Cardiff Blues Season Thread 2 - Rey Lee-Lo signs long term at centre

by wales606 Mon 21 Oct 2013, 4:33 pm

First topic message reminder :

Prop
Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Taufa'ao Filise, Craig Mitchell, Sam Hobbs, Scott Andrews, Thomas Davies, Dillon Lewis

Hooker
Matthew Rees, Kristian Dacey, Marc Breeze, Rhys Williams, Ethan Lewis

2nd Row
Jarrad Hoeata, Filo Paulo, Lou Reed, Chris Dicomidis, Miles Normadale

Flanker
Sam Warburton, Josh Turnbull, Macauley Cook, Ellis Jenkins, Josh Navidi, Rory Watts-Jones, Jevon Groves, Ben Roach

Eight
Manoa Vosawai, Ieaun Jones

Scrum half
Tavis Knoyle, Lloyd Williams, Lewis Jones, Tomos Williams

Fly half
Rhys Patchell, Gareth Anscombe, Gareth Davies, Simon Humberstone, Jarrod Evans, Will Thomas

Centre
Cory Allen, Dafydd Hewitt, Gavin Evans, Richard Smith, Tom Pascoe, Adam Thomas, Garyn Smith (Ray Lee-Lo)

Wing
Alex Cuthbert, ~~George Watkins~~, Lucas Amorisino, Harry Davies, Owen Jenkins, Chris Knight, Tom Williams (Tom James)

Full back
Joaquin Tuculet, Dan Fish, Geraint Walsh, Aled Summerhill

by Guest Tue 16 Sep 2014, 12:34 pm

Also, just seen this tweet from BBC Sport https://twitter.com/BBCWalesSport/status/511839495965409280

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal could terminate Leigh Halfpenny's contract due to ongoing injury problems, according to reports in France

Maybe it paves a way back to a central contract?

by bedfordwelsh Tue 16 Sep 2014, 1:47 pm

It this happens then surely they would be in breach of contract unless they had a get out clause or he agrees to it as well for some financial reward.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 16 Sep 2014, 2:01 pm

Mourad is insinuating that Halfpenny had an injury that needed surgery when he signed, that was not disclosed and thus would put 1/2p in breach of contract. Surely teams medical staff give them a proper going over prior to contracts being signed?

by bedfordwelsh Tue 16 Sep 2014, 2:03 pm

LT,

You'd think so.

by Seagultaf Tue 16 Sep 2014, 2:04 pm

bedfordwelsh wrote:It this happens then surely they would be in breach of contract unless they had a get out clause or he agrees to it as well for some financial reward.

Boudjellal has suggested that he did not disclose or even hid the extent of the injury when he was signed. If this is the case there wil be no compensation. There is also likely to be the usual 6 month injury clause which, with the operation is likely to kick in.

by lostinwales Tue 16 Sep 2014, 2:32 pm

There is this quote about 1/2p from Boudjellal

"We pay enough for players (when they're away) for their national teams. We don't feel like preparing Halfpenny for the Rugby World Cup for Wales. "

by bedfordwelsh Tue 16 Sep 2014, 2:39 pm

Lets say it happens then where would he go, I would think he would get a dual contract but with who.

The Blues have Anscombe coming in to play 10 or XV? I would say XV

Dragons have Byrne

Scarlets have Li Williams

Ospreys Fish or Fussell

Given that list I would say the Os

by Coleman Tue 16 Sep 2014, 3:33 pm

We really only have Fish at FB. Patchell is a 10 and i hope it stays that way. Him and Anscombe can duke it out for that shirt. After fish we have Adam Thomas at FB and he didn't look to sharp on sunday. So if he comes back i'd like to think he'd come here. That being said i hope he does get to play out there. This could and should be a very exciting period in his career.

by The Saint Tue 16 Sep 2014, 6:56 pm

Pretty poor comments from Boudjellal. If Halfpenny returns it will most likely be Blues and on a dual contract.

by XR Wed 17 Sep 2014, 9:58 am

Halfpenny can also play wing, as he originally was a wing when he first broke through at the blues.

