I know we haven't won a game yet, but there has been a number of players who look like they have really stepped up this year, that I wanted to give a shout out:
Luciano Leilua
Had a patchy year last year, seemed unfit and struggled in defence. Many questioned whether his attitude would be right after signing with the cowboys. But Luc has made it clear he wants to go out that year on a high and is committed to the team and madge. Has been very good defensively, making third highest tackles in the team - and is showing he's still a weapon in attack. In the top 3 best players in the team every week.
James Roberts
Dropped to a train and trail contract qt the end of last year- the Jet proved himself during preseason to earn a fulltime contract and starting centre position. Jimmy has been playing out of his skin. Last week he defended very well against Fifita, and broke a couple of tackles. Against Newcastle he pushed through all game with a bad cork and even made a clear break and showed some speed.
James Tamou
Hardly played any minute last year and was very quiet as captain. Many were calling for Jimmy to be dropped this year. But he showed his intent in the trial going hard on Sam Walker, coming back from suspension he has been very strong and very vocal, playing bigger minutes and leading the team.
Joe Ofahengaue
I was really disappointed with Joffa last year, it looked as though he was not strong enough to mix it in the middle. But I've been really impressed with him this year, seems really committed to the team. He's made the most tackles in the team and is making great metres. But most of all I've been very impressed in his attitude and how he is being vocal leader in the team.
Kelma Tuilagi
Up until Rd 1 when Blore got injured wasn't even a walk up start as starting 2nd row. But since coming in has shown he is a first grade player and immediately made us regret that he is leaving at end of the year. Has been very strong in attack and pretty good in defence. Big step up from playing mostly in reserves the last few years.
Jock Madden
Was a stand out last year in reserves, but many questioned if Jock was up to first grade standard. Got his break when Hastings being suspended, these last 2 games has been the dominate half and looked in control - all be it playing the last 3 halves with no tries. Particularly good kicking game in the attacking 40m zone. I liked his interview though week where he says that first grade is his grade and he is a number 7 - great to see his confidence.
Luke Garner
Was a starting 2nd rower most of last year, while running a good line every few games, really struggled in defence and was describe as a player who couldn't get gritty when we are behind. Has been dropped this year, but hasn't put his head down. When he's got his opportunity either at 2nd row or centre, he's been solid and his defence seems to have improved. Very impressive with his attitude.
What does everyone think?
Anyone else look as though theyve improved over the off-season?
Top 8 2023
Players who have improved this season
Garner .....Madden ......Kelma ...Roberts despite being on one leg most games after 20 minutes
Podcast Members who have stepped up : Frullens Garry Helmesy TigerSteve Declan McCutcheon Mike Eastie Avo Voice of Reason Jedi LoganR21 5150 TigerLily Mickey B Kiwitiger Kenny4517 Barra Hodgo CQ Tiger Celtic Tiger Davey Farrell Tiger Symmetry Harvey and Earl
Podcast letdowns : yeah you guessed right ....don't need to even mention him ...do I Geo ??
I think both our secondrowers have been our standouts. Seems like something could happen when the ball comes their way. But I do think they should swap sides. Our backs have looked ok but just clunky at times. Half breaks should turn more into tries.
But fairly on the mark @ Frullens
Good summary IMO
I think both our secondrowers have been our standouts. Seems like something could happen when the ball comes their way. But I do think they should swap sides. Our backs have looked ok but just clunky at times. Half breaks should turn more into tries.
But fairly on the mark @ Frullens
Agree,second rowers have been great but I believe that Luciano could mix it up a little.He tends to go to the defence every play.Pass it and keep em guessing rather than continually taking em on.
I know we haven't won a game yet, but there has been a number of players who look like they have really stepped up this year, that I wanted to give a shout out:
Luciano Leilua
Had a patchy year last year, seemed unfit and struggled in defence. Many questioned whether his attitude would be right after signing with the cowboys. But Luc has made it clear he wants to go out that year on a high and is committed to the team and madge. Has been very good defensively, making third highest tackles in the team - and is showing he's still a weapon in attack. In the top 3 best players in the team every week.
James Roberts
Dropped to a train and trail contract qt the end of last year- the Jet proved himself during preseason to earn a fulltime contract and starting centre position. Jimmy has been playing out of his skin. Last week he defended very well against Fifita, and broke a couple of tackles. Against Newcastle he pushed through all game with a bad cork and even made a clear break and showed some speed.
James Tamou
Hardly played any minute last year and was very quiet as captain. Many were calling for Jimmy to be dropped this year. But he showed his intent in the trial going hard on Sam Walker, coming back from suspension he has been very strong and very vocal, playing bigger minutes and leading the team.
Joe Ofahengaue
I was really disappointed with Joffa last year, it looked as though he was not strong enough to mix it in the middle. But I've been really impressed with him this year, seems really committed to the team. He's made the most tackles in the team and is making great metres. But most of all I've been very impressed in his attitude and how he is being vocal leader in the team.
Kelma Tuilagi
Up until Rd 1 when Blore got injured wasn't even a walk up start as starting 2nd row. But since coming in has shown he is a first grade player and immediately made us regret that he is leaving at end of the year. Has been very strong in attack and pretty good in defence. Big step up from playing mostly in reserves the last few years.
Jock Madden
Was a stand out last year in reserves, but many questioned if Jock was up to first grade standard. Got his break when Hastings being suspended, these last 2 games has been the dominate half and looked in control - all be it playing the last 3 halves with no tries. Particularly good kicking game in the attacking 40m zone. I liked his interview though week where he says that first grade is his grade and he is a number 7 - great to see his confidence.
Luke Garner
Was a starting 2nd rower most of last year, while running a good line every few games, really struggled in defence and was describe as a player who couldn't get gritty when we are behind. Has been dropped this year, but hasn't put his head down. When he's got his opportunity either at 2nd row or centre, he's been solid and his defence seems to have improved. Very impressive with his attitude.
What does everyone think?
Anyone else look as though theyve improved over the off-season?
The scary thing about that list is we know 3 of them won’t be at the club next season with the possibility of Roberts, Garner, and Madden gone as well. 6 out of 7 yep scary
