Ryan Papenhuyzen has been named in the NSW Origin team and rightly so he is absolutely a sensational fullback who should be around to take over from Tadesco, Trbojevic in the future. Freddie was asked if the Melbourne fullback would take the number 14 jumper in the NSW team but he mentioned Gutho's great form and his Dally M ranking this year. I took that to mean Gutho will be selected as the bench utility if he is not selected at right centre.
Papenhuyzen is definitely a budding superstar but if it is out of him and Gutho for the bench position I am convinced the King's versatility should ensure his selection. They can both cover fullback and wing but Gutho's ability to also play centre and even hooker if necessary so that should be the deciding factor.
What's everyone else's opinion?
Replies
I'd have Pap at fullback instead of Tedesco any day, he might be smaller in stature but he's much bigger in football smarts.
Teddy's the best player in the world. You don't take him out the of position where he's most lethal.He's got the footwork, he's got pace and he's much stronger. You never see him get rag-dolled. Pretty good defender too with excellent defensive reads.
Pap is up an coming but is nowhere near the class and the full package Teddy is. If Teddy is out, then fair enough. Gutho at centre.
Big question is who out of Cotric and Mansour will partner the Fox on the wings.
Another question is Wighton at centre of 5/8. I'd go for the later instead of Keary at 5/8 as he will get targeted in defence. Cleary will be my no.7 despite the poor game in the GF. He's a great defender.
Mansour looked slow on the wing. I'd go for someone with speed, maybe Paps.
JAC will play left wing
Teddy is proven at Origin level, Pap isn't ... yet
Freddy said on the coverage last night that Teddy would be fine for the series but it seems like it'll be a battle between Paps and Gutho for the utility spot.
If it's purely for the utility I think Gutho wins because of his versatility. But with SOO being 3 games, they'll both probably have a crack at the 14.
Actually Freddy said he thinks Teddy should be good to go, training and rehab and all of that are Teddy's strong points.
Gutho definitely in front of Paps. That said, Papenhuyzen would be able to play FB, halves, and Hooker. He's very versatile.
Papenhuyzen would not be able to defend in the middle
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