by bedfordwelsh Wed 17 Sep 2014, 10:09 am

gc,

Fair point and some would say its his best position. With Liam Williams (if he can keep temprement) coming through then Halfpenny on the wing does give Wales a different option to the bulk of Cuthbert and North.

by XR Wed 17 Sep 2014, 10:34 am

Yeah although i think 1/2p is locked in at full back, Liam Williams risks being dropped if he continues to get yellow/red cards. 2 red cards in 6 months is not good, especially for a full back.

by Coleman Wed 17 Sep 2014, 5:08 pm

Just been told that Watkins scored a hatrick on the weekend. He must have a chance of being in the team on friday? Wasn't impressed with Thomas at 15. Would prefer to see Fish back at 15 with Watkins having a pop on the outside.

by Coleman Fri 19 Sep 2014, 8:00 am

Squad for Ulster.

15. Rhys Patchell, 14. Alex Cuthbert, 13. Adam Thomas, 12. Gavin Evans, 11.Richard Smith, 10. Gareth Davies, 9. Lewis Jones

8. Manoa Vosawai, 7. Josh Navidi, 6. Josh Turnbull, 5. Filo Paulo, 4. Jarrad Hoeata, 3. Adam Jones, 2. Matthew Rees (C ), 1.Sam Hobbs

16. Rhys Williams, 17. Taufa’ao Filise, 18. Scott Andrews, 19. Macauley Cook, 20. Ellis Jenkins, 21. Lloyd Williams, 22. Cory Allen, 23.Geraint Walsh

by The Saint Fri 19 Sep 2014, 10:22 am

Looking a bit weak in the backs... And you've dropped the wrong flanker, unless Sam is injured? Or just rested as per the contract agreement?

by Coleman Fri 19 Sep 2014, 11:30 am

Sam has been rested due to his joint contract. Navidi is class, so i'm not worried. We've dropped the wrong center. Hoping Smith has a cracker and Allen gets on early for Evans.

by XR Fri 19 Sep 2014, 11:42 am

Would have preferred Allen at 12 and Smith at 13. Gavin Evans is beyond terrible.

by Coleman Fri 19 Sep 2014, 3:21 pm

If we can see it. Then they can see it. Post match om facebook people are always complaining about Evans. Yet this is the third or fourth coach who insists on picking him. I really don't get it.

by XR Mon 22 Sep 2014, 8:02 am

It is now more clear than ever we need to go with Allen/Smith in the centres and bring George Watkins in on the wing, he's scored 5 tries in 2 games now so there's no excuse.

by Guest Mon 22 Sep 2014, 8:49 am

I reallly didnt want to start questioning the new managements selection policy, but you're right gcBlues, how can you ignore a natural try scorer over playing players out of position.

by Coleman Mon 22 Sep 2014, 10:00 am

Any coach that picks Evans deserves a bit of questioning. I was told that he is on £120k this weekend as well, which must be wrong. Watkins looks to be a good player. Would be good to see him in the Blues squad soon. I think the game vs Ulster has shown that we need Patch at 10, otherwise we have no creativity or attacking threat. Richard Smith didn't have a great game either. So i really do not know what we are going to do in the center. I've also never seen a player as lazy as Filo. The guy walks the field and slows down in to contact, he only seems happy to hit someone when they're not looking.

Positives were: Navidi was in good form. Hoeata looked decent. Vosawai looked good again.

No body seems to be talking about the fact we've scored no tries at home for two games in a row. Shocking.

by LordDowlais Mon 22 Sep 2014, 11:33 am

Coleman wrote:Any coach that picks Evans deserves a bit of questioning. I was told that he is on £120k this weekend as well, which must be wrong. Watkins looks to be a good player. Would be good to see him in the Blues squad soon. I think the game vs Ulster has shown that we need Patch at 10, otherwise we have no creativity or attacking threat. Richard Smith didn't have a great game either. So i really do not know what we are going to do in the center. I've also never seen a player as lazy as Filo. The guy walks the field and slows down in to contact, he only seems happy to hit someone when they're not looking.

