A bit of a fun one for the next pod, we will be discussing the backs depth chart.
Rank the options in each position in the backs for the upcoming season. For example here is my depth chart for the Fullback position.
Fullback
Bula
Staines
Tupou
Toa
Players can be listed in multiple positions but can only fill the number one spot once.
The forwards depth chart will be done in the following episode.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
Good thread
Fullback
Bula
Staines
Toa
Naden
Winger
Tupou
Staines
Alaimalo
Lobb (Contract Status?)
Naden
Centres
Olam
Toa
Naden
Alaimalo
Feledy
Latu Fainu
Kepaoa
Halves
Sezer
Sullivan
Fainu
Galvin
Fullback
Bula
Staines
Toa
Alaimlo
Naden
Winger
Tupou
Staines
Alaimalo
Lobb
Naden
Centres
Olam
Toa
Naden
Tupou
Alaimalo
Faataape
Feledy
Kepaoa
Halves
Sezer
Sullivan
Fainu
Galvin
Fullback
Bula
Daylight.......
Galvin?? Very fit
Latu Fainu
Sullivan
Staines
Toa
Naden
Winger
Naden
Staines
Tupou
Lobb
Alaimalo
Centres
Olam
Toa
AD (replace Toa when fit)
Naden
Alaimalo
Feledy
Kepaoa
Halves
Sezer 7
Sullivan 6
Fainu
Galvin
Top 8 2023
Fullback - We are very skinny at fullback- with Bula as still a rookie, this is a concern as you'd think he'd need a break at some time during the year
Wing - Really interesting if Tupou starts given he's moving on next year. I'd prefer to keep him as depth and play Naden on wing.
Centres - Olam and Toa would start but want to see Olam and AD once AD is back. A little skinny but many who can do a role, in what now is the least important role in the 13
Halves - it'll be interesting who plays 6 and 7. I'd prefer Sezer plays whoever Laui will play next year. If that's 7 or 6, to give Sullivan or Latu chance to cement role.
Top 8 2023
@frullens I like your thinking. I too think a fit AD could be a key inclusion in the backline somewhere.
Yeah I'd be surprised if AD ever had a serious impact for us ever again.
AD’s future is in his own hands. Last time he was in the team he was part of the group of players who felt they could dictate to the club where and how they played (noffa and Hastings also). Now he comes back into a team where he basically has no role or pathway to a position he desires. He has some value as a centre but his well documented defensive deficiencies and his inability to create opportunities for his outside player mean he has a long way to go to secure a starting spot even in that role. No NRL team is going to sign him as a half after his third ACL and the fact that he was never that good in that position. I would love to see him find a role in the team but it just seems very unlikely at this point. More money in 2025 to upgrade and extend the young talent that shows itself in 2024.
as an aside I just check Jason tamololo’s contract status and he has 4 more years at 950k! What a terrible contract for the cowboys.
AD’s future is in his own hands. Last time he was in the team he was part of the group of players who felt they could dictate to the club where and how they played (noffa and Hastings also). Now he comes back into a team where he basically has no role or pathway to a position he desires. He has some value as a centre but his well documented defensive deficiencies and his inability to create opportunities for his outside player mean he has a long way to go to secure a starting spot even in that role. No NRL team is going to sign him as a half after his third ACL and the fact that he was never that good in that position. I would love to see him find a role in the team but it just seems very unlikely at this point. More money in 2025 to upgrade and extend the young talent that shows itself in 2024.
as an aside I just check Jason tamololo’s contract status and he has 4 more years at 950k! What a terrible contract for the cowboys.
AD really needs to get back on the field at some point this year or he is looking at a train and trial contract in 2025 in my opinion.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
On my "I really don't get the hype" list (i.e. those who have a profile and standing way above what they consistently offer and seem fundamentally flawed through a false sense of their importance) I would have Adam Doueihi, Ryan Matterson and Damien Cook at the top. And, in his playing days, I would have had Benji Marshall on that list as well. Just saying
