Official Wade Graham

[Shortfin Mako]

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]

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

 

[Blue_Eyes84]

It's controversial to say, I don't see a place in the team for Wade at the moment.

 

[Sparkles]

It's controversial to say, I don't see a place in the team for Wade at the moment.

Not controversial here mate

 

[MMsharks]

yeah its going to be hard to drop someone.
would end up being teig ??

 

[Proud Shark]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Proud Shark]

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.

 

[Gumby]

He’s done IMO.

 

[Sir Chadley]

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]

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

 

[Shortfin Mako]

@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

 

[sharks2010]

Wade will come back into the side no if's, ands, or buts.

There is also the chance maybe he might not be a 80 minute player anymore and be more effective with reduced minutes, we have the luxury of being able to provide that, start teig or sifa then bring wade on after 20

Would have been hard for wade to be motivated the last few years, going from a such a high where the club was at 2016 to a few lean years would take it's toll.

He seems refreshed with the time off and the development the club has undergone, I'm tipping he will come back keen as mustard

Just seemed a tad disinterested the past few years in my eyes. Needed this changed up just as much as the whole club did, new coach, new direction

 

[Gards]

@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

I don't think he will be emotional but it would take alot of ballz from any coach even experienced ones to drop their club captain even if it's disguised under the message of 'resting a niggle'

Wade will be afforded more patience than the regular player rightly or wrongly

 

[HaroldBishop]

Wade will come back into the side no if's, ands, or buts.

There is also the chance maybe he might not be a 80 minute player anymore and be more effective with reduced minutes, we have the luxury of being able to provide that, start teig or sifa then bring wade on after 20

Would have been hard for wade to be motivated the last few years, going from a such a high where the club was at 2016 to a few lean years would take it's toll.

He seems refreshed with the time off and the development the club has undergone, I'm tipping he will come back keen as mustard

Just seemed a tad disinterested the past few years in my eyes. Needed this changed up just as much as the whole club did, new coach, new direction

And as has been said many times, the leadership of McInnes and Finucane will only help Wade.

If he comes back in form then wow, we will go to another level again imo.

 

[Shortfin Mako]

If he comes back in form then wow, we will go to another level again imo.

That is exactly what I am hoping for.

 

[sharks2010]

And as has been said many times, the leadership of McInnes and Finucane will only help Wade.

If he comes back in form then wow, we will go to another level again imo.

Yeah I think he had to much pressure the last few years with the lack of quality leaders we had compared to now

That left boot of his will be a very valuable assist to this team

 

[Paul C]

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.

He does not deserve anything. He comes back through Reggie's and wins a spot.

We were stuffed for years with people deserving a spot. See Gal.