Who should be our 7?

[Beatell]

Really think there’s a lot of unfairness to Cogger going on lol. Have only heard great things about his care factor, professionalism, etc. He’s got limitations to his game but on balance when he’s come into the team his role has been to kick well and facilitate the better players around him and I think it can be argued he did that better than anyone else did last season.

Gamble also has a lot of credit in the bank as probably the guy who’s individually been most impactful on results. He was inconsistent in 2024 though and I really don’t agree with him being clearly ahead of Cogger if you factor in end of season form.

Either way as long as it’s not Hastings or Crossland starting at 7 I’m happy.

Hopefully soon the answer to this question is “Dylan Brown”, and Gamble, Fletch and Cog are all competing to be his halves partner next year.

Yeah they are both limited to what they can give to any team. I really did love the shape and speed we played with, with Cogger at 7 but we didn’t Ice it, but then Gambler did nail some moments. So I’m in the leaning towards gamble but jury is out. Neither of them will win us a premiership though.

 

[Owey]

Really think there’s a lot of unfairness to Cogger going on lol. Have only heard great things about his care factor, professionalism, etc. He’s got limitations to his game but on balance when he’s come into the team his role has been to kick well and facilitate the better players around him and I think it can be argued he did that better than anyone else did last season.

Gamble also has a lot of credit in the bank as probably the guy who’s individually been most impactful on results. He was inconsistent in 2024 though and I really don’t agree with him being clearly ahead of Cogger if you factor in end of season form.

Either way as long as it’s not Hastings or Crossland starting at 7 I’m happy.

Hopefully soon the answer to this question is “Dylan Brown”, and Gamble, Fletch and Cog are all competing to be his halves partner next year.

I thought he was set up to fail in his first stint in the top grade last year, played on the right, Ponga posted exclusively on the left and had a centre who wouldn't pass to his winger. He doesn't have enough threat around him to look good under those circumstances. Late season he facilitated good ball to Ponga and was involved in tries with Gags not afraid to pass to Sharpe.

 

[Chaister]

O'Brien might bet his career on starting the season with a rookie 5/8 - if he's had a stroke or been replaced by an AI generated Ricky Stuart.

I mean, what about O'Brien's years of cautious selections makes anyone think he will start a year we must win early games with a 20 year old who has never played 5/8?

I think the long term plan is to get Sharpe into 5/8, but I can't wrap my head around O'Brien going all in on Sharpe for round 1.

I don’t know why people think AOB makes cautious selections. He changed players/particularly halves last year all the time. I think his game plan (other than 2023) is conservative, but I wouldn’t say he’s that cautious as far as selections go, hence his plan to play Sharpe.

Yes it’s risky to play Sharpe, and he’s definitely not going to be great right away, but we KNOW a combination of just Cogger/Hastings/Gamble/Crossland is going to fail. Might as well give a kid a go who at least has potential to be great in the future (because none of the others mentioned will). I say that would be AOB’s reasoning. Got to hand it to him, it’s pretty brave. Selecting a combo with 2 of Cogger/Hastings/Gamble/Crossland might get them to the bottom half of the 8 with a R1 exit again if we’re lucky which would probably save his job another season, but he’s obviously putting the long-term potential of the club over his immediate job security which is commendable if you ask me.

 

[waynesworld]

Really think there’s a lot of unfairness to Cogger going on lol. Have only heard great things about his care factor, professionalism, etc. He’s got limitations to his game but on balance when he’s come into the team his role has been to kick well and facilitate the better players around him and I think it can be argued he did that better than anyone else did last season.

Gamble also has a lot of credit in the bank as probably the guy who’s individually been most impactful on results. He was inconsistent in 2024 though and I really don’t agree with him being clearly ahead of Cogger if you factor in end of season form.

Either way as long as it’s not Hastings or Crossland starting at 7 I’m happy.

Hopefully soon the answer to this question is “Dylan Brown”, and Gamble, Fletch and Cog are all competing to be his halves partner next year.

I know what you mean but I think of the halves performances last year Cogger had the worst games of anyone. He seems to be capable of absolute stinkers. Gamble was our best player during that 4 win streak without Ponga and I thought it was really his injury that drove us off course last year. I’m glad he’s won the 7 jersey and now just hoping these two guys can gel and we’ve got a halves pairing for the season.

