Bulldogs Debate Page

[Hounddog]

I agree with suggestions that Woods might spend some time playing hooker off the bench or even lock.

Unless there is an injury i doubt that we will mess with our edge combinations early in the season while the result of a game is in doubt.

6 man bench favours us, becuase if there is an injury / HIA to Haywood early in the game, we use Turpin instead of Woods.

And sometimes we use Tuala instead of Woods.

Occasionally we might keep Mann on the bench and keep our options open, but Woods might not get a run every game.

4 man bench we need to choose between Woods and a specalist hooker. That probably results in Woods playing fewer games.

 

[Hounddog]

We looked good at times with Hayward playing lock, becuase he moves the ball fast and throws a good pass.

6,7 & 1 are the edge playmakers, the roll of 9 and 13 is mostly to move the ball.

The additional role of 9 and 13 is occasional runs, ball playing and backing up offloads.

IMO Burton, Galvin and Woods can all play this kind of role at lock. I.e similar to Hayward last season at 13.

I have someone like Curran to stiffen up the defence and provide a bit more go forward early in thr match.

Someone like Latu would also provide more off loads.

Mann comes on to replace Curran and Woods comes on later in the match. With his speed and footwork a fresh Woods is very dangerous late in the match.

I am hoping to achieve a bit more "presence" in the forwards at the start of the match and a bit more speed, skill and ball movement in the last 20-30, plus cover all injury HIA possabilities.

I can see Woods playing NRL more or less from round 1 or 2, but not necessarily being a starting half.

Woods could become a starting half later on, and if that happens, athe Galvin or Burton might become the starting lock.

No idea if Cirro has the same plan.

 

[Micko]

We looked good at times with Hayward playing lock, becuase he moves the ball fast and throws a good pass.

6,7 & 1 are the edge playmakers, the roll of 9 and 13 is mostly to move the ball.

The additional role of 9 and 13 is occasional runs, ball playing and backing up offloads.

IMO Burton, Galvin and Woods can all play this kind of role at lock. I.e similar to Hayward last season at 13.

I have someone like Curran to stiffen up the defence and provide a bit more go forward early in thr match.

Someone like Latu would also provide more off loads.

Mann comes on to replace Curran and Woods comes on later in the match. With his speed and footwork a fresh Woods is very dangerous late in the match.

I am hoping to achieve a bit more "presence" in the forwards at the start of the match and a bit more speed, skill and ball movement in the last 20-30, plus cover all injury HIA possabilities.

I can see Woods playing NRL more or less from round 1 or 2, but not necessarily being a starting half.

Woods could become a starting half later on, and if that happens, athe Galvin or Burton might become the starting lock.

No idea if Cirro has the same plan.

Woods at 5’10 looks like a dwarf compared to Burto and Galvin both at 6’3. Burto is clearly heavier than the others as well.

I don’t think Woods plays anywhere but halfback. Maybe fullback but it’s probably too late to move him now.

I think it’s best for Woods to be the extra reserve. Playing ten minutes at the end of the game giving Burto or Galvin a break. Obviously if a centre gos down Burto moves there during the game. But I would play around with the spine too much.

 

[Hounddog]

I doubt that Hayward or Marhoney are taller than Woods. Obviously we don't want a Ferrari like Woods racking up 50 tackles in the middle.

I just can't see him starting at halfback early in the season. I can see him being on the bench most weeks and filling in if Burto or Galvin is unavailable.

I doubt that the club plans ahead except for having multiple players capable of playing each position.

When a player performs well in a role, Cirro tends to leave him there and that is how the team evolves. Woods getting a shot in the halves at some stage and owning the position is a real possability.

I am focused on the lock position becuase it is a key position for us and there are lots of options.

I also want to see how Thompson improves the side, he is only one player but he might make a big difference. If Latu can nail down the starting lock position. Then we have 2 more big forwards with size, presence and an offload who can play bjg minutes.

 

[Micko]

Woods got another injury. Out for a few weeks. Shame. I was hoping to watch him in the trials. More cup for him this season.

 

[Hounddog]

I doubt that Burton and Galvin starting the season in the halves will be a problem.

Overall a Tracey-Buton-Galvin-Haywood spine is better than a Tracey-Burton-Sexton-Marhoney spine, and we might find a even better combo over the couse of the seasom.

Thompson will improve our side and our depth is better.

Woods will get a chance sooner or later.

I'm not thinking any further ahead than round 1, I expect the Dragons to be a lkt better and it probably will not be an easy good.

Still plenty of good young players to watch in the first trial.

 

[Micko]

I doubt that Burton and Galvin starting the season in the halves will be a problem.

Overall a Tracey-Buton-Galvin-Haywood spine is better than a Tracey-Burton-Sexton-Marhoney spine, and we might find a even better combo over the couse of the seasom.

Thompson will improve our side and our depth is better.

Woods will get a chance sooner or later.

I'm not thinking any further ahead than round 1, I expect the Dragons to be a lkt better and it probably will not be an easy good.

Still plenty of good young players to watch in the first trial.

Burton snd Galvin combing in the halves could be great for us.