Positives were: Navidi was in good form. Hoeata looked decent. Vosawai looked good again.

No body seems to be talking about the fact we've scored no tries at home for two games in a row. Shocking.

He was rubbish, I was there, and all I saw him do was stupid, STUPID, things, there was one point near half time, and from where I was standing I heard the ref say leave it about 4 times, and he still just picked it up, and he was standing next to the ref, it's all well and good hitting somebody hard when they are not expecting it and having the crowd all cheer for it, but I would rather he put a little less emphasis on his tackling a tried to play rugby a bit more. Also, I have alluded to the non try fact on another thread, put it this way I will have to be pretty impressed with some of their away games if I am going to go an watch them play Grenoble.

by Coleman Mon 22 Sep 2014, 12:21 pm

He got over the gainline when he carried and made some good hits. I think he has more to give as well as he used to offload in contact when playing in Italy. I must admit i didn't see his stupidity at the breakdown but when you compare his first three games to Turnbull's he has played well. He may not be Xav, but for a year or two when Ieuan Jones is developing he'll do.

by LordDowlais Mon 22 Sep 2014, 12:29 pm

Coleman wrote:He got over the gainline when he carried and made some good hits. I think he has more to give as well as he used to offload in contact when playing in Italy. I must admit i didn't see his stupidity at the breakdown but when you compare his first three games to Turnbull's he has played well. He may not be Xav, but for a year or two when Ieuan Jones is developing he'll do.

What about Ellis Jenkings ?

by XR Mon 22 Sep 2014, 1:50 pm

Whilst he can play 8, i believe Ellis Jenkins to be far more suited to play 7 but can cover 8 when needed.

As for Vosawai, he's still settling in at the Blues. He will fill the gap that has been there since Xav left, the big physical 8.

by Coleman Mon 22 Sep 2014, 2:40 pm

I'd love to see Ellis playing a bit more. We have some good options in the back row, which is why i'm not bothered that Sam will miss some games. We really need to find game time for Ellis, Cook and Ieuan Jones.

by Cardiff Dave Tue 23 Sep 2014, 9:24 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
Coleman wrote:He got over the gainline when he carried and made some good hits. I think he has more to give as well as he used to offload in contact when playing in Italy. I must admit i didn't see his stupidity at the breakdown but when you compare his first three games to Turnbull's he has played well. He may not be Xav, but for a year or two when Ieuan Jones is developing he'll do.

What about Ellis Jenkings ?

Good player. Him and Navidi covering 7 is good. Makes me wonder, if I was Hammett how would I use Roger's boy since his Cardiff time is limited. Still not convinced by DCs. Too many ifs, buts and maybes IMO.

by Guest Tue 30 Sep 2014, 12:32 pm

Blues have signed Lucas Amorosino, Argentinian wing/fullback, should give us more quality options in those positions that we need.

by wales606 Tue 30 Sep 2014, 1:40 pm

Amorosino is a good player, good signing

by Coleman Tue 30 Sep 2014, 2:05 pm

Wooh. I assume he'll be starting asap now the RC has finished. Don't think we've ever had an Argie before.

by LordDowlais Tue 30 Sep 2014, 2:17 pm

Coleman wrote:Wooh. I assume he'll be starting asap now the RC has finished. Don't think we've ever had an Argie before.

Does this mean the stupid project with Patchell is over ?

by Coleman Tue 30 Sep 2014, 3:42 pm

Hope so. Really hope he's available for the Connacht game as they're on fire at the moment and we'll need Rhys to boss it at 10.

That being said i full expect to see Patch at 15 with Alex and Fish/Thomas on the wing with Evans, Hewitt and Davies in the middle.

When Anscombe arrives i guess we'll see more of Patch at 12. The New Hook.

by The Saint Tue 30 Sep 2014, 7:28 pm

Another good signing, maybe now you just need a centre! And all of your players to be fit. Ospreys very much leading the way though, I expected it to be your lot.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 30 Sep 2014, 7:35 pm

When Amorsino was at Tigers he was electric ball in hand but the rest of his game was a bit average. You'll definitely enjoy the highlights reel of his season though his presence on the pitch may escape your attention at other times.

by The Saint Tue 30 Sep 2014, 7:43 pm

Sam, would you see he's a better wing or full back?

by Cardiff Dave Tue 30 Sep 2014, 9:55 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
Coleman wrote:Wooh. I assume he'll be starting asap now the RC has finished. Don't think we've ever had an Argie before.

