2024 Round 8 v Sharks: Teams and Previews *Teams p1*

[Neeeegz]

Hoppa (and Kris playing FB in 2023) at FB just reeks of short termism. I want to see Chevy develop his game in FG to when Rapana comes back in the side. Hoppa’s not going to win us a premiership at FB. We need to see what Chevy has got.

Proud that he stood up in the second half.

I think hoppa to fullback was to get him match fit, and focused, he won't play fg at fullback surely

[Shiv]

Can't see Ricky saying patience etc in the Presser and the dropping Chevy for a 3rd (4th?) string FB. He'll have Chevy right back on the horse.

[Neeeegz]

Does anyone have any idea what Woolford has done wrong to be punted from the FG side?

I thought last year our attack was much better with him on the field. I attributed (right or wrong) the 2nd half fades last year to when Papa, Taps were off yes but also Woolford off and Starling on.

Now is the time to bring in woolford to start, Levi to 14 and starling left right out. Needs to go to cup and dominate. Like Guler, except guler has been crap in cup footy

[Bluesbrother]

Pretty keen to see Hoppa come in for Schiller. Other than that, the team should stay the same. Trey performed really well I thought. Glad to hear Kaeo is coming into the halves.

It's a shame our halves and edge forward depth is being tested do early. The areas where we have least coverage. Very unlucky. This CHN situation needs to be resolved asap as his spot needs to be filled.

[The Nickman]

Pretty keen to see Hoppa come in for Schiller. Other than that, the team should stay the same. Trey performed really well I thought. Glad to hear Kaeo is coming into the halves.

It's a shame our halves and edge forward depth is being tested do early. The areas where we have least coverage. Very unlucky. This CHN situation needs to be resolved asap as his spot needs to be filled.

Why are you pretty keen to see that? I can’t see how anyone who is a rational fan is advocating for that switch.

[Billy Walker]

Pretty keen to see Hoppa come in for Schiller. Other than that, the team should stay the same. Trey performed really well I thought. Glad to hear Kaeo is coming into the halves.

It's a shame our halves and edge forward depth is being tested do early. The areas where we have least coverage. Very unlucky. This CHN situation needs to be resolved asap as his spot needs to be filled.

Why are you pretty keen to see that? I can’t see how anyone who is a rational fan is advocating for that switch.

There is a strong likelihood that Hoppa will come in for Schiller and I don’t think it is a bad call. This behaviour of attacking the poster when you don’t like the opinion needs to stop. Agree, disagree - but when your criticism moves from the issue to the person presenting it, is poor form and bullying like behaviour.

[NoMan]

Hoppa was poor in NSW cup. Cotric was even poorer and Asomua had a shocker. So if Ricky is consistent on cup performances mattering none of them should be getting selected.

[LimeGreenMachine]

I do not understand the calls for Hoppa

He really doesn't offer anything other than metres out of our end, which isn't any better than anyone else.
His attack is pedestrian , zero pace. He can not beat his man.
It's a myth that his defence is good too.
We really need to go in a different direction

[kona_dream]

Do we know what injury Woolford picked up yesterday? I know it is cup, but he provides so much more direction to the other players telling them exactly where to run and stand. Especially to Chevy. Interesting that he went to the halves with 30mins to go. I wonder if that is a back up plan for FG or to give Trev more time on the paddock.

[dubby]

Pretty keen to see Hoppa come in for Schiller. Other than that, the team should stay the same. Trey performed really well I thought. Glad to hear Kaeo is coming into the halves.

It's a shame our halves and edge forward depth is being tested do early. The areas where we have least coverage. Very unlucky. This CHN situation needs to be resolved asap as his spot needs to be filled.

Why are you pretty keen to see that? I can’t see how anyone who is a rational fan is advocating for that switch.

There is a strong likelihood that Hoppa will come in for Schiller and I don’t think it is a bad call. This behaviour of attacking the poster when you don’t like the opinion needs to stop. Agree, disagree - but when your criticism moves from the issue to the person presenting it, is poor form and bullying like behaviour.

I think he has you on block, BW.

[NoMan]

Hoppa makes some sense if they are trying to replicate the first few rounds. That's pretty difficult with the other forced changes though. It would probably resemble last year instead.

[NoMan]

Do we know what injury Woolford picked up yesterday? I know it is cup, but he provides so much more direction to the other players telling them exactly where to run and stand. Especially to Chevy. Interesting that he went to the halves with 30mins to go. I wonder if that is a back up plan for FG or to give Trev more time on the paddock.