Looking at them both.

Galvin always wants the ball on both sides of the field He sets up play well and pushes the team around. Great draw and pass and can put people into space. Good running and kicking game. Pretty much all the skills of any halfback in the game. He should get the ball on most sets.

Burton doesn’t want the ball unless there is space. Likes to stay on his edge and call for it when there is an overlap. Has a good cutout pass that hasn’t been seen for a while and a short kick to his winger. Great running and long kicking game. He should get the ball on the last tackle or when there is space on his side.

Could be a perfect combo.

 

[Hounddog]

I think what Woods ultimately offers is more of a classic half back, probably similar to Shifty Sherwin but with a bit more pace and footwork.

Being an elite athlete Woods is having some hamstring issues.

A young guy like Woods may or may not come into NRL and be as dominant was he was in the lower grades.

Even Thurston took a few years to reach his full potential,

There is no pressure on Woods, when he is ready he will demand a spot in the halves and we will be able to sort something out.

If Woods isn't ready and needs sometime to adapt to NRL Burton and Galvin are good enough to win a comp if the rest of the team is good enough.

We are a chance of winning a comp this year for the first time in 12 or more years. Probably only around a 25% chance, but I am hoping that we at least go close to making the GF.

 

[Hounddog]

2 days to teamlist Tuesday.

 

[Hounddog]

Young pups playing the first trial was expected.

Readon in the centres and Fitzgibbon on the bench are interesting.

Apparently Fitzgibgon is more of a fullback. Him coming on to the wing and Reado sifting to the backrow seems like a logical interchange.

I think that the young halves Teaupa and Conti may end up playing most of the game, because i'm not sure if anyone else can play in the halves, but one of the fullbacks might play 5/8.

More familiar names witn NRL experince in the Cows side.

Most of the young pups I wanted to see are in the side.

All players in this team need a good performance to get significant minutes in our next trial.

It will take a mjghty effort to match the Cows, their halves and outside backs have way more experience.

Starting packs seem fairly evenly matched and we have some good young players in the squad.

 

[Hounddog]

The trial against the Cows is an excellent start to the season.

We have 2 backrowers playing in the centres, they have the edge in backline speed and experice plus a lot more experience in the halves.

While we could get pumped, i also think that we might win, i think that we have the edge in the forwards, particularly off the bench, and 2 backrowers in the centres helps.

There is no shortage of guys willing to hit the ball up, run hard, and make tackles, in our team.

If the Cows passes stick they could put a score on us.

While our halves are young, they are both good players. Cocherane and Sua have the speed, class and footwork to take advantage of space.

If they don't score early, the Cows players might get nervous. I they that they will be pumped for the game, because losing will look bad.

Inspite of Woods, Todd and Latu being injured and our likely top 17 being rested, we have a surprisingly strong side.

We are short of centres, i think Tia and Gabriel left when we expected them to stay. So the young forwards playing in the centres is an experiment, and one of them playing the odd game of NRL at centre is a posability.

More likely is that young guys like Sua, Cocherane and Rauqe will get a decent shot at NRL. IMO, all 3 of them are good enough and ready enough.

 

[Marki]

The trial against the Cows is an excellent start to the season.

We have 2 backrowers playing in the centres, they have the edge in backline speed and experice plus a lot more experience in the halves.

While we could get pumped, i also think that we might win, i think that we have the edge in the forwards, particularly off the bench, and 2 backrowers in the centres helps.

There is no shortage of guys willing to hit the ball up, run hard, and make tackles, in our team.

If the Cows passes stick they could put a score on us.

While our halves are young, they are both good players. Cocherane and Sua have the speed, class and footwork to take advantage of space.

If they don't score early, the Cows players might get nervous. I they that they will be pumped for the game, because losing will look bad.

Inspite of Woods, Todd and Latu being injured and our likely top 17 being rested, we have a surprisingly strong side.

We are short of centres, i think Tia and Gabriel left when we expected them to stay. So the young forwards playing in the centres is an experiment, and one of them playing the odd game of NRL at centre is a posability.

More likely is that young guys like Sua, Cocherane and Rauqe will get a decent shot at NRL. IMO, all 3 of them are good enough and ready enough.

I expect this Cows team to win and win well (over 24 points).

But would be interesting to see how the young guys go.

Just hoping the guys that are in line for first grade like DSF, Hughes, CKT, Sua get to dust the cobwebs off and get match ready for when they get the chance in NRL.

 

[Hounddog]

I expect this Cows team to win and win well (over 24 points).

But would be interesting to see how the young guys go.

Just hoping the guys that are in line for first grade like DSF, Hughes, CKT, Sua get to dust the cobwebs off and get match ready for when they get the chance in NRL.

Most people expect the Cows to win easily but we have aome good young players in the team. All of the starting forwards are good and the bench with the possible exceptiin of Baker is good.

While our halves are young and inexperienced they are good players.

The fullback Cocherane and Sua are class attacking players.

If we do claim an unexpected win, I am claiming bragging rights.

If we lose badly, i'll just accept that some of the young guys are not yet ready for NRL.

