The Prop Dilemna and the Way Forward

[Rally Towel]

I wouldn't say no to a decent established impact prop, but I'm not aware of any available that are worth pursuing.

Losing McGuire was a big blow, further compounded in recent weeks by the loss of Blair. I do think Ofahengaue, Wallace and Dodds will be better next year for the extra game time, even if they've been a little undercooked this year.

Assuming they kick on next year, and Gavet heals up, we've got a good blend of experience and enthusiasm, endurance and impact. Especially under reduced interchange.

Aren't we tipped to be raiding the Tigers stocks too? Funaki or Seumanafagai (sp)?

 

[Super Freak]

If only we could convince JWH that he needs to break his contract. That his career depends upon it.

 

[tommy]

JWH gives away too many penalties . Plus he's a wanker . Would take Napa off their hands though .

 

[Art Vandelay]

JWH gives away too many penalties . Plus he's a wanker . Would take Napa off their hands though .

Because Napa isn't a penalty-prone wanker?

 

[Stix]

Getting Moose and Gavet back next year as well as a more experienced Dodds and Wallace.... Joe O and Molo coming up, we'll be ok. We definitely don't need that wanker JWH. My only concern is Gavet because I haven't seen too much of him

 

[Rally Towel]

My only concern is Gavet because I haven't seen too much of him

I hear you. I recall some good moments from him at the Tigers but we didn't get much chance to gauge his worth in limited time with us.

I believe he had a shoulder issue prior to blowing out his ACL, so hopefully the extended lay off gives him the opportunity to fix up any lingering issues he has. Come back 100% and prove he belongs.

 

[Morkel]

Isn't that his point of difference though, he is a bench player who can provide impact. I agree with @Huge , he has grown up a little and we are seeing the results or so it seems. When he comes on for the Sharks he bends or breaks the line, provides quick ruck speed and draws penalties.

He is certainly something we don't have on our bench ATM.

That's the thing. He doesn't "provide" impact. He just works off the good work done by the other players. It's no coincidence that he's looked better now that Gallen has been back in the side for a couple of weeks. I wouldn't be willing to give a top 25 spot to someone who's shown a couple of good glimpses in a winning side, amongst 9 years of mediocrity.

 

[subsbligh]

I hear you. I recall some good moments from him at the Tigers but we didn't get much chance to gauge his worth in limited time with us.

I believe he had a shoulder issue prior to blowing out his ACL, so hopefully the extended lay off gives him the opportunity to fix up any lingering issues he has. Come back 100% and prove he belongs.

I said this after the news about Gavet came out, but I don't see him having a future at the club. He was a round 1 roughie who Bennett obviously liked better than Garbutt, Dodds or Wallace at the time (and Bennett signalled early the Ofehengaue was a project player for 2015).

Let's not forget Gavet was lazy and did dumb, dumb things against Souths.

A bit like Whitchurch, he was a Round 1 "unknown" in Bennett's eyes. Trained well in the off season, has promise and physicality.

Blair, Wallace, Ofehengaue have jumped up the pecking order.

I think he will go the same way as Garbutt but we're still pretty sorted in the front row stocks, IMO.

 

[abashii]

Whitchurch and Garbage Butt were either at the club or signed before Bennett's return. Gavet was specifically recruited by Bennett though, so obviously Wayne sees something in Gavet which he thinks the team needs. I'm sure I read something in the preseason about how he wanted Gavet to play an enforcer type role, something we're missing at the moment, so I wouldn't be too sure he has no future here.

 

[big k]

This difference with Gavet for next year is he will have the be better than at least 3 of Wallace, Oates, Dodds, Ofahengaue, and Molo to get a bench spot. He won't be first choice you would think after the job they are doing this year.

 

[Morkel]

This difference with Gavet for next year is he will have the be better than at least 3 of Wallace, Oates, Dodds, Ofahengaue, and Molo to get a bench spot. He won't be first choice you would think after the job they are doing this year.

IMO Gavet was already above all of those props from his performances for the Tigers. He hits as hard as Dodds but also has a running game on the same level. Granted the younger ones will likely have significant improvements in them, but again Gavet is young himself. It'll be interesting to see how he comes back after a year off but my bet is he'll be hungry.

Wallace & Dodds have been serviceable, but rarely have they been impressive. And Molo & Offa, besides a few good signs, are effectively being blooded in limited minutes for future use.