Did he pick up an injury? I didn't notice it, I thought they may of just subbed him because he was running out of gas. I think they just wanted to give Trev more game time.

[The Nickman]

Pretty keen to see Hoppa come in for Schiller. Other than that, the team should stay the same. Trey performed really well I thought. Glad to hear Kaeo is coming into the halves.

It's a shame our halves and edge forward depth is being tested do early. The areas where we have least coverage. Very unlucky. This CHN situation needs to be resolved asap as his spot needs to be filled.

Why are you pretty keen to see that? I can’t see how anyone who is a rational fan is advocating for that switch.

There is a strong likelihood that Hoppa will come in for Schiller and I don’t think it is a bad call. This behaviour of attacking the poster when you don’t like the opinion needs to stop. Agree, disagree - but when your criticism moves from the issue to the person presenting it, is poor form and bullying like behaviour.

I think he has you on block, BW.

Hahaha, I sure do, dubs… I sure do.

Also, great to see he supports the selection of Hoppa over Schiller too, basically strengthens my original comment about a thousand percent.

[Bluesbrother]

Pretty keen to see Hoppa come in for Schiller. Other than that, the team should stay the same. Trey performed really well I thought. Glad to hear Kaeo is coming into the halves.

It's a shame our halves and edge forward depth is being tested do early. The areas where we have least coverage. Very unlucky. This CHN situation needs to be resolved asap as his spot needs to be filled.

Why are you pretty keen to see that? I can’t see how anyone who is a rational fan is advocating for that switch.

I just like what Hoppa brings. Tough out of the backfield which I think we need now with Chevy at the back.

Schiller hasn't impressed me at all and now he has signed with the Knights I don't see what's gained by having him in the team.

Hoppa makes very few errors with the ball and his defence is certainly no worse than Schiller. Hoppa is a safe and solid player I think we need to steady the ship at the moment. He is good for 150+ metres a game and a lot of post contact. We've got a lot of movement in key positions and I think Hoppa is one less player I'm worried about. Schiller is a flighty player, who is no better than Hoppa, who isn't in our plans moving forward.

I personally, don't see what the benefit of Schiller playing NRL is right now. Aside from giving him an opportunity to develop at NRL level.

[Finchy]

Pretty keen to see Hoppa come in for Schiller. Other than that, the team should stay the same. Trey performed really well I thought. Glad to hear Kaeo is coming into the halves.

It's a shame our halves and edge forward depth is being tested do early. The areas where we have least coverage. Very unlucky. This CHN situation needs to be resolved asap as his spot needs to be filled.

Why are you pretty keen to see that? I can’t see how anyone who is a rational fan is advocating for that switch.

There is a strong likelihood that Hoppa will come in for Schiller and I don’t think it is a bad call. This behaviour of attacking the poster when you don’t like the opinion needs to stop. Agree, disagree - but when your criticism moves from the issue to the person presenting it, is poor form and bullying like behaviour.

I think he has you on block, BW.

Hahaha, I sure do, dubs… I sure do.

Also, great to see he supports the selection of Hoppa over Schiller too, basically strengthens my original comment about a thousand percent.

Notice Billy only feigns to take the moral high ground when it relates to a player he loves (Hoppa/Levi). If Bluesbrother was advocating for a player he doesn't like to come back (Woolford/Cotric/Croker), he'd be blowing up.

[Bloody_Burnham]

Hoppa was poor in NSW cup. Cotric was even poorer and Asomua had a shocker. So if Ricky is consistent on cup performances mattering none of them should be getting selected.

I think Soulsy is right. Based upon what I've observed in cup, we don't have anyone on the same talent level to replace Schiller. We may need to go to market to find another winger next season.

[The Nickman]

Pretty keen to see Hoppa come in for Schiller. Other than that, the team should stay the same. Trey performed really well I thought. Glad to hear Kaeo is coming into the halves.

It's a shame our halves and edge forward depth is being tested do early. The areas where we have least coverage. Very unlucky. This CHN situation needs to be resolved asap as his spot needs to be filled.

Why are you pretty keen to see that? I can’t see how anyone who is a rational fan is advocating for that switch.

I just like what Hoppa brings. Tough out of the backfield which I think we need now with Chevy at the back.

Schiller hasn't impressed me at all and now he has signed with the Knights I don't see what's gained by having him in the team.

Hoppa makes very few errors with the ball and his defence is certainly no worse than Schiller. Hoppa is a safe and solid player I think we need to steady the ship at the moment. He is good for 150+ metres a game and a lot of post contact. We've got a lot of movement in key positions and I think Hoppa is one less player I'm worried about. Schiller is a flighty player, who is no better than Hoppa, who isn't in our plans moving forward.

