Re: New Head Coach - who's it going to be? : Mon Jun 17, 2019 7:13 am  

I agree, its still amazing how quickly things have gone completely sour though. Whilst it doesn't help us today, hopefully if we survive this mess KS/GH will forever have the mantra of "halfback first" when considering the long term. Out of all the recruits this season there's not one you could build a side around - even with 2 marquee signings. That's just plain bad recruitment.

Once the dust has settled I'd love to understand the thinking that suggested Lolohea was ever going to be good enough to be a starting halfback. The only thing I can think of was that they watched him play for Tonga and thought he'd go OK. The fact that he only plays for Tonga because they have nobody else, and is playing for a team full of stars almost everywhere else must have passed them by.

Re: New Head Coach - who's it going to be? : Mon Jun 17, 2019 8:28 am  

BrisbaneRhino wrote:

I agree, its still amazing how quickly things have gone completely sour though. Whilst it doesn't help us today, hopefully if we survive this mess KS/GH will forever have the mantra of "halfback first" when considering the long term. Out of all the recruits this season there's not one you could build a side around - even with 2 marquee signings. That's just plain bad recruitment.

Once the dust has settled I'd love to understand the thinking that suggested Lolohea was ever going to be good enough to be a starting halfback. The only thing I can think of was that they watched him play for Tonga and thought he'd go OK. The fact that he only plays for Tonga because they have nobody else, and is playing for a team full of stars almost everywhere else must have passed them by.

Think we have to put that one down to a plain lack of due diligence mate. Mistakes do happen even at more successful clubs than Leeds, but we could ill afford that particular one.
I am genuinely worried about this year. I keep hearing/seeing people say we'll be OK, but the evidence just isn't supporting that view. If we get a couple of injuries to key players we are in serious, serious trouble. Volatile situation.

Re: New Head Coach - who's it going to be? : Mon Jun 17, 2019 8:34 am  

It's amazing how everybody is now convinced Lolohea isn't a half back. When I first said he was never a 6 I was shot down in flames on here.

Three year deal too. Christ almighty. People wonder why the rebuild will take a bit of time.

Re: New Head Coach - who's it going to be? : Mon Jun 17, 2019 9:03 am  

Marty Grrrrrrrrrr! wrote:

It's amazing how everybody is now convinced Lolohea isn't a half back. When I first said he was never a 6 I was shot down in flames on here.

Three year deal too. Christ almighty. People wonder why the rebuild will take a bit of time.

You were right Marty!
When he first played at six for us we did get close to Saints; he was playing more like an NRL style across the line with some pace and bullet passes out - but then he just can’t defend and the whole thing falls apart.
I think we’ve been a bit unlucky with niggling injuries to some key players to be fair; but Parcell and Dwyer have holes in their game for hooker; Cuthbo is not a prop; Peteru is somewhere between prop and second row; Tui is ???, Sutcliffe is maybe a loose forward if he bulks up a bit but failed at centre, FB and 6... we are a squad of generalists which opposition find easy to close down because we can’t offer different threats. There’s no scorching pace, no blinding skill, little game brains and our most powerful player is a centre rather than a forward (possible exception of Ava who is a proper prop, finally).

Re: New Head Coach - who's it going to be? : Mon Jun 17, 2019 9:13 am  

Marty Grrrrrrrrrr! wrote:

It's amazing how everybody is now convinced Lolohea isn't a half back. When I first said he was never a 6 I was shot down in flames on here.

Three year deal too. Christ almighty. People wonder why the rebuild will take a bit of time.

He was never an out and out half back though Marty. But in truth, we could probably get away with it, with an exceptional 7 and 9. I don't really think Lolohea is any worse for example than Lui at Salford, but look at his performances.

That said, I still want us to get shot.

Re: New Head Coach - who's it going to be? : Mon Jun 17, 2019 9:27 am  

I wanted to like Tui but I don't think he's good enough for Leeds.

Re: New Head Coach - who's it going to be? : Mon Jun 17, 2019 9:32 am  

People have lambasted Tui for his weight now Gotcha wants us to swoop for Scott Murrell.

Re: New Head Coach - who's it going to be? : Mon Jun 17, 2019 10:09 am  

Marty Grrrrrrrrrr! wrote:

People have lambasted Tui for his weight now Gotcha wants us to swoop for Scott Murrell.

Come on Marty, Let's not stoop so low, that's a bit ridiculous. I said Schofields suggestion was not as stupid as it sounded at the time. Bit of a difference to what you are implying. And weight of someone in the role, is the last thing I would be worried about for what we need, and it is those other skills that are what we need. We don't need a runner right now, we need an organiser with a kicking game. Dean Lawford, would be miles ahead of what we currently go with.

[Bullseye]

Re: New Head Coach - who's it going to be? : Mon Jun 17, 2019 10:38 am  

Maybe he should come out of retirement then?

Re: New Head Coach - who's it going to be? : Mon Jun 17, 2019 10:56 am  

Bullseye wrote:

Maybe he should come out of retirement then?

Hahaha. Lawford and Murrell now that would be worth watching to be honest. Put the wind right up Saints that would.

Of course the standard of SL has dropped dramatically since the days of Dean Lawford so it could be easy for him these days.

LMAO