Round 9 - Penrith Panthers - Pre Game discussion

[Morkel]

Well said Harry.

1. I think Copley is going OK and if anything his defence has impressed me the most. He's hitting hard and driving out there.

2. It seems very much like WB has issued him a challenge / said "go and work on your game", you're not there yet.

3. I think Copley is in Bennett's long term plans for the season.

4. Copley > Reed

The bolded part is definitely a good part of his defence. The bad part is his positioning.

 

[Sproj]

Bennett could also have dropped Copley with the intention to bring Kahu into Reed's spot. I think both Hodges and Bennet have said Kahu should be Hodges eventual replacement. Therefore if Boyd comes in, maybe Reed is gone anyway.

 

[Splinter]

We are short on the bench I would expect to see Kahu replace Oates and he go to the bench in place of Molo if Boyd comes back

 

[rnabokov]

Copley just needs stability that's all. Playing centre is one of the hardest, if not the hardest position defensively, and it definitely doesn't help his timing, anticipation and read's in defence when he's constantly shifted from right wing to right centre, then all the way to the other side of the field to left wing, and then left centre.

Although Copley's preferred position is left centre, I feel since he's played more at right centre in Hodges' absence, that he finds it easier to adapt defensively as opposed to the left. Copley is definitely our future long term centre, but he has to stop being moved around.

Its easier to move from centre to the wing, than to move from wing to centre. It takes time to adjust defensively, and perhaps QLD Cup can provide that time to regain some confidence, form and timing.

Well said. However playing against much lesser opposition can be a 2 edged sword which can cut off your nose to spite your face if one is not careful. Sometimes playing too safe can backfire

 

[QUEENSLANDER]

I called it as soon as Bennett signed... Reed is a bennett type player and as such it will take a miracle for him to be dropped

 

[broncos4life]

I called it as soon as Bennett signed... Reed is a bennett type player and as such it will take a miracle for him to be dropped

Three cheers for [MENTION=1771]QUEENSLANDER[/MENTION]! Hip Hip!

 

[rnabokov]

I called it as soon as Bennett signed... Reed is a bennett type player and as such it will take a miracle for him to be dropped

Better to jump off the cliff and grow wings as you fall. Taking risks is often the best option

 

[Ari Gold]

Or just have a can of red bull when you jump.

 

[ivanhungryjak]

@TonyWebeck: Darius Boyd IS playing.

 

[Unbreakable]

Sweet

 

[Unbreakable]

Final Call On Darius Made - Broncos

Confirmed on Broncos website.

Let's hope it's Darius to fullback, Kahu to the wing, Oates to the bench for 7minuteMolo

 

[morganmorgan]

Final Call On Darius Made - Broncos

 

[austin71]

Final Call On Darius Made - Broncos

Confirmed on Broncos website.

Let's hope it's Darius to fullback, Kahu to the wing, Oates to the bench for 7minuteMolo

Makes sense

 

[noisetheory]

i would like to see kahu centres reed wing, from the team named. i think of those three flick passes to his outside man when he was playing fb and dont want to miss out on that, if the opportunity is there.

 

[Big Pete]

Great news.

Boyd's commitment to return to the field has been very reassuring. However, my expectations aren't too high that he'll make an instant change to the side, I believe it will be a matter of just getting through and not looking out of place.

In a sense, it may even be a step backwards for an eventual long term gain.

I agree with Unbreakable's changes and wouldn't be surprised to see Kahu and Reed rotate. If they don't, I'd rather stick with Reed in the centres since I'm more confident with his defence than I am of JK's. Plus, in a full strength team, Kahu would be on my wing, so I'd prefer to keep him there regardless.

 

[noisetheory]

either way i am genuinely excited to see boyd play for us. never thought i'd say that back when it was the talk we would sign him.

and no, i'm not expecting miracles in his first game. hopefully he has a solid run and no injury concerns. get that confidence up

 

[Hug-Pug]

Wouldn't be surprised to see Boyd come off the bench tbh. Bennett did it with Lockyer when he made his multiple comebacks from his knee injury, so I can see him doing the same - especially with a utility in Oates.

 

[mitch222]

boo yah!
cant wait to see our fullback sweep play in full motion now with hodges at centre to provide the straight runner
get on whoever is outside Hodges as first try scorer tomorrow night