Official Wade Graham

  • Thread starter Deleted member 3365
  • Start date

Shortfin Mako

Bull Shark
Joined
Aug 16, 2020
Messages
2,193
Reaction score
1,188
Not even excited about Wade coming back. Great player for us in the past, but for me Trindall drops out of the 17 for the time being, and Tracey becomes the utility off the bench. Why change a winning combo at this point in time. I guess things can change if we lose a few games in a row though
I do not think losing a few games in a row is in the books for this team. At least it will be a very rare and unthinkable thing.
 

Sparkles

Jaws
Joined
May 21, 2008
Messages
14,098
Reaction score
4,909
Surprising not to see anyone standing up for Wade the way many have for Fifita
 

Wiz

Jaws
Joined
Mar 23, 2016
Messages
5,884
Reaction score
1,522
Surprising not to see anyone standing up for Wade the way many have for Fifita
I think it’s because we can actually see Fifita playing and the good things he’s doing for the team where as with Wade we still have no idea how he’s going to go and his replacements are killing it
 

Gumby

Jaws
Joined
Jun 27, 2011
Messages
19,161
Reaction score
5,688
Location
Melbourne
Williams in for trindall next week.

Graham should return via the jets. Get some confidence into him.
 

Shortfin Mako

Bull Shark
Joined
Aug 16, 2020
Messages
2,193
Reaction score
1,188
How do we fit Wade in when williams is back? Does Fifita drop out ?
As @gumby said, he might return via the Jets. Or he may replace Trindall and Williams can replace Fifita (or Williams for Trindall). Knock on wood, we are relatively injury free at the moment, but the league is long there will be injuries and suspensions no doubt.

Having this depth also helps us with giving Tracey or anyone else the proper time off to heal so we do not face repeat-injuries which are very disruptive.
 

Shortfin Mako

Bull Shark
Joined
Aug 16, 2020
Messages
2,193
Reaction score
1,188
I think it’s because we can actually see Fifita playing and the good things he’s doing for the team where as with Wade we still have no idea how he’s going to go and his replacements are killing it
We do not, but Fitzy sees that day in day out.
 

Sparkles

Jaws
Joined
May 21, 2008
Messages
14,098
Reaction score
4,909
I think it’s because we can actually see Fifita playing and the good things he’s doing for the team where as with Wade we still have no idea how he’s going to go and his replacements are killing it
I get what you're saying, but even last year when Fifita was taking people's heads off in reggies there was plenty of support. It's crickets for Wade
 
Joined
Feb 3, 2015
Messages
11,438
Reaction score
6,245
All valid points, but there is no way wade will be playing anywhere other than left edge back row. He is our captain and has earned the spot. He will have to play well to keep it though.
 

Blix

Great White
Joined
Jun 29, 2009
Messages
3,627
Reaction score
277
All valid points, but there is no way wade will be playing anywhere other than left edge back row. He is our captain and has earned the spot. He will have to play well to keep it though.
Whilst I get the feeling he might be “given” left centre back a couple of thoughts :
1) based on last years form (and prob last 2 years form) he doesn’t deserve the spot from Teig….ON FORM
2) when people say he has earnt the spot and it’s his…..how long does that hold for? For example until next year? Or if he re-signs however long his contract is for?? Whilst not a popular opinion no doubt (and thinking the guy is a champ) he has not been the same player since all of the leg injuries, from the reoccurring hammy to the acl, it’s really like he is a myth these days. He has played like 50% of the last 3 seasons and always gets the spot back…..he is getting paid like 750k which is completely understandable, my point is it’s not like he is just playing for Cronulla out of charity….Cronulla has done well by him as well, for a number of years.

Would be nice to see him actually say to the young guys, you are killing it and now you have shown you deserve the spot….

Anyway just my thoughts, I rate the guy, but at this point I think there is a lot of talent trying to start their own career who have earnt the right for the team to be picked on form.
 

bort

Jaws
Joined
Jun 4, 2007
Messages
37,063
Reaction score
12,798
Location
IN A BAR
He earned that contract and I think players like playing with him so just give him back his jersey and let him keep it regardless of form.

Who cares what he is paid vs his output he’s a sharks legend and I still think he’ll come good again
 

sharkgaz

Tiger Shark
Joined
Apr 9, 2012
Messages
1,193
Reaction score
168
Location
Brisbane
Can he still play with 100% confidence and intensity though, knowing that 1 more failed HIA and his career is over. I don't think he can, personally.
 
