On paper, an intimidating pair of monsters. Both played to the highest level and stood up well. Yet on grass, the look like pups.

Maybe it is just me in awe of the Burgess boys, but then I checked last weeks stats, and statistically they are pups. Burgess' S and T ran for 151 and 121 respectively, as opposed to RA and JL 55 and 61 meters. Tom Burgess made one less tackle than RA with 21, ad Lima is a while away with 15.

Now I know stats don't mean everything, but is it unrealistic that RA and JL will be replaced by George and Luke upon their return? And as a knock on effect, will they become available for SL clubs? Warrington losing their two first choice (and most likely higher paid) front rowers must be on the recruit for replacements, Wigan losing Mossop, and the Dr is always in the frame, maybe we'll see an exodus from the NRL of front row forwards?

Lima is typical of players who leave melbourne. Look world class at the storm and very avg when they leave. Only inglis is the exception.

Does Hoffman count here?

That is quite harsh, and I hope you are wrong for Widdop's sake. But I understand your point

That other kid alright, Folau.

Not really
Lima
Blair
Tolman
Tagatese
J smith

The list goes on of players who look lessor outside the storm set up

Tolman? Do you watch rl or read oz forums?

All depends on what mood Lima is in. He was excellent for us at the start of last year but as soon as the rumours kicked up about him leaving he threw the towel in.

We'd have been better releasing him.

He may have a point. In my opinion Melbourne are so good because of the cohesion between 1, 6, 7 and 9 and when you are pretty much operating on a telepathic wavelength you quickly look world class. It all depends how Widdop settles in at St George...could go either way.

You have a point perhaps about ex Melbourne forwards - add Sika Manu at Penrith to the list - but Aiden Tolman and Jeremy Smith are CLASS and will continue to be class wherever they play.

Manu's having a good season with and indifferent (at best) Penrith.

Bellamy gets his best out of his players because he's aware of their ability's.

Tolman was tipped for SOO and kangaroos in his last year at Melbourne. He is the third best prop in the bulldogs line up and doesn't look close to a nsw call up. Not a bad player but certainly not playing as well as he did at storm. And yes I watch nearly every NRL game!

personally think Blair was the most overrated player in the world for the past couple of years and now its starting to show.

Tolman has been superb for Canterbury in his 3 seasons there and in that time has earned his only senior rep honors.

Just a lazy player.