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SGI Jersey Flegg
Damn that’s heartbreaking for both boys with the ACL’s. Ryan looked set for a big year. So cruel
How have the U19s been going? Since the regular season started, I haven't paid attention to it. Last I remember reading is that the Steelers keep on getting better but no improvement in the Dragons. Is that still true?This weekends schedule on BarTV:
SATURDAY:
SUNDAY:
- 10AM (9AM QLD) - Jersey Flegg (in Fiji)
- 12.30 (11.30 QLD) - Steelers HM
- 2PM (1PM QLD) - Steelers SG Ball
- Midday (11am QLD) - Dragons SG Ball
Not great for the Dragons side sadly.. them and the warriors face off this week to probably avoid the spoon.....How have the U19s been going? Since the regular season started, I haven't paid attention to it. Last I remember reading is that the Steelers keep on getting better but no improvement in the Dragons. Is that still true?
So my assertion that being the next big thing playing in juniors, then step up to ressies then its a stairway to 1sts is a pretty good analogy of how a player needs to continue to develop, not only physically, but mentally and his skillsets. Who would have thought?I thought he had scored a great try earlier in the half too, must have been called an obstruction but if it was.. it seemed a long way away... rly sux not having a captains call or something in the lower grades.. but tbf they generally just get on with it.
He seems the ideal frame too, hes not lightning quick.. you can see several players coasting around him on his last try.. but hes more than quick enough.. as seem in several of his tries where he runs a good line and has far too much pace to be stopped.. physically he seems above average height.. and fairly solid, as if hes going to be able to tackle blokes and do his hitups.. a lot of our other fullback prospects have been very slight.. but this is theoretical as I never really see him tested much in defence.. but im hopeful that with his class and physicality.. that he he will pick up what he needs to pick up in time.. he did miss a 1on1 tackle in one of the wests tries.. pretty hard with someone running direct at you like that.. bu that is the job.. but the attacker was very fleet of foot...timed his step beautifully and left Burton grasping.
I saw Tartak liking the instagram post.. so im assuming he is one of his.. or will be..
But just on Fullbacks coming through, I was having a think about our stocks (with a rough guess on age):
All those guys have been exciting.. as was Treigh Stewart and Tyrell Sloan coming through.. but those 2 guys show you how damn hard it is to go all the way.. Stewart was a king up until nsw cup level... I personally think fullback is one of the hardest positions possible.. I've always thought that.. cause a good fullback is responsible for your attack and your defence.. you have to tick so many boxes..... every time you mover up a grade.
- Ben Rumble (Age 21): He was the try and try-assist machine in SG and JF.. I think he's still a chance to make it as an outside back.. but with his big tall frame, if hes good enough, maybe he can make it as a winger or centre.. im not sure hes quick enough for fullback though..my excitement has sort of washed off over the last 12-18ths.. and of course we have a lot of wingers competing for spots.. but as a centre.. pretty clear path potentially.
- Lucas Borg (18-19): I think hes made a really good first of SG Ball, absolutely no complaints.. but his 2nd year in SG and a good side.. he should be that good.... but im not convinced he is a longterm prospect.. but you never know.. he might well end up the Jersey Flegg #1 for 12mths after this SG season finishes.. and its his jersey to lose.
- TPH (19-20): Could be a very long burn.. I havent given up completely on him... but I suspect he is going to be the Flegg Fullback until Borg takes over, then injury cover... hes gonna have to adapt to the new grade quickly.
- Ollie Burton (16-17): He seems like the most likely at this stage.. but he is 2yrs behind the other options..
- Zailen Campbell-Cook (18-19): I have only seen highlight reels (such as this try), I have seen clips of him playing wing in schoolboy stuff.. but tiny little frame, could absolutely be the next Kini or Fuller.. but... same issue as TPH.. who was perfection at SG level... Zailen is gonna have to be some sort of genius to keep moving up the ranks.
I liked what I saw of Buchanan last week in ressies very quick scored a good try not so sure defensively.I do wonder what the club does with Heidke and Buchanan contractually. They’ve both had very similar starts to their career in that they’ve been standouts in the centres for the Steelers.
2 completely different profiles though. One short and fast, the other big and powerful
I agree, I thought Buchanan was rly good last week too.... now he has another pre-season and 6mths of growth under his belt, and he is looking far more competent at that level.. and tbf he was supposed to be playing in Jersey Flegg or SG Ball to start the year... but here he is in Reserve Grade.... Good signs.I liked what I saw of Buchanan last week in ressies very quick scored a good try not so sure defensively.
I think Heidke is a lot closer to Buchanan than most think.I agree, I thought Buchanan was rly good last week too.... now he has another pre-season and 6mths of growth under his belt, and he is looking far more competent at that level.. and tbf he was supposed to be playing in Jersey Flegg or SG Ball to start the year... but here he is in Reserve Grade.... Good signs.
How he actually compares to Heidke and Timmins though.. thats the interesting question for me.. they would all be the same age.. all 3 were in the Steelers U19 system last year.. but Buchanan has now had like 2 preseasons with 1st grade.. he has a huge headstart on the others.. but at a skill/physicality level.... are the 2 coming through the better prospects? Dunno but Buchanan is lucky imo, he has a window here with zilch competition for centre spots in NSW Cup.. well.. im not sure how serious they are about Lawson as a centre... but Hayden has a window before these next kids r ready.. I suspect we will see both Heidke and Timmins play Jersey Flegg later this year.
I agree but it is my understanding that the coach who appears to be competent in ressies only played Lawson in the centres because our cpt Allan was suspended. It surprised me because I thought Lawson went well in the pre season games. I hope Buchanan gets another run against the Bears in round 4I agree, I thought Buchanan was rly good last week too.... now he has another pre-season and 6mths of growth under his belt, and he is looking far more competent at that level.. and tbf he was supposed to be playing in Jersey Flegg or SG Ball to start the year... but here he is in Reserve Grade.... Good signs.
How he actually compares to Heidke and Timmins though.. thats the interesting question for me.. they would all be the same age.. all 3 were in the Steelers U19 system last year.. but Buchanan has now had like 2 preseasons with 1st grade.. he has a huge headstart on the others.. but at a skill/physicality level.... are the 2 coming through the better prospects? Dunno but Buchanan is lucky imo, he has a window here with zilch competition for centre spots in NSW Cup.. well.. im not sure how serious they are about Lawson as a centre... but Hayden has a window before these next kids r ready.. I suspect we will see both Heidke and Timmins play Jersey Flegg later this year.