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The Bench - How Would You Structure It in 2016?

Posted by sixtiesboy on January 12, 2016 at 11:47pm
As we move to closer to the start of the 2016 season, I think that one of the most difficult decisions will relate to the structure of our bench.There's some debate on this site about whether our pack contains enough impact players, but most would agree that we have fair depth in our forwards. To my way of thinking, there will be players who miss out on first grade that would have strolled into Parra teams of the past. However, we are yet to see the true impact of the interchange so this may become the defining factor. This being the case, the selection of the bench becomes a real challenge.So what does BA do?1. Hooker, two props, one back rower2. Hooker, two props, one utility3. No hooker, two props, two back rowers4. Utility/hooker, two props one back rowerAll 4 potential hookers have spent time in the first team dummy half role at training, so it seems that the decision is recognised as being a difficult one.An advantage for King and Peats is their versatility to play a back row position. This could guide such a decision.I see Cody Nelson as an ideal utility player. He certainly isn't shirking the hard work at training.My opinion is that BA may structure his bench according to the opposition. A horses for courses scenario, if you will. He may want sharpness all game out of dummy half and keep fresh legs. He may wish to play bigger bodies against certain teams and faster frames against others.With the conjecture around the role of the of dummy half under the new interchange, we may not get any picture until round 1. In the meantime, what would you do?
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Replies

  • Trent Lethorn January 13, 2016 at 12:01am
    My team and interchanges
    8. Paulo
    9. Peats
    10. Mannah
    11. Ma'u
    12. Scott
    13. Watmough

    14. Alvaro
    15. Wicks
    16. Moeroa
    17. Tanginoa

    1 st change Mannah out Wicks In at 20th minute
    2nd change Paulo out Alvaro in at 25th minute
    3rd change Watmough out Tanginoa in at 30th minute
    4th change Scott out Moeroa in at 35th minute
    5th Alvaro out Paulo in at 50th minute
    6th Wicks out Mannah in at 60th minute
    7th Tanginoa out Watmough in 65th minute
    8th iMeroa out Scott in at 65th minute

    Peats and Ma'u are 80 minute players imo
  • Matt Peterson's Hair January 13, 2016 at 12:06am

    3. Jennings

    17. Hayne

    Hayne played his best footy for Australia in the centres. I know he's a good player but imagine the impact of him coming on 20-25 mins in. This way we keep Jennings fresh for the 2nd half as well. Players will need to be fitter anyway with less interchanges. I don't think it will be uncommon for coaches to carry a utility back on the bench.

  • ronny January 13, 2016 at 1:15am
    Moeroa
    Edwards
    Wicks
    Álvaro
    • sixtiesboy > ronny January 13, 2016 at 2:55pm
      So no dummy half?
  • This reply was deleted.
    • sixtiesboy January 13, 2016 at 2:55pm
      Who do you think will get the hooking position?
  • 1he02t7e11cmh January 13, 2016 at 1:51am

    Based on last years results.

    Both the Bronco's and Cowboys played 2 hookers.

    But they never used both hookers to the point that they were not effective.

    So I would employ the same tacticts.

    Play Peates for 65 mins and bing in the fresh legs with speed to burn and run from dummy half.

    King or Pritchard for mine. Also I think having 4 hookers is over kill and I would liketo se  De-Gois sent packing to England if possible. We just do not require his services unless 3 hookers go down.

    Right back to the question at hand

    1 hooker  King

    1 prop   Wicks

    1 backrower  Tepai

    1 Middle Forward/Lock with Ball Skills. ALA Kenny Edwards

    This bench to me has the mongrel the speed and also the defence to keep us in the games when the interchanges are required.

    Scott can play Center if required which can replace injured back and then you shuffle the deck to get the right mix.

  • 1he02t7e11cmh January 13, 2016 at 1:56am

    Just reading between the lines SB

    I think its a very good idea to keep players fresh as well to give them spells during the season Like the premier league if you have 2 outstanding players in certain positions but one offers size the other offers speed. You may want to play the big bopper against the Dogs and play the speedy player against lets say the Titans.

    But for overall balance It would be perfect if our older players only play around 14 games during the entire season.

    This will keep them fresh and also hungry.

  • This reply was deleted.
    • Kurupt January 13, 2016 at 6:45am
      So Tepai misses out?
  • hindy January 13, 2016 at 6:47am
    Pritchard
    Edwards
    Moeroa
    Wicks

    Hard to leave alvaro out really
    • ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER > hindy January 13, 2016 at 10:58am

      Wicks

      Moeroa

      Alvaro

      King

      I leave out Edwards because he has not played NRL for the last two years now so he mite need some time in wenty to he's  founds he feet

This reply was deleted.

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