 

[Chaister]

Really think there’s a lot of unfairness to Cogger going on lol. Have only heard great things about his care factor, professionalism, etc. He’s got limitations to his game but on balance when he’s come into the team his role has been to kick well and facilitate the better players around him and I think it can be argued he did that better than anyone else did last season.

Gamble also has a lot of credit in the bank as probably the guy who’s individually been most impactful on results. He was inconsistent in 2024 though and I really don’t agree with him being clearly ahead of Cogger if you factor in end of season form.

Either way as long as it’s not Hastings or Crossland starting at 7 I’m happy.

Hopefully soon the answer to this question is “Dylan Brown”, and Gamble, Fletch and Cog are all competing to be his halves partner next year.

FTR I really like you as a poster so I’m keen to hear what you think Cogger does well at. Not wanting to argue the point, just genuinely curious I might have missed something because I’ve actually never seen him do well in FG. Yes he had 20 minutes in that GF for Penrith, but Clearly could have honestly had anyone next to him that game.
I’ve also heard people comment on his professionalism and care, etc. but I’ve never seen any of that come out in a game so to me if he can’t replicate it in FG it’s useless.

All I see is a player who can’t defend (his reads and general tackling technique are both poor), is weak, slow, can’t organise the side in important moments, has a somewhat passible kicking game but that’s it. FTR I think Gamble has a lot of limitations in his game too and he won’t be our long-term halfback but when he’s a better halfback option than Cogger who’s apparently an actual halfback you know there’s issues.

 

[Billy]

I don’t know why people think AOB makes cautious selections. He changed players/particularly halves last year all the time. I think his game plan (other than 2023) is conservative, but I wouldn’t say he’s that cautious as far as selections go, hence his plan to play Sharpe.

O'Brien has been very cautious in using young players.
Brown chucked young guys in way before they were ready and often into positions they had never played and had no idea how to play - and he ruined a lot of careers by doing that.
O'Brien has always named guys in positions they have spent a long time playing in reserves and most of the guys were very ready and went well. Lucas was ready for a year before he got a shot at centre, and then O'Brien decided he might go better at second row, so sent him back to reserves to learn that position before calling him up again.
Dropping Sharpe in the deep end is very out of character, but O'Brien does seem to be a massive fan of Sharpe's ability to adapt to new challenges.

 

[Chaister]

O'Brien has been very cautious in using young players.
Brown chucked young guys in way before they were ready and often into positions they had never played and had no idea how to play - and he ruined a lot of careers by doing that.
O'Brien has always named guys in positions they have spent a long time playing in reserves and most of the guys were very ready and went well. Lucas was ready for a year before he got a shot at centre, and then O'Brien decided he might go better at second row, so sent him back to reserves to learn that position before calling him up again.
Dropping Sharpe in the deep end is very out of character, but O'Brien does seem to be a massive fan of Sharpe's ability to adapt to new challenges.

Tbh I wouldn’t really call that cautious but rather doing the best thing for the player. I have issues with AOB around his on field tactics in attack, but he has brought through a lot of young players and most have gone very well. Lucas is thriving and I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays for the Blues in the next couple of seasons.

 

[Billy]

Tbh I wouldn’t really call that cautious but rather doing the best thing for the player. I have issues with AOB around his on field tactics in attack, but he has brought through a lot of young players and most have gone very well. Lucas is thriving and I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays for the Blues in the next couple of seasons.

Well I clearly don't understand what the word "cautious" means.
I'd have thought O'Brien's reluctance to rush young players was a classic example of caution - but obviously not.

 

[HarVeeGee13]

FTR I really like you as a poster so I’m keen to hear what you think Cogger does well at. Not wanting to argue the point, just genuinely curious I might have missed something because I’ve actually never seen him do well in FG. Yes he had 20 minutes in that GF for Penrith, but Clearly could have honestly had anyone next to him that game.
I’ve also heard people comment on his professionalism and care, etc. but I’ve never seen any of that come out in a game so to me if he can’t replicate it in FG it’s useless.

All I see is a player who can’t defend (his reads and general tackling technique are both poor), is weak, slow, can’t organise the side in important moments, has a somewhat passible kicking game but that’s it. FTR I think Gamble has a lot of limitations in his game too and he won’t be our long-term halfback but when he’s a better halfback option than Cogger who’s apparently an actual halfback you know there’s issues.

I don’t disagree with anyone that Gamble’s individual game is more impactful. Yes he defends better (not by as much as people are saying IMO but sure), and he’s got a fair bit more about him in attack eg more ability to throw a well-timed pass for a direct break.

