Re: Quade v Kurtley
Lindommer said:
It was very, very disappointing to see that picture of a blown-up Beale and to read about his weight issues. If he's not motivated to get stuck into training and to watch his diet and general fitness to counter the opportunties Cooper received on the EOYT, well it doesn't look good for the future. Is he mentally tough enough? He was an outstanding schoolboy rugby player, one of the best I've seen; maybe it all came too easy for him.
Lindommer; Hangers taking the 10 jersey off Beale for a few games could be the kick up the arse that might help Beale. Beale needs some competition for the jersey - being handed the jersey at 18 and being fed plaudits on how good you are surely couldn't have been a solid grounding for the kid. I am hoping that he didn't read all the media articles on himself.
I'm just worried that if he does lose his jersey to Halangahu, and I think he probably will at some stage, that he might give up and head to league.
Has Beale even had the luxury of an elder, more experienced top flyhalf impart his hard earned knowledge into him?
Lindommer said:
Beale had a priceless chance to steal a march on all those rivals listed here with his start in Super Rugby last year. His performances for the Tahs this year were a vital contribution to their success getting into the semis and he played well enough during his time on the paddock in the final against the Saders. But, gee, his defence still needs a lot of work.
I'd like to see Beale with a more creative 12 than Carter outside of him - and I might say the same for Horne too. I think we only saw the start of what Horne is capable of, but we didn't see plenty of the things Lee attributed to him as a schoolboy. Maybe because he was playing at 13. I was one of many who thought Carter was a waste at 12, a flat track bully, but he did much better than I expected and suited the Tahs gameplan well, despite being one dimensional. But he got away with being one dimensional because he did his role well.
Hopefully Horne can become more settled and comfortable, and Tahu given time at 12 and then we might see more from Beale. Remembering that Beale had a S14 rookie at 12 and a rookie at 13, and a rookie at 9 for half the season puts some perspective on his performances. Fortunately, he had a dominant forward pack to help him out.
Lindommer said:
Cooper's various brain snaps (poor disclipine, stupid kicks) are all fixable. It'd be good to see some older lag take him under his wing, and give him the occasional clip over the ear when required. He looks like an angry young man who doesn't have a clue why he's angry. Maybe a stint of something completely different, a Christmas spent helping the homeless on the streets of Brisbane, might make him realise how bloody lucky he is and give him a bit of inner contentment. When Cooper gets his mind in order he'll be a great rugby player.
I don't think Cooper had make it as a top fly half until he settles his attitude problem. That kind of niggle from a fly half, who is supposed to keep a level head and guide your team around the field, is not what you want. I like your suggestion - get him into some charity work with the underprivleged.