Our No. 7 Atkinson v Reed

Well there you have it, Joey Johns just said what I have been saying since we signed Atkinson, " Atkinson is a running 6 he is NOT a halfback". I am vindicated by an immortal.

In relation to introducing Reed after 4 ressies games. I am just relying on my past experiences in the game. Play makers who appear to have the skill sets of young Reed are diamonds in the rough.

They don't come along very often. He has to be given time for his body and mind to adjust to the rigours of 1st grade, not just talking about being able to take a hit but I'm talking about the speed of the game today.

A player needs to be physically ready, have the stamina to compete. Tired and exhausted play makers don't do your team any good, trust me on that.

Introducing Reed into our current squad is fraught with danger both physically and mentally. I would wait, taking into consideration the current mindset of our team. Just my personal views and of course Joey's
 

Dragon David

SGI NSW Cup
How in blazes as an "experienced" coach like Flanno could not see this. Flanno was so excited that he signed Atko in late 2024 after seeing him play one good game and said that he would transition into a good halfback. We know he should have been playing 5/8th and he should be put into that position forthwith as one of many changes that Flanno needs to make. Joey should know.
 
How in blazes as an "experienced" coach like Flanno could not see this. Flanno was so excited that he signed Atko in late 2024 after seeing him play one good game and said that he would transition into a good halfback. We know he should have been playing 5/8th and he should be put into that position forthwith as one of many changes that Flanno needs to make. Joey should know.
Sometimes in situations coaches find themselves in it is human nature to seek quick answers and develop tunnel vision especially in times of despair.

I watch a lot of ressies games and Atkinson was a standout at 6 for Newtown. I couldn't agree with the coaches thoughts about changing him from a running 6 to a game managing 7.
 

RufusRex

SGI Jersey Flegg
Reed needs a game or two, needs that first exposure to 1st grade to understand more what is required .. if he fails that is ok .. back to reserves.
But reserves will never pressure him, take his time, isolate him like 1st grade - he will never be properly prepared in reserves for 1st grade.

Ideally ONeill can come back in soon and cover .. he is a must to be playing 7 in reserves ASAP. He is the stop gap between Reed's debut and the end of the year. Older/bigger/stronger .. not as good but capable enough to do a role.
 

Morgan

SGI NSW Cup
Reed needs a game or two, needs that first exposure to 1st grade to understand more what is required .. if he fails that is ok .. back to reserves.
But reserves will never pressure him, take his time, isolate him like 1st grade - he will never be properly prepared in reserves for 1st grade.

Ideally ONeill can come back in soon and cover .. he is a must to be playing 7 in reserves ASAP. He is the stop gap between Reed's debut and the end of the year. Older/bigger/stronger .. not as good but capable enough to do a role.
It'd be nice if Flanno takes Kyle with him so perhaps Quinn can be upgraded.
 
Reed needs a game or two, needs that first exposure to 1st grade to understand more what is required .. if he fails that is ok .. back to reserves.
But reserves will never pressure him, take his time, isolate him like 1st grade - he will never be properly prepared in reserves for 1st grade.

Ideally ONeill can come back in soon and cover .. he is a must to be playing 7 in reserves ASAP. He is the stop gap between Reed's debut and the end of the year. Older/bigger/stronger .. not as good but capable enough to do a role.
I disagree, ressies is an extremely important stepping stone to 1sts. Its where the kids start to play against the men. This is where you improve your skillset, where you realise what your strengths and weaknesses are and really start to understand how much faster the game is.

What you are saying is akin to an apprenticeship. Ok we know its a 4 year program before you earn your degree but because you are so good we can skip year 3 and go from year 2 to 4. I don't think so. Just my views
 

RufusRex

SGI Jersey Flegg
Andrew Johns debuted as a 19 year old in an age where young halves were less protected than they are now.
The late hits after kicking/passing was un penalised like now.

Luke Keary is in the press saying that he was not ready for 1st grade when he debuted yet debuted and survived.

There are reasons for and reasons against - i get that ...

Reggies is a step, understand .. but the speed of reserves is nothing like 1st grade, the pressure, time all of it ... Being capable in reserves is no measure of being ready for 1st grade .. The only time you are ready for 1st grade is after playing it.
 
Andrew Johns debuted as a 19 year old in an age where young halves were less protected than they are now.
The late hits after kicking/passing was un penalised like now.

Luke Keary is in the press saying that he was not ready for 1st grade when he debuted yet debuted and survived.

There are reasons for and reasons against - i get that ...

Reggies is a step, understand .. but the speed of reserves is nothing like 1st grade, the pressure, time all of it ... Being capable in reserves is no measure of being ready for 1st grade .. The only time you are ready for 1st grade is after playing it.
We will agree to disagree amicably on this point
 

George Sancti

SGI Jersey Flegg
I reckon Reed and atko would get better coaching in nsw cup. I don't want Reed anywhere near flanno. I think atko is already getting into some issues with flanno and Ennis gameplan.
I agree, Dave. Reed isn’t physically ready for first grade yet, but I’d hate to see his natural ball‑playing instincts compromised once our attacking coach starts drilling him on the current structures.
 

No Surrender

SGI Jersey Flegg
If the forwards give Reed a platform and protect him in the defensive line he will be ok.

He can’t be any worse than LKT in defence.

He has footy smarts and would spark the attack.

However we need a coach that will allow him to play his own game.

One out for 5 tackles and a bomb from half way won’t cut it.

The whole team needs to be backing up the ball carrier.
 

Ryan

SGI NSW Cup
If the forwards give Reed a platform and protect him in the defensive line he will be ok.

He can’t be any worse than LKT in defence.

He has footy smarts and would spark the attack.

However we need a coach that will allow him to play his own game.

One out for 5 tackles and a bomb from half way won’t cut it.

The whole team needs to be backing up the ball carrier.
Give LKT a break. Yesterday there were plenty whose defence was worse. I only remember him missing one tackle yesterday and it was only half his fault.
 

No Surrender

SGI Jersey Flegg
Give LKT a break. Yesterday there were plenty whose defence was worse. I only remember him missing one tackle yesterday and it was only half his fault.
It’s not his defence that worries me the most

It’s his lack of concentration in attack

Yesterday he though a pass 5 metres behind his centre and winger that lead to a 80 metre Cowboys try

He lacks real acceleration

LKT is a better option than Kyle Flanagan in attack, but he is well behind Reed.
 

Ryan

SGI NSW Cup
It’s not his defence that worries me the most

It’s his lack of concentration in attack

Yesterday he though a pass 5 metres behind his centre and winger that lead to a 80 metre Cowboys try

He lacks real acceleration

LKT is a better option than Kyle Flanagan in attack, but he is well behind Reed.
His attack was almost as bad as Kyle's yesterday.
 

Frank Facer

SGI Jersey Flegg
If the forwards give Reed a platform and protect him in the defensive line he will be ok.

He can’t be any worse than LKT in defence.

He has footy smarts and would spark the attack.

However we need a coach that will allow him to play his own game.

One out for 5 tackles and a bomb from half way won’t cut it.

The whole team needs to be backing up the ball carrier.
If Reed could reproduce what he did in the Charity Shield each week, we would have won 2 or 3 games this year. Acko would probably be playing better besides Reed at 5/8 as well.
 
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