McManus Dropped?

jamesgould said:
Bennett is not afraid to leave players unused on the bench - he did it all the time when he first started at the Dragons. It's a huge benefit to have second rowers play 80 minutes, and the more the better. Opens up more interchanges for props, and allows more leeway for injuries.
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They were normally rookies though. not first graders with 100+ games experience. It wouldnt suprise me though, to see the 4th person on the bench to only see 10-20min a game though.
 
Here I was thinking I was about to view a thread about McManus. Hasn't been talked about since the 1st page!
 
Its safe to say that Jimmy is still a fair way off the 2009 version that won a NSW jersey. However he has simply struggled after bouncing back from numerous injuries and deserves the benefit of the doubt. Although past efforts will only get you so far (just ask Cory Paterson) I think a preseason under Supercoach Bennett will be the missing spark that reignites his career.

The outside back which I can't wait for Wayne to work with aswell is Junior Sau, his attacking game solely focuses on running over the top of his opposition and as time goes on its becoming less and less effective. Rival NRL clubs have simply got him worked out and has resulted in him losing his Test jersey. There's no step or flair and I think he has really struggled to create consistent opportunities for McManus. I'd like to think Wayne can break Sau out of his one dimensional efforts.

Finally I have to say though I love the fact that these younger guys are pushing the first grade players so hard for a spot in the 17. Unfortunately Newcastle seem to gets its fair share of injuries so guys like Mata'utai will get plenty of game time next season. Its just a shame that Timana Tahu will be 1st reserve outside back ahead of Peter and Kevin Naiqaima.
 
Frosty, you're kidding yourself if you actually think Pete and Kev are better backup options then Tahu. Look how well Tahu played for Penrith with no off-season, and playing in the backrow.(which is a position that he's not even familiar with) Pete and to an extent Kev, have shown they are solid options; nothing more, nothing less. Tahu might be a bit past his prime, but he's experienced, a proven match winner and with a full off-season under Wayne Bennett, he should have even more to offer then we've seen in the past few years. He deserves the benefit of the doubt from the fans until we see him next year in the red and blue.
 
Yes McManus hasn't reached his 2009 form, but to say he is struggling is quite off, he is still averaging 102metres a game, and 9.3metres/run, and is not far off Uate in all stats, except linebreaks and metres gained (due to Uate getting alot more ball, 50 more hitups).

and to say Mata'utai is pushing him for his jersey next year, although making 101 metres a game, he only makes 7.6 metres/run, less linebreaks/game and more errors/game then McManus. Only thing Mata'utai is beating him at is tries/game
 
It obviously all depends on how the game is going but ideally I wouldn't mind a rotation of:

8. Snowden (50 minutes)
9. Gidley (80 minutes)
10. Costigan (50 minutes)
11. Houston (65-80 minutes)
12. Taia (65-80 minutes)
13. Hilder (50 minutes)
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INT
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14. Edwards (30 minutes at lock)
15. Tahu (20-30 minutes at second row)
16. Fa'aoso (30 minutes at prop)
17. Tuimavave (30 minutes at prop)

Everyone on the bench roughly getting 30 minutes looks a bit odd, but Snowden and Costigan shouldn't be getting less then 50 minutes on the field IMO. Snowden can play 50+ minutes easily meaning those 50 minutes should be quality as he shouldn't be overly fatigued. Not too sure how many minutes Costigan was playing in the front row last year but seeing as though he can play close to 80 in the backrow when he's fit and healthy, 50 minutes should be fine for him. A player of his quality shouldn't be seeing less then 50 either. It's a shame to see Fa'aoso and Tuimavave only getting 30 minutes as they're both good players, but that's only 10 minutes less then Fa'aoso is playing this season and about 15-20 minutes less then Tuimavave's playing. As with Snowden and Costigan though, those 30 minutes should be quality minutes off the bench for us.

I'm sure Hilder could handle more then 50 minutes at lock, but given his defensive workload and the fact he doesn't offer a whole lot in attack, I don't think he should be on the field for more then 50, and I'm definately not subbing him for Gidley at hooker unless it's absolutely necessary. Edwards being on the bench behind him doesn't help his cause much either. Edwards deserves at least 30 minutes on the field as he's a devastating defender and offers more size and go forward in attack then Hilder. Hilder gets the start because Edwards would provide more impact off the bench.