Does this mean the stupid project with Patchell is over ?

Try him at scrum half next I reckon.

by XR Fri 03 Oct 2014, 8:28 am

Thread on thearmspark forum that we have a Rugby League player, Omari Caro, on trial at the moment.

Anyone know anything about him?

by Coleman Fri 03 Oct 2014, 10:22 am

His bio on Wiki is interesting. He's played RL for Jamaica, he scored 33 tries in 36 games in 2013 and was the fastest man in RL in 2012 with a 90m time of 10.28. Big boy as well, 6ft3 and 16st. Wonder if he's WQ.

by XR Fri 03 Oct 2014, 11:54 am

Probably be classed as a project player. He's 23 as well, so plenty of time for him to turn in to a decent RU player if he is signed. If he was 28+ i'd be hesistant but being from london he may have RU experience and is still young enough to learn if he hasn't.

by Guest Fri 03 Oct 2014, 1:45 pm

Watkins injured? Hes not int he 22 tonight, instead we have Fish on the wing and Adam Thomas at fullback

by Coleman Fri 03 Oct 2014, 2:51 pm

Maybe the coaches don't like him? He has a great record for Bristol and Cardiff. He didn't have a great game but i still think he deserves more of a chance. Adam Thomas has been gash for three games.

by XR Fri 03 Oct 2014, 2:59 pm

He's in the rags squad to face Llandovery.

by Guest Fri 03 Oct 2014, 3:59 pm

gcBlues wrote:Probably be classed as a project player. He's 23 as well, so plenty of time for him to turn in to a decent RU player if he is signed. If he was 28+ i'd be hesistant but being from london he may have RU experience and is still young enough to learn if he hasn't.

Good thing about League players switching to Union in the winger position is if they can catch a ball and run fast they'll be fine. Cuthbert is a good example of this despite his defensive frailties.

by XR Fri 03 Oct 2014, 9:43 pm

Speaking of Cuthbert, he was horrendous tonight. Towards the end when the blues backline was coming up in defence he was walking up...walking, pretty sure he wouldn't do that for Team Wales

by The Saint Fri 03 Oct 2014, 9:53 pm

A draw is not as bad as a loss, but this is perhaps the worst start to the season for the Blues in a while (at least in my recent memory). Things won't get easier with Ospreys coming up, I think that is probably another L for you guys. That puts you in a bad position going into Europe, however I think you're good enough to turn over the French home or away.

by Coleman Sun 05 Oct 2014, 1:57 pm

Amorosino looked pretty good for the Argies this morning. Hoping he'll make a big impact (at fullback!) for us.

by XR Mon 06 Oct 2014, 11:32 am

Lou Reed departs and joins the Tigers

by Welly Mon 06 Oct 2014, 11:44 am

gcBlues wrote:Lou Reed departs and joins the Tigers

On a loan deal.

by doctornickolas Mon 06 Oct 2014, 11:47 am

gcBlues wrote:Lou Reed departs and joins the Tigers

Surprised at that. I think Blues are really weak at lock. Not very impressed with Hoeata or Paulo so far, and it just goes off a cliff after that. Should have made an effort to sign Ian Evans or Charteris in the summer when they were available.

by wales606 Mon 06 Oct 2014, 12:14 pm

doctornickolas wrote:
gcBlues wrote:Lou Reed departs and joins the Tigers

Surprised at that. I think Blues are really weak at lock. Not very impressed with Hoeata or Paulo so far, and it just goes off a cliff after that. Should have made an effort to sign Ian Evans or Charteris in the summer when they were available.

Yeah, i'm not quite sure why Reed hasn't been playing - he isn't going to set the world alight, but surely is better than Dicomedes or Paulo at the moment.

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