The Prop Dilemna and the Way Forward

[subsbligh]

You can belt a coach for failing to have a contingency plan, but the past two weeks are just unlucky.

McGuire and Gavet long term injured (props 1 and 3 at the start of the season) and Blair suspended (prop 2).

Back to a healthy roster, Ofehengaue and Wallace are the future - especially Offa. Passed a big test on Friday night - did not look out of place against a monster Bulldogs pack. Seriously, can you name a bigger forward pack ever - not even Broncos 1998 come close.

On point - that Dogs pack has to be the last of a dying breed - only Graham could go 80 minutes. McGuire, Parker, Offa, Blair - those fellas can each play 80 if requried.

 

[Cult]

Our problem is injuries. And Blair deciding to book flights to Samoa over the last two weeks.

 

[FaithinHook]

Another quality posting from Big Pete {thank goodness for subscribers such as Petey for injecting some much needed debate here!} Any ways ,back to the question at hand.

Look, my understanding is that the coaching an recruitment hierarchies have put some early feelers out to some potential new personnel in terms of possible big, experienced old head forwards to compliment the young an agile group we already have signed for 2016. A possible new addition could be hard running forward, Dan Hunt, from the Dragons i believe. Apparently he and Wayne have a fantastic working relationship back when WB was in charge of the Dragons an Dan would do any thing for the chance of another premiership ring in 2016 under his mentor Wayne's tutelage. I think we could do a lot worse frankly as he would bring that premiership winning experience.

Other possible options could include bringing former Bronco protege, David 'Hulk' Hala back from the titans, or, another of Bennett's former star pupils, Tommy Learoyd Lars home from the storm where he is currently plying his trade. So there are some options for us although not 100% ideal i admit.

 

[Super Freak]

Another quality posting from Big Pete {thank goodness for subscribers such as Petey for injecting some much needed debate here!} Any ways ,back to the question at hand.

Look, my understanding is that the coaching an recruitment hierarchies have put some early feelers out to some potential new personnel in terms of possible big, experienced old head forwards to compliment the young an agile group we already have signed for 2016. A possible new addition could be hard running forward, Dan Hunt, from the Dragons i believe. Apparently he and Wayne have a fantastic working relationship back when WB was in charge of the Dragons an Dan would do any thing for the chance of another premiership ring in 2016 under his mentor Wayne's tutelage. I think we could do a lot worse frankly as he would bring that premiership winning experience.

Other possible options could include bringing former Bronco protege, David 'Hulk' Hala back from the titans, or, another of Bennett's former star pupils, Tommy Learoyd Lars home from the storm where he is currently plying his trade. So there are some options for us although not 100% ideal i admit.

Where did you hear this?

Last I heard, Dan Hunt retired because he couldn't get over the knee injury he suffered in the Nines.

I doubt he will be playing next year.

 

[FaithinHook]

Super Freak, honestly, i don't think it will happen. But, there is some thought that with the best part of half a year to recover, as well as a full preseason under his belt, Dan may be able to get back to his hard running best form {i.e. the premiership winning season with the Drags}. If this is the case, that kinda experience could prove to be invaluable in terms of mentoring our forwards next season. A lot will depend on how his recovery goes over the next few months. Despite the doubters though, it could prove to be another WB signing masterstroke. Watch this space!

 

[Morkel]

Where did you hear this?

Last I heard, Dan Hunt retired because he couldn't get over the knee injury he suffered in the Nines.

I doubt he will be playing next year.

Shhh. Don't ask. Just nod and enjoy the show.

 

[Dexter]

A player like Scot Bolton could be a handy pickup at 28/29 he still has a few years left and is off contract this year ( according to zero tackle). He is the type of experienced prop who can add something off the bench and the right age to let our young guns come through.

Sam Tagatese ( also off contract ) could be a cheapish pick up, maybe WB could get the best out of him but certainly would provide some punch off the bench.

 

[I bleed Maroon]

We also should remember that we could go to the market, get a good prop on semi serious coin then Gavet comes back next year and has a blinder off the bench.

We're late enough in the season now where I'm happy just waiting to see how he goes.

 

[Kimlo]

I was wondering if there's any chance of an early comeback by Gavet in the following weeks? I haven't seen any reports on his progress, so I'm assuming it's still next year at this point. It's been almost 6 months already hasn't it?

 

[lynx000]

What Wayne would not give at the moment for a Harvey Howard type of prop on the roster, would be ideal.

 

[Unbreakable]

I was wondering if there's any chance of an early comeback by Gavet in the following weeks? I haven't seen any reports on his progress, so I'm assuming it's still next year at this point. It's been almost 6 months already hasn't it?

Yeah it's usually 9-12 months with an ACL being conservative, he won't be playing any time this season.

 

[Kimlo]

Yeah it's usually 9-12 months with an ACL being conservative, he won't be playing any time this season.

Damn, I was thinking 6-9 months.

 

[Socnorb]

The question is also do moose and teddy end up in the back row to eventually replace Parker, as many would prefer. That would put some pressure on JoeO and Molo.

 

[coreyh88]

I would like it recruit one old head for 1 year while the young guys come through. Eg mason.
If we lose another prop this year though I'd like stagg on the bench to cover parker's breaks.

 

[Socnorb]

I would like it recruit one old head for 1 year while the young guys come through. Eg mason.
If we lose another prop this year though I'd like stagg on the bench to cover parker's breaks.

I can definitely see the sense in that. Wouldn't mind having one this year.

 

[vertigo]

Before the season even started a few of us thought we were still a blue chip prop short of challenging.

I still believe it now, a look overseas might help - preferably someone who is ineligible for Origin.

 

[Socnorb]

Before the season even started a few of us thought we were still a blue chip prop short of challenging.

I still believe it now, a look overseas might help - preferably someone who is ineligible for Origin.

Yes. I totally agree. Especially with the flexibility of Blair , Thaiday and Moose.

 

[Porthoz]

Is Shillo still available? Certainly wouldn't be against getting him for a year or 2...