Official Daniel Atkinson

[Western Sharkie]

Fitz seemed pretty happy in the presser with him. Said he had a simple role and was impressive in it. Hard to argue against the coach's assessment.

I'd imagine he'll take on more as he finds his feet which should help.

Agreed, but i dont think it was Dally M point worthy

 

[bort]

Agreed, but i dont think it was Dally M point worthy

Just looked that up - yeah, that’s Katoa or Kennedys point…

 

[Western Sharkie]

Just looked that up - yeah, that’s Katoa or Kennedys point…

Even one of the forwards

 

[Shortfin Mako]

I’ll be the downer. I thought he tried hard and was solid, had a couple of nice kicks to pin them.

Ultimately though I think he’s limited to what he can produce at 6. We looked disjointed on his side of the field, while understandable with the limited preparation, he often took the wrong option.

When we have all the ball and facing a team without any substantial half, it’s okay, I don’t know how serviceable it will be when we meet the likes of Melbourne and Penrith who will restrict Nicho’s time and space.

Obviously he did not do anything extra, however given his limited preparation this was expected.

Let’s just say I am happy that we met an inexperienced Raiders team his week and have the Dragons next before we go into a hard 5 week period. He will have 2 weeks to get ready. It’s not easy but this is his opportunity and time to shine.

 

[MrDravid]

I reckon Teig benefited with a half that was more likely to go straight then sideways.

 

[Gards]

He’s good against tired legs

Any decent half should be but every player out there benefits from opposition players with tired legs

No issue with him being a run first player. Many of the runs were more like hit ups though, which I don't think is the best utilisation of his talents.

Yea I don't see the issue, isn't this what we have wanted from our 5/8 and for Nicho to do less running? Nicho was doing all the kicking and game management. Not sure if it's being mentioned in here more as an observation than a criticism but it's kinda feeling like both.

There isn't always a pass or play on for a 5/8 so it makes sense he is going to look to take the line on and run it and he seems pretty handy at it and it might have been instructions to not worry about ball playing too much.

Compare Daniel's game to the 2 rookie halves Canberra fielded - yes those boys were behind a beaten pack but that's not Daniels fault he can only play with what he has. Those 2 Raiders didn't offer that much although they had a crack.

Even on the back foot behind a beaten pack I feel as though Daniel might still be able to provide some spark.

We won 40-0 , Daniel didn't get in Nichos way and didn't make mistakes while looking dangerous at times. Pretty good effort I would say and if we are worried about how is going to go against better opposition well let's not forget that Tricky has had alot of games where he kinda struggled.

 

[Sparkles]

I’ll be the downer. I thought he tried hard and was solid, had a couple of nice kicks to pin them.

Ultimately though I think he’s limited to what he can produce at 6. We looked disjointed on his side of the field, while understandable with the limited preparation, he often took the wrong option.

When we have all the ball and facing a team without any substantial half, it’s okay, I don’t know how serviceable it will be when we meet the likes of Melbourne and Penrith who will restrict Nicho’s time and space.

I get what you're saying. Melbourne don't have anything less than superstars in all their spine positions. Same with the Cowboys...
I really think we'll need to see more from Kennedy in attack at some point... I did say earlier we probably don't need to change anything in the way we're playing atm, but it's a lot of pressure for a whole team to perform at this level through the whole season (and finals) without your spine firing.

 

[Sparkles]

I reckon Teig benefited with a half that was more likely to go straight then sideways.

Wouldn't it be great if Atkinson and Wilton formed a combination. To be fair, that's pretty much all he'd need to do to contribute to the attack.

 

[bort]

I reckon Teig benefited with a half that was more likely to go straight then sideways.

That is where Trindall isn't contributing the same as Moylan was and forcing Hynes to do more of the straightening.
It is working okay as Trindall still making some decent decisions (on field...) but was limiting Hynes and Wilton. Def think it is something he can improve on though.

I get what you're saying. Melbourne don't have anything less than superstars in all their spine positions. Same with the Cowboys...
I really think we'll need to see more from Kennedy in attack at some point... I did say earlier we probably don't need to change anything in the way we're playing atm, but it's a lot of pressure for a whole team to perform at this level through the whole season (and finals) without your spine firing.

But Panthers have Luai who they make look like a superstar (except for his love of crabbing around this season), Dylan who they made look like a superstar but has worked his way up to deserving it, and Kenny who they make look like a reasonable hooker*

The two things you need to win a premiership are great defence and a team who are exceeding their cap hit.
Storms load up on spine and hope that covers for cheaper expenditure elsewhere seems like a perfectly legit tactic but isn't required.

Broncos have up and coming stars in Walsh and Mam, old head but probably not quite superstar ARey and hooker who is probably playing above what they pay him but far from a star. Great defence though.

*okay he's a very strong defender but his simple attack options they cover well for

 

[GF78]

Early doors, Atkinson looks iike he has pace, makes quick decisions, has a good boot ( first bomb was well struck) , defended well and can throw a quick zinger pass when called for. Promising.

 

[Gards]

Is going good, I think I like him more than Trindal. Made some important tackles and is looking pretty good with the ball in hand. Solid kicking game too

Playing beyond his experience IMO, Jets doing a good job with our young guys it seems but I know they also train with the FG boys and get that exposure too

 

[Thresher]

Some great defence. Little animal.

 

[uglydingo]

Liked his effort against St George. He's improving.

 

[Proud Shark]

Is going good, I think I like him more than Trindal. Made some important tackles and is looking pretty good with the ball in hand. Solid kicking game too

Playing beyond his experience IMO, Jets doing a good job with our young guys it seems but I know they also train with the FG boys and get that exposure too

I thought he was okay last week but thought he looked better again today. If he can be a difference maker over the next 5 weeks it will make for a tough decision.

 

[beaver2233]

Wish he kicked a little more. Put up an actual decent bomb in the second half.

Other than that yeah his running game and defence both seem solid.

 

[Wilson]

He’s a good player and up for first grade. 5/8 is not his position though. Whilst his defence has been outstanding, he’s extremely limited with the ball in hand.

More than happy for him to prove me wrong, but will be coming back to this thread over our next few weeks when his limitations become more difficult to overcome against the better sides.

 

[sharkstragic]

Doing a job whilst tricky is out... whats his natural position?

 

[puma1355]

went pretty good without being brilliant

 

[Western Sharkie]

Doing a job whilst tricky is out... whats his natural position?

Fullback I think

 

[apezza]

I thought he was okay last week but thought he looked better again today. If he can be a difference maker over the next 5 weeks it will make for a tough decision.

Nothing better than genuine nrl halves fighting for position.