Mase said Zyron has really got into shape.

We have lots of mobile, fit middle forwards who run hard and can play big minutes.

We are currently lacking depth at centre.

We need Critter and Xerri to play lots of games, we don't have a lot of good replacements. Luck is a factor every season.

 

[Hounddog]

Apparently Fitzgibbon plays fullback, centre and 5/8.

While Atanli has mostly played second row and prop, he has some speed, runs hard and can slip a late offload.

This trail team reminds me of Ricky Stewart's flegg side, wirh Asotasi, Thurston and co.

I'm really looking forward to seeing how the young pups perform.

 

[Hounddog]

Slightly disappointing first half of the trial, too many errors and missed tackles.

But a good learning experience for the young pups.

DSF didn't play weakened the team a bit.

 

[Hounddog]

Reasonable result in the end, a lot of our good plays started with Teaupa.

Hard to say on a trial, we had a skaky start, then the Cows took some of their better players off.

In the end a few guys probably impressed, a few had mixed games, but more than a few have something to work on.

24 Matamua, 11 Jones, 6 Teaupa, and 17 Fitzgibbon probably increased their chances of selection for the next trial.

Not sure about Cocherane, some great plays mixed in with mistakes, missing 3/4 of tackles and making 2 errors looks bad on the stats sheet. One of the drops resulted in a fairly soft try. Cocherane definately has the talent, but he needs to tidy up his game.

I'm not sure that playing backrowers in the centres worked out.

 

[Hounddog]

I am really pleased that Teaupa played well, only sightly surprised, but pleased.

The downside is, more people know how good he is.

I also understand why O'Nell left the club.

Woods, Burton, Galvin, Teaupa, Conti at least 3-4 good halves in that lot vying for 2 .positions

I can see Teaupa as the long term left side option, with Galvin or Woods on the right. Galvin or Woods might end up at lock.

IMO the most lethal attacking combination is Woods - Centre, Galvin - Right, Teaupa - Left . Players obviously move around as opportunities present.

 

[Hounddog]

Looking at the 30 man side, injury probably rules Dykes, Woods, Todd and Rinamama out of selection for the next trial.

Back spasms ruled DFS out of the last trail.

We might rest Critter, since we already know what he can do.

That has us down to 24 players and there is an opportuniy to add 2 more players.

I would add Matamua, Jones and Teaupa so we need to rest one more player

I've already seen enough to add Matamua to the development squad so he can play NRL.

I would also be adding Teaupa to the deveopment squad for 2027 and NRL for 2028.

Since we are short of centres Fitzgibbon is an option, and we should be treating him similar to Teaupa.

A really good players only need one opportunity to impress.

Cocherane needs to show a bit more, and we need to see how Dykes will go.

If Kiraz doesn't play, we mjght give Cocherane or Fitzgibbon a run in the trial.

It will be interesting to see how close I get to the team selected tomorrow.

 

[Micko]

Looking at the 30 man side, injury probably rules Dykes, Woods, Todd and Rinamama out of selection for the next trial.

Back spasms ruled DFS out of the last trail.

We might rest Critter, since we already know what he can do.

That has us down to 24 players and there is an opportuniy to add 2 more players.

I would add Matamua, Jones and Teaupa so we need to rest one more player

I've already seen enough to add Matamua to the development squad so he can play NRL.

I would also be adding Teaupa to the deveopment squad for 2027 and NRL for 2028.

Since we are short of centres Fitzgibbon is an option, and we should be treating him similar to Teaupa.

A really good players only need one opportunity to impress.

Cocherane needs to show a bit more, and we need to see how Dykes will go.

If Kiraz doesn't play, we mjght give Cocherane or Fitzgibbon a run in the trial.

It will be interesting to see how close I get to the team selected tomorrow.

AJ has to play the next trial. He was our best in the first. Really stands out with that blonde mop.

Cochrane was very ordinary imo. He made some meters when the better players went off but was terrible otherwise. Surprised he got the wraps he did. Maybe I need to watch the trial again???

Looking forward to the next trial to see how the players are combining. Starting to count down till Vegas now.

 

[Hounddog]

Cocherane has a real mixed game, the good news is that he has the talent and his good attacking plays can be very good.

The bad news was a simple drop of a high ball, and being a bit slow to get to a well placed kick. He was well positioned and showed great skill to pick up another couple of kicks. All fullbacks can have a game like that.

In defence, he failed to make some last ditch tackles, but most of the damage was done by other defenders.

I rate Spinks but he also made some bad misses in defence, some of our players are not yet ready for NRL, others are more than ready.

If DFS played, players like Spinks and Cocherane played a bit better and we managed to take a few try scoring opportunies early in the game, we might have given the Cows a scare.

We got what we wanted out of the trial, 2-3 players showed they are ready for NRL, 2-3 others showed that they are not ready, and some others showed the potential to be ready soon.

I still think that Cocherane might get a second chance with limited minutes in the next trial. If Tracey is injured Dykes or Cocherane are the most likely replacements, We have 3 younger fullbacks who are good but are less likely to play NRL this year.