OFFICIAL Walsh signs with the Broncos until 2025

[Loch Ness Monster]

The issue for Niu is that Walsh is just about better than him in every aspect. He can continue to improve though and he has the remainder of this season to really make a claim to be fullback next year. Let's say we make a deep run in the finals, with Niu as fullback, and the combination really gels, then I'm not sure what that does with Walsh coming.

I do like Tesi's willingness to get involved though. He likes to be around the ball, and against tired defenders he can cause them problems. But his defensive ability at this stage is a little bit suspect. If he could get more confident under the highball and learn to make better defensive decisions, he would be more than adequate as first choice fullback.

I feel like maybe he could be a good option off the bench next year though. He could cover fullback and centre if needed, but week-to-week, play him like a roving lock/hooker/fullback hybrid. It won't be conventional, but it could work. The question would be the defensive side of it, but perhaps defending in the middle next to guys like Carrigan, Flegler, Haas, Hetherington, Jensen etc. would compensate for his defensive capabilities. Perhaps by having him defend in the middle and away from fullback, it wouldn't be such a bad thing either. We would get to keep his attack and support play, without his defensive issues from fullback.

Having the following spine would be a nightmare to defend against, particularly late in each half:
1. Walsh
6. Mam
7. Reynolds
9. Walters/Paix
14. Niu

Super intriguing, I could definitely see a world with Tesi off the bench playing a Tyrone Peachy type of role. You’re counting on Billy or Paix to be an 80 minute player in that case tho.

 

[Midean]

Just out of curiosity.

What would happen if Walsh went to the Storm for the rest of the year and while playing for them over the next few weeks suffered a major injury, like a blown out ACL, or a torn hammy or something like that?

I would rather he sat on a bench somewhere before kicking off his three seasons with us than risking a long term injury playing for those Melbourne scum.

 

[Manofoneway]

Tesi does need some media training:

Niu: I'm Focused On Doing My Job

Tesi Niu speaks to media about how him and the team are travelling heading into the final six rounds of the regular season.

www.broncos.com.au

When you watch those things you remember that these guys are still young men. They have no real world experience and most of what they do on the field is instinct alone. The last three weeks I've become a fan of tesi, he may be a saving grace if Walsh turns out to be a self entitled little twerp. Time will tell. Hope they both relish in the competition and push each other.

 

[bazza]

Super intriguing, I could definitely see a world with Tesi off the bench playing a Tyrone Peachy type of role. You’re counting on Billy or Paix to be an 80 minute player in that case tho.

Yes, Peachey is a good example. So is Connor Watson. The idea probably isn't to use Niu as an extra forward, but more so as an extra fullback. So we get all of his attacking football, but none of his defensive issues at fullback. Plus bringing a fresh, explosive Niu off the bench up against fatiguing forwards would be a good way to put teams to the sword. I think with our forward rotation, we can cover and compensate for not having an extra big man off the bench.

I just like the idea of having Reynolds, Mam, Walsh, Niu, and Paix/Walters all interlinking with each other on all sides of the field. Or even having them stand either side of the ruck. Usually fullbacks defend by tracking their opposition fullbacks movements. Well who do you track if they are split either side of the ruck. It might be a clever way to catch opposition fullbacks out of position on kicks.

But yes, either Billy or Paix will have to be an 80 minute player. But they will be able to get breaks within the game itself with Niu jumping in at dummy half, particularly off a quick play the ball. I don't see why either of them couldn't handle 80 minutes.

 

[theshed]

Yes, Peachey is a good example. So is Connor Watson. The idea probably isn't to use Niu as an extra forward, but more so as an extra fullback. So we get all of his attacking football, but none of his defensive issues at fullback. Plus bringing a fresh, explosive Niu off the bench up against fatiguing forwards would be a good way to put teams to the sword. I think with our forward rotation, we can cover and compensate for not having an extra big man off the bench.

I just like the idea of having Reynolds, Mam, Walsh, Niu, and Paix/Walters all interlinking with each other on all sides of the field. Or even having them stand either side of the ruck. Usually fullbacks defend by tracking their opposition fullbacks movements. Well who do you track if they are split either side of the ruck. It might be a clever way to catch opposition fullbacks out of position on kicks.

