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
Replies
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tallyn was actually great yesterday. He nailed a few long passes out to the edges that set us up for a few attacking plays.
He was fine, he did what he needed to but he has more holes in his game than Smith. Smith does the basics right.
Agree, I'm #1 of the Ryley Smith fanboy club.
TDS is the Russell of today. Everyone wanted Russell out of the squad a few years ago. But with constant first grade look at the player we are now losing. TDS will eventually be a quality hooker, he is in his second season, fresh, straight out of SG ball. Give him a chance to grow his game.
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