The only player i'd be looking to retain is AD because I think he's our best player, but if we can find someone better to replace him then by all means let him go too.
I agree with this regarding AD
If the club signed someone else from outside the club who they thought was better and wanted to move AD to the centres then fair enough but as it stands, he is the best attacking player we have and it's not even close between him and Brooks at 6.
I also think the club should be trying to re-sign Hastings unless Moses is a genuine chance of coming which seems unlikely.
@avocadoontoast in your opinion AD is a better 6 than brooks
AD is a centre and runs good lines but is a not a good defender or passer of the ball .
Brooks and Moses woukd work well
All I know is that we only look dangerous when AD has the ball. He's literally our only attacking threat.
Literally........other than the try that the Hastings and Doueihi were involved in on the left edge, Or Kens try set up by Hastings kick or the disallowed try after Brooks toe through, regather and miracle pass inside.......literally, if you disregard Brooks 8 TA's or Hastings 7 TA's (for theseason) .....literally, if we look past Brooks 9 line break assists or Daine Lauries 8 (for the season, the only two in top 50)......Literally, if we consider that AD scored a good individual try last week. Is that what you literally mean?
@avocadoontoast Douhie was playing so wide and running the ball he was practically playing at centre
He created more in attack than anyone else, by far.
I'm really confused why you're so all in on Brooks.
I posted this in the signing thread but really should have posted in response to this thread
This is the game I want AD to build on if he is going to be a 6, in this game he straightens the attack and makes room for the players on his outside. He doesn't do this enough.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
@avocadoontoast Douhie was playing so wide and running the ball he was practically playing at centre
He created more in attack than anyone else, by far.
I'm really confused why you're so all in on Brooks.
AD was dangerous....in isolated patches, basically playing as a running centre. There is nothing wrong with that in fact its to be encouraged however he did not play as a six and IMO the team would be better suited having a 6 play 6.
Adam Doueihi 38 receipts for 15 passes
Luke Brooks 47 Receipts for 33 passes
LITERALLY every try scored last week that wasnt an individual run was set up by JH & LB playing as traditional 7 & 6 and IMO that is currently our best halves combination.
@avocadoontoast in your opinion AD is a better 6 than brooks
AD is a centre and runs good lines but is a not a good defender or passer of the ball .
Brooks and Moses woukd work well
All I know is that we only look dangerous when AD has the ball. He's literally our only attacking threat.
Literally........other than the try that the Hastings and Doueihi were involved in on the left edge, Or Kens try set up by Hastings kick or the disallowed try after Brooks toe through, regather and miracle pass inside.......literally, if you disregard Brooks 8 TA's or Hastings 7 TA's (for theseason) .....literally, if we look past Brooks 9 line break assists or Daine Lauries 8 (for the season, the only two in top 50)......Literally, if we consider that AD scored a good individual try last week. Is that what you literally mean?
Do you think that’s a bit of an overreaction to one word?
@avocadoontoast in your opinion AD is a better 6 than brooks
AD is a centre and runs good lines but is a not a good defender or passer of the ball .
Brooks and Moses woukd work well
All I know is that we only look dangerous when AD has the ball. He's literally our only attacking threat.
Literally........other than the try that the Hastings and Doueihi were involved in on the left edge, Or Kens try set up by Hastings kick or the disallowed try after Brooks toe through, regather and miracle pass inside.......literally, if you disregard Brooks 8 TA's or Hastings 7 TA's (for theseason) .....literally, if we look past Brooks 9 line break assists or Daine Lauries 8 (for the season, the only two in top 50)......Literally, if we consider that AD scored a good individual try last week. Is that what you literally mean?
Do you think that’s a bit of an overreaction to one word?
Its literally an overreaction.
Made the point though. Running with ball in hand, AD is probably our most dangerous, but most of our actual try scoring play doesnt come from him. Its very relevant to the point. Im not and I dont think anyone is making the point that AD is not a good player, its just that he isnt showing the skills necessary for a good 6 yet (after 15 games).
AD keeps getting thrown up in the discussion against Brooks which IMO is incorrect. Imo the decision is not who plays out of AD & Brooks but AD & To'a, Kepaoa, Tupou.
IMO our best is
1. Laurie
3. Naden
4. Duoeihi
6. Brooks
7. Hastings
13. Joffa
IMO much better in attack than the alternatives which are
1. Laurie
3. Naden
4. Kepaoa
6. Doueihi
7. Hastings
13. Joffa
1. Laurie
3. Naden
4. Kepaoa
6. Doueihi
7. Brooks
13. Hastings
I think we are all providing opinions about the spine based on a style of play we adopted under Maguire.
If SMF (Sheens, Marshall, Farah) want to take the playing style in attack in a different direction, then maybe they see the current players in a different way. I.e one attribute is seen as more essential to others.
also it comes down to what is on the open market and the much publicised juniors.
for instance - Dave Riccio (generally has good mail) believes Benji is keen on Charlie Staines. Introducing his speed to the spine might change your calculations on the halves combination.
None of these players are untouchable. Have they delivered a premiership? Have they delivered us spot in the finals?
@avocadoontoast in your opinion AD is a better 6 than brooks
AD is a centre and runs good lines but is a not a good defender or passer of the ball .
Brooks and Moses woukd work well
All I know is that we only look dangerous when AD has the ball. He's literally our only attacking threat.
Literally........other than the try that the Hastings and Doueihi were involved in on the left edge, Or Kens try set up by Hastings kick or the disallowed try after Brooks toe through, regather and miracle pass inside.......literally, if you disregard Brooks 8 TA's or Hastings 7 TA's (for theseason) .....literally, if we look past Brooks 9 line break assists or Daine Lauries 8 (for the season, the only two in top 50)......Literally, if we consider that AD scored a good individual try last week. Is that what you literally mean?
Do you think that’s a bit of an overreaction to one word?
Its literally an overreaction.
Made the point though. Running with ball in hand, AD is probably our most dangerous, but most of our actual try scoring play doesnt come from him. Its very relevant to the point. Im not and I dont think anyone is making the point that AD is not a good player, its just that he isnt showing the skills necessary for a good 6 yet (after 15 games).
AD keeps getting thrown up in the discussion against Brooks which IMO is incorrect. Imo the decision is not who plays out of AD & Brooks but AD & To'a, Kepaoa, Tupou.
IMO our best is
1. Laurie
3. Naden
4. Duoeihi
6. Brooks
7. Hastings
13. Joffa
IMO much better in attack than the alternatives which are
1. Laurie
3. Naden
4. Kepaoa
6. Doueihi
7. Hastings
13. Joffa
1. Laurie
3. Naden
4. Kepaoa
6. Doueihi
7. Brooks
13. Hastings
I understand your concern around AD at 6 and agree he's a work in progress. I think he will become an excellent 6. I disagree with you about our best spine however - I used to be a fan of Brooks, thought he was very good prior to Madge coming. But he's completely cooked now, maybe not physically, but certainly mentally. I don't know if it's because of overcoaching or football intelligence, but he doesn't seem to have any idea what to do or when to do it. I think playing in the halves is too mentally demanding for him and he'd be much better suited to playing in the centres.
@avocadoontoast I think it’s a lot to do with pressure. If you are constantly under pressure from fans, media etc, to the point your own fans (some, not all) abuse you at games and/or on the socials it must eventually have some effect upon your approach to the game. It becomes a constant in your life & an up hill battle especially when you are not getting results. It must take its toll at some point.
I voted Hastings.
Behind a strong forward pack he could win the Dally M.
The guy is a smart footballer in an era when football smarts are in short supply.
