RTS - A Matter Of Time But When?

[Guest]

Yet another high profile league personality has recognised the unique talents of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. In today's 'Set Of Six' in the SMH Phil Gould wrote the following (see below) of RTS as his very first 'hit up'. He talks about it just being 'a matter of time' before RTS takes the fullback spot at the Roosters, and presumably for the Kiwis.

The Roosters are going very well indeed this season but if RTS and Mini changed positions I really think we'd be a 10-12 better side with a fullback who could contribute positively to our attack. The top four sides last year had the best four fullbacks in their lineups. I don't think that is a coincidence. We need a fullback this year who will be amongst the best in the competition in that position, not amongst the worst - we can't afford to allow sentiment to harm our chances of premiership success. Fullback today is such a critical position but we don't get out of it what many of the others sides do. Do you think this change of positions should take place before the end of July, if not sooner?

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Sydney Roosters and New Zealand have a very special talent in young Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. This kid is about to set the rugby league world alight. Tuivasa-Sheck has just turned 20 and is in only his second year of professional rugby league. He has cemented a position on the Roosters' right wing, but it is only a matter of time before he moves to his natural position of fullback. The line break he made in the fourth minute of the Roosters' Monday night clash with Manly was simply breathtaking, given it came virtually from a standing start. His footwork is extraordinary, he is outstanding under the high ball and he is one of the toughest young footballers in the game. I'm sure he'll play a prominent part in the Kiwis World Cup defence later this year.

[chook 56]

It won't heppen overnight.......but it will heppen.

[Johnny.]

Mini's still got something to offer the club but where?

Sacrifice one wing to have his logical replacement at fullback or put him at centre where he will be in the thick of the action.

I think I've said before it's a pity this isn't Gridiron where his ability to catch the football would be his only job.

Mini's there for the long haul. Sheck is only 20.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Yes it will happen but at the moment I guess Robbo is employing the If it ain't broke don't fix it rule..

[The Brain]

I can see our new right hand play Cordner , SKD and Mini...lol we just need one to catch the ball after the SBW offloads ...god help us

[Guest]

You would have to play Tupou on the right and Mini on the left (if he was in the team) as Mini, despite 15 seasons in first grade, can not pass right to left so he couldn't play right wing.

[The Brain]

We dont need to be drastic why screw up a winning team now.I suggest the best option is that MIni and Shek swap around in defence 3 times or so a game for each to get his groove in the Wing/Fullback.
Mini is going good but his kick returns are poor compared to other fullbacks a break on the wing may allow him more petrol in attack
I say a subtle swap here and there is the way to go for now.

[Kingsgrove-Loiner]

I've been a massive critic of Mini in recent times, as anyone who sits near me would tell you....but I've got to admit he's playing out of his skin lately and is doing more than enough to hold on to his spot.

Gould isn't saying anything that we don't already know....RTS is a star of the future, and is probably ready to take over now - but it appears there's a bit of life left in the old dog yet.

As someone already said, if it aint broke - why fix it?

[Guest]

We have many fans with short memories. Against the Warriors we were cruising at 16-0 and Mini's error changed the entire complexion of the game. He then gifted them a second try and we nearly lost the game. Again, against the Raiders we were leading by a similar score and his error got the Raiders back into the game and we never recovered. We have got to anticipate that these errors will cost us again. A further attacking option from the back will also give us extra insurance (additional points scored). Given we wouldn't want to risk a Mini error costing us a semi final, and we will need the extra attacking option to beat the best sides, surely we need RTS in there soon than later so he has the miles in his legs by the time we get to the big end of season games.

[Andrew Walker]

Boring boring boring I reckon some on here shot their loads when Sheck made that break the other night

[Thirteen]

We have many fans with short memories. Against the Warriors we were cruising at 16-0 and Mini's error changed the entire complexion of the game. He then gifted them a second try and we nearly lost the game. Again, against the Raiders we were leading by a similar score and his error got the Raiders back into the game and we never recovered. We have got to anticipate that these errors will cost us again. A further attacking option from the back will also give us extra insurance (additional points scored). Given we wouldn't want to risk a Mini error costing us a semi final, and we will need the extra attacking option to beat the best sides, surely we need RTS in there soon than later so he has the miles in his legs by the time we get to the big end of season games.

Every player makes mistakes.
Mini has been solid.
RTS will get his chance in 2014.
In the meantime they won't be swaping like someone here has suggested.
Most importantly, Mini is a club legend so a little repect should be shown......

[Guest]

The problem with waiting till 2014 is that premiership wins are very hard to come by. We have won one in 37 years. This year may be a rare opportunity and I, for one, would like to have a fullback in such a year who threatens the defensive line and can bend over and pick up a rolling ball. Allow him to continue to wear the No. 1 jersey for the rest of the year if that is a concern but let's do everything we can to make this a premiership year, and that means moving Mini from fullback.

[Andrew Walker]

I thought agenda driven posting was not allowed on this site

[Guest]

Every player makes mistakes.
Mini has been solid.
RTS will get his chance in 2014.
In the meantime they won't be swaping like someone here has suggested.
Most importantly, Mini is a club legend so a little repect should be shown......

Enough said really. Thead closed. Newman get back in your hole. Thank you for your attention.

[Spirit of 66]

Every player makes mistakes.
Mini has been solid.
RTS will get his chance in 2014.
In the meantime they won't be swaping like someone here has suggested.
Most importantly, Mini is a club legend so a little repect should be shown......

Quite right. I have seen some real stuff ups this year from Slater, Inglis and others. Why people focus on a couple of clangers in one game and ignore his consistency in the other 8 games is bizarre.

By the way, that brilliant run of RTS was made right up the centre, so he has clearly been given a roving brief in attack anyway.