Pathways Players

TheRev

SGI NSW Cup
I was anxious we couldnt have both Burton and Walker both being promoted up the grades quickly.. because only 1 can play fullback in U21's.. and I thought thats the position they would want to hide a young player playing 4yrs up... and maybe Burton is our longterm 1.. but maybe he rly is a centre (I also saw that schoolboys game and he looked rly good.. but playing high level centre would need lots of development time...we're just guessing at this stage, lets see how it plays out).

The difference between the 2 players though... Ollie is a really well rounded fullback, the defensive side of things, in the air, chiming in.. like we know he can do all of it.. its just a question of whether thats his best position longterm as he gets bigger.

Rokko.. is more the light-footed runner, moves more laterally than Burton (Burton will run str8 thru the line, like Heidke does).. Rokko is breaking ankles and stuff.. which is what a lot of the smaller fullbacks seem to do.. Rokko might also get too big though over the next 5yrs... hes not short, maybe a teddy build? Depends how big he gets, he is younger than Burton also..... the other guy I compare him to is Fletcher Sharpe who I think is meant to be a fullback.. but seems to thrive anywhere 1-6 to suit the team.. but im yet to see Rokko play @1, so I have NFI how he would go in the other aspects of the role.. im sure playing 6 wouldnt hurt his development longterm though.

Ideally I hope we can keep both coming thru the grades.. we dont have many outside backs like these guys.. fast and athletic.. they should make their way quickly through the grades you would hope.. it seems like these sort of players are more likely to make it than bigger guys like Kirk, or even Borg is much bigger this year, seems its more about speed and attack vs size and bulk now.. that said a Cornelius might get there as an explosive bigger body.. Tausala also a big explosive body, but they have to be able to defend too.. hopefully we dont have to make too many decisions just yet.. rly rly looking forward to seeing more of them in U21's later in the year.
 

RandomDragon

SGI Jersey Flegg
One thing that shits me, why do the executives, coaches etc all talk up our gun juniors, does any other club do this?? surely we want to remove as much attention as possible from them to reduce their value etc...
 

RufusRex

SGI Jersey Flegg
One thing that shits me, why do the executives, coaches etc all talk up our gun juniors, does any other club do this?? surely we want to remove as much attention as possible from them to reduce their value etc...

Yep .. all clubs talk up their talent coming through .. we just care more because we are invested.

And if we assume pathway managers at other clubs are semi-capable in their jobs then everyone knows about our burtons/halangahus etc etc etc.
 

Mug Fan

SGI NSW Cup
Player standouts from the Telegraph for Johns and Daley Cup

ANDREW JOHNS CUP

LACHLAN SLOANE (ILLAWARRA SOUTH COAST STEELERS)

Tough and nails and brave in both attack and defence, the front-rower was well and truly the leader of the Steelers’ pack throughout the season, impressing with both his performances and attitude.

“He was quite impressive from a game perspective and the way he trained,” said coach Abed Attalah.

NOAH JAMIESON (ILLAWARRA SOUTH COAST STEELERS)

The halfback and skipper might not be the biggest bloke on the team but he certainly makes up for it in skill and ticker.

A really good organiser for a young player, Jamieson kicked well to the corners and guided his team around the park nicely.

In a sign that he’s seen as one for the future, he stepped up and trained with the Steelers’ extended Harold Matts squad following hr conclusion of the regional rep season.

GUS TUNBRIDGE (ILLAWARRA SOUTH COAST STEELERS)

The fullback provided some real X-factor for the Steelers as he made a real impact in attack.

With a big frame and good attacking instincts, Tunbridge was particularly dangerous chiming into backline moves where he either went over himself or put his teammates through to score
 

Mug Fan

SGI NSW Cup
LAURIE DALEY CUP

MAX VAN LOO (ILLAWARRA SOUTH COAST STEELERS)

Skilful, tough and extremely fit, the rangy front-rower was immense in the middle for the Steelers.

“He’s got a really big engine so he was able to get through a lot of minutes and not lose that intensity that some of the big guys do,” said coach Adam Sargent-Wilson.

“He was just so good about how he went about his craft: he just works hard, wants to learn – he’s like a sponge and takes on absolutely everything that you give him and adapts it to his game.”

