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Waratahs 2021

molman

Peter Johnson (47)
I'd consider Hunt to 13 - good vision, good defence, good communication, able to guide Moeroa. Newsome could shift to wing with Nawaqa and Maddocks to FB. OR Moeroa to 13 though I hear he is spectacularly slow at changing direction.

What did you think of the Alex Newsome at outside-centre experiment?

You've also got people like Joey Walton floating around. Played pretty well in the Tah A games.
 

upthereds#!

Ken Catchpole (46)
What did you think of the Alex Newsome at outside-centre experiment?

You've also got people like Joey Walton floating around. Played pretty well in the Tah A games.


I think he is a classic 'smart' player. No bells and whistles, but strong fundamentals and yes this was at 13. With Hunt injured I would keep Newsome at 13 and have Moeroa at 12 and make sure at least 1 wing was picked on the ability to defend first, attack 2nd.
 

Derpus

George Gregan (70)
Manu Tuilagi is without a club after refusing a pay cut and word seems to be that he won't fit into anyone's salary cap in England...... he'd fix our midfield
 

Rugby Head

Watty Friend (18)
Manu Tuilagi is without a club after refusing a pay cut and word seems to be that he won't fit into anyone's salary cap in England.. he'd fix our midfield

Love the idea Derpus, but do you really think Manu Tuilagi will come to the Tahs?????
 

Rugbynutter39

Michael Lynagh (62)
So sounds like no chance of getting tickets for scg as limited to members etc - but assume chance to get tickets when they play at anz stadium?
 
B

Bobby Sands

Guest
What did you think of the Alex Newsome at outside-centre experiment?

You've also got people like Joey Walton floating around. Played pretty well in the Tah A games.

Newsome is very promising in my opinion. Absolutely persist. Seems a smart player.
 

eastman

Arch Winning (36)
Newsome is a smart and solid footballer, who actually spent time developing his craft through Colts/ Grade rugby, as opposed to some schoolboy stars who never prioritise improving their game.

Unfortunately he lacks the athleticism/ physical attributes to ever really excel in Super rugby.
 

Braveheart81

Will Genia (78)
Staff member
Newsome is a smart and solid footballer, who actually spent time developing his craft through Colts/ Grade rugby, as opposed to some schoolboy stars who never prioritise improving their game.

Unfortunately he lacks the athleticism/ physical attributes to ever really excel in Super rugby.


Isn't this just a function of where he was in the pecking order? He got a Super Rugby contract when he was 22 because he wasn't considered good enough prior to that?

I'm not sure he actively decided not to become a professional sooner.
 

eastman

Arch Winning (36)
I don't personally know the guy but I doubt he would have left school with the ambition to be a professional rugby player.

My point is that he's improved significantly through Colts/ Grade rugby (and worked at it), in contrast to some players who may have been inclined to rest on their laurels and natural talents.

Hard work > natural talent.
 

Braveheart81

Will Genia (78)
Staff member
I don't personally know the guy but I doubt he would have left school with the ambition to be a professional rugby player.

My point is that he's improved significantly through Colts/ Grade rugby (and worked at it), in contrast to some players who may have been inclined to rest on their laurels and natural talents.

Hard work > natural talent.



He was in the Australian under 20s squad for the World Championships so I don't see why he wouldn't have had the same aspirations of being a professional at that stage of his career as everyone else in that position.

I agree that he has worked hard and improved to get where he is now but aside from not being a schoolboy superstar (played Joey's 1st XV but didn't make a GPS team) and not getting a contract straight out from the under 20s he's hardly been far off the top of his age group.
 

molman

Peter Johnson (47)
I don't personally know the guy

eastman, I think it's very hard to say who is working harder than who unless your really close to that player or somehow involved in his coaching.

I do agree that he does seem to have a good head on him, continues to make small improvements and is now taking on some of the backline leadership.
 

Braveheart81

Will Genia (78)
Staff member
Hanigan moving on makes sense for everyone I think. His best position is 6 but we've got plenty of competition in the backrow with Dempsey, Swinton, Harris and potentially Tafa and we need to do better at lock, particularly with Simmons leaving.

From a moneyball perspective we can't really pay him what he's worth whilst retaining the players we need to retain and recruiting the specialist locks we need.
 

Jimmy_Crouch

Ken Catchpole (46)
Don't mind a few guys going to Japan. Look at it this way. Good chance there is only SRAu/NRC next year. Young fellas get some game time, older blokes get paid and therefore overall cost down for team. Guys signing one or two year deals will have the opportunity to come back when things are more certain and push for a RWC spot.
 
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