PRE-GAME Round 6 - Broncos vs Roosters

[Unbreakable]

Anyone got Ofahengaue's ISC numbers for the season? @Big Pete

 

[Big Pete]

Ofahengaue
Round 1 (vs Seagulls) - 60 Mins, 16 Runs, 153m, 1 Offload, 25 Tackles, 3 Misses, 1 Error
Round 2 (vs Falcons) - 52 Mins, 13 Runs, 147m, 9 Tacklebreaks, 22 Tackles, 1 Miss
Round 3 (vs Hunters) - 49 Mins, 12 Runs, 150m, 2 Tacklebreaks, 29 Tackles, 1 Penalty
Round 4 (vs Bears) - 52 Mins, 15 Runs, 142m, 28 Tackles, 2 Errors, 2 Penalties

Fai
Round 1 (vs Seagulls) - 39 Minutes, 11 Runs, 93m, 2 Offloads, 1 Tacklebreak, 22 Tackles, 2 Missed, 1 Penalty
Round 2 (vs Falcons) - 54 Minutes, 15 Runs, 125m, 1 Tacklebreak, 1 Offload, 21 Tackles
Round 3 (vs Hunters) - 49 Mins, 15 Runs, 148m, 4 Tacklebreaks, 2 Offloads, 28 Tackles, 2 Missed
Round 4 (vs Bears) - 51 Mins, 13 Runs, 128m, 1 Try Assist, 1 Line-Break Assist, 3 Tacklebreaks, 1 Offload, 17 Tackles, 2 Errors

I haven't watched any of the Magpies games, but you would have to think based on those numbers and the extended squads Bennett has named that Fai will come in ahead of Ofahengaue to see what he can bring to the table and to reward his growth as a player.

I've got to say, Fai's progression over the past 12 months has been really promising. In the Holden Cup it appeared he plateud and just seemed to be the guy with a couple of good carries off the bench, but nothing more. So basically just another version of Matagi or Masoe, except instead of size and acceleration it was more acceleration and agility.

It wasn't like he was terrible, but he was surrounded by guys like Collins who had a lot of Dylan Napa about him (and finds himself in Sydney, funny that), Elliott who was more of a defensive specialist who had a real strong technique or Hipgrave who just had absolutely no fear factor. I reckon if you asked Keegan to run through a brick wall, he'd do it, I'd hate to tackle him, absolutely hate it and would honestly prefer Kasiano over him. That is if Kasiano promises not to mule kick me in the face of course...

As for Joe, his numbers aren't terrible but he needs more performances like his Round 2 effort if he wants back in at first grade and I just don't see that happening. It's a real shame for the Broncos as well because he really was one of the best props of his year level. It was between him & Fonua-Blake who is starting to make a name for himself at the Sea Eagles after his run-in with the law. I think he'll get there someday, but I just don't know if it will be at the Broncos. I think he'll be one of those late bloomers people forget about, who gets better as he approaches his mid-20s and you get some people saying we could have had him.

Of course the caveat is that the Broncos forward stocks are really good at the moment. Jarrod Wallace has been one of the Titans best so far this season, but honestly I haven't lost any sleep about losing him and haven't heard anyone pipe up about him. If anything I've heard more about Copley which is incredible when you consider the reputation he made for himself in that 2011 Prelim against Manly.

 

[Porthoz]

I fail to see how Fai's numbers are better than Ofa's. They're very similar overal... :notsureifserious:

Ofa is not an impact player off the bench. He's better as a starter imo.

 

[Big Pete]

I fail to see how Fai's numbers are better than Ofa's. They're very similar overal... :notsureifserious:

They're similar which is why I made the point on the extended squads. Fai has been preferred over Joe and I believe it's really down to his growth as a player and how despite not being afforded the same opportunities as Joe he's been able to match if not surpass what Joe has produced so far this season.

For a guy like Joe, he really needs to be making more of an impact and these numbers are more or less the same as last year where as George has really grown as a player.

