1. Clint Gutherson (c)
2. Maika Sivo
3. Will Penisini
4. Morgan Harper
5. Sean Russell
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Dylan Brown
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Joey Lussick
10. Junior Paulo
11. Shaun Lane
12. Bryce Cartwright
13. J.Maine Hopgood
Interchange:
14. Luca Moretti
15. Ryan Matterson
16. Joe Ofahengaue
17. Kelma Tuilagi
Reserves:
18. Ofahiki Ogden
19. Wiremu Grieg
20. Brendan Hands
21. Makahesi Makatoa
22. Bailey Simmonson
INs: Maika Sivo
OUTs: Mitchell Moses
Referee: Liam Kennedy
Replies
I really like Talagi at 6
The right decision. If it was for a game or two you wouldn't pick Blaize. But these 8 weeks determines our season. We couldn't carry players we already know aren't very good. Blaize has something about him. BA had to pick him and now is forced to stick with him.
If Bryce doesn't play, straight swap with the Griegmeister
Like Blaize at #6. Good on him, he's obviously impressed
Heard Bryce was out of that's the case surely we bring Grieg into the bench and start Matto in his place.
Biggest gripe is Harper - I just can't see what he offers tbh, Simmonson is way better plus he's got good speed.
Agree I would prefer Simmonson above Harper.
Carty will be week by week based on pain i reckon.
Simonsson has a little bit more speed and that's it.
He is a terrible defender and goes for the glory instead of setting up his winger.
Happy to not see him in first grade.
I think Harper works better with Sivo, who despite the hate from some quarters on here, is still our biggest backline strike weapon. Simmonson has a tendency to run laterally and cramp Sivo. Harper will run good lines and draw and pass as required.
Great points, Michael. I'd like to see Sivo use his more-than-Tarzan power more often. Sometimes, he seems to play within himself or clock off.
Sivo has an incredible try-scoring strike rate (just under Semi's). One of the highest in our history. Before his last four game dry he was actually Numero Uno. Still, we have been very left-centric for many years.
Gotta double check these, but our top 3 try scoring career strike rates are;
Eric Grothe senior (1979-89) who I rate as one of the most damaging and best wingers of his era, and one of the best I've seen, playing in our golden era, scored at 51% ( 78/152).
I'd also suggest he's never played for an extended period with a centre who is very good at catching and passing. Harper could be that guy.