Round 18 2014: Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v Newcastle Knights 13 July 3pm @ Remondis

[evertonshark]

Feki is one of a number of players on our roster who are really dominantly left sided. Huge left foot step, right hand fend. Has to stay on the left.

Leutele is much the same. Did OK at right centre but much more suited to the left.

I'm really keen to see Feki and Holmes given a crack in their preferred spots but its pretty easy for us to say sack x, bring in y, move z over to the other side. Its much harder for the coaches who have other things to consider and their reputations, livelihoods and the respect of their players on the line. For instance, can Holmes organize a defensive line yet? Would.he have taken the bombs Gordon too yesterday with Jeremy Smith and Mason bearing down on him? Is it worth disrupting the right side defensive unit by brining in a new centre, especially when Brown is only a rookie? Is it fair to Jono to drop him despite him playing well the last few weeks, especially given he's playing for his future? Its debate able whether Shepherd is in any position to do any of that... its not even his team.

You'll never know the answers to these questions unless you give it a go, I see exactly what your saying in the post but surely with the season a write off now is the time to work out what is our strongest side and not wait until injury strikes at a possible crucial time next season. As for jono though, he's had 2 seasons to prove whether he is worth another contract.

 

[HaroldBishop]

Feki is one of a number of players on our roster who are really dominantly left sided. Huge left foot step, right hand fend. Has to stay on the left.

Leutele is much the same. Did OK at right centre but much more suited to the left.

I'm really keen to see Feki and Holmes given a crack in their preferred spots but its pretty easy for us to say sack x, bring in y, move z over to the other side. Its much harder for the coaches who have other things to consider and their reputations, livelihoods and the respect of their players on the line. For instance, can Holmes organize a defensive line yet? Would.he have taken the bombs Gordon too yesterday with Jeremy Smith and Mason bearing down on him? Is it worth disrupting the right side defensive unit by brining in a new centre, especially when Brown is only a rookie? Is it fair to Jono to drop him despite him playing well the last few weeks, especially given he's playing for his future? Its debate able whether Shepherd is in any position to do any of that... its not even his team.

As ES said there's only one way to find out, there will never be a better opportunity than where we find ourselves now.

If Jono isn't in our future plans then yes he should be dropped and someone else given a shot with a view to next year. Is that fair on Jono? Not really, but that's footy unfortunately. There's no room for sentiment, we need to be a bit more ruthless whilst not going too far.

On Holmes, if guys such as Milford and Moylan can make the transition then I can't see why Holmes can't ( I know you're not saying he can't). Moses at the Tiges is another example although early days there and they have injuries. Still, we should be getting ready for the future and having some belief in players we have identified as players that can get us to where we want to be.

 

[ABshark]

You'll never know the answers to these questions unless you give it a go, I see exactly what your saying in the post but surely with the season a write off now is the time to work out what is our strongest side and not wait until injury strikes at a possible crucial time next season. As for jono though, he's had 2 seasons to prove whether he is worth another contract.

That's the thing. The coaches can know those things without giving it a go because they actually know the players and train them every week. We can't know because we don't have that knowledge... so really we're arguing that the coaches should do it so we can learn the answers to those questions.

That's a fair point re:Jono but then again he's had bugger all opportunity at right centre which is clearly his favoured possie.

 

[sharkboy18]

I only saw the 2nd half, that was absolutely woeful in the 2nd half, their last try no one even seemed to try & tackle the bloke that made the break