Matterson, Papalii, Cartwright, Brown, Nuikore, Lane, Stone and Hipgrave are the choices.
Hipgrave is a solid player and does not let us down but is not in the top group.
Lane should be moved to bench prop.
Nuikore should be up there but lets keep him bench prop/centre .
Stone and Brown bring attitude, agression and determination and make good 13s but our best 3 are
11. Matterson (a major source of quality offloads)
12. Papalli (No one else has his post contact metres - especially to get over the try line) I would play him right edge with Dylan Brown - they seem to hang out together)
13. Cartwright (if he can continue good defence and keeping it simple most of the time).
That gives us bench of
14. Brown/Stone
15. Nuikore
16. Kafusi
17. Lane/Wiremu/Smith (depending on the game plan)
Reserve
18. Hipgrave
would consider keeping Nuikore centre - he deserves a starting spot and his lateral defence has not been substantially found wanting yet
Replies
I would definitely have Hipgrave ahead of Stone.
Definitely. Stone had one awesome highlight try but in NSW cup Hipgrave destroys them and is a level above.
11 - Nuikore
12 - Papali'i
13 - Brown
This
On last night's display, I can't see Matto getting back in the team. Also on last night's display, my choice for the back row would be:
13. Brown
12 Papa
11 Carty - I was impressed with him. Gives us a new dimmension with his ball playing. Great performance boys.
11. Papa
12. Matters on
13. Brown
14. Kaufusi
15. Lane
16. Cartwright
17. Hipgrave
11 Papa (becoming a cult hero and 1 of my favorite)
12 Nuikore (have always liked and deserves to be in the side even at center)
13 Matterson ( offers alot in defense and attack)
At this time Carty on the bench as a good impact player
It's nice to have this headache.
But we need to be able to upgrade Papilii and Cartwright to keep them
Let's see Cartwright punch out a few more good games before we talk about upgrading and retaining him.
Plenty of options in the back row and on the bench so it doesn't give any player time to slack off which is great. It also doesn't mean we are held hostage at contract negotiations.
What I did like to look of was a young 120+kg middle go full gallop into the defence. BA using him in short bursts at a tiring defence is great and gives him confidence. His short running battle with Lodge was great to see with the young bloke not taking a backward step.
this kid could turn out to be our buy of the year.
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