NSW 16s and 18s

[drago brelli]

The half in the 18s will be Crook from Illawarra. In the 16s Jack Bird who is a lock from the Steelers club I think is the best player in that comp. He played in the NSW 16s last year but played 5/8. Luke Monds second row and Lachlan Russell a fullback both from Illawarra are some chance for the 16s.

 

[half_back]

The half in the 18s will be Crook from Illawarra. In the 16s Jack Bird who is a lock from the Steelers club I think is the best player in that comp. He played in the NSW 16s last year but played 5/8. Luke Monds second row and Lachlan Russell a fullback both from Illawarra are some chance for the 16s.

It seems there is a glut of wing/centres and back rowers

Centres/wing:
- Sione Matautia
- Nayah Freeman
- Liam Knight
- Deejay Harris
- Kaupulu Poleo
- Sione f**kof**ka

Some have emtioned also:
- Alex Johnston
- John Fomai
Although both are currently playing fullback.


Backrowers (incl. lock)
- Jack Bird
- Addison Demetriou
- Tifa Iuta
- Luke Monds
- Tevita Pangi
- Tepai Moeroa
- Addin Fonua Blake (now playing FR)
- Josh Montgomery
- Hame Sele
- Salesi Funaki (played mostly F/R)
- Sinapati Solia (played mostly F/R)
- Dylan Doyle

Not going to be easy for selectors come possible v probable match. No doubt those that play deep into finals will have the edge.

 

[LeaguesFan]

The half in the 18s will be Crook from Illawarra. In the 16s Jack Bird who is a lock from the Steelers club I think is the best player in that comp. He played in the NSW 16s last year but played 5/8. Luke Monds second row and Lachlan Russell a fullback both from Illawarra are some chance for the 16s.

Drago,

Definately agree with you Monds has been playing well all yr as well as Russell at fullback has speed to burn. Im expecting these guys names to be mentioned along with Bird, Harris and Atallah.

Did u go to the game yesterday how did Atallah go against the St George pack? as i have been very impressed with his go forward in the games I have seen.

 

[slammingsam]

Addin Fonau Blake has been in absolute red hot form. He is tearing up big time and smashing blokes. He has been very very aggressive in his play. Alex Johnston the fullback for Souths is also all class. He is a beautiful mover and has ball skills to boot.

 

[sami12]

interested to no how many games people have watched to come up with these choices.I have watched most of manly games as i have friends kid in sg ball. Manly lock blake harrison in harold mats has been a standout for them. Watched on sat him handle bulldogs forwards even carrying injury. Cant believe he isnt even listed as a maybe

 

[Panther_Daz]

I said earlier in this thread that Robert Jennings is a certainty for next years 16's. After the past month a think he could be a chance at this years Possibles v Probables. I believe he has been in the Harold Mathews Team of the Week the past 3 weeks now.

 

[ballbag]

When is poss probs game?

 

[half_back]

When is poss probs game?

Tuesday 10th May venue TBC, traditionally has been at leichardt. Players from the team which wins the comp will be considered but wont compete in poss v prob as they will play Qld comp winner following sat.

 

[Tucantango]

It seems there is a glut of wing/centres and back rowers

Centres/wing:
- Sione Matautia
- Nayah Freeman
- Liam Knight
- Deejay Harris
- Kaupulu Poleo
- Sione f**kof**ka

Some have emtioned also:
- Alex Johnston
- John Fomai
Although both are currently playing fullback.


Backrowers (incl. lock)
- Jack Bird
- Addison Demetriou
- Tifa Iuta
- Luke Monds
- Tevita Pangi
- Tepai Moeroa
- Addin Fonua Blake (now playing FR)
- Josh Montgomery
- Hame Sele
- Salesi Funaki (played mostly F/R)
- Sinapati Solia (played mostly F/R)
- Dylan Doyle

Not going to be easy for selectors come possible v probable match. No doubt those that play deep into finals will have the edge.

You can definitely throw the Canterbury centre Michael Morgan into the mix now! After wasting him at wing. Fro the last two games they put him back in the centres for the Balmain game and moved Kaupulu Poleo to full-back.