I personally, don't see what the benefit of Schiller playing NRL is right now. Aside from giving him an opportunity to develop at NRL level.

I genuinely don't think he brings any upside over Schiller, even the suggestion that he's safer, is a better defender or that he makes difficult carries that nobody else can seems like a bit of a myth to me.

[Botman]

Hoppa was poor in NSW cup. Cotric was even poorer and Asomua had a shocker. So if Ricky is consistent on cup performances mattering none of them should be getting selected.

I think Soulsy is right. Based upon what I've observed in cup, we don't have anyone on the same talent level to replace Schiller. We may need to go to market to find another winger next season.

I would caution against small sample sizes on that
Not sure Asomua has played his best footy the last few weeks (haven’t seen it myself, just basing that on comments) but that bloke is every bit as talented as Schiller and more imo

I do think we need to bring in a winger/outside back just for roster churn, Schiller is leaving and I’d like to turn over both Cotric and Hoppa in the next 2 years but I don’t think we need to shop expensive. Think we can approach it how we did Weekes this year… get a guy who can compete and push and trust the young bloke beats him for the job

[julian87]

Hoppa was poor in NSW cup. Cotric was even poorer and Asomua had a shocker. So if Ricky is consistent on cup performances mattering none of them should be getting selected.

I think Soulsy is right. Based upon what I've observed in cup, we don't have anyone on the same talent level to replace Schiller. We may need to go to market to find another winger next season.

I would caution against small sample sizes on that
Not sure Asomua has played his best footy the last few weeks (haven’t seen it myself, just basing that on comments) but that bloke is every bit as talented as Schiller and more imo

I do think we need to bring in a winger/outside back just for roster churn, Schiller is leaving and I’d like to turn over both Cotric and Hoppa in the next 2 years but I don’t think we need to shop expensive. Think we can approach it how we did Weekes this year… get a guy who can compete and push and trust the young bloke beats him for the job

I reckon Feagai whilst stuck in reserve grade and off contract is that player tbh.

[Botman]

Yeah good shout, I think that’s the sort of name and player we should look at
If Asomua can’t win the job because he’s not quite there, Feagai can fill in and has some high upside but you don’t feel obligated to play him if the kid steps up

He’s not a road block if Asomua is good enough

[BadnMean]

Hoppa was poor in NSW cup. Cotric was even poorer and Asomua had a shocker. So if Ricky is consistent on cup performances mattering none of them should be getting selected.

I think Soulsy is right. Based upon what I've observed in cup, we don't have anyone on the same talent level to replace Schiller. We may need to go to market to find another winger next season.

I would caution against small sample sizes on that
Not sure Asomua has played his best footy the last few weeks (haven’t seen it myself, just basing that on comments) but that bloke is every bit as talented as Schiller and more imo

I do think we need to bring in a winger/outside back just for roster churn, Schiller is leaving and I’d like to turn over both Cotric and Hoppa in the next 2 years but I don’t think we need to shop expensive. Think we can approach it how we did Weekes this year… get a guy who can compete and push and trust the young bloke beats him for the job

Yep. Exactly the way we got Schiller and Hoppa here- unwanted but talented (Schiller) and a pretty solid backup guy (Hoppa). Same way we got Rapa + Oldfield (same talented vs solid backup guy ratio). They were all low dollar buys from the winger discard pile.

If we spend money it's at edge or hooker (because Ricky hates our best one).

[Bluesbrother]

Pretty keen to see Hoppa come in for Schiller. Other than that, the team should stay the same. Trey performed really well I thought. Glad to hear Kaeo is coming into the halves.

It's a shame our halves and edge forward depth is being tested do early. The areas where we have least coverage. Very unlucky. This CHN situation needs to be resolved asap as his spot needs to be filled.

Why are you pretty keen to see that? I can’t see how anyone who is a rational fan is advocating for that switch.

I just like what Hoppa brings. Tough out of the backfield which I think we need now with Chevy at the back.

Schiller hasn't impressed me at all and now he has signed with the Knights I don't see what's gained by having him in the team.

Hoppa makes very few errors with the ball and his defence is certainly no worse than Schiller. Hoppa is a safe and solid player I think we need to steady the ship at the moment. He is good for 150+ metres a game and a lot of post contact. We've got a lot of movement in key positions and I think Hoppa is one less player I'm worried about. Schiller is a flighty player, who is no better than Hoppa, who isn't in our plans moving forward.

I personally, don't see what the benefit of Schiller playing NRL is right now. Aside from giving him an opportunity to develop at NRL level.

