Rumour - Kurt Baptiste on the way out?

[Mister Wright]

McCullough was voted player of the year. Despite what Broncoshq think about him he's not going to make way for someone else to prove themselves. Also, despite what Broncoshq honks, the broncos thin hunt is he best option to cover the utility role. Keeping those points in mind it's not surprising he's had limited opportunities.

 

[Ari Gold]

Is he really being pushed out?? He just has a guy in front of him so he can't make the team. He deserves a crack st NRL level so he will probably go elsewhere

In a sense he is being effectively pushed out. Even though McCullough might be in front of him McCullough isn't an 80 minute player. For countless games now a specialist hooker like Baptiste has sit idly by as Griffin tries to force a square peg in a round hole -- a hole that Kurt I'm sure believe he'd fill perfectly.

 

[Bucking Beads]

If only Hook has put Baptiste in the hooker role off the bench.

 

[nopatience101]

He played one game for us in 2012 - one game! I think he only played about four in 2011 as well, mostly (if not all) from the bench.

In my opinion, that's hardly enough of an opportunity to impress the coach, especially as he would've only been getting 20 or so minutes in each of those games.

What really bugged me was last season. McCullough didn't have a great year, but not once was he dropped or demoted to the bench, nor was Baptiste put on the bench in an effort to challenge McCullough.

I honestly think if Baptiste was given the same amount of chances and support as McCullough has been given, then he'd be just as good, and probably more consistent.

I don't have any agenda against Hook, so you're barking up the wrong tree there.

Paul Morgan medal says different.

In Baptiste's only game he had a shocker and could barely throw a pass. Hes a good talent that should probably be playing first grade, but the great players force you to find a spot for them, hes not going to be a great loss. However, I agree that McCullough needs to be kept honest and is probably a little to comfortable atm. I think it's a problem with some of the 20's graduates, they are still in the baby bronco mentality and most of them are nearing 100 games, Macca has already passed that milestone, it's time for them to mature in their footy and rid the youth tag that's holding them back.

 

[broncos4life]

He played one game for us in 2012 - one game! I think he only played about four in 2011 as well, mostly (if not all) from the bench.

In my opinion, that's hardly enough of an opportunity to impress the coach, especially as he would've only been getting 20 or so minutes in each of those games.

What really bugged me was last season. McCullough didn't have a great year, but not once was he dropped or demoted to the bench, nor was Baptiste put on the bench in an effort to challenge McCullough.

I honestly think if Baptiste was given the same amount of chances and support as McCullough has been given, then he'd be just as good, and probably more consistent.

I don't have any agenda against Hook, so you're barking up the wrong tree there.

I've never accused you of that, what the **** Ning? All I'm saying is in my opinion he hasn't forced himself to be picked. He may well prove me wrong and be a star elsewhere, I just get sick of the whinging about "oh no another player leaving."

 

[LittleDavey]

Paul Morgan medal says different.

In Baptiste's only game he had a shocker and could barely throw a pass. Hes a good talent that should probably be playing first grade, but the great players force you to find a spot for them, hes not going to be a great loss. However, I agree that McCullough needs to be kept honest and is probably a little to comfortable atm. I think it's a problem with some of the 20's graduates, they are still in the baby bronco mentality and most of them are nearing 100 games, Macca has already passed that milestone, it's time for them to mature in their footy and rid the youth tag that's holding them back.

I think you just hit on most of the problem, with everything. The blokes that come in from elsewhere really give it their all - look at Granville's debut, it was great!! Prince came in and started sparking things, and the poor guy's burnt out, his best years were half a decade ago.

The young guys in the squad were like that, but who's kicked on from where they were 2 or 3 years ago? Hoffman, since he's been put on the wing...and who else? They haven't gone up a gear like everyone associated with the club thought they would. None of them really. Are they all not as talented as first thought? Or is it a coaching issue?

I, for one, refuse to believe it's a lack of talent. It's almost as if they've been coached into mediocrity. It's time for them to step the hell up. Get consistent. They're far better than what they're dishing up this year.

 

[tkday]

I definitely think the coach doesn't challenge the guys enough and work on them individually. He really lacks that and then ability to use the bench properly.

 

[Coxy]

McCullough was the player of the year last year, and deservedly so. But what's telling is that I couldn't name another player who performed well all year. Maybe Parker?

So in terms of accolades, it's a bit of a Bradbury.

Fact is Macca is pretty inadequate in attack, but defensively he's good.

 

[Alec]

McCullough was the player of the year last year, and deservedly so. But what's telling is that I couldn't name another player who performed well all year. Maybe Parker?

So in terms of accolades, it's a bit of a Bradbury.

Fact is Macca is pretty inadequate in attack, but defensively he's good.

Glenn too.

 

[Big Pete]

McCullough polled 87 votes to win the 2012 Paul Morgan medal.

In comparison, Lockyer tallied 101 votes in 2011 just edging out Parker by 3 votes.

That might tell you all you need to know, keeping in mind Lockyer played less games than Macca did as well.

Interestingly, both BHQ and LU had different player of the years.

On LU, we found Ben Hannant to be our best player.

On BHQ, it was Hodgo.

The runners up for the 2012 Paul Morgan medal included Hodges (65), McGuire (63), Hannant (59) and Wallace (54).

I'd imagine Wallace racked up a big lead (he polled similar numbers on here) before falling away and only nabbing a few at the death.

The voting system is as follows: coach (6-4-2), players (3-2-1) and old boys (3-2-1). So the highest a player can poll each week is 12 points.

 

[1910]

He's still 3-4 weeks away from playing.

 

[1910]

Expect a Panthers' annoucement.

 

[Bucking Beads]

Cool, another talented player from the Broncos system headed elsewhere.

 

[broncos4life]

haha we are a feeder club to the rest of the NRL

 

[Nashy]

I didn't think they had cap space?

 

[Browny]

Boats made of gold?!

 

[1910]

Baptiste back this week on the bench.

 

[Unbreakable]

He's playing great today, a try and a try assist in about 20 minutes in the first half.