You can bet on that mate. Not only the volume of his defensive work but in the way he must've inspired our guys defensively. Once retired am welcoming Jacks return to us as our defensive coach. No one better. I too think Stewart will pick up the slack as I see touches of our legend in the kid, not only in defense, but offense and attitude as well.
I certainly would've kept JDB if I was Flanno (I believe this happened before Daniel Anderson came onboard) but if there is one position more than any other we are stacked for, it's lock.
That's really being on the fence Justa. Hahaha!
As a mentor RVH, Luch might have difficulty putting too many words together and the young guys would be scratching their heads. I don't think Luch is a great communicator but that is my opinion going from several interviews he has given over his time at the Dragons. But it might just need to be all action rather than words, so whatever works.
It would be good if he could but doubt Luch can become a middle forward.
I doubt it too Chris. In my opinion, he lacks the middle forward toughness and the fortitude needed to withstand adversity and the pain. Would he be resilient enough, I don't think so. It's tough in the middle.
I'm not an expert but I often hear "core strength" talked about. To play first grade for as long as Luch has makes him tough enough but something missing. Is it "core strength" which makes Su'A and Egan for example who are smaller, probably not as fast but seem to cause defenders much more trouble than Luch?
I don't think that Luciano lacks core strength. Out wide he can be devastating especially if he can break a tackle because he has a strong running game but if there is no gap, he is able to be handled without too much trouble by the opposition. He does have a good offload but recently he has not used it that much. I think that with him losing some weight, he will gain more speed and hence maybe make a few breaks in games out wide. He is definitely more suited to being a second rower than a prop forward - definitely.
Would you have him starting before Dylan Egan, Nick T and Jake Halangahu? Assuming Su'A is going to be one backrower.
Egan and Nick T yes. But reckon his future lies in the middle if he is fit.
IMO I just think he's dumb, its taken 2 years to realise he's overweight ? please he would know he's out of condition, and oop's it's my last year of being in contract, I better show something, he needs to start in ressies next year until he shows something, if he does, any of the above 3 would be better than him in the side atm. He's on a shitload of money and has performed along the likes of our other duds, he would have to be at the top of the list to get punted at the end of next season, it's all on him.
When Dylan Egan fully recovers from his long injury lay off, I would give him a crack on the opposite side of Su'A. He did really well before his injury. Until then, I'm thinking that a slimmed down Luciano Leilua will be better next year and will get the left side edge position.
I'd go with Su'A and Nick T.
Agree.
Sad but true.
Bit harsh Jd. Yeh his excess baggage has slowed his body, but not this brain as he has a good footy one and can produce something our of the box those other duds can only dream of. But as you say he needs a big yr. I'd not start him in Ressies but off the woodwork where he can cover middle or edge. If he performs he'll force himself back into the starting side. Ball is in his court.
Agree RVH, but how have his performances been since his arrival, he's a professional player he should understand what the requirements are, not wait until his last year and then start doing something about it. BTW I dont think much of Sele either, personally I feel sorry for him with the injuries he's had, but what about the team. Can we rely on him to be injury free next year, thats a big call considering his history, he certainly has not been value for money for the Dragons.
Who are the other duds?
The duds are the ones we have brought in on big money that have given nothing over the last 5 years. Lets start with Mr Norman, I'm sure you can figure out the rest, there are plenty to choose from.