Going into 3 games out from the halfway point of the season, No season long injuries (touch wood) what do you feel heading into the semis would be our strongest 17? 1-17 is pretty much settled with Lane making way to the bench to occupy Papali'i and Matterson in the back-row. The other sort of question mark in the starting 13 would be Niukore in centres or Waqa but i do believe Niukore will be seen as an important piece of the bench.
Further to that leads to the bench, to which 3/4 spots already locked in Kaufusi, Lane and Cartwright occupying the 14, 15 & 17 jerseys, therefore leaves the final spot which can go in my opinion 2 ways with Waqa Blake being the prime factor.
If Waqa Blake is there full-time centre option on the right side than the bench will read as Kaufusi, Lane, Niukore and Cartwright with Smith being 18th man most weeks. However, if Blake is not considered the man to displace Niukore from the 4 spot than Smith will be on the bench as a utility.
There could be a chance that perhaps Blake could get a bench spot like Dunster has now but that seems very strange and counterproductive, considering Niukore on the bench can cover a backline injury.
Gutho, Sivo, Opacic, Blake, Fergo, D.Brown, Moses, RGC, Mahoney, Paulo, Papali'i, Matto, N.Brown, Kaufusi, Lane, Niukore, Cartwright
Dunster, Greig, Hipgrave, Smith
Killer 17 with a strong reserves list.
What does everyone else think? Will Niukore occupy the 4 spot for the remainder of the year or will he move to the bench to strengthen an already strong 17.
Replies
I think you are on the money LB. Strong bench with Niukore able to cover backs if required and Carty could cover in the halves if one went down. Also need Carty to do a bit of training at hooker as cover in case of injury during a game like last week. Once Mahoney went off there were some wild passes thrown from the play the ball.