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
I'm not trying to dump on TDS. Injustice thinks he's spent too much time on the bench playing Robin to Api and now Riley, he's needs a bit of time playing Batman again
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.
How good is doored going , hard running, can tackle, some great short passing game
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
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: I Longi
2: B Simonson
3: S Russell
4: W Penisini
5: J Addo Carr
6: J Pezet
7: M Moses
8: Jr Paulo
9: R Smith
10: J Hopgood
11: J Williams
12: K Kautoga
13: D Walker
14: TDS
15: J De Belin ( front row / lock )
16: S Tuivita ( front row )
17: K Tuilugi ( 2nd row )
18: J Papali
19: M Doory
NSW CUP
1: A Twiddle
2: J Tago
3: B Kelly
4: A Nanva
5: R Penisni
6: Lorenzo
7: R Volman
8: L Moretti
9: M Luke
10: T Brown
11: W Latu
12: J Samarina
13: C Guymer
14: T Matele
15: S Pryke
16: J Funa Latu
17: L Coinakis
18: AMS
19: I Jim
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