Do you think he’ll start rd 1?He might need a bit longer than a week to adjust to the Australian heat after coming over . Professionally he’d be good to go and do his job but he may need a week just to make sure his body is up for it.
either way glad to see it’s sorted
I’d have him come on off the bench for round 1 looking at a start for round 2
I’d give him this week to acclimatise and to get to know his team mates, bench for rd 2 then start from Rd 3.
That seems like the way to go but I just think he's the kind of player who could jump straight in. Obviously he'd be better off in a few weeks but in the early rds only has to do a job for maybe 30 mins a half. Who out of the other back rowers can play long minutes? Papali'i will be able to you'd imagine, Pole can (if selected at lock) or Joffa, I doubt Shawn Blore can just yet, he's more likely to play a bench role until he can build up the minutes.I’d give him this week to acclimatise and to get to know his team mates, bench for rd 2 then start from Rd 3.
This situation has positives … there is going to be injuries though out the season and there does seems some depth in the forwards , actually this is the ideal time to blood someone at the start of the season and this should work out as the season progress no better experience than being on the field in the top grade,
@the-last-ronin we need to win these first 2 games against gold Coast and Newcastle. I woukd start him from the bench in both and against dogs Rd 3 maybe start him
@the-last-ronin we need to win these first 2 games against gold Coast and Newcastle. I woukd start him from the bench in both and against dogs Rd 3 maybe start him
I agree we need to win them. However we need John for the season and if he’s not ready and gets injured that hurts us.
Ahhh so that’s maybe why the Frizzel pursuit?
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The Frizell pursuit still makes no sense to me.
Because we are a development club
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In a heartbeat Gazza, he's a superstar that would show the likes of Stefano the way to get to the next level. Show how to chase a winger when everyone is gassed, how to support and fill the gap when the tank is empty. How to maintain an athletic build as the years go by and lead by example at training.The Frizell pursuit still makes no sense to me.
The problem with the WT development players over the years is that they haven't been raised in a winning team/club/culture.
I think traditionally, the reason why most Storm players excel at their club is it's all about "the winning culture"
They have winners that lead and maintain the competitive edge.
There is plenty of time for our forwards to keep developing as long as we have the coin to retain them and install a winning vision/belief into them...
England's John Bateman insists he is mystified by reports linking him with an early departure from Wests Tigers - but says he’s had minimal contact with the club since July and won’t be back to deal with the situation until after Christmas.
Bateman has not been interviewed since reports he was at loggerheads with the joint venture’s coach Benji Marshall - followed in recent days by transfer speculation involving Manly - emerged during his guest stint with Sam Burgess’ Warrington.
But the 31-year-old spoke to NRL.com after training with England at Wigan’s Robin Park on Thursday, ahead of the Test against Samoa next door at the Brick Community Stadium this Sunday.
"Honestly mate, it’s news to me when it comes out,” Bateman said after signing autographs and posing for photos with dozens of schoolchildren.
“I’ve not spoke to anyone over there regarding the team and stuff like that; I’ve got two years left at Wests Tigers and I’m going back there.
“I’ve not even spoken to Wests Tigers since I left, to be fair. They just sent me a message saying [when] I’m due in.
“From there, I’m literally unsure about that stuff.”
Bateman was also asked about Wests Tigers’ CEO Shane Richardson’s comments that he needed to “want to be at the club for the crocodile roll that lies ahead. If he’s not comfortable with the club and the direction Benji is taking us, that is a decision for him".
Bateman said: "I don't know where that came from. It is what it is. Like I said, I'm going back there.
Whatever gets said and whatever goes on, that's been said. I'm looking forward to being back there
"So yeah, I'll be spending my time with my family but after Christmas I'll be back there."
Asked about suggestions Manly would take over his contract, Bateman said: "News to me. I'm not usually on Twitter and stuff like that. I don't follow any rugby league columns on Instagram so... I've had a few texts.
"I don't where it came from, I don't know who said it."
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Bateman said: "I don't know where that came from. It is what it is. Like I said, I'm going back there.
The last player that said that didn't go too well.
Bateman said: "I don't know where that came from. It is what it is. Like I said, I'm going back there.
The last player that said that didn't go too well.
Yep, and despite his comments I’m pretty confident he’s played his last game for Wests Tigers.
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Honestly I don’t know what the big fuss is with Bateman. We’ve let go way too many forwards and got nothing in return for too long now. I for one hope he comes back and plays some good footy.Bateman said: "I don't know where that came from. It is what it is. Like I said, I'm going back there.
The last player that said that didn't go too well.
Our trouble and has been for like eternity our front row and bench props. Let’s get that sorted first and go from there. Heck with Luia at 6/7 now our back rowers might get a chance with the ball a shade more.
He’s a quality player John, but does have to show it more consistently. But moving forward I still wouldn’t mind him still being there. If not I’m hoping for a like for like replacement.
