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I know we have young guns in waiting and also have fun by and Blair here as we'll but I can't help but think how good Daniel Mortimer would be under Bellamy! Watching him come off the bench for the roosters is such a waste and I just think he would thrive in our back line?? Thoughts?????? Is there someone else u would sign?
Management have said that they would look on the open market for a SPECIALIST 5/8 and in our feeder ranks. Hmmmmm food for thought.

Looks set to be a battle between Ben Hampton and Kurt Mann, both now playing 5/8 for their respective teams. McGahan an outside chance.

At this stage it is probably Hampton however I don't watch nearly enough NSW/QLD Cup to post a comprehensive review and or recommendation.

Either way, I would be much happier promoting one of our young guns as opposed to going to market. Will allow us to save some cash to lock up some key off contract players in the coming 2 years.

Hampton is being groomed to be our 6 I think he should and will get 1st crack.

My observations on the candidates based on what I've seen over the past few years in nyc,1st grade, trials and the occasional televised nsw cup/qld cup match:

Brett Finch:
Obviously the safest option in the short term. Has proven himself over the long term in the NRL, Super League and at Origin level. Brings experience and enthusiasm along with solid passing and kicking games.

Ben Hampton:
Was captain of the inaugural Queensland Under 20s Origin team last year. Has a very good running game which lead to a brief flirtation with fullback for him earlier this year and can kick. Can be prone to a loose pass, but, the positives far outweigh the negatives and in terms of a 'like-for-like' replacement for Widdop, he is probably the closest of the four internal candidates.

Kurt Mann:
The player that I've seen the least of. Played Under 20s Origin two years in a row and seems to be best when running at the line. His passing seems adequate, haven't seen enough of his kicking to comment.

Matt McGahan:
McGahan plays the most like a traditional halfback out of the younger boys. Has the better passing game but is probably the least likely to take on the line. Has the added advantage of being a goal kicker.

Here's a list of all the first choice 5/8ths we've had since 1998.

1998-99 - Scott Hill (Ball runner, kicked a few times but not where near as much as the three halfbacks he played alongside, also Scotty was injured for most of the 1999 season so we had Ben Anderson and Matt Geyer filling in there - can't remember if Ben Anderson was a kicker or a ball runner but Boofa was definately a ball runner).

2000 - Tasesa Lavea (I'm pretty sure he was a ball runner, I don't think he kicked too much - he kicked goals though)

2001-06 - Scott Hill (See Above) (Scotty was injured for most of 2003 and Matt Geyer filled in for most of the season).

2007-08 - Greg Inglis (Ball Runner, really only kicked when he put up his towering bombs)

2009-10 - Brett Finch (Didn't kick much as that was Coops' job, but when he had to, he would do it with no problem at all)

2011-13 - Gareth Widdop (Ball Runner. He tries to kick occassionally but simply put, he can't kick)

There are a number of options for 2014. We can look externally next year, put Brett Finch in for one more year, or put an untried player like Hampton, Mann or McGahan in.

As said above, I think we really need to consider look externally and look at signing Daniel Mortimer. He is off contract at the end of the year and he is 24 in June this year (still very young and would be an excellent long term prospect). He would thrive playing alongside an experienced halfback like Cooper Cronk and he has a great kicking and running game as well. I agree, it is a waste having a player of his calibre on the bench for the Roosters.

If we keep it in house I think Hampton will get first crack. Finch will be there as backup.

if they don't use Hampton I think imo they will go with

1. slater
6. smith
7. cronk
9. hinchy
13. harris

What's with the fascination of moving the best hooker in the world out of position ?

I wouldn't im just saying that's what I think they will do

blazza18 wrote:What's with the fascination of moving the best hooker in the world out of position ?

It makes about as much sense as Slater playing on the wing for QLD.

And besides which, Smithy has quite clearly stated last year that he does not want to play 5/8. He performed really well when Billy was injured but told CB never again.

Was talking to Kurt Mann at the after party and he said the coaches have spoken to him matt and Ben about the 5/8 position being theirs to keep..Bellamy want Kurt to play this yr in NsW which he will do once his wrist has got better and Ben in Qcup while Matt will play the yr in the 20s I asked does that mean they won't buy a 5/8 and he said he wasn't sure but would love the chance to fight with Ben for it
Inhouse for sure

mann ay.. has he played in the halfs b4 or will this be his first time?? I thought he played full back at Newcastle and for us in u20s but I guess widdop did as well..

Just as we thought. Thanks Sally Good luck to the 3 of them.

I think Mann played some 5/8th for the Knights.

Damn!! 2 year extension for Mortimer. Ah we'll..
And in the case of finch replacing widdop. I am all for it and I know he would do an AWESOME job but we need a long term replacement and I believe he only has 2 years or so left.. I guess we should have faith in CB and the choices he will make regarding 5/8..

Saw Finch at Wigan & his style is becoming inflexible & predictable - He's a back up for this year & a backs coach afterwards.
Let's stick with Hampton & Mann,with McG as understudy.