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

"Thats a good side bem. Joash looked more confident and stronger in the trials, and his quick footwork really confused the opposition. If he's on the bench he needs to get onto the park"

"Iongi; JAC, Russell, Penisini, Simonsson; Pezet, Moses;
Hopgood, Smith, Paulo; Williams, Kautoga; Doorey.
Bench: Da Silva, Tuivati, De Belin, Walker, Samrani, Papalii. "

"
1. Iongi
2. JAC
3. Russell
4. Penisini
5. Simo
6. Papali'i
7. Moses
8. Paulo
9. Smith
10. Williams
11. Tuilagi
12. Kautoga
13. Hopgood
14. Walker
15. Tuivaiti
16. Dorey
17. Samrani
18. Da Silva "

Replies

- LB > Gucci February 22, 2026 at 7:58pm
  
  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 9.
Bear February 22, 2026 at 6:23pm

How good is doored going , hard running, can tackle, some great short passing game
BEM February 22, 2026 at 9:51pm

1. Iongi

2. JAC

3. Russell

4. Penisini

5. Simo

6. Papali'i

7. Moses

8. Paulo

9. Smith

10. Williams

11. Tuilagi

12. Kautoga

13. Hopgood

14. Walker

15. Tuivaiti

16. Dorey

17. Samrani

18. Da Silva
- Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 > BEM February 22, 2026 at 11:17pm
  
  Thats a good side bem. Joash looked more confident and stronger in the trials, and his quick footwork really confused the opposition. If he's on the bench he needs to get onto the park
Yehez February 22, 2026 at 10:09pm

Iongi; JAC, Russell, Penisini, Simonsson; Pezet, Moses;

Hopgood, Smith, Paulo; Williams, Kautoga; Doorey.

Bench: Da Silva, Tuivati, De Belin, Walker, Samrani, Papalii.

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