What a game from both players! They carved it up! Morgan bagged a hat-trick scoring his first try ala Greg Inglis style by leaping in the air and landing to cross the line. His second was good too but not as great as his last, where off the scrum he broke through two players palmed off another two and then sprinted 90m to scored!

I have truly become a big fan of of these two kids! Poleo is a definitely a full-back specialist, however I have never seen him play in the position before, does anyone know if this is his natural position?

Regards,
Tuc

 

[Tucantango]

Well sports fans the Doggies v Steelers game was a very very very wet affair today with the latter taking the points with a 24-16 win. The Doggies lost way to much ball giving a gluten of possession to the Steelers and they Steelers capitalized! Only solid defense from the Doggies prevented a blow-out!

With respect to the much anticipated centers match-up between Dee-jay Harris and Michael Morgan, the points decision would have to go Morgan. Ultimately Morgan kept Harris very quiet and with the little ball that he did receive, Morgan got the better of his opponent.

Once again Kaupulu Poleo was a stand-out for the Doggies and apparently even played most of the second half with a broken finger. For the Steelers Bird was one of there stand-outs, and I now ask the question as to why Bird is at lock and not five-eight? He is a good ball player and makes meters when he goes to the line!

My backline team:
1. Kaupulu Poleo
2. John Fomai
3. Deejay Harris
4. Michael Morgan
5. Sione f**kof**ka
6. Jack Bird (Zac Clay to Hooker)
7. Joey Lussick/Brendon Cox

17. Mata'utia/Knight

Regards,
Tuc

 

[LeaguesFan]

Tuc,

Couldnt make it to todays game but good to see the Steelers win. How was the forwards battle. How did Atallah and Semrani go?

 

[Tucantango]

LeaguesFan, Semrani had a shocker as did most of the Bulldogs players. They dropped the ball on almost every set they had. Jake Kamire was outstanding though. Atallah went well however as I said before, they gave the boys down south a gluten of ball!

There are now two things I am certain of, one the Doggies are no good in the heat, and secondly they are even worse in the wet. The Steelers on the other hand proved themselves to be a well drilled and structured side.

On a final note Heaven help the team that meets the Doggies on a mild/cold dry track!!

Regards,
Tuc.

 

[tz17]

Well sports fans the Doggies v Steelers game was a very very very wet affair today with the latter taking the points with a 24-16 win. The Doggies lost way to much ball giving a gluten of possession to the Steelers and they Steelers capitalized! Only solid defense from the Doggies prevented a blow-out!

With respect to the much anticipated centers match-up between Dee-jay Harris and Michael Morgan, the points decision would have to go Morgan. Ultimately Morgan kept Harris very quiet and with the little ball that he did receive, Morgan got the better of his opponent.

Once again Kaupulu Poleo was a stand-out for the Doggies and apparently even played most of the second half with a broken finger. For the Steelers Bird was one of there stand-outs, and I now ask the question as to why Bird is at lock and not five-eight? He is a good ball player and makes meters when he goes to the line!

My backline team:
1. Kaupulu Poleo
2. John Fomai
3. Deejay Harris
4. Michael Morgan
5. Sione f**kof**ka
6. Jack Bird (Zac Clay to Hooker)
7. Joey Lussick/Brendon Cox

17. Mata'utia/Knight

Regards,
Tuc

5/8 is bird's preferred position but for whatever reason is played at lock :roll:

 

[half_back]

Well sports fans the Doggies v Steelers game was a very very very wet affair today with the latter taking the points with a 24-16 win. The Doggies lost way to much ball giving a gluten of possession to the Steelers and they Steelers capitalized! Only solid defense from the Doggies prevented a blow-out!

With respect to the much anticipated centers match-up between Dee-jay Harris and Michael Morgan, the points decision would have to go Morgan. Ultimately Morgan kept Harris very quiet and with the little ball that he did receive, Morgan got the better of his opponent.

