Loke has been ok in pre-season - so maybe calm the farm a little on the expectations.
Clearly a bit of a leader, having captained the reserves, he will struggle to match the physicality of senior professionals this year. He got bumped at the U20 WC a few times, so if it was an issue there, it will be more so of one in the A League.
Clearly a bit of a leader, having captained the reserves, he will struggle to match the physicality of senior professionals this year. He got bumped at the U20 WC a few times, so if it was an issue there, it will be more so of one in the A League.
The issue of physicality is probably quite similar across this age group, apart from rare exceptions like Corban Piper due to lucky genes. Loke can work on the physical side of things as he is still young. It gets harder for the older guys of slight build.
Not sure Piper would like his strength conditioning being put down as just 'lucky genes'. I've viewed some of his gym workout stuff on Insta. He trains very very very hard. Was a part time PT I think when at Birkenhead FC.
17 yr LBS's chunky build maybe more a genetic attribute. But then he also has that sprint BMX background, which would be all leg power stuff.
Is no way Loke upsurps Payne at RB/RWB. Not even close.