Initial impressions of the Fergo fullback experiment

[fletch]

obviously we won't truly know until the first half of the season is in the books how Fergo will make the switch but its worthwhile making some observations of what we saw today.

the main areas for concerns aren't surprising its going to be defensive positioning and handling the aerial attacks.

my worry is teams like the Cowboys/Storm/Vermin are going to take advantage of Fergo's poor positional awareness, was way too many kicks today that turned him around and were bouncing around for too long.

on a positive note I was pleasantly surprised at his support play up the middle, scored a nice try and could easily had another had he held the offload from Hastings late on.

its only early day but he doesn't look to comfortable at the back, for our sake I hope he gains some more confidence as the season goes on.

[Pass the Ball]

1. Mitchell
4. Ferguson

[milanja]

I don't see him as a natural fullback, as you said, positionally was lost, seemed scared to attack the ball, and running it back, he was just like a battering ram, don't think his body will last if he plays like that. Also not sure if he has a decent passing game on him to link a ball to his winger.

Very early, but sometimes you can't force a player into something he isn't. I really don't think Mitchell would do a worse job than fergo.

[Chooky Chookerson]

He may suprise us with a bit more game time but I don't see him staying in the 1 for too long. Might be a Todd Carney situation (2010) of switching back to his preferred position com origin time.

[Double]

Not a fullback.
.

[zac]

Will be dangerous bringing the ball back in broken play on dry grounds.

[elo]

Drop Mitchell in the deep end.

Fergo is our best centre, leave him there Robbo.

[Darkone]

Still a work in progress but willing to be patient

[Guest]

He looked very uncomfortable under the high ball and I can see this being exploited by better quality opposition.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Pass mark.

[Spirit of 66]

He's a stop gap. As soon as they think Mitchell is confident, he'll be in that jumper. I'm guessing Round 6.

[Monaco's Fan Club]

Too early to tell. Fergo is playing with a new centre and winger, let alone a new 5/8. This is the teams very first run together, in the rain and away from home. Saying that, I do believe Mitchell will be playing FB by Origin 1.

[Darkone]

He's a stop gap. As soon as they think Mitchell is confident, he'll be in that jumper. I'm guessing Round 6.

maybe sooner

[E96_]

I think it all hinges on Latrell Mitchell and how handles 1st grade this season. I think Blake can be a good temporary solution to our situation. I want to see Latrell prove himself in the top grade before putting him in a key position.

We really have a great up and coming group and we have re-tooled the team well considering there was close to %40 worth of salary cap sitting out from last years team tonight.

[Bigchook]

I'm not worried at all about fergos aerial ability. I'm more worried that he doesn't have a polished ball passing game and I think we will need it. He's a power player and is more suited to the centres however I think he will do a job for us in the 1. I think most of us had burgess ahead of Mitchell for a wing spot but the kid looked good tonight. My preference for this season would be

1. Mitchell
2. Skd
3. Fergo
4. Elliot
5. Tupou

With burgess and Copley as cover.