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

Potentially but Smith is what we need at dummy half.

These games are won in the middle of the park the stuff that smith does the kick pressure linespeed and alike aren't flashy things but that's what's best for the team.That's what I don't see from TDS and it's why he gives me a moment of pause.

What id suggest when watching TDS is his defense his first contact does he get out and pressure the first reciever.His ball distribution have a look at that extra step he takes when he passes left to right vs linespeed from the opposition.

At the moment he looks like a splash player and those around him especially when he runs don't know when he's going and he's normally by himself and he goes no further.If I were to give him a negative connotation he feels like a player that's been told he's going to be this or that for a long time and he's got by being the best kid in age grade.That's just at a guess from myself.It's early days but if he can't unseat Smith or at least show he's got more to offer by the end of the season I'd say what we are seeing now is what he is.

"I thought he'd be right up your alley Pops with Smith being an ex age grade Aussie cricketer.
Me I just love the guys effort and workrate I'm taking that over talent everyday of the week.Some players have it and some just don't."

You know the big thing that is being missed with Riley Smith and is not being appreciated is his ability to read the game.He is a couple of plays ahead and anticipating every move both in defense mainly at present, but also in setting up the…

"DYNASTY.LOADING
I find it difficult to understand why you would leave De-Belin out and include Doorey when the game about Melb is ensuring the middle is tightened. I have nothing against Doorey, but horses for courses say's you cannot have a…"

Replies

- - 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
    - Randy Handlinger > TolEllts February 22, 2026 at 7:40pm
      
      He is also a fast learner apparently
  - Coryn Hughes > Adam Magrath February 22, 2026 at 7:10pm
    
    Potentially but Smith is what we need at dummy half.
    
    These games are won in the middle of the park the stuff that smith does the kick pressure linespeed and alike aren't flashy things but that's what's best for the team.That's what I don't see from TDS and it's why he gives me a moment of pause.
    
    What id suggest when watching TDS is his defense his first contact does he get out and pressure the first reciever.His ball distribution have a look at that extra step he takes when he passes left to right vs linespeed from the opposition.
    
    At the moment he looks like a splash player and those around him especially when he runs don't know when he's going and he's normally by himself and he goes no further.If I were to give him a negative connotation he feels like a player that's been told he's going to be this or that for a long time and he's got by being the best kid in age grade.That's just at a guess from myself.It's early days but if he can't unseat Smith or at least show he's got more to offer by the end of the season I'd say what we are seeing now is what he is.
    - LB > Coryn Hughes February 22, 2026 at 7:56pm
      
      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 and prove himself. He doesn't take a game for granted.
      
      Question is, let's say the reported figure is the amount Da Silva is on, is there a time where Tallyn starts to look for starting opportunities elsewhere? Next year is a big year as Smith is off-contract, so we would have to decide who the future is. With PNG coming in the following year we need to decide who is the future at 9. If Smith is extended, Da Silva will get offers from other clubs.
      - Coryn Hughes > LB February 23, 2026 at 9:46am
        
        Above our pay grade LB that's what JR gets paid the big bucks for.
        
        Like I mentioned if Smith is still garnering the majority of the minutes year end I think the answers simple.You pay Smith and if TDS wants to explore options elsewhere cut bait and move on even though you'll be paying freight for it too happen.
- Bear > Coryn Hughes February 22, 2026 at 6:20pm
  
  Da Silva's game suited the tigers, off the cuff, no game plan, he needs a lot of work, we really dropped off when he entered the field
Clintorian February 22, 2026 at 4:22pm

Tallyn was actually great yesterday. He nailed a few long passes out to the edges that set us up for a few attacking plays.
- LB > Clintorian February 22, 2026 at 4:28pm
  
  He was fine, he did what he needed to but he has more holes in his game than Smith. Smith does the basics right.
  - Clintorian > LB February 22, 2026 at 4:31pm
    
    Agree, I'm #1 of the Ryley Smith fanboy club.
  - Michael W. > LB February 23, 2026 at 2:41am
    
    You're comparing chalk and cheese, two totally different players.

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