PRE-GAME Round 11 - Roosters vs Broncos

[Huge]

I think you’re right, some players have improved since Seibold. Some of this would just be down to gaining experience and maturing, some coming back from injuries.

Improved:
Lodge
Haas
TPJ
Farnworth
Isaako (still a ways to go)
Kennedy
Bullimore
Mmmmaybe Oates

No improvement or drop in form:
Turpin
Milf
Dearden
Croft
Glenn
Flegler (debatable)
Riki

Flops:
Asiata
Levi

Yes, Farnworth was one I omitted but not deliberately. My point is that it's not all doom and gloom and KW isn't a proven flop. I am delaying a definitive statement on KW until this round, 2022.

 

[johnyE]

I admit it looks like that on the surface but what if the plan IS to do this ?
Realistically KW started with the costliest player first, he gave Milford a fair chance and Milford absolutely had no doubt or confusion whatsoever about the opportunity. He knew he was being tested and graded. He knew it was all on the line to get a contract somewhere.

He gave him 5 games.
He moved on to Croft and Dearden. Tried them out. They largely failed too. Milford begged(I believe, don't know) for another chance and went okay in ISC and got one more chance. Failed again. So Dearden is out the door and I'd say KW was aware he was long odds on to leave. So he's got Croft left. Okay, KW figures, nothing left to test in these three, let's start testing the next lot.

Croft is now out injured so Gamble stays because he probably listens and values his chance. He's in the test bed stage still. Next test subject Kelly, let's see what's left in the tank. If he fails I don't see KW turning to Dearden or Milford again so if this pairing perish then I think KW has been give permission to keep on testing.

I think the club identified that this year was like Boca Chica, a testing ground. KW was probably more optimistic than the club I think. He probably thought he could turn the club around to at least 8th but I think the bosses knew better yet hoped KW might fluke it.

I will not be surprised if we see a few surprise guest test subjects over the next 13/14 weeks. I hope Isaako gets a shot just so I can be King Toldyaso from the Shire Of Ipswich

I think the above are very fair assumptions, but in all fairness and stark reality , Kw was given a fucking poison chalice to decanter. It's seems it's been a bit like shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic at times . Many may have assumed his interventions would give results quickly , I was one , but I think he's thrown the net wide for an obvious reason and Donuts has give him scope for the whole season to sort this shit fight out . Some of these entitled pricks need to know now to play or perish in the position their chosen for ,hence the chop and change . Combinations have to stick and trust between players in key positions vital , but that said these blokes need to earn their spots ,so KW is playing the long game , as much as that hurts our score lines . Yes I accept he's not a proven NRL coach but V'landys ball is requiring perhaps a new look about what players and coaches can adjust too as well. I'll keep the faith in his decision making , that he's building a better tomorrow today, but make no mistake the pain of this season will continue , but KW new signings and players on the radar are exciting prospects , and much is yet to unfold , just not this year and that's what sucks .

 

[Sproj]

No its not at this early stage Sproj and is real cause for concern IMO. Its funny Kevs old boy and mainly media mates control the air by saying he needs to keep searching for answers where the same changes (even less due to no ISC for AS) made by the previous coach were met with 'he's out of his depth and doesn't know what he's doing'.

Maybe Issako aside, I'm struggling to think of single player that's improved. I'm not sure he has his staff right either. Cartwright doesn't look right at our place and oversaw some of the worst defence manly dished up as their defence coach.

There is a shitty roster to work through that will take time and the Reynolds signing, as welcome as it is, wont be enough to keep sponsors and members happy if this season fades away in shitsville.

Yeah these are all my concerns but as mentioned above, there has definitely been massive improvement in TPJ, Kennedy and sadly, Coates (aside from last week). I think there’s also been improvement to varying degrees in Bullemor, Farnworth, Isaako (don’t take this to mean I think he should be fullback though, he shouldn’t regardless of his attacking stats as that is only one part of a fullback’s role), Flegler (though sporadic), Lodge and believe it or not, Teo. Funnily enough, I also thought Oates had improved significantly but he’s been dropped so what do I know?

I also am concerned that Riki and aside from what I just said above, Flegler too have needed rests / demotions at times but they haven’t been given them.

It really is dropping Oates that has me spooked. I just don’t get it and don’t like the really confusing message it sends.

 

[Sproj]

I think you’re right, some players have improved since Seibold. Some of this would just be down to gaining experience and maturing, some coming back from injuries.

