Alex Walmsley : Sat Mar 16, 2013 8:03 am  

Thought I'd give him his own thread - saw enough last night to convince me that hes going to be a real asset to the team, given a bit of time and patience.

What we can't do is rush him or burden him with expectation - do what we did with Faasavalu in his first season and will will be on the right track.

He carries the ball very strongly, bumps players off and wins the floor almost every time. No handling errors at the play the ball last night and won us three penalties with Wakey trying to slow him down. He looks very promising and after a few seasons of us being desperately in need of props, he seems to be a great prospect. 13mins at the start of the game and then 25mins at the end is not a bad stint. Won't take him long to get up to speed with the fitness levels I'm sure.

Re: Alex Walmsley : Sat Mar 16, 2013 8:21 am  

Looked as though he was enjoying himself, I think his early try gave him a lot of
confidence and the threat of the naked run has gone.
His timing and positional play was a bit better, looks as though he could do a fair share of work once his fitness levels go up, in one set of 6 he put in 3 tackles in that set.
He is going to be very dangerous when he starts to introduce an offloading game, seems to win the collision and is a bit difficult for the opposition to "turtle" him. Attacking the line fom 10 metres out could prove very productive on set moves.

Re: Alex Walmsley : Sat Mar 16, 2013 10:58 am  

Had a very good game. I think it really helps that we have a more settled and balanced side. That first game he did not really stand a chance.

Re: Alex Walmsley : Sat Mar 16, 2013 11:03 am  

The improvement in his game since his first outing was very noticeable.

In the first game he was knackered after 10 mintues and was struggling to get back in the line.

Tonight he was making tackles and eager to take the ball up.
His second half stint in particular was impressive for one so young.

He was consistently getting over the top of opposition props and making yards forward even with three tacklers on him. Offers the potential for Roby or Lance to have a field day jumping out of dummy half as the opposition will be on the back foot.

Looks to have the potential to be a bit of a wrecking ball especially considering he only turned semi pro last year with this year being his first year as a full time professional. That means there will be a lot of room for physical development, especially going into the back end of this season and next season.

I think he is ideal pack fodder this season against the weaker teams to build his fitness and confidence, but unless forced through injury, or exceptional speed of development, would leave him out against the big guns, as his inexperience might get exploited.

Re: Alex Walmsley : Sat Mar 16, 2013 1:37 pm  

Yes we have to keep in mind that Wakey where missing alot of their first team props last night. But even so a good effort, you can only beat what's in front of you.

Re: Alex Walmsley : Sat Mar 16, 2013 10:00 pm  

He's run hard and strong sine day one at saints but made few errors jury the ball when tackled.

His fitness is a issue at the moment. I wouldn't feel safe with him on the field in a close game fue to him tiring and missing tackles but his fitness will come with game time.

I think Brown is being very clever in picking games and times of games he plays. This season is just him finding his feet and we will see the best of Alex next year.

Walker is the best young forward at the club at the moment, I've been very impressed with him.