Mennings and Salmon May be first pick but Salmon is unlikely to be available
Personally I would like to see Gutherson stay at Fullback if that is to be his position with everyone available. Ditto for Ferguson at Wing.
Taka may be first pick but his declining lateral mobility etc has already been discussed.
I think Hoffman has been underrated as a centre because he has not been great on the wing for us. Not sure wing is his position and suspect he may do well as centre.
Otherwise I would consider French as centre. He seems to only be considered as Fullback, Wing or halves, but he could do well as centre. He would not have to bring the ball back for starters and would always have the winger waiting outside of him. He can pass and kick and run. His defence is not too bad although he would obviously need to practice centre defence. His main weakness is being dominated but it may be less of a problem at centre than at the very edge or back
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In a perfect world French rediscovers his 2017 form at fullback pushing Gutherson to left centre with Jenko to right centre, if not then Taka would be my choice until Salmon is available which should only be a couple of weeks.
French in the centres is a non starter in my opinion, and Hoffman is a big no, the ball just sticks in his hands. Fergo is obviously an option as well, but I'd much rather him on the right wing.
Gutherson will be better this year
was recovering from ACL last year
I actually rate taka as a centre. Will not set world on fire but is solid, much better at centre than 2nd row. His combination with semi was outstanding as he is very good at setting up his winger. Would like to see a taka/sivu combo on one side
But defensively he is a liability go back and watch the 17 semi against cowboys he got found out bad
To be fair, there aren't too many players regardless of position who are gonna stop Latrell Mitchell one on one in the form he was in last year. Will Chambers is one of the best defensive centres in the game and he found him a real handful in Origin.
Agreed
Salmon when back from suspension. What about French on the wing and Ferguson in centres until Salmon is available and Gutherson at fullback.
Michael Jennings is a lock for one centre position all the crap about him being left out was just that.
Salmon is going to be the other centre by the look but as you point out won’t be there round 1. Hoffman hasn’t really played centre for us but is capable of filling in. I’d probably play Gutherson at centre with French at 1 until Salmon is available.
I don’t want Takairangi in the centres he just doesn’t have the lateral movement defensively. He’s a utilityp player off the bench or he’s Wenty in my view.
French if he gets to the same form that he had in 2017 could really play anywhere in the backs, problem is though his size, he does look to have built his frame up a bit, but he needs to be over 90Kg to play anywhere other than FB or wing. If Salmon is suspended for matches outside of the trials, then Gutho should go to the centres and French at the back.
While I like the idea of Gutho at Centre he has openly stated he would like to play in his prefered position of fullback, if that happens and we have a good season he is more likely to stay, in the centres he is more likely to accept other offers, and much will depend on the teams season and what happens with BA.
Marata Nuikore .And before you hate on me , watch his highlights video and take note of the number on his back.
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