Whereas with Cogger, I know the “straightener” thing is a meme, but I do think he’s a better first receiver. He does more consistently straighten his point of attack (Gamble plays better as a sweeper) but also look to play in before playing out or vice versa. This led to Kalyn playing with more time and space than he did with Gamble & Hastings. I also think he has been more consistent at the job of keeping the ball moving, of organising the structures without taking too many settlers, etc, and the point of going play on play like that is to stretch the defence and create more space for when the ball gets to Sharpe (yes we saw this happen with Gamble at 7 too on the weekend, but I think Hastings at 13 - who likely won’t be in the team - was a big reason for that).

I agree that Gamble is better individually, but I don’t care about that. I care about facilitating Kalyn & Fletcher’s best footy. I just feel like Cog is more likely to do that, from what I’ve seen.

The calculus would become different if Fletcher is a bust at 6 but we sign Brown. I think Dylan plays better as the more dominant half & first receiver than people give him credit for, so I’d want him at 7, and I’d pick Gamble over Cogger as the clear second guy to keep things ticking over & provide more ball playing threat at second receiver.

I’m also, tbh, a bit bored of talking about it, because I don’t think the difference between them is big enough that it matters all that much. It’s not like we’re picking between Nathan Cleary & Brad Schneider here. At the end of the day, the halves combo is more likely to play better as a result of extended time together rather than whatever I may think about the on paper fit. I just want us to pick and stick. If it’s Tyson, that’s fine by me.

 

[Owey]

Ditto

I don’t disagree with anyone that Gamble’s individual game is more impactful. Yes he defends better (not by as much as people are saying IMO but sure), and he’s got a fair bit more about him in attack eg more ability to throw a well-timed pass for a direct break.

Whereas with Cogger, I know the “straightener” thing is a meme, but I do think he’s a better first receiver. He does more consistently straighten his point of attack (Gamble plays better as a sweeper) but also look to play in before playing out or vice versa. This led to Kalyn playing with more time and space than he did with Gamble & Hastings. I also think he has been more consistent at the job of keeping the ball moving, of organising the structures without taking too many settlers, etc, and the point of going play on play like that is to stretch the defence and create more space for when the ball gets to Sharpe (yes we saw this happen with Gamble at 7 too on the weekend, but I think Hastings at 13 - who likely won’t be in the team - was a big reason for that).

I agree that Gamble is better individually, but I don’t care about that. I care about facilitating Kalyn & Fletcher’s best footy. I just feel like Cog is more likely to do that, from what I’ve seen.

The calculus would become different if Fletcher is a bust at 6 but we sign Brown. I think Dylan plays better as the more dominant half & first receiver than people give him credit for, so I’d want him at 7, and I’d pick Gamble over Cogger as the clear second guy to keep things ticking over & provide more ball playing threat at second receiver.

I’m also, tbh, a bit bored of talking about it, because I don’t think the difference between them is big enough that it matters all that much. It’s not like we’re picking between Nathan Cleary & Brad Schneider here. At the end of the day, whatever I may think about it, the halves combo is more likely to play better as a result of extended time together rather than whatever I may think about the on paper fit. I just want us to pick and stick. If it’s Tyson, that’s fine by me.

 

[mozza]

Cogger played 17 FG games for us last year. 1 against the Bunnies was good. Another 1 or 2 were decent and the rest have been bad. He also looks bad pretty much every NSW Cup game he plays. He’s just not a very good player.

Gamble has played 38 games for us and most have been good or better with a couple of poor ones.

For me it’s a no brainer who to go with at 7.

 

[HarVeeGee13]

Oh come on, we're counting his first stint now are we? He's bad because he didn't play very well when dropped into literally the worst NRL team of all time when he was 19? Give me a spell.

 

[mozza]

Edited so HVG doesn’t have conniptions.

 

[SimpleSpud]

Yeah time for me to admit, but I bloody love gamble and I think he is underrated in the club and in nrl in general.

To me he is a Josh Reynolds but bigger with a better boot.

I followed him closely on podcasts etc and he is someone who never took footy seriously but also happens to keep exceeding expectations (listen to his bloke podcast).

He also very well balanced in my opinion, he only really is lacking in short kicking game which, since training at 7 all off season surely has improved.

I am really hoping this is his break out year, because his biggest skill imo is his attitude and selflessness as a ball player (never seeks glory but wants to get good ball to others).

