Here's a summary:
## Key Points
1. Parramatta Eels' Joash Papalii is set to make his starting debut in the No.6 jersey against the Titans.
2. The opportunity arises due to suspensions/injuries to key players Dylan Brown and Mitch Moses.
3. Dean Hawkins will start at No.7.
4. Papalii has played 3 games as an interchange player and has experience playing in the halves at NSW Cup level.
5. Teammate Zac Lomax praises Papalii, saying he's "light on his feet" and "trains really well."
Replies
The only thing you worry about with Papalli is combinations in attack and defense I have no doubt he'll get targeted but that's all part of it.
Go well young fulla.
Could have him defend on the wing and attack at 5/8 but also have Walker in 14 if things don't go well. Few safety nets
If he cannot defend at 6 don't put him there, don't want to hide a player in defence.
Defend on the wing and attack at 5/8....how old you Eli, they are not fcuking chess pieces!
Definitely can be done if they want to hide him and train that way all week but hopefully he can just hold his own at 6
You could do this but your still defending and attacking with a new combination.
Its why I would have had Walker there experience and decision making is what we need.
Thats the only thing I don't like about this selection is we are throwing in more inexperience in a key spot.
But we'll see how we go.
Throwing him into the middle of the ocean, sink or swim time 😂
There's no way Ryles starts Joash at 5/8 against one of the biggest packs in the comp.
He may end up there but a team like Parra who struggle defensively through the middle there's no way I'd be weakening it further with a player who would struggle in defense.
Walkers your 5/8 everyday of the week.
For mine unless Papalii is replacing Iongi I don't have a place for him in my 17.
As a 14 I'd want him to be able to cover the back 5 or hooker and halves, he just doesn't do that.
Without our two halves , a young inexperienced hooker and fullback you just have to go with the experience of Walker and Hawkins if available.
One thing I will say is he seems reletively keen in defence. He will struggle but a lot of halves new to NRL do.
So the backline will be,
1 longi
2 addo-carr
3 Russell
4. Penisini
5 lomax/ simmonson
6 papalii
7 Hawkins
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