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

"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…"

"I didn't have much time for him, but i've had my arse spanked and it's all credit to the kid. He is playing some very good footy. Hope he has a huge break out year for us."

"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"

Replies

LB February 22, 2026 at 11:16am

It is the same 1-17 as last night with Joash and Samrani

Done, sorted, how good.
Mallee57 February 22, 2026 at 11:42am

I'd have Kelly ahead of Penisini
- Troy Wade > Mallee57 February 22, 2026 at 2:44pm
  
  💯
Angry Eel February 22, 2026 at 1:35pm

Personally I'd like to see TDS getting some proper game time and build his confidence up a bit. A few games in NSW cup playing 60-70 mins would do him wonders. Having papali on the bench gives us cover for Riley to have a short stint.
- Muttman > Angry Eel February 22, 2026 at 2:23pm
  
  Agreed
- Troy Wade > Angry Eel February 22, 2026 at 2:44pm
  
  Agree
- LB > Angry Eel February 22, 2026 at 3:10pm
  
  With new 6 man bench you can put Da Silva on bench after Cup as well some weeks.
Alfred February 22, 2026 at 3:05pm

Would have Joash Papali’i over Simmonson at this stage in some sort of capacity
DYNASTY.LOADING February 22, 2026 at 3:07pm
1. Iongi
2. Addo-Carr
3. Kelly
4. Penisini
5. Russell
6. Pezet
7. Moses
8. Paulo
9. Smith
10. Hopgood
11. Williams
12. Kautoga
13. Doorey
14. Walker
15. Tuivaiti
16. De-Belin
17. Samrani
18. Simonsson
19. Papalii
TDS isn't good enough. JDB will improve and Moretti seems on the outer. Simonsson is still not there but can keep the pressure on Will P, with Kelly looking good in limited opps. Samrani can play backrow.
LB February 22, 2026 at 3:12pm

I was a stern TDS supporter while also liking but not loving Smith. It is no question at all we are a better outfit with Smith. After a full pre-season Da Silva looks similar which is not a great at the moment.