So apparently Russell is serving a suspension from last year in NSW Cup, not sure what happened. It could be misinformation, but if it is the case it stuffs up our backline even more. Dunster is not ready for first grade with no guarantees he will even be named for NSW Cup this afternoon. That leaves Cini or Lumelume to come in. Now the obvious choice is Cini, due to the fact that BA i think would rather Blake on the wing, therefore placing Cini at Centre. But how are Cini's ribs from the trial? If he is out Lumelume you would believe will get his 7th NRL game on the wing with Blake at Centre.
Quite honestly it could have been worse, at least both these options have played first grade, Cini 4 games and Lumelume 6 games. But poor Sean Russell, got a wonderful opportunity for game time last year and gets injured before the end of the first half and misses half the year, by the time he is ready Sivo is already back. This year gets a chance to hold his spot now is giving Cini a chance who could keep that spot allowing Blake to stay on the wing where the club prefers him to stay. Leaving Russell to fight with Dunster and Simonsson as the primary back-up.
Cini getting the chance is a true underdog story and is how you build a roster if he works out. Sign him cheap for this year and next and have a stable centre that will do his job well like Opacic. You can win a comp with a centre like Opacic so why not Cini. If Cini is not fit, then Lumelume gets the nod. Now i do not think this is as clear cut as if Lumelume gets the nod, he will be back out once Russell is free to play the following week. Could Lumelume keep a spot like Cini could if given the chance? I am not sure purely that he has just joined the club and in the trials he was fine without being spectacular. He didn't do a lot wrong but nothing to say "He needs to start". One thing he can do if he gets the start and get himself a deal for 2024. With Blake looking likely to be allowed to walk for 2024 due to price and having cheaper options behind him, it opens a spot for Lumelume to slot in as a cheap back-up. He would be a nice squad member for minimum coin, makes more sense then say Sam Loizou or Solomone Naiduki of the past.
If Russell is free to play then Blake plays left Centre and Russell Right Wing not issues. But if he is out, Cini gets Centre and Blake Wing. If Cini is out Blake Centre Lumelume Wing. That's how i think it will be nonetheless.
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JA number 6 DBrown centre waqa wing
This is the scenario I am dreading.
Get ready HKF.
I don't think either cini or lumelume are in the top 30 so can't play anyway.
Exemption surely?
Only way I think the NRL will say no is them saying Loizou is in top 30 so play him.
Sam Loizou is the only current viable option unless Asi is fit. Zac Cini deserves a squad contract. He was stellar is both trials. Lumelume was decent too. Pace to burn and we lack that in general. There's potentlal there to unearth another Sivo. Both smart pickups.
Loizou I do not rate unfortunately
2022 was a year for him to perform in NSW cup, but he didn't, started at Centre then got dropped to Flegg then came back via the bench or on the wing.
Fear he may be a one game wonder for us. Only way I would feel ok with Loizou is on the wing.
Asi on other hand not a terrible option but coming in never partnering Sivo and no match fitness in one of the hardest spots on the field in defence.
I believe Parramatta will go for an expemptipn for either Cini or Lumelume and mention all our options; Simonsson, Russell, Dunster, Asi are unavailable and Loizou could be hurt too who knows.
Cini has rib cartilage damage. I think Dunster is pretty close to ready but it would be a risk.
If Loizou is fit they may have to play him and may rle out an exemption. Why he got top 30 over Cini is beyond me.
Or Lumelume is the option and Blake to 6. But let's be fair with all this the talk of JA to 6 and DB to Centre looks realistic.
People knocked getting Harper, it is looking pretty good now in hindsight.
Is dunster ready
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