Recommend you watch on youtube every knight try from 2023 and it really shocked me how much more involved he seemed to be in everything during that time. Didn't have as many assists as jackon. But I think he would surely be the next after ponga on try involvements.

I say give him the keys for 8 weeks and he will come good

Anyway, very biased but I hope he kills it

 

[Wicket]

I think Cooger is the better organiser for us, just his defence is a liability.

Gambles defence is better, but I feel he doesn’t organise well and he seems to throw forward passes at the worst time when we have momentum in attack. He is all effort, which is great.

I think it comes down to who suits Ponga the best. As in which of Cogger or Gamble can play to a structure that provides space and time for Ponga.

Both have their negatives and I don’t know which I’d prefer. Both are limited in their ability

 

[Alleycat]

Yeah time for me to admit, but I bloody love gamble and I think he is underrated in the club and in nrl in general.

To me he is a Josh Reynolds but bigger with a better boot.

I followed him closely on podcasts etc and he is someone who never took footy seriously but also happens to keep exceeding expectations (listen to his bloke podcast).

He also very well balanced in my opinion, he only really is lacking in short kicking game which, since training at 7 all off season surely has improved.

I am really hoping this is his break out year, because his biggest skill imo is his attitude and selflessness as a ball player (never seeks glory but wants to get good ball to others).

Recommend you watch on youtube every knight try from 2023 and it really shocked me how much more involved he seemed to be in everything during that time. Didn't have as many assists as jackon. But I think he would surely be the next after ponga on try involvements.

I say give him the keys for 8 weeks and he will come good

Anyway, very biased but I hope he kills it

Ditto.

 

[Mclovin]

I'm excited to see who wins the battle for the 7 this week. Gamble won it in the first trial now it's all on Cogger to take it back. It's a good thing to have competition in roles but why does it have to be the 7!!
With Cogger I always think back to when he was looking away from the ball in play and it bounced past him...

 

[HarVeeGee13]

@jamesgould and I look like geniuses for saying we thought we should’ve asked Volkman for his services when the other poll went up

Been very very quiet in this Tigers trial.

 

[Sheent14]

I don’t disagree with anyone that Gamble’s individual game is more impactful. Yes he defends better (not by as much as people are saying IMO but sure), and he’s got a fair bit more about him in attack eg more ability to throw a well-timed pass for a direct break.

Whereas with Cogger, I know the “straightener” thing is a meme, but I do think he’s a better first receiver. He does more consistently straighten his point of attack (Gamble plays better as a sweeper) but also look to play in before playing out or vice versa. This led to Kalyn playing with more time and space than he did with Gamble & Hastings. I also think he has been more consistent at the job of keeping the ball moving, of organising the structures without taking too many settlers, etc, and the point of going play on play like that is to stretch the defence and create more space for when the ball gets to Sharpe (yes we saw this happen with Gamble at 7 too on the weekend, but I think Hastings at 13 - who likely won’t be in the team - was a big reason for that).

I agree that Gamble is better individually, but I don’t care about that. I care about facilitating Kalyn & Fletcher’s best footy. I just feel like Cog is more likely to do that, from what I’ve seen.

The calculus would become different if Fletcher is a bust at 6 but we sign Brown. I think Dylan plays better as the more dominant half & first receiver than people give him credit for, so I’d want him at 7, and I’d pick Gamble over Cogger as the clear second guy to keep things ticking over & provide more ball playing threat at second receiver.

I’m also, tbh, a bit bored of talking about it, because I don’t think the difference between them is big enough that it matters all that much. It’s not like we’re picking between Nathan Cleary & Brad Schneider here. At the end of the day, the halves combo is more likely to play better as a result of extended time together rather than whatever I may think about the on paper fit. I just want us to pick and stick. If it’s Tyson, that’s fine by me.

I think you're Cogger's biggest fan

 

[HarVeeGee13]

Yeah that was a bit of a treatise, sorry.

Should have offered a TLDR (running five-eighth + purely organising halfback makes more sense to me than running five-eighth + five-eighth who brings a bunch of good stuff but isn’t actually a #7).

I’m honestly starting to believe we are gonna sign Dylan Brown though. So, whatever, that’s our halfback in 2026, sorted. Whoever has a better season in the NRL between Sharpe and Gamble is his five-eighth (I don’t think Cogger is needed with Brown in the side). A genuine competition between Gamble & Sharpe hopefully brings out the best in both bogans.