SONNY JAMIESON (ILLAWARRA SOUTH COAST STEELERS)

You couldn’t ask for much more from a captain. Despite being far from the biggest bloke on the field, the centre runs the ball as hard as the biggest prop and has plenty of speed and skill to boot.

“He’s just captain courageous and led from the front,” said coach Adam Sargent-Wilson.

“His back of field carries were exceptional. He’s just tough, unrelenting and someone who is up for any challenge every time he takes the field. He’s competitive, wants to win and is inspiring for his teammates

FINN DAVY (ILLAWARRA SOUTH COAST STEELERS)

Another talented young player with an outstanding temperament, the backrower was class from day one of pre-season and took his excellent work ethic on the field in the season proper.

“He’s also got an exceptional work rate, plays long minutes, runs beautiful lines and is real gritty in defence,” said coach Adam Sargent-Wilson.
 
LAURIE DALEY CUP

MAX VAN LOO (ILLAWARRA SOUTH COAST STEELERS)

Skilful, tough and extremely fit, the rangy front-rower was immense in the middle for the Steelers.

“He’s got a really big engine so he was able to get through a lot of minutes and not lose that intensity that some of the big guys do,” said coach Adam Sargent-Wilson.

“He was just so good about how he went about his craft: he just works hard, wants to learn – he’s like a sponge and takes on absolutely everything that you give him and adapts it to his game.”

SONNY JAMIESON (ILLAWARRA SOUTH COAST STEELERS)

You couldn’t ask for much more from a captain. Despite being far from the biggest bloke on the field, the centre runs the ball as hard as the biggest prop and has plenty of speed and skill to boot.

“He’s just captain courageous and led from the front,” said coach Adam Sargent-Wilson.

“His back of field carries were exceptional. He’s just tough, unrelenting and someone who is up for any challenge every time he takes the field. He’s competitive, wants to win and is inspiring for his teammates

FINN DAVY (ILLAWARRA SOUTH COAST STEELERS)

Another talented young player with an outstanding temperament, the backrower was class from day one of pre-season and took his excellent work ethic on the field in the season proper.

“He’s also got an exceptional work rate, plays long minutes, runs beautiful lines and is real gritty in defence,” said coach Adam Sargent-Wilson.
Imagine if Loo makes 1st grade in the future 😆, and theres Loo running in support
 

Mug Fan

SGI NSW Cup
Jesse Williams body and mind are on track for a return to training.

Where is Jesse Williams at

Mug Fan mentioned a while ago he was taking an indefinite break due to personal issues.

That being said, don't quote me on this. I'm probably wrong. I heard somewhere he was back at training now.

Jesse returned to training last week, expect to see him playing soon.
 

Mug Fan

SGI NSW Cup
Viliami Hikila

Vili made his Cup debut yesterday and didn't take a backward step, he's always played hard.

He's a interesting player. Part of Dragons SG premiership team. A year younger he came off the bench most of the year.

The following year he played middle, edge, centre and may of even played wing.

Vili is short and not a big build doesnt really stand out but has handled the step up in every grade.
Not sure how far he goes but it been interesting watch him take on the bigger players.
 

RandomDragon

SGI Jersey Flegg
Viliami Hikila

Vili made his Cup debut yesterday and didn't take a backward step, he's always played hard.

He's a interesting player. Part of Dragons SG premiership team. A year younger he came off the bench most of the year.

The following year he played middle, edge, centre and may of even played wing.

Vili is short and not a big build doesnt really stand out but has handled the step up in every grade.
Not sure how far he goes but it been interesting watch him take on the bigger players.
Agree, that goose step could be cult like. Needs to work on his play the ball speed though
 

Dave03

SGI NSW Cup
Viliami Hikila

Vili made his Cup debut yesterday and didn't take a backward step, he's always played hard.

He's a interesting player. Part of Dragons SG premiership team. A year younger he came off the bench most of the year.

The following year he played middle, edge, centre and may of even played wing.

Vili is short and not a big build doesnt really stand out but has handled the step up in every grade.
Not sure how far he goes but it been interesting watch him take on the bigger players.
Loved his line speed and 1v1 contact. Reminded me of peak mciness and jdb. His leg speed is a good point of difference to our other fwds.
 
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