Hull signed Long on a two year deal when his form was declining, so in that respect I suppose you know what you're talking about.

Fisiiahi made his debut last month (

), you have been talking about Hohaia being on the decline for over a year. Cleary must be a poop coach if it takes him that long to act on a declining player.

Fisiiahi made his debut at the start of the season on the wing, had a mare and was dropped yet was still brought back into the side to replace Hohaia. That was his first start at fullback and he ripped it up, there was no way he was going to lose his place at fullback.

There are plenty of players who decline yet don't get replaced, I don't see the point you're making? Richard Horne's been on the decline for two to three years now yet we haven't replaced him. There has to be someone to replace him with for a start.

Your opening post even said 'hope it's a one off' so I can't understand why you're defending him so much when you don't even know how he usually plays.

Aye, because that's completely related.

I know you don't like them but get of your high horse, he's entitled to his opinion and if you don't agree I'd suggest you debate it sensibly or ignore him instead of resorting to childish insults, he has as much right to visit the site as you do.

us moderator's stick together eh tony?

- AGAIN.

too right

You either need a girlfriend or a job. Maybe both.





Hohaia will do just fine in SL, although I tend to agree with those preferring him at FB than at half back.

His experience will be invaluable for the young 'uns coming through, truly a player who has been there and done it at the highest level.

theres no chance someone as shocking as being described would get picked for NZ, he might still get in the warriors team if they were struggling, but NZ are world champions and have plenty of extremely talented players.
He got in the team with Kearny coaching and Bennet as assistant, two coaches who care nothing for reputations

Leuluai got picked, so I see a minor flaw in your argument

He made a few bad errors, but he also showed what he could do and that he has pace.

At one stage the NZ team seemed to be taking it in turns as to who dropped the ball.

I've just watched the match on the repeat and Hohaia was nowhere near as bad as some people are making out. He made one stupid decision (to pass to his winger) after doing a brilliant piece of footwork to get out of his ingoal, he dropped one ball and didn't attempt another (but that looked like a lost cause anyway given the mismatch in size). Other than that, I'm still trying to figure out why people thought he had an awful match? His positioning and catch for the try was superb. He has great pace and a neat sidestep. He also looks pretty strong.

The Kiwis were their own worst enemies in that match. How many times did they drop the ball in the second half? Benji Marshall was pretty much invisible throughout. Very frustrating.

I actually don't think it was a bad decision, just needed some decent wing play.

He will do a great job for us.

Even if he had had a great game, been faultless in defense, topped the tackle count, scored the winning try and won man-of-the-match, the trolls would still have been on here picking faults and saying how he was a 'bad' signing.
I prefer to wait and see what he does when he get's over here.


Changing topic - Billy Slater - what a great player !

I was fortunate to spend time working in Melbourne several times over recent years and was able to see Billy in live action for M Storm during 2007 / 2008.
Truly an outstanding talent.

I think people are going OTT on his performance today. The only real mistake that stood out was the kick he dropped early that lead to a try.

He was no worse than most the kiwis. It's just all the doom and gloom people looking a bagging him because he's signed for saints.

I thought the 15 for the kiwis had a great game.

I suppose, in that the winger should have come in. But I think they were playing too close to the line for that pass to be a sound one. However, that (possibly poor) decision plus one dropped ball hardly constitutes a poor player at any level, does it? I don't know what people are talking about.

I'm looking forward to seeing him in the red vee. That pace and that sidestep - yes please!

Sorry if this was posted earlier but Justin Hodges was a big threat for Aussies today. Every time Shenton had played against him , that threat has been non existant. We gave u a diamond...polish him
!!

I actually didn't think he did that bad, he made a couple of mistakes but he also showed some class. You can't judge a player on one performance.

Hadn't even noticed tbh.

I agree with the positive sentiments on here. He was awful going up for that early bomb but, as has already been suggested, he wasn't perfect which links to the question, who is when playing against Australia? His movement to escape out of the in goal was nothing short of sensational almost Demetriou-esque.

He is fast, agile and definitely has good awareness and having had initial reservations about him playing in the halves I don't now. He could play 6 or 1 and give us something extra with the ball.

I do my best to watch every game every week! Obviously I miss bits but its repeated that much I get to see enough to know he has been very average this season. But I still think he will turn out to be a good signing for you guys. Bug the poster is right he has been off the boil for quite a bit.

I do tend to watch alot of the NRL games too and being completely honest, this season, he doesn't stand out like one of those unbelievable talents that make you lose sleep at the thought of seeing him in the redvee. That said, knowing the strength of the competition, I'm sure it will be a different kettle of fish in SL.

As people have said, his experience will be invaluable to the young guys and he will have a new enthusiasm for the game which will see him step up a gear.

Going slightly O/T if you wanted to see unbelievable freakish talent at FB, Josh Dugan played in the City v Country match yesterday and outplayed Hayne. He's made a handful of appearances for Canberra and may make the NSW team after that performance. Uate (winger from Newcastle) played too and carried on his club form. Look out for him on May 25, Fijian born, built like a brick SH and fast as F - you want to see him return kicks! Michael Jennings too was simply sensational.

Let's face it. If he was an unbelievable talent, he wouldn'tbe coming over on the current climate. The best value players are those who aren't at their peak but have the potential to improve to levels we have seen before and know they are capable of. I have mo problems with saints following this strategy .

Exactly, noone will be getting top tier NRL players in their prime over here unless its exceptional circumstances ala Lyon

2007 was a rubbish year for Paul Wellens. But last season he was outstanding. Players' form can vary, including by the season. I have no idea whether what people are saying on here about Hohaia is accurate because I haven't watched NRL matches this season but assuming what is being said IS accurate, form comes and goes but class is always there and he showed some class in the Anzac test, and in a position he said he was 'made' to play in rather than one where he feels he is strongest (6).

Based on what I saw yesterday I'm very happy Hohaia is joining us.