But yes, either Billy or Paix will have to be an 80 minute player. But they will be able to get breaks within the game itself with Niu jumping in at dummy half, particularly off a quick play the ball. I don't see why either of them couldn't handle 80 minutes.

Peachy is a great example of why this is a bad idea.

 

[bazza]

Peachy is a great example of why this is a bad idea.

It may well be a terrible idea in practice. but Peachey doesn't play like a fullback the way Niu would. We've seen playmakers come off the bench previously and play the link man role throughout the centre of the field. We see other outside backs play a roving role throughout a match, almost like a second fullback. This would be no different. Not conventional, but if used correctly, could offer more than having an extra forward on the bench playing junk minutes.

 

[Sproj]

It may well be a terrible idea in practice. but Peachey doesn't play like a fullback the way Niu would. We've seen playmakers come off the bench previously and play the link man role throughout the centre of the field. We see other outside backs play a roving role throughout a match, almost like a second fullback. This would be no different. Not conventional, but if used correctly, could offer more than having an extra forward on the bench playing junk minutes.

This is where I think we should be using Gamble.

 

[bazza]

This is where I think we should be using Gamble.

I do like Gamble a lot. The energy he brings is infectious. I would be happy for him to be in the team over Niu. I guess it's the style we want to play. Two different styles of players, but both could be beneficial to the team in their own way.

 

[BooKhaki]

Some of this talk is insane. Tesi on the bench is stupid, what value would he bring?

He has strung together 2 games without a rage inducing brain snap, let's calm it down a little. Tesi will be fine cover next year, but shouldn't be in the side without a few injuries.

 

[BroncosFever]

Some of this talk is insane. Tesi on the bench is stupid, what value would he bring?

He has strung together 2 games without a rage inducing brain snap, let's calm it down a little. Tesi will be fine cover next year, but shouldn't be in the side without a few injuries.

What rage inducing brain snaps has he been responsible for in the past? I'd like some examples.

Keeping in mind that dropping the ball or something like that is just a basic error, that 99% of players will make at some stage in their career, more so when they're developing.

 

[Foordy]

Tesi could definitely play the super sub role we had Kodi playing in 2015.

although it would mean either Billy or Paix misses out, while the other would need to play 60 mins

 

[Big Del]

Some of this talk is insane. Tesi on the bench is stupid, what value would he bring?

He has strung together 2 games without a rage inducing brain snap, let's calm it down a little. Tesi will be fine cover next year, but shouldn't be in the side without a few injuries.

Time will tell ...

 

[Big Del]

These brain snaps ?
Like what ? Allowing the opposition to score while escorting the ball over the dead ball line ? Nah .
Throws intercept passes ? Nah . Doesn`t tackle the man running at him ? Nah . Drops the ball with the line open ? Nah . Passes forward a lot ? Nah . Gets pushed over the side lines ? Nah . Drops the ball under no pressure ? Nah . Kicking the ball dead for 7 tackle sets ? Nah . Kicks the ball out on the full ? Nah . Fails to find touch from a penalty ? Nah . Kicks the kick off dead ? Nah .

I think he has been solid for a kid his age and experience .

 

[Johnny92]

Yes, Peachey is a good example. So is Connor Watson. The idea probably isn't to use Niu as an extra forward, but more so as an extra fullback. So we get all of his attacking football, but none of his defensive issues at fullback. Plus bringing a fresh, explosive Niu off the bench up against fatiguing forwards would be a good way to put teams to the sword. I think with our forward rotation, we can cover and compensate for not having an extra big man off the bench.

I just like the idea of having Reynolds, Mam, Walsh, Niu, and Paix/Walters all interlinking with each other on all sides of the field. Or even having them stand either side of the ruck. Usually fullbacks defend by tracking their opposition fullbacks movements. Well who do you track if they are split either side of the ruck. It might be a clever way to catch opposition fullbacks out of position on kicks.

But yes, either Billy or Paix will have to be an 80 minute player. But they will be able to get breaks within the game itself with Niu jumping in at dummy half, particularly off a quick play the ball. I don't see why either of them couldn't handle 80 minutes.

