2018 backline ?

[DP1990]

How will the Chooks back-line look this season ?

Option #1:

1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Joseph Manu
5. Blake Ferguson

Option #2:

1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Reece Robinson
5. Blake Ferguson

Option #3:

1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Blake Ferguson
5. Reece Robinson


Would it be wise for the Roosters to give Manu another crack in the backs or is it a risk to use him since he has had some questions regarding his defence ? He may be a good player in attack but there were a few moments last season in which he was exposed in defence. It would be absolutely dumb if Trent opted to use Matterson or Aubusson in the centres because they just aren't quick enough even though they may be reliable overall players, they were both burnt for pace/evasiveness last season. Roosters let Gordon go so they will need to pick the best option(s) in the backs this season. I don't know why the Chooks haven't gone to market to get a new outside back or perhaps Reece Robinson will do more than just fine ? Possibly will need to replace Blake Ferguson at some point as well. I think his time is just about done at the Roosters.


Thoughts ?

[kakaruk]

Option 1 is my pick. Manu needs to be at center there is only one way to really see if joey has indeed improved his defensive reads and that's to play football in first grade and get to work up his combinations with teddy,cronk and keary in attack and defense.I reckon manu will have a great season he is a talent make no mistake about that and that is why the chooks have put so much effort into improving his D.

[Thirteen]

Even when desperate Robbo chose to go with 2 slow second rowers because of Manu’s inability to tackle. Unless in the off-season he has suddenly learnt how to tackle and miraculously conquered his fears of being hurt while attempting to tackle, I don’t think you will see Manu anywhere near the first grade squad. If you are not convinced watch the Brisbane or the Manly game.
Id love to be wrong cause Manu is a weapon in attack.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Option 1 definitely for starters.

Id say Fergo could be the backline casualty as the season progresses though.

[novice chook]

I'd actually prefer another option: no Ferguson

1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Joseph Manu
5. Reece Robinson

I'm not sure why Joey Manu is always criticised for his defence when it's on par with Ferguson's. One of the reasons we had Aubo in the centres at the end of last year was to babysit Ferguson defensively - we cannot afford to have that happen again this year. If Ferguson has not improved enormously defensively during the offseason then he shouldn't be gifted a spot in the 17 just because he is a rep footballer. We just don't have defensive centres that can do the tackling for him.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

I'd actually prefer another option: no Ferguson

1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Joseph Manu
5. Reece Robinson

I'm not sure why Joey Manu is always criticised for his defence when it's on par with Ferguson's. One of the reasons we had Aubo in the centres at the end of last year was to babysit Ferguson defensively - we cannot afford to have that happen again this year. If Ferguson has not improved enormously defensively during the offseason then he shouldn't be gifted a spot in the 17 just because he is a rep footballer. We just don't have defensive centres that can do the tackling for him.

I reckon thats how it will play out too NC....no intell just my opinion.

[zac]

I'd say Fergo is a cert for round 1.
In the battle between Manu and Robinson I'd want to see who kills it in training and trials. Manu probably has more room for improvement so he'd be my pick at this stage.

[Johnny Tobin]

It will be option one. Robinson is strictly backup.

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

I reckon it will be option 2. But I to would prefer to see Manu in for Fergo. I wonder if Fergo will get pick for origin?

[Mickie Lane]

It depends on who is kicking goals the best at training.
If Robinson is the best kicker he will be in the side on the wing.
I will go option 3 for Rd 1. I want Ferguson & Latrell in the centres, lethal if they can be consistently on.

[Darkone]

option 3

[Darkone]

Reece Robinson has a ton of speed & experience

[DP1990]

For those that are interested: Two YouTube videos on "Reece Robinson".

If the bloke can score tries, tackle well, run fast and kick !? ... He'll definitely end up in the 17 man squad this season.

* Rugby Union goal kick (fairly easy) video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vu2TLWyfgA

* Highlights video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs6CAAGFb8A

[Moose]

I think it will be option 1, but the more I think about it, the less i'm unhappy about the idea of option 3, some genuine speed on the wing would be very nice

[roosterchook]

Fergo is another SKD. Never know what stupid or brilliant thing he’s going to do week in week out. I’d prefer to have let him go. Mitchell is a great drop kicker but keep him away from kick offs at all costs. Never seen so many kick offs go out on the full in years of being a fan.