Dragons v Dogs Round 1

[Frank Facer]

That point stood out to me as well, Frank. It makes you think about how Atkinson might be viewing his own future after those comments.

I was thinking Kyle was the one to go, with Atkinson moving to 5/8.

 

[Dragons Chris]

I was thinking Kyle was the one to go, with Atkinson moving to 5/8.

If Reed or another good playmaking and clearing kicking halfback was in the team, I've so far seen nothing to suggest Atkinson will be a better 5/8 than LKT.

Last year he was playing behind an injury decimated pack and was partnered in every game he played with Kyle Flanagan. Munster, Fittler, Lockyer would struggle in those circumstances.

 

[George Sancti]

I was thinking Kyle was the one to go, with Atkinson moving to 5/8.

If the plan is to promote Reed to first‑grade halfback when he’s ready, with Atkinson moving to 5/8, then why wouldn’t Coach Flanno start the season with Atkinson at 5/8 and Kyle at halfback?

 

[Frank Facer]

If the plan is to promote Reed to first‑grade halfback when he’s ready, with Atkinson moving to 5/8, then why wouldn’t Coach Flanno start the season with Atkinson at 5/8 and Kyle at halfback?

I can't answer that one. If I was selecting the team and picking Kyle and Atkinson as our halves, I would have have put the number 7 on Kyle's back and the number 6 on Atkinson's back.

Maybe Flanno put the number 7 on Atkinson's back, as he wants him to be the dominate playmaker?

 

[Frank Facer]

If Reed or another good playmaking and clearing kicking halfback was in the team, I've so far seen nothing to suggest Atkinson will be a better 5/8 than LKT.

Last year he was playing behind an injury decimated pack and was partnered in every game he played with Kyle Flanagan. Munster, Fittler, Lockyer would struggle in those circumstances.

I am of the belief that Atkinson will be a better 5/8 than King Togia. I liked the look of Acko early in the game against Souths. I still think he is better suited to 5/8 than halfback.

 

[The Word]

I agree but he’s the best option we have for half back at the moment, when Reed is ready they can make the switch.

 

[The Word]

If the plan is to promote Reed to first‑grade halfback when he’s ready, with Atkinson moving to 5/8, then why wouldn’t Coach Flanno start the season with Atkinson at 5/8 and Kyle at halfback?

I know what you’re saying but I honestly think that’s the best combo at the moment. I think Kyle will fly under the radar and surprise us this season.

 

[Frank Facer]

If Reed or another good playmaking and clearing kicking halfback was in the team, I've so far seen nothing to suggest Atkinson will be a better 5/8 than LKT.

Last year he was playing behind an injury decimated pack and was partnered in every game he played with Kyle Flanagan. Munster, Fittler, Lockyer would struggle in those circumstances.

Tell me, is it that you rate King Togia very highly? Then it is you don't rate Atkinson highly? or is it both?

 

[GCRV]

Just a random comment on Flanno's interview in regard to Kikau running at Kade Reed. I fully agree with him. Needs to put on a few more kgs and bench press a bit more before first grade. But gee it would be nice Shane if we had halves who put our edge forwards in position to run at Ben Hunt, Sam Walker and etc one on one. Or let me guess; that was all LKT's fault.

 

[Dragons Chris]

Tell me, is it that you rate King Togia very highly? Then it is you don't rate Atkinson highly? or is it both?

I thought Atkinson was ok or good in the CS. But due to his age and the way he performed despite being handicapped last season, I think LKT is going to be a better 5/8 if he isn't already. If he can tackle much better and the signs in the trials were good. From what I've seen so far, I'd say Atkinson is a makeshift halfback.

To rate someone doesn't mean not rating someone else.