Both Watson and Peachey make over 20 tackles a game most weeks in the middle and they don't have a target on them like Nui would. I'm not sure Nui would up to that.
Also have to take in Mozer will take that bench spot whenever he's ready which could be late next season or 24.

Walsh is going to be the fullback most likely, if Tesi wants some NRL game time here he's gotta settle for depth and look to work on his game to cover centre and wing aswell as fullback with no issues so he can become the first man up in 3 positions but he'd have to overtake Hoeter, Pereira and Mariner.

 

[BooKhaki]

What rage inducing brain snaps has he been responsible for in the past? I'd like some examples.

Keeping in mind that dropping the ball or something like that is just a basic error, that 99% of players will make at some stage in their career, more so when they're developing.

Time will tell ...

These brain snaps ?
Like what ? Allowing the opposition to score while escorting the ball over the dead ball line ? Nah .
Throws intercept passes ? Nah . Doesn`t tackle the man running at him ? Nah . Drops the ball with the line open ? Nah . Passes forward a lot ? Nah . Gets pushed over the side lines ? Nah . Drops the ball under no pressure ? Nah . Kicking the ball dead for 7 tackle sets ? Nah . Kicks the ball out on the full ? Nah . Fails to find touch from a penalty ? Nah . Kicks the kick off dead ? Nah .

I think he has been solid for a kid his age and experience .

 

[HarryAllan7]

It's a bit like being a running back in the NFL... you could have incredible attacking potential, but no team will let you on the field to play until you've proven that you're at least serviceable at handling the un-flashy, team-first fundamentals like pass blocking. If you can't do that, then the team suffers even if you manage a few big plays - fullback is exactly the same.

It's why we've looked so much better with TMM out the back despite him lacking the attacking flair and playmaking ability of Niu - and it will be the same when Walsh comes... I don't want him in that 1 jersey until he's shown that he is capable at being in position, organising the defensive line, getting involved in holding up players over the line etc etc. At number 1, you're a spine player, not just an attacking weapon. How many gun attacking players have we seen that aren't able to develop into good fullbacks - Dufty, Savage, Sloane...

Niu has a ton of attacking flair and potential - and that's why some posters here are so high on him, but has shown very little in the more selfless, team-centric roles of being a fullback - which is why others don't see him as a viable option. He'd probably be better off in a position like centre where he could attack without the burden of being a spine player, but the consensus seems to be his defence isn't of the standard to make that viable.

Are those team-based, spine player responsibilities / skills something that can be taught? Yeah I think so - certainly more teachable than natural attacking flair and ability... but they've got to be dedicated to improving and learning. They're all young kids, they'll have ups and downs, but you want their focus to be on steering the ship and defence first, and then attacking can come later when they're comfortable with the fundamental responsibilities.

The fullback battle next year might not come down to talent or attacking / playmaking ability, but just whoever has worked harder to become a more complete spine player and do the behind-the-scenes, fundamental things that drive the team - even if that brings the absence of huge flashy attacking highlights.

 

[007]

Tesi is not our solution to fullback, plain and simple.

Football IQ: Tesi < Walsh < TMM.
Defence: Tesi < Walsh < TMM.
Attack: TMM < Walsh < Tesi.
Positioning: Tesi < Walsh < TMM.
Awareness D: Tesi < Walsh < TMM.
Awareness A: All equal currently IMO (various different strengths here)
Physical Strength: TMM < Walsh < Tesi.

IQ and D wins football matches. Spin it any way you want, but the winners in League are the ones that have solid D. Its far easier to win football matches with your opponent at 0 than it is to chase points.

IQ and D are instinctive. That's not something that is taught. The reason is that you can't predict with certainty how an opposition is thinking. Decisions are made on the run how to negate them. The consequences of not succeeding in this are far more crucial than adapting in attack. I was always taught you have 6x decisions to defend each set, and only bank on 1x successful attacking choice each set. Get these wrong and you lose the arm wrestle.

 

[Manofoneway]

Tesi could definitely play the super sub role we had Kodi playing in 2015.

although it would mean either Billy or Paix misses out, while the other would need to play 60 mins

Paix is awesome but can barely play 30 minutes. I think he did a half once and let a fair few tries in, the Roosters game from memory. Would be sad to leave him out of the squad but what a headache!