I haven’t seen nearly enough of Metcalf to judge him at this point, however what have you seen to confirm in your mind that he’s a Harry Siejka rather than potentially being a James Maloney? The answer will likely be somewhere in the middle however the players that Metcalf could replace in our backline are hardly world beaters (other than Shaun Johnson at his best). Don’t forget this was a team that gave up 700 points to be dead last defensively last year. 5-8 is almost definitely the spot for him, however that could be accommodated by moving others like Te Maire Martin to other positions.
Defence
For me the arguments not Te Maire Martin v metcalf.
Its- is the team better balanced with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback or center?
Its- is the team better balanced with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback or center?
Damo
If he is at centre who gets you out of your own end? Te Maire Martin had the luxury of Cobbo and Oates on the wings when he was playing fullback at the Broncos.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is very good at chewing up the metres throughout a game
Defence
I agree.
I agree.
Hold on 🤔
Seriously though, I see merit in both arguments.
Yeah that back 3 balance is going to be interesting. Unfortunately we don’t seem to have that power winger who can help you get out of your own 20 and provide a quick play the ball
Defence
That’s why u would need kosi on the wing if u had metcalf or Te Maire Martin fullback.
I think kosi and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak could do a job- esp with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and vailea/Montoya in the backfield as well.
Definitely get the argument for Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad though and he’s probably going to be the best fit for the style webby wants.
Brother Faisal
We have a lot of Jack of All Trades type players atm with no definitive strengths to definitively put them in positions on the field.
Te Maire Martin - Plays fullback but also in the halves. Hasn't played halves since his injury and an unknown defensively in the line. Is a good fullback but also not as good as charnze for gaining metres out of our own end.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad - Decent fullback but also plays centre but isn't a top class centre.
Metcalf- Plays half but is unknown defensively. Has physical attributes to play other positions but is unproven.
Volkman - A half who is still new and hasnt had enough games to truly see his player profile.
This pretty much tells us that we will have to accept that some of these players will have to step up in a role that isn't truely a strength and accept their flaws until proven otherwise.
Webby's style most probably be the same as Penrith's. Ciraldo at the Dogs has brought Haze in for the same reasons that we would pick Charnze, defensive effort and talking at the back ALA Dylan Edwards.
As for metre eater wing, that's what Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is paid 800k for, but yes Kosi would also suit that style.
I think Penrith cover for their average forward pack with young energetic outside backs doing most of the hard yards. Leota and Leniu are just 30m strike props and tweener Fisher Harris does the big minutes.
For us that would suggest our backs will be Charnze for certain then Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Montoya then Kosi and... Neither Pompey and Vailea are noted for their workrates (or D). Maybe Vailea can improve from last year, or Pompey in his last year if he doesn't show something after 50+ games.
He's not Maloney. Jimmie was an absolute mongrel. That's a personality trait, it's something that shows up in your junior games. Metcalfe is 23 and his highlights are very hands off.
Defence
Tbf he’s not Harry siejka either- totally different style of player and I think that’s his point.
Ref
We are going to have two out of Montoya, Dallin and Kosi on the wing. If we apply the Webster “ spaces not faces” mantra these guys won’t be doing barging hit ups like Manu and Ken used to. On that note you could expect our second hit up to be a couple of passes off the ruck away from the defensive congestion.
I don't think you improve a -700 pt defence by playing anyone especially young rookies out of position.
You put the most experienced pros on the field, in their preferred position.
Firstly, you switch Charnze for Reecey Spoon at FB and get 200pts back. Te Maire Martin is first and foremost a half and has 68 NRL caps, 50+ more than Volkman and Metcalfe combined. Then pen in Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (170 caps) and Montoya (93 caps) into the backline and go from there.
I assume you are joking about Walsh giving away 200 points - anyone who is putting our awful 2022 defence down to his try causes is missing the real issues we had last year. That’s just scapegoat stuff. Re Te Maire Martin, I reckon he’s a big upgrade on Chanel Harris-Tavita, however I’m far from convinced he’s even an average NRL half - there’s still potentially an opportunity for Metcalf in that role if he’s good enough.
Ref
Agreed on both counts.
Walsh made his share of tackles and committed himself in defence. He missed his share too but he was willing. No better or worse than a lot of NRL full backs.
Te Maire Martin has always been decent enough without going to another level. Assuming he starts round 1, it would only take an injury for Volkman or Metcalf to step in, play well and hold the spot.
Wrighty
My calculations, which I have posted before also show that reece costed us 200 out of -700 points,
Christchurch_Warrior
Contributor
In most cases there 13 warriors on the field when we conceded 700 points. No way you can blame one player for 200 of those points. If you want to point fingers Nathan Brown is your man. He didn't last the entire season but his stain stayed with us for the all of it.
Similar threads
Last Game
18 Mar
7.6
Total Avg Rating
6.5
Your Avg Rating
Highest Rated Player
Lowest Rated Player
Compiled from 16 ratings