 

[Danoz Direct]

Ofahengaue
Round 1 (vs Seagulls) - 60 Mins, 16 Runs, 153m, 1 Offload, 25 Tackles, 3 Misses, 1 Error
Round 2 (vs Falcons) - 52 Mins, 13 Runs, 147m, 9 Tacklebreaks, 22 Tackles, 1 Miss
Round 3 (vs Hunters) - 49 Mins, 12 Runs, 150m, 2 Tacklebreaks, 29 Tackles, 1 Penalty
Round 4 (vs Bears) - 52 Mins, 15 Runs, 142m, 28 Tackles, 2 Errors, 2 Penalties

Fai
Round 1 (vs Seagulls) - 39 Minutes, 11 Runs, 93m, 2 Offloads, 1 Tacklebreak, 22 Tackles, 2 Missed, 1 Penalty
Round 2 (vs Falcons) - 54 Minutes, 15 Runs, 125m, 1 Tacklebreak, 1 Offload, 21 Tackles
Round 3 (vs Hunters) - 49 Mins, 15 Runs, 148m, 4 Tacklebreaks, 2 Offloads, 28 Tackles, 2 Missed
Round 4 (vs Bears) - 51 Mins, 13 Runs, 128m, 1 Try Assist, 1 Line-Break Assist, 3 Tacklebreaks, 1 Offload, 17 Tackles, 2 Errors

I haven't watched any of the Magpies games, but you would have to think based on those numbers and the extended squads Bennett has named that Fai will come in ahead of Ofahengaue to see what he can bring to the table and to reward his growth as a player.

I've got to say, Fai's progression over the past 12 months has been really promising. In the Holden Cup it appeared he plateud and just seemed to be the guy with a couple of good carries off the bench, but nothing more. So basically just another version of Matagi or Masoe, except instead of size and acceleration it was more acceleration and agility.

It wasn't like he was terrible, but he was surrounded by guys like Collins who had a lot of Dylan Napa about him (and finds himself in Sydney, funny that), Elliott who was more of a defensive specialist who had a real strong technique or Hipgrave who just had absolutely no fear factor. I reckon if you asked Keegan to run through a brick wall, he'd do it, I'd hate to tackle him, absolutely hate it and would honestly prefer Kasiano over him. That is if Kasiano promises not to mule kick me in the face of course...

As for Joe, his numbers aren't terrible but he needs more performances like his Round 2 effort if he wants back in at first grade and I just don't see that happening. It's a real shame for the Broncos as well because he really was one of the best props of his year level. It was between him & Fonua-Blake who is starting to make a name for himself at the Sea Eagles after his run-in with the law. I think he'll get there someday, but I just don't know if it will be at the Broncos. I think he'll be one of those late bloomers people forget about, who gets better as he approaches his mid-20s and you get some people saying we could have had him.

Of course the caveat is that the Broncos forward stocks are really good at the moment. Jarrod Wallace has been one of the Titans best so far this season, but honestly I haven't lost any sleep about losing him and haven't heard anyone pipe up about him. If anything I've heard more about Copley which is incredible when you consider the reputation he made for himself in that 2011 Prelim against Manly.

What do think will happen with Keegan Hipgrave Pete?

 

[Big Pete]

What do think will happen with Keegan Hipgrave Pete?

Needs to stay fit, then we'll talk.

If he wants a permanent gig, he may have to return to the Gold Coast. And if I was the Titans, I'd be scouting a lot of these Broncos off-cuts and trying to beat them to the punch. For far too long, the Broncos, Tigers and Roosters have been having first say on the top talent on the Coast...it's been a colossal joke for the Titans.

 

[Organix]

I can see Fai giving away a fair few penalties in first grade. Hope he doesn't and runs with serious conviction if he gets a game. Feel sorry for Joe O too. Seems like a psychological issue rather than a physical one. Someone has to sit him down and get his head right for the job.

What is happening with Hipgrave? Is he injured? Not ready? I thought he was kind of the next big thing coming through.

As an aside: What is with Broncos having so many Thursday games this year?

 

[Stix]

Is this game on Free to air? Cyclone took out my Foxtel!!

 

[Danoz Direct]

Is this game on Free to air? Cyclone took out my Foxtel!!

Yep.

 

[pagey]

They're similar which is why I made the point on the extended squads. Fai has been preferred over Joe and I believe it's really down to his growth as a player and how despite not being afforded the same opportunities as Joe he's been able to match if not surpass what Joe has produced so far this season.

For a guy like Joe, he really needs to be making more of an impact and these numbers are more or less the same as last year where as George has really grown as a player.

