The Wayne Bennett Super thread!

[Big Pete]

I don't think they lose all that much to be honest. Bedsy is something of a loss and they're senior players will be another year older but by the same token they have a good collection of players who have improvement left in them.

Challenge will be getting Boyd to perform. He's been a colossal disappointment so far but when he's on his game, he's a world class player with plenty to offer.

I suspect they'll look like...

1. Darius Boyd
2. James McManus
3. Joseph Leilua
4. Dane Gagai
5. Akuila Uate
6. Jarrod Mullen
7. Tyrone Roberts
8. Kade Snowden
9. Kurt Gidley (c)
10. Willie Mason
11. Robbie Rochow
12. Beau Scott
13. Jeremy Smith

14. Adam Clydesdale
15. Chris Houston
16. Korbin Sims
17. Alex McKinnon

It has potential

 

[Charmamba]

If WB leaves for the Cowboys the knights will likely end up gutted as well, Boyd won't stay and you'd have to wonder about the other guys WB signed.

 

[Dexter]

It will probably come down to Newcastle matching his contract with Tinkler which determines if he stays. I'm not sure if the players have get out clauses depending on WB but Rick Stone has already proven to be a good coach and the players love him as well so they won't be left without a decent coach.

 

[KingWebcke]

1. Darius Boyd
2. James McManus
3. Joseph Leilua
4. Dane Gagai
5. Akuila Uate
6. Jarrod Mullen
7. Tyrone Roberts
8. Kade Snowden
9. Kurt Gidley (c)
10. Willie Mason
11. Robbie Rochow
12. Beau Scott
13. Jeremy Smith

14. Adam Clydesdale
15. Chris Houston
16. Korbin Sims
17. Alex McKinnon

It has potential

I think the only area that is a bit weak is the backrow and I don't mean that Rochow, Scott or Houston are bad players. just that they are all really similar players who run the ball hard at the defensive line but don't offer much ball playing/offloading or skill out wide.

it probably puts a lot more pressure on Roberts and Mullen to come up with really good plays in attack

 

[Nashy]

Cya next year AP.

 

[Alec]

I'd be considering switching Gagai and Boyd next year. While Boyd is a great winger, he's overrated as a fullback, and I think Gagai could offer more with some time there.

 

[Bucking Beads]

I'd be considering switching Gagai and Boyd next year. While Boyd is a great winger, he's overrated as a fullback, and I think Gagai could offer more with some time there.

Where do I start??

 

[Alec]

At the beginning.

 

[Mr Fourex]

With Gagai being nervous and crappy under the high ball....?

 

[Alec]

He's been playing mostly in the centres in FG, but his preferred position is fullback. I've seen him dominate games in QLD Cup there.

 

[Bucking Beads]

While Boyd has dominated games from Fullback at NRL level. Not the thread for this anyway.

 

[Mr Fourex]

He's been playing mostly in the centres in FG, but his preferred position is fullback. I've seen him dominate games in QLD Cup there.

I've seen Luke Capwell dominate games in the QCup ..........and?

 

[Alec]

Well, he's clearly an excellent attacking player, even in the NRL. He struggles with defence there, and isn't that the reason why you guys don't want Barba in the centres? He possesses actual ball playing ability, while Boyd is more of a finisher/link man.

 

[Big Pete]

I don't think it's the worst idea honestly - Gagai always looked more capable at fullback and with more room and opportunities could pose a bigger threat than Boyd who hasn't been on his game for two seasons.

It isn't the ideal choice, the current formation on paper is better but it's an option.

With that said, the comparison between Barba & Gagai is lolzy.

 

[Alec]

I don't think it's the worst idea honestly - Gagai always looked more capable at fullback and with more room and opportunities could pose a bigger threat than Boyd who hasn't been on his game for two seasons.

It isn't the ideal choice, the current formation on paper is better but it's an option.

With that said, the comparison between Barba & Gagai is lolzy.

I wasn't comparing Barba and Gagai as such. People were saying Barba wouldn't work in the centres because of his defence. Gagai has been horrible in that department lately too.

 

[KingWebcke]

Newcastle have three players who would play their best at fullback: Gagai, Boyd and Gidley. i think Gagai at fullback would be pretty cool but he is more useful to them at centre right now

 

[Mr Fourex]

Well, he's clearly an excellent attacking player, even in the NRL. He struggles with defence there, and isn't that the reason why you guys don't want Barba in the centres? He possesses actual ball playing ability, while Boyd is more of a finisher/link man.

Who does...Gagai?

when.....?

Boyd has more moves than Gagai as a ball player.

Someone will probably mention Gidley next and while I think it's a better option than Gagai, it's still a lesser option to having Boyd there.

Boyd has to get himself more involved......fullstop. When he does, the Knights look so much the better for it.

Gidley isn't an NRL player anymore. He's a spectator and really should be hanging up his boots.

 

[Big Pete]

I wasn't comparing Barba and Gagai as such. People were saying Barba wouldn't work in the centres because of his defence. Gagai has been horrible in that department lately too.

You could have made a point about Gagai's defence without bringing up Barba. That's a long bow comparison and really just comes off as a petty attempt to label members as hypocrites. At least that's why I found it silly.

I don't think his defence is beyond repair. He could get better with age.