As the 2021 season draws closer (can't freakin wait) I believe our bench (if all players stay fit) will be the strongest it's been in 10yrs, will that relate to a GF appearance? Time will tell I suppose.
Whats your bench look like?
Here's mine.... and remembering if all players are fit and are playing to their potential.
14 Roache
15 Cartwright
16 Papali'i
17 Hipgrave / Kaufusi
18 Marata
Replies
Just don't think Marata does enough.
Disagree, he has been one of our best for the past two years. Amazes me how people have Cartwright who has done didly squat for years now, and is at the cross roads of his career ( make or break) walking straight back into the team when he hasn't even proven himself over guys like Nuikore who has. MADNESS!
I did preface it by saying 'at their best' ....I'll stand by that.
14. Roach ( Mahoney needs a break and I liked when we used to run a hooker off the bench to keep the speed up all game )
15. Marata ( Except round one due to suspension only & he is a must )
16. Cartwright ( Bring on against tied forwards )
17. Papali'i / Stone / Kafusi ( So hard to pick )
Happy to say we now have an issue on who to pick on the bench.
14 Roach
15 Hipgrave - cemented
16 Nikure - cemented
17 Papalili - cemented
14 Stone
15 Lane
16. Marata
17. Hipgrave/Kafuasi
18. Cartwright
I feel Papali will start
This bench gives cover for middles and edges
I feel Stone gets the nod over papali Lussick as a utility option
Should Reed miss games the other established hookers will start instead.
14. Roache if in top 30
15. Niukore
16. Papali
17. Kaufusi/hipgrave/collins/Hughes i just don't know who would be better at this stage.
Niukore is first pick for a bench spot.
He can cover prop and 2nd row and is damn good at both.
If Mahoney is fit I don't see the need to carry a 2nd hooker on the bench. Most 1st grade hookers play the full 80 minutes. Maybe further into the season we could look at a 2nd hooker on the bench but for at least the first 10 rounds I see no need for it.
14. Niukore
15. Papali'i
16. Hipgrave
17. Kaufusi/ Cartwright (depending on the opposition)
Without Jennings we lack a quality player that can creat something from nothing. He was something & I think with the way our halves play at time, kick in the air & hope for the best, Jennings well be missed. He the one that created something with a side step he passed at the right time & solid defender.
I agree on this Tim but passing at the right time and being a solid defenders comes with experience. His experience will be missed. Waqa still has plenty of time to develop these skills when he experiences different games and situations.
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