'm not sure if that's a compliment or an insult so far as footballing abilities go, but that's my take.

That's a really good comparison.

Don't get me wrong either, I enjoy watching Blake play and I think he's one of the more likable players in the competition. However, he isn't exactly Terry Lamb and I don't think he ever will be.

Sezer is a fine player, but it's going to take one hell of a coaching job to get the same results Cleary has gotten out of Soward/Wallace.

Given Sticky's track record, I don't like those odds.