Who takes over from Michael Gordon?

[Intercept]

Well, after just 1 round of 2017, the future sure looks bright! A good performance from our boys and seemingly, lots of talented youngsters working their way through the grades!

However, picking up on the discussion in the thread ‘What Gasnier said’…if Latrell kills it at left centre, then we will be looking for a long-term solution at fullback and it's not immediately obvious what we should do when Michael Gordon finishes up. If the club doesn’t think that any of the internal candidates (e.g. Watson, Copley, Manu, Nikorima, Ferguson) are the answer, then we will be forced to go shopping.

So, I thought it might be interesting to get your thoughts on what you would do to help kick open that premiership window - all the while recognising that the club won't be taking advice from any of us! Here's a list of possibles and some observations (right or wrong) to get the discussion going:

Off Contract 2017
James Tedesco – seems a popular choice and would be an amazing signing! Adds the dimension of pure speed. Good hands. However, he is injury prone. Expensive. Not a goal-kicker.
Josh Dugan – very good with kick returns. Imagine SKD and Tupou taking the second hit-up and making it to our 40 already. Good organiser of the defence. Good hole runner. Only now learning to pass. Error prone. Injury prone. Expensive. Not a goal-kicker.
Gareth Widdop – fairly quick. Good goal-kicker. Another kicking option in general play. Fullback might be his best position? Takes space off his outside men by running sideways. Kick happy.

Off Contract 2017 + Positional Switch
Alex Johnston – very quick. May not be a fullback even if he wants to be? Hasn’t set the world on fire since his debut season. Can he catch? Average goal-kicker.
Shaun Johnson – super quick. Reasonable goal-kicker. Another kicking option in general play. May not be a fullback?

Code Switch
Israel Folau – would attract plenty of media attention. Might be part-funded by TPAs. May not be available? May not be a rugby league fullback? May struggle to adapt after so many years away.

Off Contract 2018
Jarryd Hayne – a freak on his day. Very quick. Good hands. Huge boot on him. Out of sorts. Unsettled. May become available sooner? Expensive. May not be a team player?
Michael Morgan – super quick. Good hands. Acquitted himself well at the Cowboys when deputising at fullback. Good kicking game. May be relieved to escape the Cowboys post-JT?
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck – we all know Roger. Would he be welcomed back ‘home’ to Bondi?

Over to you.

[top_joe]

What an A+ thread, with great thought in it.

For me, we should give Watson a go. I can see him doing everything Teddy does, with better passing.

[Horry]

Connor Watson

[Monaco's Fan Club]

TKO

[Mickie Lane]

What an A+ thread, with great thought in it.

For me, we should give Watson a go. I can see him doing everything Teddy does, with better passing.

Wow thats a big call.

[ROC181]

Fullback is probably the most difficult position to cover. Mini was our #1 for many years and when he wasn't there how many skilled players tried to cover but only to fail miserably. The only one that came near was RTS. If Gordon gets injured or when he leaves we should look for an establish #1, not someone who's great of the bench.

[Mickie Lane]

Jack Bird.

[Parkway_Drive]

I doubt it will happen but Shaun Johnson would be an amazing fullback. Plus he can kick goals.

One of the reasons for this is his mileage in his big games and in nines tournaments is phenomenal and would be potentially as quick and as fit Slater was. Also with an AFL background in addition to touch footy in NZ of all places lol means he can run freely all day.

[Intercept]

Yeah, didn't think of Jack Bird, Mickie. I don't really see him as a fullback though. As he matures, I see him getting in closer to the action where he can take advantage of his strength and aggression. Are you saying he is your pick or just throwing his name into the mix?

[Arties Pie]

Michael Morgan would be my pick from your list, would also like to see Watson get some game time in the position but it's a bit hard other than innjury cover as he's a bench player.
No No No to RTS and Hayne.

[Guest]

latrell mitchell

[Parkway_Drive]

Re Tedesco. Isnt there a rumour or rmedia article out that the Roosters will not negotiate with Isaac Moses anymore? (The manager of Teddy and Moses)

[eddie]

Am I on me pat malone in seeing Manu as a good fullback option?
Best option on the market list would be RTS realising he's wasting his career at that dump he signed with..
On the bright side, at least talk of Slaimankle is a thing of the past.

[Guest]

Am I on me pat malone in seeing Manu as a good fullback option?
Best option on the market list would be RTS realising he's wasting his career at that dump he signed with..
On the bright side, at least talk of Slaimankle is a thing of the past.

Maybe is the best I could offer. I actually see Manu as a hyped up player who has yet to prove a thing. No doubt the kid has potential but lets see if he can realise that potential. I think Watson could make a good fist of it if given a chance.

[John Corey]

Good thread. To be honest tho I think we are going g to be pleasantly surprised by Michael Gordon. The guy is just a true professional. Skd caused that error under the high ball and re the 40/20 you could see Gordon looking around at his team mates saying " You need to communicate with me. Let me know if it's outside the 40".

Does Gordon have a 2yr contract? If so it's a great move. Give time for Mitchell and Watson to come along further.

After that I wouldn't be surprised to see Watson at fullback.