First trial; Who are we excited to watch?

Our 2023 campaign starts somewhat on Saturday with a trial against Penrith. Considering this is the first trial it is believed majority of the team will be reserve graders bar some. I think players that will play round 1 or have a chance that will play Saturday are; Russell, Dunster, Ogden, Makatoa and JA. Matterson i think could get a game aswell to get some match preparation for round 4.

I am excited to see Russell as i believe he will play Centre on Saturday to prepare for Round 1. Dunster also to see how he has recovered from his ACL, PCL and MCL tears.

I think this will be the team as follows

1. Rankin

2. Dunster

3. Cini

4. Russell

5. Loizou

6. Asi (if injured perhap Jack A Williams)

7. Arthur

8. Ogden

9. Rein

10. Makatoa

11. Momoisea

12. Mataele

13. Rodwell

Bench just randomly

Greig, Matterson, Brown, Lumelume, Hands, Yates, Taumoepenu, plus more but heading into NSW contract territory.

I am also excited to see how Mataele plays as he is a kid that could be the future at 12 above Doorey and Momoisea.

I think there is a chance though we could see Doorey and Momoisea start in the back-row with the sole purpose of them two battling it out for no. 12 jersey in round 1.

"Who remembers the constant refrain on 1EE that the club is hopeless because they pay overs? My bet is the same folks who played worlds greatest contract and cap manager in lampooning the club for paying overs, are now hoping we buy their sincerity…"

"Though if you are to overpay it's for players that can make more of a difference. Keaon I didn't mind paying slight overs for as middles are so important today. But you also do not want to go too over the top as it puts your cap out of wrack and you…"

Just wondering what others think. I know im only an old bloke but have watched the game grow and change so mych over the years. But is it going to far . The reasons is it the speed of the Athletes of today or the rule changes like the 6agains and…

Replies

Jack February 6, 2023 at 10:55am

I'm keen to see doorey play, if his starting back row for us I want to see what his got
- Brett Allen > Jack February 6, 2023 at 5:12pm
  
  I don't think he'll play the first trial. According to TCT he's been mostly training with the probables in the opposed sessions. Expect him to play the 2nd trial
Blue Eel February 6, 2023 at 11:33am

Am I wrong LB but i dont believe Hands has a contract with us anymore.

I know you have rated him, however 23 games last year at Hooker, /5/8, half, Lock and finally intechange bench with 1 try and 7 try assists, averaged 50 running metres is hardly exceptional.

Im looking forward to Hopgood, just picked into the all stars game as well.
- LB > Blue Eel February 6, 2023 at 12:07pm
  
  He was in the photo of the squad, he will be with cup this year. He's been training all off-season
  - Poupou Escobar > LB February 6, 2023 at 12:51pm
    
    Hands is not in the top 30 or the development list, meaning he is very unlikely to play. His contract is likely only part time as well.
    - LB > Poupou Escobar February 6, 2023 at 3:09pm
      
      He can be on the bench to make numbers. The second half is where you will see majority of NSW cup players.
    - Brett Allen > Poupou Escobar February 6, 2023 at 5:13pm
      
      Well his development must've flatlined. I had him as Hodgson's primary back up
      - Poupou Escobar > Brett Allen February 6, 2023 at 11:50pm
        
        Based on what, Brett? I suspect Jake Arthur will be our backup dummy half.
        
        LB > Poupou Escobar February 9, 2023 at 7:04am
        
        I think Asi was brought in to be our primary no.14, JA to develop in Cup, maybe even transform into a forward?
        
        This reply was deleted.
        
        CarloEEL2 > Brett Allen February 9, 2023 at 6:41pm
        
        Gosh you are positive !!! BA did not restrain from temptation the whole year including going into finals - what makes you think he's a changed man now in this regard 🤔