Improved:
Lodge
Haas
TPJ
Farnworth
Isaako (still a ways to go)
Kennedy
Bullimore
Mmmmaybe Oates

No improvement or drop in form:
Turpin
Milf
Dearden
Croft
Glenn
Flegler (debatable)
Riki

Flops:
Asiata
Levi

I’d argue there isn’t one player who has been bought in this year who isn’t a flop. Mead has probably been passable but Copley, Levi and Asiata have all sucked. Levi has surprised me, I thought he was going to be at least good even if not great. He was looking a level above in Q Cup.

 

[Huge]

Yeah these are all my concerns but as mentioned above, there has definitely been massive improvement in TPJ, Kennedy and sadly, Coates (aside from last week). I think there’s also been improvement to varying degrees in Bullemor, Farnworth, Isaako (don’t take this to mean I think he should be fullback though, he shouldn’t regardless of his attacking stats as that is only one part of a fullback’s role), Flegler (though sporadic), Lodge and believe it or not, Teo. Funnily enough, I also thought Oates had improved significantly but he’s been dropped so what do I know?

I also am concerned that Riki and aside from what I just said above, Flegler too have needed rests / demotions at times but they haven’t been given them.

It really is dropping Oates that has me spooked. I just don’t get it and don’t like the really confusing message it sends.

As you know I have my favourites and watch them keenly. I have to pull you up on Kennedy, he hasn't improved BUT you could argue he's slightly more consistent. I don't believe so but it could be argued. I believe he was just as good last year too but I don't think many actually paid attention and/or had a negative presupposition.

TPJ on the other hand has improved in the sense that he has become more consistent. His average game has improved. I think that's only partially due to KW and as has been noted, Civo is the difference. I cannot be bothered stating my views on Isaako and I think he's doing a fine job at fullback. He will only get better. Bull and Farnworth are kids so they will doubtless continue to produce yoyo performances, we can live with that.

 

[Sproj]

As you know I have my favourites and watch them keenly. I have to pull you up on Kennedy, he hasn't improved BUT you could argue he's slightly more consistent. I don't believe so but it could be argued. I believe he was just as good last year too but I don't think many actually paid attention and/or had a negative presupposition.

TPJ on the other hand has improved in the sense that he has become more consistent. His average game has improved. I think that's only partially due to KW and as has been noted, Civo is the difference. I cannot be bothered stating my views on Isaako and I think he's doing a fine job at fullback. He will only get better. Bull and Farnworth are kids so they will doubtless continue to produce yoyo performances, we can live with that.

I’ve been right up there with you about Kennedy since last year but in my opinion, as good as he was last year, he’s actually become a weapon off the bench this year. And to me, consistency is a sign of improvement.

And regardless of who is responsible for TPJ’s improvement, if it is Civo, it has been under Kevvie’s watch and should be credited as such.

 

[broncsgoat]

Yes, Farnworth was one I omitted but not deliberately. My point is that it's not all doom and gloom and KW isn't a proven flop. I am delaying a definitive statement on KW until this round, 2022.

That was about the time the rumours started swirling for Pies.

 

[lynx000]

I'm not sure I understand why anyone expected it to be much better, especially just 10 Rounds in?

You just don't turn the utter hot garbage we dished up last year around in that sort of timeframe.

And with the very kind draw handed to us by the NRL.

 

[McHunt]

Call me a masochist but I'm pumped to see what Kelly can do at 6. Looking every bit like a duck waddling in mud, he still managed to outshine Milford, Dearden and Hunt at the Magpies. I'm confident he'll be an improvement on Milford.

The Roosters will look like headless chooks against the might we're unleashing this weekend.

 

[Cult]

Way to miss the point, for a long while the Storm have found and got much better use out of ISC players than the Broncos.

"Ours' you didn't even known his name until he was named today.

Go have a look at my previous team lists. I live 500m away from Wynnum's footy field and watch as many Q Cup games as I can. I grew up in Gladstone playing touch footy with Jason too. But yeah, never heard of Kobe until you told us all about him because you're the only one who gives a shit about the archaic competition that stops the National Rugby League from actually growing. Need a proper reserve grade competition.

 

[Sproj]

It’s our defence, it hasn’t improved at all in fact I feel it’s worse, that’s what I’m seriously concerned about.

This is the glaring problem that I think is down to so much unnecessary chopping and changing. How are you supposed to build any combination when you don’t know who is going to be on your inside or outside every week?

 

[1910]

Go have a look at my previous team lists. I live 500m away from Wynnum's footy field and watch as many Q Cup games as I can. I grew up in Gladstone playing touch footy with Jason too. But yeah, never heard of Kobe until you told us all about him because you're the only one who gives a shit about the archaic competition that stops the National Rugby League from actually growing. Need a proper reserve grade competition.

Archaic and I want it gone for good because it's stopping the game and I hate it- but I love it and watch it every week.

Mild contradiction there.

 

[Cult]

Archaic and I want it gone for good because it's stopping the game and I hate it- but I love it and watch it every week.