I genuinely don't think he brings any upside over Schiller, even the suggestion that he's safer, is a better defender or that he makes difficult carries that nobody else can seems like a bit of a myth to me.

Fair call - I see it differently.

I think the fact is these 2 players there is an argument to be made either way. The fact Schiller is leaving raises the question why would we continue to do him a favour and play him at NRL when he is on level pegging with another player who is here for longer.

What makes Schiller's case so strong in your opinion?

[Bluesbrother]

Hoppa was poor in NSW cup. Cotric was even poorer and Asomua had a shocker. So if Ricky is consistent on cup performances mattering none of them should be getting selected.

I think Soulsy is right. Based upon what I've observed in cup, we don't have anyone on the same talent level to replace Schiller. We may need to go to market to find another winger next season.

I would caution against small sample sizes on that
Not sure Asomua has played his best footy the last few weeks (haven’t seen it myself, just basing that on comments) but that bloke is every bit as talented as Schiller and more imo

I do think we need to bring in a winger/outside back just for roster churn, Schiller is leaving and I’d like to turn over both Cotric and Hoppa in the next 2 years but I don’t think we need to shop expensive. Think we can approach it how we did Weekes this year… get a guy who can compete and push and trust the young bloke beats him for the job

I reckon Feagai whilst stuck in reserve grade and off contract is that player tbh.

How is he going this season in cup, are you aware? The two brothers were highly rated youngsters from memory.

[The Nickman]

Pretty keen to see Hoppa come in for Schiller. Other than that, the team should stay the same. Trey performed really well I thought. Glad to hear Kaeo is coming into the halves.

It's a shame our halves and edge forward depth is being tested do early. The areas where we have least coverage. Very unlucky. This CHN situation needs to be resolved asap as his spot needs to be filled.

Why are you pretty keen to see that? I can’t see how anyone who is a rational fan is advocating for that switch.

I just like what Hoppa brings. Tough out of the backfield which I think we need now with Chevy at the back.

Schiller hasn't impressed me at all and now he has signed with the Knights I don't see what's gained by having him in the team.

Hoppa makes very few errors with the ball and his defence is certainly no worse than Schiller. Hoppa is a safe and solid player I think we need to steady the ship at the moment. He is good for 150+ metres a game and a lot of post contact. We've got a lot of movement in key positions and I think Hoppa is one less player I'm worried about. Schiller is a flighty player, who is no better than Hoppa, who isn't in our plans moving forward.

I personally, don't see what the benefit of Schiller playing NRL is right now. Aside from giving him an opportunity to develop at NRL level.

I genuinely don't think he brings any upside over Schiller, even the suggestion that he's safer, is a better defender or that he makes difficult carries that nobody else can seems like a bit of a myth to me.

Fair call - I see it differently.

I think the fact is these 2 players there is an argument to be made either way. The fact Schiller is leaving raises the question why would we continue to do him a favour and play him at NRL when he is on level pegging with another player who is here for longer.

What makes Schiller's case so strong in your opinion?

X-factor in attack, and speed. When he's around the ball, you just get the feeling things are going to happen.

His defence can be suss at times, but so is Hopoate's, he's certainly no upgrade.

I do concede the fact about him leaving though, be happy for Asamoa or somebody else who's staying to get a shot, just not Hoppa, and probably not Crotic.

[bonehead]

be nice to have some height or size on a wing, Chevy and Sav bring the speed but I worry with Asomua we'd be quite height challenged

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[Botman]

So is To’o, Edwards and Turvua
There is an obvious element of height to be considered in arial contests but I think strong bodies and good timing is more important
From what ive seen Asomua is pretty strong in contested contests

[bonehead]

So is To’o, Edwards and Turvua
There is an obvious element of height to be considered in arial contests but I think strong bodies and good timing is more important
From what ive seen Asomua is pretty strong in contested contests

true, but all 3 at Penrith are strong and not rookies

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[Canberra Milk]

be nice to have some height or size on a wing, Chevy and Sav bring the speed but I worry with Asomua we'd be quite height challenged

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Chevy brings speed? Not sure about that yet. Seems to be "fast enough" like a Dugan or Karmichael Hunt. Nowhere near Savage

[bonehead]

be nice to have some height or size on a wing, Chevy and Sav bring the speed but I worry with Asomua we'd be quite height challenged

Sent from my SM-S911B using Tapatalk

Chevy brings speed? Not sure about that yet. Seems to be "fast enough" like a Dugan or Karmichael Hunt. Nowhere near Savage

in nsw cup he loomed up in support of savage a few times, in the golden point Strange bust he flashed through, he's ex Roger Fabri sprint school so pretty sure you'll see it in time

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[julian87]

Hoppa was poor in NSW cup. Cotric was even poorer and Asomua had a shocker. So if Ricky is consistent on cup performances mattering none of them should be getting selected.

