Roosterfarian's Berzerkely Report

[Geohood]

any luck with the pics?

[Cockadoodledoo]

I could never understand why Simon wasn't used. He was a brilliant natural who brought Stuart to the boil by
outplaying him.
Saw him a few weeks ago. He is a bit bigger now....
Didn't know anyone could go to the coaching clinic as an observer. Thought it was for kids only.
I'll go next time....only live 15 mins away.
Thanks for the info....some is a bit worrying.

We had Lam and Fittler.. That's why.

[Guest]

We had Lam and Fittler.. That's why.

... and G. Appo

[novice chook]

Great report Roosterfarion. Thanks muchly for taking the time and effort to post it.

The fact that it sounds like there is harmony in the ranks encourages me more than anything. If all the players and coaching staff are pulling in the same direction and there is a set of common goals then we are way ahead of where we were in 2011. Not that it hasn't taken some pain to get to this point, but it may be worth it in the end.

I have to admire Smith for his perseverence in a long term project of promoting talent from within. It's not what comes naturally at the Roosters, where the quick fix is the usual solution.

NC

[Roosterfarian]

I have to agree with you here NC. Love him or hate him..his time here will be defined by the shift in player recruitment to a culture that promotes talent from within. His passion for developing the younger brigade is quite evident when you talk to him and shit he doesnt shut up!! I think he also sensed that I was interested as I kept asking him about the new generation rather than established first graders (that and not wanting to know the goss on off-field shit).

I honestly think we have a fantastic team who can give the comp a shake except that creativity in the halves...someone who can turn a game on its head. I don't think we have that in Pearce/Anasta. That's why it was a shame to lose Toddy. I was willing to bet my balls that we'd win a premiership with him here in the next couple of years. Alas it was not to be!

If our halves can put eggs on the majority of our faces next season, we will come close to winning the damn thing. Let's hope they surprise us.

[TheLoneRooster]

Really appreciate your time and effort Roosterfarian. I thoroughly enjoyed reading that report and it gives me some hope that 2012 will be better for the Roosters (despite the incumbents in two key positions ) than 2011.

[Guest]

He did point to Henry and say that when he showed up for training, he was surprised at how big he actually was.

Also remember boys. Training has JUST started. Someone will impress during the next few months with attitude to training and general committment and that may well change Smith's mind. It's early days (thats why I liked the January clinic better because it was at the end of the pre-season training).

All the posts about Stewart or any other fullback purchase. Forgot it as it wont be happening! Smith reiterated that we have a massive supply of fullbacks coming through with great potential. As I mentioned, halves MAY be the only position he'll sure up.

Maybe one of the talented young fullbacks will be transformed into a 6 or 7 ??

[Guest]

Maybe one of the talented young fullbacks will be transformed into a 6 or 7 ??

It has worked before.

[Guest]

We had Lam and Fittler.. That's why.

I know, but why did they club buy John and then sit him on the bench for the whole season?
He was a specialist half and second only to Freddy (imo).
This may not happen to Mortimer who is more versatile.

[Cockadoodledoo]

I know, but why did they club buy John and then sit him on the bench for the whole season?
He was a specialist half and second only to Freddy (imo).
This may not happen to Mortimer who is more versatile.

We signed him when the club didn't think we had a halfback.. We lost Freeman a season or 2 before, tried guys like Jason Hudson so the club wanted a proven half.. However Adrian Lam got a run mid-season and unexpectedly fired.. So once Simon joined it was hard to move Lam.. I think he also began to put on weight and we tried him a bit at Lock and he lost confidence. With the salary cap you could not afford a player on his paypacket to play second fiddle so the club cut their losses.

[Guest]

It has worked before.

I think you'll find Lockyer played all his junior football in the halves and was only moved to fullback so he could get a run in the FG side.

[Funky Chicken]

The Broncos are talking about playing Josh Hoffman at #6 in 2012, be interesting to see how he goes as he seems to have all the skills.

[Yak]

That's what I'd be doing if I was Griffin. He has undoubtedly one of the best young fullbacks going around waiting in the wings in Dane Gagai. I don't think Norman is up to playing 6 full-time. And I've never been a huge fan of Ben Hunt. Hoffman's defence certainly seems good enough for the front line. Beale and Yow Yeh on the wings and Reed and Hodges in the centres...that's a quality backline!! I think they'll struggle winning tight games this year though.

On another note...any further developments with these photos from the coaching clinic Roosterfarian??

[The Rooster Oracle]

Loved the report mun, it would be great if you could do another aricle for The Jamaican Times in February! If possible could someone please post on here a copy of The Jamaican Times Roosters report from January this year, as I would be interested to see how things ended up turning out.

[Guest]

That's what I'd be doing if I was Griffin. He has undoubtedly one of the best young fullbacks going around waiting in the wings in Dane Gagai. I don't think Norman is up to playing 6 full-time. And I've never been a huge fan of Ben Hunt. Hoffman's defence certainly seems good enough for the front line. Beale and Yow Yeh on the wings and Reed and Hodges in the centres...that's a quality backline!! I think they'll struggle winning tight games this year though.

On another note...any further developments with these photos from the coaching clinic Roosterfarian??

This is interesting. I dont see hoffman as a 6 like players like lockyear and hunt were or at least he hasnt played enough firsts to show the variety of skills and decision making required. If anything, gagai could well end up in 6. gagai actually played almost all his junior footy as a 6 or centre. hoffman im pretty sure is a genuine fullback and to me looks a genuine fullback. I agree on hunt but if i were griffin i would be going for hunt/norman to start as they deserve first crack