Mild contradiction there.

Only if you lie about words I said like "hate it". It's still local footy and I definitely don't hate it, there would just be better options as far as entertainment, growth for the game and improving the club we all apparently support. The Storm shouldn't even be getting the most out of ISC players until they start getting anything out of the entire state they're already in.

 

[McHunt]

This is the glaring problem that I think is down to so much unnecessary chopping and changing. How are you supposed to build any combination when you don’t know who is going to be on your inside or outside every week?

Because he's working with a squad that's included these players all season. He's seen them on the same field drilling with/against each other. He's seen their strengths and weaknesses in training, seen what progress they've made, and is only beginning to profile them. Testing them with gametime is the next phase.

Looks to me like he's continuously shuffling the deck setting the table for next year. Half this lot is going to hit the open market. He needs to know who's worth retaining, and where he's weakest. Next phase will be trying out the development and more train/trial players.

So far the result is he's written off Milford, Croft and Dearden. Niu and Paix aren't looking too flash either. That's a result.

Give this phase a few more weeks and he'll settle on the side he thinks can win enough games to keep his job.

 

[theshed]

Archaic and I want it gone for good because it's stopping the game and I hate it- but I love it and watch it every week.

Mild contradiction there.

1910 is so sassy.

 

[Kooly87]

Isaako, Lodge and Kennedy all are playing strongly, Haas is now about to ignite and his focus is likely firmly on future success. TPJ is going well. Bullemore is developing well.

That's 6 I can say I personally am satisfied are either maintaining good performance or improving. KW is up against it and aside from some early bench use issues I think he's going okay. We are going to have more losses but by the end of this season the wheat and chaff will be sorted. I say, be patient. We're better than the 'instant gratification generation'.

TPJ says Hi.

 

[BroncsFan]

Scarlett has been the best half in the ISC, I get a very bad feeling about this Kelly decision. He's been ok in ISC. He runs his own race in a terrible team. I don't think it is going to transfer well to NRL.

I remember seeing a couple games of his in the ESL and from memory he was playing halfback.

Granted that was several years ago, but he looked to be playing as the first receiver and taking real ownership of the team.

I thought his kicking game was also quite good in terms of those low driving kicks that find space and pull up in the ingoal. I believe he had a great kick in the trial game and has been doing the majority of kicking for Souths... but he looks a more accomplished kicker than Milf (less the towering floating bombs), although I cant remember what his short kicking is like.

I can't recall what his defence was like, but I'd imagine it would have been poor.

To me he looked like a more polished Milford... or at least one that knew his role and was actively and competently completing it on the field every week.

Obviously returning to Australia he is older and the game is much faster than what he would be used to so I'm not expecting him to be able to light it up, which is a shame. I think he will struggle to keep up with the pace of the game and the holes that are there in ESL and ISC will close up much quicker than what he's used to.

Also going against him is his lack of time with the first grade squad, and the structures and systems at the Broncos being all over the place (this will be the first time Gamble and Kelly have ever partnered each other and the team as a whole has had **** all time with either half in general).

I expect it to be very sloppy as the team adapts so definitely not expecting much.

Do we have an idea who will be controlling the game between Kelly and Gamble??

Even though Kelly is in the 6 jersey should we expect him to be more like the 7 and Gamble the 6 (which I believe is how they play in ISC)... in terms of ownership and direction of the team??

I wonder if Kevvie wants to take a look at Kelly to see his viability for next year with Reynolds.... I think if Kelly could get his fitness up to speed that he could be a Milf lite on about a tenth of the salary... might be a good option as depth for next year if he has the commitment to get his fitness up

 

[BroncsFan]

It has to be asked, is this any better than Seibold’s reign? Kevvie looks to be throwing the same panic O’Leary’s at the dartboard.

I’m hopeful he keeps bringing in the players we need though and that part so far is definitely far better than the Seibold years.

Realistically Kevvie is only really changing the halves, but absolutely no one has taken ownership of either position to warrant ongoing selection.

Fullback, hooker, forwards and majority of the outside back positions have been reasonably consistent over the year with changes happening due to injuries and suspension.

There's been some chopping and changing with right center (Niu, Mead and now Arthars), but that might be a placeholder until Staggs returns, unless he goes to 6... and the left wing (Mead, Oates and now back to Mead).

TPJ has now settled on a role and position at right second row, whereas he's been chopped and changed around seemingly every year he's been here.

Basically the only position that isn't being sorted out is the 6 and 7... arguably the most important positions on the field... but we've had inconsistency in the halves ever since BHunt signed with the dragons at the start of 2017.

I think lock is a little up on the air as well, but that's due to Carrigan's injury rather than chopping and changing.