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

"Remember though, when they signed Da Silva, Smith had played 15 or so games. Only another 7 odd after. Smith played I believe the same to finish as he did later.
Ryles wanted a second Hooker and Anasta said when we were looking at Starling and…"

"As a fan I don't look at the score it gives me a chance to hone in on certain things much like last year all I looked at was the middle of the ruck purely because for me as a fan I wanted to see a game we can take to Melbourne and win with.
Pre…"

"JDB starts every game at 13 imo I like what he does round the middle of the ruck and brings physicality to our middle.Saw it in the roosters trial his wrestle second man in murders a play the ball it's so slow it's great for us.
Walker I'm not…"

Replies

- Clintorian > Gucci February 22, 2026 at 6:17pm
  
  Yeah, that was me half way through last year with Russell, he blew so many half chances, couldn't get the ball to JAC in time, and just couldn't beat his man. He has come out of the gates firing this season, so I hope you're right about TDS.
- Angry Eel > Gucci February 22, 2026 at 7:31pm
  
  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
- 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.
  - Longfin Eel > LB February 23, 2026 at 9:06am
    
    I reckon when Ryles signed TDS last year he didn't think that Smith had what it takes to be a topline dummy half. It would be interesting to see what his thoughts are now, as Smith has come on in leaps and bounds. I think Parra definitely is better with both players in the team, but how we use them this year will be interesting. Will TDS stick around if he is not getting a starting spot? Possibly not, but he needs to earn that spot first.
    - Angry Eel > Longfin Eel February 23, 2026 at 9:28am
      
      I agree TDS definitely features in our best 17 but we've got to get him right for the back half of the year. I don't think playing 15mins tops off the bench is doing any favours atm. A little time in NSW cup honing his craft will do him wonders I believe
    - LB > Longfin Eel February 23, 2026 at 10:26am
      
      Remember though, when they signed Da Silva, Smith had played 15 or so games. Only another 7 odd after. Smith played I believe the same to finish as he did later.
      
      Ryles wanted a second Hooker and Anasta said when we were looking at Starling and Brailey that he wanted a more attacking Hooker. Hence Da Silva. But also not sure if the plan all along is two different Hookers or eventually one with a utility?
      
      But I have been on record that Smith attacking wise is simple, he can sometimes takes risks but he doesn't run much and is very much a feet planted Hooker. Nothing wrong with that either as he does it really well. Defence no issues, passing no issues, stamina no issues. When he does run he does it fine. Now his stats with assists, try and line breaks, were 0 in 2025, but that can get better. But the style that works for Moses is Smith style. I wonder how much of an influence Moses has on who the Hooker is.
      
      Also, Ryles doesn't muck around, if he signed a player and not working he will not use them no matter how much they are paid.
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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