Round 1 Vs The Roosters

[chrisD]

And if the backs don’t need hooking and Api gets gassed

Then Cleary will know better for next week.

 

[OldPanther]

You'd at least give him a run there in reserve grade or trial games, not against the back to back premiers. Is it possible one of the outside backs are in doubt? Or maybe Ivan is considering a little "workload management"

100%. I'm not sure if anyone has any niggling injuries in the backline needing managed like that through a game. Someone else might have a better idea.

 

[OldPanther]

Api hasn’t played a full game for about 2 years. I doubt he goes straight to a full game prob 60mins or so.

Exactly. Even if he becomes an 80 minute player it would likely take a few weeks to get match fitness you'd think.

 

[franklin2323]

Exactly. Even if he becomes an 80 minute player it would likely take a few weeks to get match fitness you'd think.

By that time May is back and solves that problem

 

[mxlegend99]

.

Yep people are making this way more complicated then what it probably is. I think Api will play 80. Cleary likely just wants to cover the outside backs & picked the next in line. He obviously thinks the pack has the fitness to allow a back on the bench, much like when Hook hardly used/needed his 4th bench spot.

We have Isaah Yeo able to shift into the centres mid-game should we need a back. Naden or Whare to wing. Naden to fullback.

Hooker/halves are the only positions in the team we can't cover should injury occur. If Burton were on the bench we could cover injury to any position.

The more you think about it. Burton has to be in the final team either at half or utility. Crichton offers nothing off the bench. So start him and drop Mansour or Whare. Or even Aekins. No doubt Crichton has to play. The same can't besaid for those guys.

 

[hindy111]

Ain't saying its right, its just a trend.

https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/03/10/round-1-nrl-team-lists/

Brad Takairangi
Kerrod Holland
Michael Oldfield
Brian Kelly
Jamayne Issako
Alex Johnston
Stephen Crichton

At a glance I count 7 outside backs, almost half the teams in the competition. Some like Takairangi have the frame to play back row. I'd still agree 9/spine cover is more important. Its easier to find a backrower/centre than a backrower/hooker so guys like May are more ideal.

In a way I prefer it because it means Luai will actually get 80 minutes. Debate on the 6 aside I think the spine shouldn't be f**ked with, they can all play 80 minutes. Korisau has no competition for his spot this weekend and any first grade hooker of his experience should be able to get through a full game.

I'd argue Taka as he covers centre,5/8, wing and 2nd row. And most suited nowdays as a 2nd rower.
Holland has been training at hooker.

Strong side and I like Hethrington off bench. I always wanted the Eels to take a punt on this kid. I saw something in him.

I don't think there is a need to rush some of the young guys like Crighton. Come rnd 4 or 5 maybe throw them in.

 

[TheFrog]

We have Isaah Yeo able to shift into the centres mid-game should we need a back.

As an emergency measure he's barely adequate as a centre. Like Angus Crichton (who we will surely target) he can probably still motor but it is in defence he would be exposed. Happened numerous times last year.

 

[martielang]

Api hasn’t played a full game for about 2 years. I doubt he goes straight to a full game prob 60mins or so.

That’s only likely because Manly had a similar or better quality Hooker coming off the bench who commanded time as well. It doesn’t mean Api doesn’t have the motor to play 80 imo.

 

[franklin2323]

That’s only likely because Manly had a similar or better quality Hooker coming off the bench who commanded time as well. It doesn’t mean Api doesn’t have the motor to play 80 imo.

no doubt he can play it but 1st time up. I doubt it

 

[mxlegend99]

As an emergency measure he's barely adequate as a centre. Like Angus Crichton (who we will surely target) he can probably still motor but it is in defence he would be exposed. Happened numerous times last year.

Last year out of shape with only one arm he was still a hell of a lot better defensively than Naden.

But the point was we have an option in the team with both the ability and experience to shift to centre should we need it. Two actually as Luai can cover centre too. Assuming we had an able replacement on bench to move him.

Burton/Luai gives us an option to cover every position. Crichton leaves us with no options in the halves or at hooker. But hey they're only the most important positions on the field.

 

[OldPanther]

 

[betcats]

I have a bloody wedding on Saturday I am spewing. Thinking bout pulling the old “I got Coronavirus” act and staying home drinking coronas so I can watch it.

 

[Fangs]

I have a bloody wedding on Saturday I am spewing. Thinking bout pulling the old “I got Coronavirus” act and staying home drinking coronas so I can watch it.

Happened to me on grand final day 2 years ago. Lucky they had a tv in the reception of the venue.

 

[OldPanther]

I have a bloody wedding on Saturday I am spewing. Thinking bout pulling the old “I got Coronavirus” act and staying home drinking coronas so I can watch it.

Sorry can't go I have a case of corona.

 

[BxTom]

Sorry can't go I have a case of corona.

View attachment 36704

Yep, I know the excuse. You'd share 'em, but you have to self isolate

 

[franklin2323]

I have a bloody wedding on Saturday I am spewing. Thinking bout pulling the old “I got Coronavirus” act and staying home drinking coronas so I can watch it.

Who gets married in footy season

 

[franklin2323]

Happened to me on grand final day 2 years ago. Lucky they had a tv in the reception of the venue.

It is why Kayo was invented

 

[OldPanther]

Yep, I know the excuse. You'd share 'em, but you have to self isolate

Exactly. Have to be considerate of others after all. These precautions save lives.

 

[MugaB]

Who gets married in footy season

Savages

 

[Kilkenny]

I cant see Stephen Chrichton playing off the bench. He either starts or doesn’t play at all. Surely Burton would be a better 14 and if Api does need a break Laui can play dummy half for 10 or 15.