I felt during games last year Parra was significantly weaker when our big boppers (Paulo and RCG) were rested. Do you think we need two good front rowers on the bench? Kaufusi will probably be one. Who will be the other? Or will we rely on an already overworked Brown or Lane to cover for when the second prop is rested? Not sure if the latter is a good idea but probably necessary if we run with a utility on the bench.
Given Matterson will play long minutes, Brown and Lane should make way for the dynamic pair of Niukora and Papali'i.
Hanging for the footy!
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Kaufusi is the only other recognised prop, he's a must! All the others that you mention are back rowers that can play edge and middle but we need Props, big boppers, book ends...
Niukore will be a certainty when his suspension is up.
Kaufusi has put on some bulk and will provide good impact from the bench.
Papali'i was out standing in the trial game and was our best forward with plenty of go forward.
Papali'i started out as an edge forward but has stated that his preference was in the middle now.
We are better served in the forwards this year compared to last and I believe with the bench rotation we have, both Junior and RCG won't need to play as many minutes as they did last season.
I'm with you, we have great depth (in the back row) but when you lose front rowers like Evans and to a lesser extent Alvaro, we need to replace these pears with pears not apples!
We are replacing those pears with golden apples.
Niukore, although a 2nd rower, was our next best prop after Junior and RCG.
As much as I liked Evans, Papali'i is a massive improvement.
As far as Alvaro goes, we have at least 6 props who are better than he was.
I see no downside in losing those two as what we have now is a massive improvement.
As for starting Brown on the bench, I don't think that's a good idea. He is our best option at lock. His aggression and line speed would be wasted on the bench especially in the opening exchanges.
My bench would be
14. Rankin/Cartwright/Smith
15. Papali'i
16. Kaufusi
17. Hollis (Hollis drops of when Niukore is back from suspension)
I was very impressed with Rankin in the trial.{Just managed to watch it last night} I think he has what it takes to be a good game manager and I would like to see more of him..That is the area where we need to build some sort of composure to bring out the best in others.
Nice to see depth, but do we have a leader to lead these guys when the going gets tough. That's my worry, I'm talking about a Cameron Smith (leadership as in his talking & actions) Tyson Frizell, James Tamou, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Josh Papalii or Jason Taumalolo. I see them all as leaders & the others follow. Brown? RCG? Are they equal to these guys?
with a little bit of origin experienced its time for Junior to step up. skill and presence, he's the leader
I'm thinking he our leader, we need someone to mak all the others step up. We finished poorly last year, loosing both wingers & our center didn't help, but it seems like our forwards can't match the Storm, Roosters & South's, we seem to do ok against the others.
yes, annoint him......vice captain, forward leader. Nathan Brown backup leader.
Yeah I think that is our best option.
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