10 players fighting out for 4 spots, who will be taking those spots? BA said on his morning interview last week that there are 10 players vying for bench spots. Now i think we know there will be two middle forwards, a back-rower and a hooker/utility named. Maybe another middle forward at 14. So let us see who will be named already (before trials where injuries could happen).
The starting 13 is set, in terms of forwards i believe we know who that will be. RCG, Mahoney, Paulo, Papali'i, Matterson/Lane and Brown. Out of them, apparently Brown is under a cloud due to his shoulder surgury in the off-season, if he is out Lane will start with Matto and Papa. So opens up one spot, as Matto and Lane would be vying for the final second-row spot, whoever misses out goes to the bench. Also, Niukore back from round 2 is an automatic selection.
So for argument sakes let's place Brown in the team for now, if he is in he will more likely start on the bench but let's just have him start. So Lane takes one bench spot. Now three left, Lane would be considered a middle forward/back-row mix which really opens up our bench to add who ever we want instead of naming a back-rower for necessity. So who will be 14? it is simply between Rein and Stone, depending on how confident the staff is at Mahoney's fitness. Rein would be the 14 until Mahoney is back up to 110% of fitness and can play full 80. If Mahoney is hurt for example before round 1 then Stone will be 14 with Rein starting simple as that. I think they will lean towards an actual hooker at 14, so Rein edges out.
Next a middle forward and this one is difficult as there are 1-2 available depending on what you do with Lane. Candidates would be Greig, Makatoa, Kaufusi and Ogden. From reports of training, Ogden has been the standout, Maka and Kaufusi are starting in the trial and Greig played All-stars so all have put up a case. Though i think it will either be Maka or Kaufusi due to either experience or form from last year. Greig could be a smokey for a bench spot if they use Lane as the only back-rower, but i think Kaufusi will be the first one named. BA has challenged Kaufusi to stand up this year i think he will throw him in the deep end to get something out of him.
Final spot, Cartwright. I would have said that earlier, but the longer we go on the more i think he is not as certain. Lane being on the bench and Niukore from round 2 makes the Second-row depth thicker. Cartwright offers value as a 6 and a Centre on top of an edge, but in the middle he does not offer more than the names above. Cartwright could be a 14, and would suit him nicely but i think due to experience and his skills Cartwright will be named at 17.
14. Rein
15. Lane
16. Kaufusi
17. Cartwright
That is what i am going with, of course if Brown is out then Lane starts, Maka could be the next one in or Stone even. I could be way off and a surprise could be in, but i am pretty confident on this being the bench if all goes well in the trials.
Thoughts of anyone else? am i way off or spot on or sort of there. What do you think of who will be on the bench.
Replies
That's a pretty weak bench.
A hooker, 2 second rowers and a prop.
My bench would be:
14. Rein
15. Papali'i (prop)
16. Kaufusi (prop)
17. Cartwright (until Niukore returns)
I would use Papali'i as a bench prop to bash and barge. He won't be with us next year so flog him now.
Depending on trials form I would consider starting Rein and start Weed on the bench. We will have to see how Weeds shoulder holds up and what his commitment levels are.
Papa has been training on an egde, but i think Lane or Matterson will be on bench as none of them are going to miss out in the 17, not saying it is the right bench saying it is the more likely bench.
Lane and Matterson have played in the middle under BA so doesn't mind playing them there.
Bem that's why it's called a trial match taking nothing away from players selected. I'm looking forward to seeing Rankin play.
I am well aware it's a trial match.
We are stocked with 2nd rowers so I believe come round 1, BA will play Papali'i as a bench prop rotation as he did last year.
I thought Rankin had either left or was mainly here to assist with development meaning when the real season starts he won't be in the top 30
PT57 interesting thoughts, you mentioned Rodwell but he is not in the top 30 (development squad at this stage).
Rankin IMO should be top 30 because he is the right type of half if we lose Moses for any extended period. I accept that JA is going to be first alternative but we are yet to see if he has developed like many are saying, aside from that I believe having 3 players who can legitimately where number 7 is important. As much as I am a supporter of Dyllan Brown, I do not believe he has the organisational ability (at this stage) to be a number 7.
I have no doubts the success of our NSW Cup (regggies) last season was heavily based on Rankin's performance and when JA was on the field Rankin made JA look very good (at times). At other times he covered JA's arse.
Fox Sport is currently running the best 200 NRL games. Last night I saw a great game between Eels and Panthers from around 2009/10 it doesn't say what year. Anyway Fui, Burt and Hayne were playing and you forget how good they were. I wonder if Hayne still has it? I loved this team.
I think Makatoa has gone past Kaufusi and Greig has more to offer then Lane
My bench
14 Rein
15 Makatoa
16 Greig
17 Cartwright
although Arthur will pick his favorite Lane over Greig to start with
Nice strong bench, tad inexperienced but strong middle
The front row and backline picks itself
At full strength l would go
11 Lane
12 Nuikore
13 Matterson
14 Rein
15 Brown
16 Papali'i
17 Cartwright
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