evans and nuikore are a given, it looks like they will pick stone to give mahoney a rest when needed. he was playing hooker in the 2nd half of the trial and i would play kaufusi over terepo.
Muttman I agree with your benchlist however the late entry into the game by Alvaro on Saturday has thrown some shade over his inclusion in my mind. While Alvaro is still my choice I think that Kaufusi will take the spot if Alvaro doesn't.
I have got to say that I am impressed with Niukore so far. He has picked up right where he left off in 2019.
Because Mahoney will need a break! If Mahoney gets injured this year and the Eels don't have a decent back up replacement then you can kiss a possible premiership goodbye. There needs to be a replacement who gets used to the job now not later.
"I may be wrong but we are in a worse position than we were after 8 rounds last season we didn't recover from that so most likely won't recover this year so none of our players being picked for origin won't make any difference"
"All good poins here Super, particualrly the Penrith forwards; i watched their game and from a kick, their fullback, wingers and then often the centre takes a run off a half / 5/8 play in the middle of the field. By then you only need one prop and…"
"Yeah good point Poppa. Queensland have a few injuries in their pack with Fa'asuamaleaui and Flegler out of game I, might pave the way for Hopgood to be selected. On top of that, Hopgood might not get an opportunity again to get picked in Origin, so…"
Replies
evans and nuikore are a given, it looks like they will pick stone to give mahoney a rest when needed. he was playing hooker in the 2nd half of the trial and i would play kaufusi over terepo.
14. stone
15.evans
16. nuikore
17. kaufusi
That's the bench I'd go for too Blaze.
Johnny BG I'd say that Terepo and Salmon and long shots in making the bench. Alvaro and Taka are more likely than those two.
Evans, Nuikore, Alvaro, Stone
Muttman I agree with your benchlist however the late entry into the game by Alvaro on Saturday has thrown some shade over his inclusion in my mind. While Alvaro is still my choice I think that Kaufusi will take the spot if Alvaro doesn't.
I have got to say that I am impressed with Niukore so far. He has picked up right where he left off in 2019.
Agree with the OP's bench. salmon has to be in the team
Stone
Evans
Niukore
Kaufusi
Can't afford another year of Alvaro and Terepo's roller coaster form. I do like salmon though wouldn't complain if he was there.
I think round 1 might be
Evans
Nuikore
Alvaro
Taka.
But players like Kaufusi, Utoikamanu, Gower or even Terepo might push Alvaro out.
Salmon or even Jai Field might take the bench utility spot. Has Field been offered a contract??
I hope Taka and Alvaro are not in the side.
Definitely need a back up hooker! Salmon is a good defender and can be elusive and is a safe player in my opinion.
Because Mahoney will need a break! If Mahoney gets injured this year and the Eels don't have a decent back up replacement then you can kiss a possible premiership goodbye. There needs to be a replacement who gets used to the job now not later.