I think Soulsy is right. Based upon what I've observed in cup, we don't have anyone on the same talent level to replace Schiller. We may need to go to market to find another winger next season.

I would caution against small sample sizes on that
Not sure Asomua has played his best footy the last few weeks (haven’t seen it myself, just basing that on comments) but that bloke is every bit as talented as Schiller and more imo

I do think we need to bring in a winger/outside back just for roster churn, Schiller is leaving and I’d like to turn over both Cotric and Hoppa in the next 2 years but I don’t think we need to shop expensive. Think we can approach it how we did Weekes this year… get a guy who can compete and push and trust the young bloke beats him for the job

I reckon Feagai whilst stuck in reserve grade and off contract is that player tbh.

How is he going this season in cup, are you aware? The two brothers were highly rated youngsters from memory.

No idea at all. Just based on potential and the good stuff he’s done in first grade at a young age.

[Bluesbrother]

Why are you pretty keen to see that? I can’t see how anyone who is a rational fan is advocating for that switch.

I just like what Hoppa brings. Tough out of the backfield which I think we need now with Chevy at the back.

Schiller hasn't impressed me at all and now he has signed with the Knights I don't see what's gained by having him in the team.

Hoppa makes very few errors with the ball and his defence is certainly no worse than Schiller. Hoppa is a safe and solid player I think we need to steady the ship at the moment. He is good for 150+ metres a game and a lot of post contact. We've got a lot of movement in key positions and I think Hoppa is one less player I'm worried about. Schiller is a flighty player, who is no better than Hoppa, who isn't in our plans moving forward.

I personally, don't see what the benefit of Schiller playing NRL is right now. Aside from giving him an opportunity to develop at NRL level.

I genuinely don't think he brings any upside over Schiller, even the suggestion that he's safer, is a better defender or that he makes difficult carries that nobody else can seems like a bit of a myth to me.

Fair call - I see it differently.

I think the fact is these 2 players there is an argument to be made either way. The fact Schiller is leaving raises the question why would we continue to do him a favour and play him at NRL when he is on level pegging with another player who is here for longer.

What makes Schiller's case so strong in your opinion?

X-factor in attack, and speed. When he's around the ball, you just get the feeling things are going to happen.

His defence can be suss at times, but so is Hopoate's, he's certainly no upgrade.

I do concede the fact about him leaving though, be happy for Asamoa or somebody else who's staying to get a shot, just not Hoppa, and probably not Crotic.

I guess we will see mate. I don't think it will move the needle too much either way. This week is going to be tough for whoever is on the wing. Mulitalo is probably form winger of the competition alongside Lomax.

[Bluesbrother]

I think Soulsy is right. Based upon what I've observed in cup, we don't have anyone on the same talent level to replace Schiller. We may need to go to market to find another winger next season.

I would caution against small sample sizes on that
Not sure Asomua has played his best footy the last few weeks (haven’t seen it myself, just basing that on comments) but that bloke is every bit as talented as Schiller and more imo

I do think we need to bring in a winger/outside back just for roster churn, Schiller is leaving and I’d like to turn over both Cotric and Hoppa in the next 2 years but I don’t think we need to shop expensive. Think we can approach it how we did Weekes this year… get a guy who can compete and push and trust the young bloke beats him for the job

I reckon Feagai whilst stuck in reserve grade and off contract is that player tbh.

How is he going this season in cup, are you aware? The two brothers were highly rated youngsters from memory.

No idea at all. Just based on potential and the good stuff he’s done in first grade at a young age.

[Regs Revolution]

I feel an upset on the cards. Down and out against the competition leader at home. This is the game that Ricky riles them up for.

And tbh, I’m not convinced of the sharks.

[Dr Greenthumb]

I feel an upset on the cards. Down and out against the competition leader at home. This is the game that Ricky riles them up for.

And tbh, I’m not convinced of the sharks.

I think we are a good chance. Sharks middles are average. Last week they played another team with soft middle defence. We can take advantage of that.

[LimeGreenMachine]

We are running with 2 5/8s this weekend. Both are running 5/8s as well.
It's a huge risk. Sharks are playing alright , their pack on paper doesn't look great they are playing well though , running hard. They beat us through the middle not long ago.

Not sure how our halves will go , it's not as if we have a creative hooker to help.