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Every team has its critics and the Dogs are no exception.
The first thing I hear is we have no go forward.
Well, I dispute that for the forthcoming season.
Josh Jackson is an inspirational captain and leader. If he does not cross the advantage line the opposition sure as hell know he is out there on the paddock, and this season is joined by another hard nut Paul Vaughan, any “newbies” as well as experienced players in opposition will know these two are out there.
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Add to that Tevita Pangai Jr., on his day a wrecking ball and being part of this new look pack he may well be on for the season.
Luke Thompson, a proud man with something to prove to the Dogs fans, is a highly skilled footballer who will, at last, have a pack that he can work with and finally show us all his skill and abilities.
Jack Hetherington – Jack, please play nice with the other boys and be kind to refs – is a gun. If we can keep him on the paddock this guy could be anything, fantastic leg speed and as tough as nails.
Ava Seumanufagai, I think that this year every team is going to need two 14th men, one in the backs and one in the forwards, this guy is underrated and would be my man to come on and make some hard yards when the going gets tough.
The local youngsters, Matt Doorey and Jackson Topine, they will get a run we have seen what injuries can do to a team in a season, one simple message for these two, run hard, run straight, the rest will come in time. You both already have what it takes to do some damage to the opposition.
Raymond Faitala never leaves anything on the park.
Luke Stimson and Max King, this is their chance to make a name for themselves and the club, learn off those above and show us what you have got.
Jeremy Marshall-King and Josh Cook, would like to see these two get 20 minutes each in both of the trials, we know what a servant Marshall-King has been now time to see what Cook brings to the table.
The next criticism we cop is for our spine.
Start at the back with Matt Dufty at fullback, a lot of criticism of his defence. A couple of things here, a few games I saw when with Saints is how he was badly let down by his teammates, secondly, if it becomes an ongoing problem then Ado-Carr might get his will at fullback and Dufty with his speed on the wing, time will tell.
Our starting wingers pick themselves, Ado-Carr and Okunbor.
There have been a few pundits stating that this year could be the year of centres playing a more integral part in the game and I intend to agree with them.
Aaron Schoupp showed us last season what he has got to offer. A hard-running no-nonsense centre with power and strength. Love to see him paired up with Brent Naden, gut feeling these two could prove to be a great combination.
It does dishearten me to have to discuss a young man making his way in the game, but the signing of Kyle Flanagan on that money and that length of the contract was a major blunder by the Dogs. It could be a very expensive exercise having to pay a reserve grade halfback that much for so long, I hope he finds what it takes and proves me wrong.
Our starting halves have to be Matt Burton and Jake Averillo, two different styles of footballers that may well just compliment each other. I’d like to see Wakeham get some time in the trials with Burton, nice to make some comparisons.
Our 14th man in the halves? Bailey Biondi-Odo, half, five eighth, hooker has the ability and skills to be a great halves14th.
There is toughness and skill up front, speed and skill at the back as well as a well qualified back room to take care of business.
Personally, I have two aims for the season, Dogs to improve to 9th or 10th (being realistic) and me to make it through the season.
Wish you and your team well except when you play us.
PS Max – have my supply of cordial for the season.
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