Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
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Duffie had a few high profile defensive misses that year. Nadolo was the famous one, and even though it was understandable, it was pretty embarrassing. In general, I don't think he was impressing many people with his game. However, the thing that really impressed me about Duffie was how he didn't drop his lip or try and run back to league. I didn't anticipate the trajectory of his improvement but even if he didn't get as good as he has gotten, I would have been impressed with how he conducted himself after that first season.
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I thought this was a really good article about Duffie. He has overcome a lot of adversity with serious injuries but perseverance and work ethic has got him through.
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Last year in debut SR season Duffie was awful, hopelessly out of his depth. Then later on season in NPC he started to look quite good. I wondered if that was his natural level or whether he was adjusting.
Then this year's SR he was fantastic. I'm a huge fan of his play.
Also. I get the feeling there is quite a bit of respect in NZ rugby for the culture and player development that happens at Melbourne Storm.
Conversely, I think there is suspicion and a bit of contempt for the playing side at the Warriors and for the culture side at the Sydney clubs.
Storm have taken the mantle from the Brisbane Broncos during the Wayne Bennett ( and Brad Thorn era).
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As to the original thread topic.
I think it's a bargaining ploy. The only kiwi League players we have seen actually make the switch are the cut loose medical basket cases (Duffie, Laumape, Fisiahi) apart from Benji's short dalliance.
Who do it the right way through the pyramid.
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@mn5 compare that to how the 'guy that can't tackle' deals with that threat
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@williethewaiter said in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck:
@mn5 compare that to how the 'guy that can't tackle' deals with that threat
I think that one was a case of Naholo talking over him rather than a real tackle. Kinda like putting a stick between the spokes of a bike. Brave effort though.
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@mn5 said in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck:
What sort of player is he ? I don't watch much provincial or Super Rugby which will surprise no one judging from the crap I write on here.
Duffie is arguably the best player in NZ under the high ball - it has started to become a real weapon for teams he is in to use. He is deceptively quick and has more power than you'd expect too - a canny sort of attacker who picks his spots well and has a unique long legged loping running style. Can play fullback. Has been compared to Ben Smith - I wouldn't say he's at at that level but he's come a hell of a long way from 18 months ago when he did not look Super Rugby level.
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@mikedogz perhaps, but even in the weekend you could see his value at 12 with those feet. He gets through space better than any of the 12s.
And the team is bigger than one player, the Blues needed a 12, we had lots of options at fullback or even wing.
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@Kirwan said in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck:
@mikedogz perhaps, but even in the weekend you could see his value at 12 with those feet. He gets through space better than any of the 12s.
And the team is bigger than one player, the Blues needed a 12, we had lots of options at fullback or even wing.
Which is why Union Via Leon did him a disservice. Blues were strong in the positions he was best suited but they forked out for him anyway. I think he may have made it as a wing or fullback. Not enough space at 12.
