Round 1, 2017, full strength

[Meth]

What might it look like, now that Foran is here...

1- RTS
2- Fusitua
3- Ayshford
4- Kata
5- Vatuvei
6- Foran
7- Johnson
8- Matulino
9- Luke
10- Vete
11- Thompson
12- Hoffman
13- Mannering

Res- Lisone, Lillyman, Sipley, HIngano

I like that.

 

[Alan Johnson]

Good team. I just hope the boys rebound from the inevitable round 1 loss and back up with a convincing win in round 2.

 

[Fufu Andronez]

1. RTS
2. Fusitua
3. Ayshford
4. Kata
5. Manu
6. Foran
7. Johnson
8. Vete
9. Luke
10. Matulino
11. Thompson
12. Hoffman
13. Mannering

14. Lolohea
15. Lillyman
16. Sipley
17. Up for grabs, whichever prop performs in trials (Gavet, Lisone, Sao)

 

[JJ]

I think Kearney will want more punch through the middle - at least I hope that... so for me Thompson has a bench role at best - Lisone needs to cowboy up, he's borderline imo - but we need to start with more minutes and output from the 'big' men - Matulino, Lillyman, Vete, Lisone, Afoa and Sipley

1- RTS
2- Fusitua
3- Ayshford
4- Kata
5- Vatuvei
6- Foran
7- Johnson
8- Matulino
9- Luke
10- Lillyman
11- Mannering
12- Hoffman
13- Vete

Res- Lisone/Thompson, Afoa, Sipley, Lolohea

I don't want Hingano as a bench utility, he's an out and out half - Lolohea is neither here nor there so IMO is better in that role.

 

[Meth]

I definitely want to see more minutes for Matulino

 

[TheDMC]

Good team Meth, but I agree with JJ, if Hingano can only cover the halves, then Lolohea on the bench please. In either scenario, who covers Luke if he blows a gasket mid game? Foran?
Foran would be a great hooker imo (as well as great half).

 

[JJ]

Think Foran stays in the halves no matter what, Lolo can work on his dummy half play, or Roache on the bench, to cover the halves if there's an injury

I really think they have to move away from the 3 80 min backrowers and put more minutes in the go forward,harsh on Thompson, but at the end of the day it starts with winning the middle, and you don't do that with wings and an edge backrower that defends like his life depends on it

 

[Meth]

If you are looking for a true utility, it's probably Roache. Kind of a jack of all trades, master of none...

 

[JJ]

I'd be tempted to tell Luke he's playing 80... have a bench of Sipley, Afoa, Thompson and another middle forward (Lisone?)

 

[Meth]

I'd be tempted to tell Luke he's playing 80... have a bench of Sipley, Afoa, Thompson and another middle forward (Lisone?)

Yes, my preference as well.

If Luke is up to playing 80, then we can have Sipley on the bench as in impact forward. Otherwise, we need a Tevaga or a Roache.

 

[Big Marn]

I think Kearney will want more punch through the middle - at least I hope that... so for me Thompson has a bench role at best - Lisone needs to cowboy up, he's borderline imo - but we need to start with more minutes and output from the 'big' men - Matulino, Lillyman, Vete, Lisone, Afoa and Sipley

1- RTS
2- Fusitua
3- Ayshford
4- Kata
5- Vatuvei
6- Foran
7- Johnson
8- Vete
9- Luke
10- Lillyman or TBA (signing)
11- Mannering
12- Hoffman
13- Matulino

Res- Lisone, Thompson, Afoa, Sipley

I don't want Hingano as a bench utility, he's an out and out half - Lolohea is neither here nor there so IMO is better in that role.

Did a slight tweak to your side. I see Matulino as more equipped to the middle forward role that Taumalolo and Merrin do, than Vete. Ben started his career in the backrow and I think Vete still has a lot to learn as prop and needs to concentrate on doing that job better.

 

[RHYTHM AND STEALTH]

I heard a very strong whisper Round 1 is at Mt Smart. Not sure who but home first up

 

[Meth]

I heard a very strong whisper Round 1 is at Mt Smart. Not sure who but home first up

Probably Parramatta. We'll get pumped. Nothing surer.

 

[ozbash]

I like your team Meth, but the weak link sits at #5..

Why have a team of attacking supermen and yet, have a wing who will undo all their good work with shocking defence ?

 

[Benek]

Meth I like your team but with Lolo instead of Hingano as bench utility.

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

What might it look like, now that Foran is here...

1- RTS
2- Fusitua
3- Ayshford
4- Kata
5- Vatuvei
6- Foran
7- Johnson
8- Matulino
9- Luke
10- Vete
11- Thompson
12- Hoffman
13- Mannering

Res- Lisone, Lillyman, Sipley, HIngano

I like that.

The only change I'd make is Hingano on for Hlngano. Otherwise a good team.

 

[JJ]

The only change I'd make is Hingano on for Hlngano. Otherwise a good team.

Great stuff, thanks Matt Elliott

 

[Penrose Warrior]

1. RTS 2. Fus 3. Ayshford 4. Kata 5. Vatuvei 6. Foran 7. Johnson 8. Vete 9. Luke 10. Matulino 11. Hoffman 12. Thompson 13. Mannering 14. Roache/Lolohea 15. Lillyman 16. Sipley 17. Afoa

I'm a massive fan of Hingano but he plays if/when injuries in the halves. He isn't a hooker. I'm really unsure about Lolohea v Roache at 14. Tui may not even be here if word is correct (Storm making a play) and his inability to play hooker doesn't help.

 

[Penrose Warrior]

And for f**k's sake use Ben in the starting side,empower him and let him be the force he's capable of being, and has been in the past. Lisone can make his way back via ISP, and Sipley should be used in trials to show he's a fourth, impact prop that runs hard and offers more than we had this year.

 

[ZEROMISSTACKLES]

Great stuff, thanks Matt Elliott

Dont mention it Tony Kemp