1. Iongi
2. Fox
3. Russell
4. Samrami/Penasini
5. Simmonson
6. Pezet
7 Mo
8. Jnr
9 Smith
10. Williams
11. Kelma Tuilagi
12 kit Kautoga
13. Debelin
14. Da Silva
15. Sam Tuivaiti
16. Walker
17. Doorey
18. Hopgood
* Kelma did enough and is a strike weapon out wide. Although Williams is a steadier player, i really think Kelma creates opportunities both on and off the ball. He also had a massive pre season as Ryles pointed out. Without Kelma we don't beat the donkeys
* Also, i don't know what to do with Hopgood/ Williams fighting it out for a prop rotation position.
* I think Ryles will opt for Penasini over Samrami if fully fit. If Samrami is kept at centre i have no issues.
* The bench must be retained, each of the four turned the tide for the eels in the second half
* Williams & Hopgood. Williams the player of the year 2025 wont be left outHopgood returns after suspension - a good headache for Ryles to have having a number of choices
Debelin/Hopgood. One of these two will.be left out
Some interesting choices
Replies
Iongi
Bailey
Samrani
Russell
Fox
Pezet
Moses
Moretti
Smith
Doorey
Williams
Kelma
Hopgood
Walker
Paulo
Tuivaiti
Kautoga
Guymer
Twidle
The only change we need to make is Hopgood back to 13 and JDB to 18 man. Not sure why he needs a spot in the squad as he is only practically here for 1 year and really provides nothing more than what Hopgood or Doorey can do for 25min. Walker has been playing from 25th min to 60th, comes off for 10 and re-injected. JDB role is to tackle for 25min which is what Hopgood does anyways. He isn't known for his barnstorming runs.
Hmmm. The only in would be Moretti for me. Maybe. I'd let him maybe have more time in reggies first. I'd keep Guymer.
So basically, same team. Yes even De Belin. I want De Belin to be in the team first few rounds then things will change IMO. Him and Kelly are here for depth mainly, but De Belin is just soaking this initial pressure while Guymer/Doorey/Moretti get some minutes and Ryles is sure of them.
Some of Williams' best games last season were on the left edge. Kautoga to bench or NSW cup until he performs consistently week in, week out.
The two tries Iongi scored on that edge were also the result of defenders turning in to stop Kelma. This creates space for the wider players
If Kelma is dropped i will find it mind boggling
He needs to fix his defence so let's see what happens over the next month
That's why you start Kelma off the bench. When we make the first interchange, you bring Kelma on and shift Williams into the middle
Is Hopgood back against the Dragons? I thought it was a 2 week suspension. Not that sold on Simmonson and I'd prefer Samrani over Penisini. Like to see Moretti return
He took early guilty plea for 1 match.
1: I Longi
2: J Addo Carr
3: S Russell
4: J Samarani
5: B Simonson
6: Pezet
7: Moses
8: Jr Paulo
9: R Smith
10: J Williams
11: Kelma
12: K Kautoga
13: J Hopgood ( he has to be lock )
14: D Walker
15: S Tuivita
16: M Doory
17: TDS
18: J De Belin ( has been pretty average, looks to slow in the middle )
19: J Papali
Yes I agree with this team, I think its the strongest line up. To be fair I even think Moretti should be in front of Debelin.
However, I think Ryles knows that Debelin will play strongly against the club that didn't want him, and give him the chance to find some form. Im 100% certain Ryles will stick with Debelin
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
of 5 Next