Joined
Feb 3, 2015
Messages
11,438
Reaction score
6,245
Whilst I get the feeling he might be “given” left centre back a couple of thoughts :
1) based on last years form (and prob last 2 years form) he doesn’t deserve the spot from Teig….ON FORM
2) when people say he has earnt the spot and it’s his…..how long does that hold for? For example until next year? Or if he re-signs however long his contract is for?? Whilst not a popular opinion no doubt (and thinking the guy is a champ) he has not been the same player since all of the leg injuries, from the reoccurring hammy to the acl, it’s really like he is a myth these days. He has played like 50% of the last 3 seasons and always gets the spot back…..he is getting paid like 750k which is completely understandable, my point is it’s not like he is just playing for Cronulla out of charity….Cronulla has done well by him as well, for a number of years.

Would be nice to see him actually say to the young guys, you are killing it and now you have shown you deserve the spot….

Anyway just my thoughts, I rate the guy, but at this point I think there is a lot of talent trying to start their own career who have earnt the right for the team to be picked on form.

He has definitely been down from his best the last few years, but at his peak he was the best edge player in the comp. Mostly because of his finesse in passing and kicking. With confidence in a side that is humming I think he can be great for us.

As the captain and after what he has done, I think he deserves for it to be his spot to lose. I do how however agree with you that if he doesn't cut the mustard then some tough conversations will need to be had.
 
Joined
Sep 7, 2005
Messages
20,875
Reaction score
4,946
Location
The Ridge!
I am amazed at the number of people in here writing off our Club Captain. Some saying he is done, some saying he has to earn his spot back, some even have said have him come back through the Jets.

When he returns he'll be part of the 17. 269 NRL games and 24 rep games of experience tells you that.

Have you guys noticed where Wade spends his time during games? Not up in the comfort of the coaches box but down on the ground with his teammates. I bet the players love the fact that he chooses to spend his time down there among his troops.

And when he does come back, there is no need for any extra pressure to be put on him. He doesn't need to carry the team, or put no the big play or take on an extra kicking role. We have others now who have stepped up to take that pressure off him.

I can't say if he has got his technique right or if any more head knocks will come his way.

But he does not deserve to be discarded or put on the scrapheap at this stage.

When he is fit he will come back into this side and be welcomed back by his team and the fans.
 

Gards

Jaws
Joined
Apr 25, 2010
Messages
19,416
Reaction score
3,515
Location
At the Tucky
No one is saying he isn't a good bloke or a good club man or that he lacks experience or ability. Players speak highly of his leadership as well despite what we may think of him as a captain.

I relise Wade trained all pre-season with the team but my big concern is that he slots back into his old second row position but plays like he used to which will interrupt the fluidity and structure we have this season in spreading it very quickly from the halves to the edges / outside backs

We don't want Wade calling for the ball just to run his centre out of space or to put in one of his little grubbers behind the line when the right play was for the half to throw a cutout ball straight to our centre who finds himself with some clear air to run and setup his winger

Wade is from the Flanno era of attack when we played very flat up and in the line. Yea Wade played under the newer coaches we had too but not many games.

Under Fitz we are quick, deep and expansive but the all the cogs and gears have to turn together for it to work smoothly

Talakai & Wilton are going strong, even Nikora to an extent . Will always appreciate and respect Wade but I am sorry there is no room for him in our strongest side anymore.

When he comes back into the team he needs to play well and do it sooner rather than later. Fitz has done wonders with our players so maybe Wade will look and play well and suiting to what our team needs.

I will be annoyed if our team goes backwards but he is guaranteed a spot because he's captain and has history with the club.
Surely Wade wants to see the Sharkies win another premiership again while he is part of the club even if he isn't on the field to see it

It was different with Fifs cause we are talking a relatively low minutes bench spot in a simpler role vs. an 80 minute position on the field which we are flush with talent to fill at present and Wade has felt like a phantom the last few years.

Our middles with the exception of Jack Williams were pretty soft last year as well so Fifs had his appeal (who was showing some small glimpses)

It's not playing favorites, both players helped us get that premiership and are adored by the fans, it's about whats best on balance for the team moving forward

I will be impressed if Wade outperforms Wilton or Nikora and will happily revisit my position

I will be glad to see him back in the team, I am glad he is not "done". I just really hope he is up to it
 
Last edited:

Shortfin Mako

Bull Shark
Joined
Aug 16, 2020
Messages
2,193
Reaction score
1,188
@Gards , do you really believe that Fitzy will be emotional and put Wade on the team at the cost of our harmony and fluidity?

He does not strike me as someone who makes decisions based on emotions. I think when we see Wade on the team, we will know that it is beacuse he is ready amd fits well within the system or adds something to it
 
Top