I have to agree with porthoz . Joe is not a impact player , which shows in his bigger meters . Fai is impact with his tackle breaks , try assists , offloads and tries. Good numbers from both if they can keep gaining momentum.

 

[Stix]

Yep.

Thanks mate

 

[Big Pete]

I sort of feel sorry for Joe as well.

Obviously he was ahead of schedule in 2015 and he did a really good job, but there was going to come a dip at some point and when it came it was like he couldn't tackle. I just remember two games specifically, against the Tigers and the Warriors last year where he was just horrible and unfortunately for him he really hasn't had the opportunity to have a blow away performance.

Even against the Wolves, and granted he was a victim of circumstance, but when the Broncos were completely out-played in the opening 20, he copped the brunt for it and he just hasn't been able to shed that reputation yet.

I really hope he does though and I completely understand where Porthoz is coming from. I feel like we're in the minority where it comes to Joe and what he can offer any team in the NRL, but the situation is what it is and he's really got to make the most of whatever opportunity comes his way.

I just hope when Origin comes around, he uses it as an invite to rip into the opposition because if the Broncos are to stand any chance this year, they're going to have to perform over and beyond during that period.

 

[talanoa]

Needs to stay fit, then we'll talk.

If he wants a permanent gig, he may have to return to the Gold Coast. And if I was the Titans, I'd be scouting a lot of these Broncos off-cuts and trying to beat them to the punch. For far too long, the Broncos, Tigers and Roosters have been having first say on the top talent on the Coast...it's been a colossal joke for the Titans.

i could be wrong but i think the dogs now have a strategic alliance with keebra park.

 

[Big Pete]

i could be wrong but i think the dogs now have a strategic alliance with keebra park.

No you're right which is really just sad when you think about it.

With the NRL in charge of the Gold Coast, you would think they would spare no expense to ensure the grass roots were sorted for the club so they wouldn't find themselves in the same bind they have done.

Not only are they being beaten on the Coast, Melbourne have sown up all the juniors Brisbane have missed out on and that's not taking into account all the guys Mulholland and O'Sullivan (before he was finally deregistered by the NRL...gee all only took six years, two grand finals and three minor premierships for that to happen...) sign up.

I just don't know about the Gold Coast. So far, they've built themselves a decent team from other teams scraps but at 1-4...the results speak for themselves. Even if their side was fully fit, would the results be all that different? Especially with the attitude Hayne was displaying?

 

[talanoa]

No you're right which is really just sad when you think about it.

With the NRL in charge of the Gold Coast, you would think they would spare no expense to ensure the grass roots were sorted for the club so they wouldn't find themselves in the same bind they have done.

Not only are they being beaten on the Coast, Melbourne have sown up all the juniors Brisbane have missed out on and that's not taking into account all the guys Mulholland and O'Sullivan (before he was finally deregistered by the NRL...gee all only took six years, two grand finals and three minor premierships for that to happen...) sign up.

I just don't know about the Gold Coast. So far, they've built themselves a decent team from other teams scraps but at 1-4...the results speak for themselves. Even if their side was fully fit, would the results be all that different? Especially with the attitude Hayne was displaying?

pretty worrying stuff.
i was chatting to one of the titans back office the other day, they are screwed so tight to the wall with funds by the nrl they cant do anything to input a proper junior programme and every bit of cash they spend or wish to spend has to be signed off first by the nrl bean counters. any junior they identify is a waste of time as they cant compete with other clubs at a base level. its actually a really sad state of affairs and gives you an insight of how close to the wind a few clubs are sailing with insolvency.

 

[Porthoz]

Keebra used to be Wests hunting ground for many years. Titans and Broncos have a bit more foothold in there now, but this Bulldogs thing is news to me and is disgusting. Haven't been there for years admittedly...

 

[KnToad]

You know those times when they play some brilliant footy and score and you leap up out of your chair yelling "did you see that???" with a maniacal grin on your face and you are happy for a week and looking forward to next game.....?

I miss that....

 

[talanoa]

Keebra used to be Wests hunting ground for many years. Titans and Broncos have a bit more foothold in there now, but this Bulldogs thing is news to me and is disgusting. Haven't been there for years admittedly...

i believe warren mcdonnell left the tigers and ended up at the dogs as head of recruitment over there. no doubt the mercenaries at keebra would have followed him to strike a deal at the dogs.