Your best 19 vs Storm

Based on the pre-season trials, training reports, and incumbency, I’ve settled on a top 19 that largely picks itself — particularly the starting top 13, which I think is pretty much locked in.

Samrani, for mine, has done enough to be locked into a bench spot. His pre-season form has been consistent, and he offers enough impact and reliability to justify selection.

The toughest call was Guymer vs Doorey. While Doorey has shown some positives, we’ve also seen a few defensive blunders during the trials, which makes the decision marginal. Guymer’s steadiness probably gives him a slight edge right now.

I think Joash simply has to be picked. His versatility is a big tick — he gives the side coverage across multiple positions, which is invaluable in a match-day 17.

I’ve left Luca Moretti out for now purely due to his late pre-season injury, but once fully fit, I have him ahead of Doorey. If he gets a clean run health-wise, I see him forcing his way into the squad sooner rather than later.

Overall, the squad feels well balanced, with only a couple of genuine selection headaches — which is exactly where you want to be heading into the season.

1. Iongi

2. Addo-Carr

3. Russell

4. W. Penasini

5. Simmonson

6. Pezet

7. Moses

8. Jnr Paulo

9. Smith

10. Hopgood

11. Williams

12. Kautoga

13. Debelin

14. Walker

15. Sam Tuivaiti

16. Doorey

17. Da Silva

18. Samrami

19. Joash Papali’i

Unlucky omissions - Guymer, Morretti, Kelly

"But how long is he willing to give himself? If Smith is still starting by the end of 2027 and he is extended with intent to start in 2028, what will Da Silva do then?I would love to know if Ryles intent is for Da Silva to eventually be the starting…"

"I saw TDS try to pressure the kicker at times last night but not as consistent or forceful as Smith.
I love your analogy of how TDS read his own hype and thinks he can just play and be amazing. Where Smith is the opposite where he has had to grind…"

Replies

- Eli Stephens > LB February 22, 2026 at 3:27pm
  
  Da Silva against tiring defenders with 25 min left in a game is probably going to cause headaches. He's lightning fast. Riley is your 60-70 min hard working 9
  - Clintorian > Eli Stephens February 22, 2026 at 4:20pm
    
    I loved how they managed their hookers yesterday, Smith starts, gets a break just after half time, TDS hits them in the 3/4 mark of the match and terrorises the ruck and tired defenders, Smith closes out the close games if we need it.
    - Coryn Hughes > Clintorian February 22, 2026 at 7:37pm
      
      That's the thing for me the game got away from us when TDS came into the game.
      
      When Smith finished the game you saw defensively the ruck tighten back up and the service and attack clicked into gear.
      
      I'm definitely on the fence with TDS potential is there but there's a lot of the detail missing from his game.
Coryn Hughes February 22, 2026 at 4:15pm

TDS has several things to work on for me I'd start with his distribution I think he takes time off halves purely because he struggles to pass off the deck,he always takes a step before he passes.Defensively he needs work also.I just don't feel we are as connected with him just yet in attack or defense.

Theres something there he's just not FG quality just yet that I'd have the confidence to give him big minutes.Smith is miles ahead of him miles.

Starting 17-19 is easy it's pretty much as played out last night.
- Adam Magrath > Coryn Hughes February 22, 2026 at 4:44pm
  
  Coryn, do you think Da Silva may have a higher ceiling than Smith? I agree Ryley is lapping him at the moment but I suspect for whatever reason Talyn hasn't got out of 2nd gear.
  - LB > Adam Magrath February 22, 2026 at 5:08pm
    
    Da Silva has more potential, better and quicker runner. Smith doesn't really have a weakness in his game. TDS is more flashy but Smith does the little things right. Sometimes that's all you need.
    
    Ryles probably likes the 2 Hooker system but also he has been shown to not favour. If Da Silva ain't doing it for us he will not play him. This new 6 man bench could lead to games where Smith is doing fine and keeps him on.
    - Adam Magrath > LB February 22, 2026 at 5:28pm
      
      Yeah ok, there's something very intriguing with Da Silva that doesn't add up, he looks like a superbly skilled athlete who for the most part doesn't quite fit in or is just going through the motions. I suspect he has a lot more to offer.
    - Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 > LB February 22, 2026 at 6:38pm
      
      Ideally, a team should be built around one hooker, a four-man forward rotation, plus an outside back and a utility.
      
      That said, with our hookers still young and only one full season each under their belts, Ryles needs to stick with two 9s. The season is long and gruelling, and the defensive workload at dummy-half is too great to rely on just one.
      
      If injuries occur, Joash Papalii is the next option, with Talititiana also showing some ability at 9 last week
      - LB > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 February 22, 2026 at 7:30pm
        
        I personally prefer one Hooker and have a Utility that can play Hooker. Now with 6 man bench you can do that every week in case of injury.
        
        I can see Ryles sticking with 2 but then maybe by mid year relying on one.
  - TolEllts > Adam Magrath February 22, 2026 at 7:00pm
    
    The one trait that Ryley excels is his work rate. He is a mongrel against the opposition and an annoyance with the kickers. TDS, at the moment, needs to improve in this area. As well as with his defensive reads. Hope he still improve for the benefit of the team

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