General Warriors NSW Cup Reserve Grade 2023

Looks like the Bears decided to pick on their old teammate, Ronald Volkman
100%.
It is somewhat concerning that a NSW Cup team managed to put three tries on the edge where our (current) first drop half was playing 😬 Also concerning is that the fourth was scored on Curran (was that Ben Thomas too, who dropped the ball cold looking at our D line last week?).
The four tries that the Bears scored were quite soft, so you'd think the defensive systems in a settled side will respond better to that as the year goes on. The Cup side will be better for that wake up call after cruising in the opening two rounds - it will be a good test of Coach Slade's mettle.
 
Looks like the Bears decided to pick on their old teammate, Ronald Volkman
Volkman wasn't up to standard yesterday. His last kick options were poor. While Ackland had a great try towards the end he may as well have been invisible on attack for the rest of the game. He gets zero respect from his team mates which means he gets close to zero ball.

Curran played the full 80 but I was expecting a lot more for an NRL level player of his experience.

I have watched a lot of reserve grade over the years and one thing I know to be true is that those that are NRL quality shine in the reserve grade. Before he got stretchered off by St Johns, Sanele Aukusitino was looking menacing on his edge with brutal defence and hard running. Zyon Maiuu and Tahi Baggaley were the pick of the pack but the player whose class and skill stood out the most for me was Rocco Berry. I'm still not sold on him at top grade but what I saw yesterday was undeniable. I see what coaches and scouts can see in him. He has it but needs to take it up a notch when given the opportunity in the NRL...
 
Volkman wasn't up to standard yesterday. His last kick options were poor. While Ackland had a great try towards the end he may as well have been invisible on attack for the rest of the game. He gets zero respect from his team mates which means he gets close to zero ball.

Curran played the full 80 but I was expecting a lot more for an NRL level player of his experience.

I have watched a lot of reserve grade over the years and one thing I know to be true is that those that are NRL quality shine in the reserve grade. Before he got stretchered off by St Johns, Sanele Aukusitino was looking menacing on his edge with brutal defence and hard running. Zyon Maiuu and Tahi Baggaley were the pick of the pack but the player whose class and skill stood out the most for me was Rocco Berry. I'm still not sold on him at top grade but what I saw yesterday was undeniable. I see what coaches and scouts can see in him. He has it but needs to take it up a notch when given the opportunity in the NRL...
Would be happy with Maiuu in the 30 right now.
 
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Volkman wasn't up to standard yesterday. His last kick options were poor. While Ackland had a great try towards the end he may as well have been invisible on attack for the rest of the game. He gets zero respect from his team mates which means he gets close to zero ball.

Curran played the full 80 but I was expecting a lot more for an NRL level player of his experience.

I have watched a lot of reserve grade over the years and one thing I know to be true is that those that are NRL quality shine in the reserve grade. Before he got stretchered off by St Johns, Sanele Aukusitino was looking menacing on his edge with brutal defence and hard running. Zyon Maiuu and Tahi Baggaley were the pick of the pack but the player whose class and skill stood out the most for me was Rocco Berry. I'm still not sold on him at top grade but what I saw yesterday was undeniable. I see what coaches and scouts can see in him. He has it but needs to take it up a notch when given the opportunity in the NRL...
I may be in the minority, but I haven't been that impressed by Curran in the back end of last year, and start to this year. I just think he has been a bit meh. I think he initially played better in the middle than on the edge, but he won't get in there now with Tohu Harris, Jazz and Walker. On the edge, he just couldn't connect with Shaun Johnson - don't know whether that is personal (some mail suggests it was a bit last year) or their styles just don't click - but Niukore and Shaun Johnson linked straight away. Off the bench, I just don't know if Curran adds impact value (a bit like Sironen)... however, Curran doesn't deserve a starting spot over Ford. In my opinion, Curran has to reinvent himself as a strong second rower and push Ford out of a starting spot sooner rather than later otherwise he is at risk of falling out of the 17.

Good to hear re Berry!! He seems like a good kid with talent, but has had a rough start in an average team. Let's hope he gets a shot under Webby and kills it! Those centre spots are still verrrryyy much wide open.
 
I'll also add that Fonzie made a very good point on today's TWL+Fonzie pod that it seems quite odd for Curran to be left out of the 17 due to injury, and then plays 80 in reserve grade. Maybe it was just a case of Curran being too sore earlier in the week and Webby couldn't risk preparing with him in the 17, but then improving significantly later in the week to play a home game (which could have been the case with a hip pointer injury), but maybe it wasn't...
 
I may be in the minority, but I haven't been that impressed by Curran in the back end of last year, and start to this year. I just think he has been a bit meh. I think he initially played better in the middle than on the edge, but he won't get in there now with Tohu Harris, Jazz and Walker. On the edge, he just couldn't connect with Shaun Johnson - don't know whether that is personal (some mail suggests it was a bit last year) or their styles just don't click - but Niukore and Shaun Johnson linked straight away. Off the bench, I just don't know if Curran adds impact value (a bit like Sironen)... however, Curran doesn't deserve a starting spot over Ford. In my opinion, Curran has to reinvent himself as a strong second rower and push Ford out of a starting spot sooner rather than later otherwise he is at risk of falling out of the 17.

Good to hear re Berry!! He seems like a good kid with talent, but has had a rough start in an average team. Let's hope he gets a shot under Webby and kills it! Those centre spots are still verrrryyy much wide open.
I think you’re bang on with your assessment of Curran. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t resigned especially if the young guys can continue to develop. Ford could be our new Curran.
Not sure if the assault charges are hanging over his head and affecting his focus.
 
We all know when Curran is on he's a handful! Not sure what is going on internally, but if brown could turn him around I have no doubt webby can do the same.

I just hope what went on in the off season can be put to bed sooner rather than later, because Curran still has a lot to offer our club.

He won't be in cup too long you would imagine. Him, Jazz and Walker off the bench could cause real problems for other teams.
 
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We all know when Curran is on he's a handful! Not sure what is going on internally, but if brown could turn him around I have no doubt webby can do the same.

I just hope what went on in the off season can be put to bed sooner rather than later, because Curran still has a lot to offer our club.

He won't be in cup too long you would imagine. Him, Jazz and Walker off the bench could cause real problems for other teams.
It wouldn't surprise me if he went back to the Roosters but I hope not
 
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James Gavet named to come off the bench for NSW Cup team, welcome back big fella hope he rips in.

 
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Curran has barely had a pre season, Webster discussed this a couple weeks ago. He looks a bit heavy, he'll be getting tuned with big NSW Cup minutes. Tevaga played reserve grade last week, the coach staff are showing they are pretty happy making guys earn playing time. Ford and Williame had massive pre seasons, and they are getting the reward.
 
James Gavet named to come off the bench for NSW Cup team, welcome back big fella hope he rips in.

Hope he's figured out by now if he plays with his hair up or down!
 
Its gameday and they still haven't named a full 17 on the NSWRL website.

Looking forward to seeing how Volkman and Berry go, I haven't watched the NSW cup this season yet.
 

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