1. Joash Papaili
2. Bailey Simmonson
3. Brian Kelly
4. Sean Russell
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Jonah Pezet
7. Mitchell Moses (c)
8. Jack Williams
9. Rylex Smith
10. Junior Paulo
11. Kelma Tuilagi
12. Kitione Kautoga
13. Dylan Walker
Interchange:
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Sam Tuivati
16. Charlie Guymer
17. Luca Moretti
18. Jack De Belin
19. Apa Twiddle
Reserves:
20. Ronald Volkman
21. Teancum Brown
22. Araz Nanva
INs: Apa Twiddle, Jack De Belin
OUTs: Isaiah Iongi, Matt Doorey
Referee: Peter Gough
Joash Papalii is the new fullback with Isaiah Iongi (ankle) sidelined. Charlie Guymer joins the bench to fill the void left by Matt Doorey (ACL). Veteran prop Jack de Belin has been added to the six-man bench along with fullback Apa Twidle, who bagged four tries in NSW Cup last week.
Replies
We are favourites because the bookies know Doueihi did his hamy and is still trying to get on the field for Monday's clash. Api and Fainu were seen switching between half and hooker during training.
Well the line was changed from -1.5 to -3.5. So maybe punters are suss about Doueihi's hammy as well.
There was a time during the Kearney era where I looked at the team list and said 'Damn, that's an ugly looking roster'. We're regressing back to that.
Yep and just like the kearney era we struggle to land decent players
Injuries to 3 starters and 2 depth players does that.
It wasn't great prior either. No props and a fill in 5/8 will do that.
But it is true, the injuries that we have suffered have made our team list look average which happens to most if not all teams.
LB, are we sure it's just injuries? Penisini has been criticized for his handling and passing and falling off 1-on-1 tackles for a while, and many were calling for Hopgood to be dropped last year. Doorey has been a polarizing prop (loved by some, criticized by others). Only Iongi has generated genuine praise (defensive lapses getting excused as still learning).
Maybe there would be less concern about depth at centre and prop if our centres and props weren't generating disquiet and if the Eels' defensive system looked like it was something that could handle misfortune?
Long time reader of the comments section and first time poster.
My takeaways
Happy to see Apa in the 19
Would love to see Lorenzo get a go at 6
Kelma needs to have a big and no errors game.
I see people arn't happy with Walker starting, worth remembering when we were doing so well at the end of last season he was starting and it was helping us get on the front foot in those games. Rylie, Junior and Jack just need to start srtong.
Personally I'd prefer to see Sam start and junior come on after 20.
Apa Twidle...boy he could debut this week! That would be a win for our club, as any encouragement he's given strenghtens our chances to retain him as an Eel.
Rest assured other clubs know how good this guy is going to end up. and if we're not proactive they will come with their promises and fountan pen.
Some here have mentioned he's not quite up to it as a defender, but what has Illongi shown in D so far. Apa loses nothing in comparison in D.
Also Apa excells in the halves as well with great vision and leads the team around the field. He can also kick for goal from the sideline. I believe strongly he's a winner and inspires the team.
I'm excited for Apa if he can debut Monday.
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