As for Houston and Taia, they're both 80 minute capable players, but as with all players they'd benefit from having a short stint on the sideline. With a player like Tahu on the bench too, who IMO could be a real impact player for us coming into the backrow playing on the fringes, it would be a real shame if a player of his ability was seeing less then 20 minutes on the field.
 
Frosty reckons Tahu is the most over-rated player in the NRL though ... :-/ And I agree knights22, McManus still carves up at the little things that nobody notices.
Aidos said:
Frosty, you're kidding yourself if you actually think Pete and Kev are better backup options then Tahu. Look how well Tahu played for Penrith with no off-season, and playing in the backrow.(which is a position that he's not even familiar with) Pete and to an extent Kev, have shown they are solid options; nothing more, nothing less. Tahu might be a bit past his prime, but he's experienced, a proven match winner and with a full off-season under Wayne Bennett, he should have even more to offer then we've seen in the past few years. He deserves the benefit of the doubt from the fans until we see him next year in the red and blue.
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jamesgould said:
Frosty reckons Tahu is the most over-rated player in the NRL though ... :-/ And I agree knights22, McManus still carves up at the little things that nobody notices.
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I Notice ;)

And yeh Tits, thats similar to how i'd roll next season, Although for the first bit of the season I'd still be running Stig off the bench similar to how will would use him tonight. Fa'aoso should only see 30-40 minutes a game, but in those minutes he should be a one man wrecking ball. Eddy used in a similar way, just laying guys out (I'd have him starting the first 15-20 though as it will set the defensive tone). With him, Costigan and Snowden starting we can try and bash sides out of the game. Then inject Stig, and Gids too hooker once things settle down.

Of Coarse injuries will happen though, which will through the whole rotation out of whack!.

Bear in mind this is with the 10 interchange system. I'd Start 7. Stig, 9. Gids, 13. Hilder if it was reduced. And personally I hope it is, because our side will be looking in great shape with so many big motor guys in the side. Fa'aoso would probably be the lowest motor of the pack, and he can still produce quality 50-55min games this season.
 
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McManus hasn't really stood out this year simply because we have heavily favoured our right side attack. He's been a rock defensively however, can't remember him putting down a bomb
 
Aidos said:
Frosty, you're kidding yourself if you actually think Pete and Kev are better backup options then Tahu. Look how well Tahu played for Penrith with no off-season, and playing in the backrow.(which is a position that he's not even familiar with) Pete and to an extent Kev, have shown they are solid options; nothing more, nothing less. Tahu might be a bit past his prime, but he's experienced, a proven match winner and with a full off-season under Wayne Bennett, he should have even more to offer then we've seen in the past few years. He deserves the benefit of the doubt from the fans until we see him next year in the red and blue.
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Mate I believe that Newcastle are onto to something special with Bennett arriving next year and im not just talking one premiership I believe with Wayne's guidance over four years we can secure a very successful long term reign in the NRL if they continue to develop the outstanding crop of junior talent within the club.

Bringing in Tahu seems like taking two steps forward and one back, I don't know about anyone else but I would love to see either Kevin Naiqaima or Peter Mata'utai after 2 years experience in first grade. In the long term this would benefit Newcastle as opposed to playing Tahu. In terms of Tahu im not even going to bother getting into explaining his faults given that this thread is supposed to be discussing McManus.. I would rather let Tahu's own actions next year speak for themselves.. I just hope you won't be to disappointed.
 
I seem to recall a lot of people calling for the axing of both Lulia and Naqaima in recent years too. We are a fickle lot. Hands up who saw the final whistle last night.
 
One thing we all have to remember regarding Jimmy is that he hasn't had an uninterrupted season or pre season since the injury he got when he was in career best form, probably one thing contributing to his drop in form the past couple of years.
 
jamesgould said:
This season he had an uninterrupted off-season, he said it was his best ever.
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I meant that he has been struck by injury again throughout this season not allowing him to get any momentum up or gain form. Injury has delayed his season a bit.
 
Maybe he just looks so ordinary because he's playing in a team with a winger like Uate. Uate gets the ball and looks to beat the defenders every single time with pace, footwork and power.
McManus gets the ball and turns his back at the defensive line (which got him smashed a couple of times against the Cowboys) or dives at their feet.

This isn't even a criticism of McManus. Most wingers in the NRL attack with the ball like McManus does.
Uate is something special, and maybe people are expecting McManus to be better than he is actually capable of being because he's playing alongside Uate.
 
We should use McManus more often in attack, stop kicking for Uate he hardly ever scores off bombs, McManus has a much better pair of hands.
 
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