Issaia Papalili, The Iceman, Teen Wolf, we all knew that he would be a good signing, but did anyone think he would be one of our top 3 players week in week out ?
Now I've noticed that each time Matterson is named, Papalili is also named as a bench reserve. Now that was fair enough for the opening few rounds, but Papalili has more than succeeded as an 80 minute non stop bulldozing back rower, & there's no way Brad Arthur can ignore Isaac's efforts and again drop him in favor of Shaun Lane or Matterson in my opinion.
In Matterson's case, he's a great wide defender who is pretty much a bodyguard to moses, and also a good ball player.
Shaun Lane has picked up his game of late, but its nowhere near the quality of Papalili's efforts.
Should Papalili' be dropped to the bench once again, or should he be cemented in as our starting back rower ??
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He can't be left out of the starting team simple as that
Based on his current form, age, ability and potential he should be the starting backrower. Also considering the current (what appears to be chronic) concussion issues with Matterson I would imagine Matterson's return to the Eels maybe risky business. In the interest of common sense and Matterson's health and well being I would suggest that Matterson either seeks an early retirement or does some other role in Rugby League. Lane has definitely improved and he's a quality player despite what others may think. So in my opinion Lane still deserves to be in the 17 but so does Papali'i. So, Perhaps Matterson might be the player missing out.
I'm pretty sure BA has a long term plan for papi I suspect he will be the 13 moving forward with Brown moving on
I think he's too good not to be starting. His two tries this weekend we're top class back rower's lines.
Put lane onto the bench as a middle.
It's a nice problem to have but I wouldn't lose any sleep here. It's a very long season and we'll need all our best players throughout the year. In the unlikely event that we have our very best 17 all fit and available for selection then we can worry about whether Papa starts.
First of all, who said he will be dropped? Secondly, what do you think you will actually achieve by this? Are you kidding yourself , that you think this site or any other influences B.A, the team or the Club? Petition, really? Were you one of those special people that protested outside the Club a few years back. How about, " I don't think Papalii should be dropped, he has earned his spot"? Not one of your best Chiefy.
I took out the petition header before you put your post in EE. I've made it more of an opinion blog.
You were correct in calling that out. I was more thinking about rewarding Issaia for his great efforts.
Awesome Chiefy. Much better and now makes a whole heap of sense.
No it wasn't Mack, not when it was first posted it came witha heading for a Petition that Papalii not be dropped. Chiefy has changed it, which is why it is now correctly an opinion blog. Not intended as aggressive. I just though the original post which has now been amended was ridiculous.
I think once Marata is released from the centers, he may go back to the bench which will give more opportunity to start Papalili.
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