Official Wade Graham

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Even though I agree with most of what everyone's saying, and I've said similar before, we're going to need him over the next few months.

For that reason it's good that he's back.

He'll improve physically with each game's worth of match fitness.

Hopefully our coaches can fix up the problems he's causing to our shape in offense.
 

jocktheshark

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I hate saying this but he looks a shadow of himself , i truely believe the multiple concussions have had a major effect on him . My wife's best friend had a head injury 20+ years ago and even now she is still not the same , she just does and says odd things and a bit slow reacting to situations . She knows she's doing it and usually just waves it off as just her being ditzy , but she's as sharp as a tack most of the time .
I would hate to see him have another and really cause some damage .
 

Gards

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He hasn't played much NRL the last few years either, not much footy at all really, that's also a factor

Even when you think of fitter and younger players who take 12 months out of the game they come back and can seriously struggle and it can take years to re-establish themselves assuming they can hang around that is
 

Gumby

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He hasn't played much NRL the last few years either, not much footy at all really, that's also a factor

Even when you think of fitter and younger players who take 12 months out of the game they come back and can seriously struggle and it can take years to re-establish themselves assuming they can hang around that is

He doesn't have years. He's got 8 weeks to sort his **** out and prove his worth otherwise he can go to another club.

We've carried this bloke for 3 years now. Time to make the tough decision on him.
 

Sparkles

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He stifles that whole side.. what’s worked for us this year is playing fast and direct then hitting holes or passing out the back.

Wade destroys all of that
He's always played a certain game, which worked pretty well for a while. But how many edge forwards can we have? Teig, Nikora, Wade, Talakai plays like one (and probably should be one)... then people suggest we should get Matterson
 

apezza

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He's always played a certain game, which worked pretty well for a while. But how many edge forwards can we have? Teig, Nikora, Wade, Talakai plays like one (and probably should be one)... then people suggest we should get Matterson
Yeh I think the last game showed how much we missed BHU. We need the next crop of middles to focus on (amd eventual 5/8 once Moylan finishes)
 
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He's always played a certain game, which worked pretty well for a while. But how many edge forwards can we have? Teig, Nikora, Wade, Talakai plays like one (and probably should be one)... then people suggest we should get Matterson
I guess Fitz needs to first decide if Talakai will be our regular Centre beyond 2022 or if he wants him in the 2nd row.

If Centre, another 2nd tower would be handy.
If not then we need a Centre.
 

CHOGM

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Unlike everyone else, I'm not convinced Wade playing like a ball playing lock can't work. Once Kennedy is back Wade will have another game under his belt, so it will be interesting to see how he goes with our regular spine.
 

MrDravid

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Unlike everyone else, I'm not convinced Wade playing like a ball playing lock can't work. Once Kennedy is back Wade will have another game under his belt, so it will be interesting to see how he goes with our regular spine.
If you play Wade as a 13, where do you play McInnes?
 

bort

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McInnes was another JMo signing.

4 years?

Ffs what was he thinking.
I assume this is a specific criticism of McInnes?
Because Finucane is also signed for 4 years and is three years older.

Mooney on board for both signings I believe
 

Paul C

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I assume this is a specific criticism of McInnes?
Because Finucane is also signed for 4 years and is three years older.

Mooney on board for both signings I believe
yes, it is a specific criticism of McInnes and JMo.

Not concerned about McInnes age, just skill/size/need.

I don't think JMo signed Finucane.
 

HaroldBishop

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yes, it is a specific criticism of McInnes and JMo.

Not concerned about McInnes age, just skill/size/need.

I don't think JMo signed Finucane.
I think we definitely needed him, it's easy to forget how terrible our leadership was last year and the year before. With blokes like McInnes it's not just what he brings on the field, it's the standard he sets off it which lifts everyone else. Gal mentioned watching McInnes and Finucane train is scary.
 

bort

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yes, it is a specific criticism of McInnes and JMo.

Not concerned about McInnes age, just skill/size/need.

I don't think JMo signed Finucane.

So you just don't like McInnes (as a lock?) is what you're saying?

From a 'need' perspective he at that stage became our best 13 and second best 9 so I'm not really sure how you can question that he filled a need.

If anything Dale filled less of a need and also was contracted for 4 years, but yes a different coach signed him.
 

BurgoShark

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Unlike everyone else, I'm not convinced Wade playing like a ball playing lock can't work. Once Kennedy is back Wade will have another game under his belt, so it will be interesting to see how he goes with our regular spine.
Not everyone else mate. I've been banging that drum since before Bomber got sacked.
 

Paul C

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So you just don't like McInnes (as a lock?) is what you're saying?

From a 'need' perspective he at that stage became our best 13 and second best 9 so I'm not really sure how you can question that he filled a need.

If anything Dale filled less of a need and also was contracted for 4 years, but yes a different coach signed him.
I dont rate McInnes in any position.

He is not a bloke I hate, but I just don't think he is any good. Many better options. I know he broke down after we signed him and that may have decreased his ability but I can't see what the benefit was to sign him, particularly for 4 years.
 
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