Howe as sub

[Bang Bang Bang 5,784]

Just wondering what people think about the decision to make Howe sub today. Was it a good move - given he came on and gave us an immediate spark? Or was it a bad move - given the guy was clearly too good in the air for the Suns defenders and was virtually wasted for 3 quarters?

Regardless of the decision I'm a big Howe fan. Can see him kicking 50+ next year if he gets a full season. Why can't he?

[deeflog 679]

Bad decision. We could have really exploited the suns biggest weakness, KPB. By playing all of Jurrah, Watts and Howe it also enables us to always have a forward in the F50, the way the top teams have their setup

[dee-luded 2,959]

Just wondering what people think about the decision to make Howe sub today. Was it a good move - given he came on and gave us an immediate spark? Or was it a bad move - given the guy was clearly too good in the air for the Suns defenders and was virtually wasted for 3 quarters?

Regardless of the decision I'm a big Howe fan. Can see him kicking 50+ next year if he gets a full season. Why can't he?

He was poor the week before.

This was probably a friendly shot over his brow.

[Rogue 585]

He was poor the week before.

This was probably a friendly shot over his brow.

Agreed.

[Nasher 33,607]

He was poor the week before.

This was probably a friendly shot over his brow.

Indeed.

[Juicebox 628]

Indeed.

Disagree.

First year player, could've definitely done with a game against a side like Gold Coast. Imagine his confidence if he kicked 5 or 6...??

[Guest Gareth Keenan]

Was happy with how we used Howe today, based on last week's performance, the selected side and the opposition.

I thought we were past giving games to kids purely to get games into them - they need to earn them.

He'll be better next week for having had to ride the bench for 3 quarters today.

Edited August 28, 2011 by Gareth Keenan

[Nasher 33,607]

Disagree.

First year player, could've definitely done with a game against a side like Gold Coast. Imagine his confidence if he kicked 5 or 6...??

But he was dreadful the week before. I've no problem with sending a subtle message without actually dropping him. Watts was a new player after his stint as the sub early in the year.

As he matures and develops consistency in his game, measures like this won't be necessary.

[Rogue 585]

Disagree.

First year player, could've definitely done with a game against a side like Gold Coast. Imagine his confidence if he kicked 5 or 6...??

Same sort of argument was used when Watts was the sub versus Gold Coast. It didn't seem to do him any harm.

[Adzman 2,154]

Message was sent to Howe, and the message was received. You need to earn your spot, and if we were playing next week he would be back in the starting lineup.

[Nasher 33,607]

Message was sent to Howe, and the message was received. You need to earn your spot, and if we were playing next week he would be back in the starting lineup.

How fortunate that we are playing next week then.

[Rogue 585]

How fortunate that we are playing next week then.

Hah.

Adelaide Oval is the new bermuda triangle.

[DeeSpencer 25,019]

I don't think it was a big strong message, more of a free up.

Howe's still a young guy in his first year and appeared really fatigued, especially not getting any room against Thursfield last week and getting plenty of wrestles and grapples and what not.

So you rest him a bit but still don't drop him for one poor game. Bring him on halfway through and let him make an impact then. Good decision.

Not sure he can kick 50+ next year as he'll get some strong attention, but ideally he can play along with Watts, Jurrah and a legitimate tall (Cook? Fitzpatrick) and as there is enough mobility there we can stretch a defence but still put on forward pressure.