Once again Kaupulu Poleo was a stand-out for the Doggies and apparently even played most of the second half with a broken finger. For the Steelers Bird was one of there stand-outs, and I now ask the question as to why Bird is at lock and not five-eight? He is a good ball player and makes meters when he goes to the line!

My backline team:
1. Kaupulu Poleo
2. John Fomai
3. Deejay Harris
4. Michael Morgan
5. Sione f**kof**ka
6. Jack Bird (Zac Clay to Hooker)
7. Joey Lussick/Brendon Cox

17. Mata'utia/Knight

Regards,
Tuc

With the dogs finishing in 7th its hard to see them fielding 4 out of 7 in the backline alone. Will be a good match dogs v parra next week though as they are the only ones to get over them.

 

[Tucantango]

With the dogs finishing in 7th its hard to see them fielding 4 out of 7 in the backline alone. Will be a good match dogs v parra next week though as they are the only ones to get over them.

With all due respect Half Back do you not pick players in their positions for their individual talent as apposed to where their team finishes? Look at Wests and the Roosters for example. The Roosters had a bye first up and only had to play one team that is now in the top eight, that being Penrith. Wests too had a bye and only played one team in the top eight, that being the Bulldogs. Ultimately they both had dream runs!

Contrast the above with the Bulldogs, in particular the players I have named. The Bulldogs played six of the teams in the top eight (which doesn't include Manly who deserve to be in the eight more than the Roosters and Wests), and on each occasion those I have named out-performed their opposing player. Furthermore those opposing players are those mentioned here by others as deserved of selection!

If we were to use the theory that the team's position determines the number of players eligible for selection, would this mean the unjust selection of Wests and Roosters players? I would hate to think so!

Regards,
Tuc

 

[LeaguesFan]

I would have to agree with you Tuc the draw definately works in favour for some teams, Illawarra included. In saying that the guys can only play who are in front of them. As i have mentioned in previous posts Bird, Harris, Atallah and Monds have been the best for Steelers all yr no matter who they have been against and deserve selection. Steelers probably have one of the smallest packs in the comp but there mobility and go forward they get from blokes like Atallah & Monds is giving room for Bird and DJ to do their things. But really feel for a team like Manly who beat Steelers and Dogs by 2 and cant make the 8.

 

[Tucantango]

I would have to agree with you Tuc the draw definately works in favour for some teams, Illawarra included. In saying that the guys can only play who are in front of them. As i have mentioned in previous posts Bird, Harris, Atallah and Monds have been the best for Steelers all yr no matter who they have been against and deserve selection. Steelers probably have one of the smallest packs in the comp but there mobility and go forward they get from blokes like Atallah & Monds is giving room for Bird and DJ to do their things. But really feel for a team like Manly who beat Steelers and Dogs by 2 and cant make the 8.

Thanks LF for your agreement! With that said here is my final team (and why)! please give me your thoughts on alternatives, and if so why?

1. Kaupulu Poleo – Doggies - Strong runner who can break tackles and knows his way to the try line. This kid and f**kof**ka are living examples of perpetual motion.
2. Sione f**kof**ka – Doggies- Similar style of play to Poleo. He too is in great form, however some suggest that his defence is suspect. Selectors might choose Liam Knight over him on this basis.
3. Michael Morgan – Doggies - Going great guns for his first year in league. He is a big, strong and fast utility. Great defence too. Easily break tackles and also knows his way to the try line with 8 tries so far. Flies like an eagle in the air.
4. Dee Jay Harris – Steelers - I seen this kid when he was at the NSW U/11’s. He was great then and even better now. His old man should take him over to NZ as I am sure the All Blacks would love to have a junior like him to develop. Excellent all round centre who also has 8 tries to his name. Excellent kicker as well, need any more be said!
5. John Fomai – Parra - For a smaller player he is a very strong and readily breaks tackles. Like Poleo he is hard to contain. A great finisher.
6. Jack Bird - Steelers - One of the most gifted juniors I have ever seen. I know it is a cliché but this kid has a great future ahead of himself.
7. Joey Lussick – Manly - Great organiser and reader of play who possesses a very strong kicking game.
8. Sinapati Solia – Wests - Strong runner who makes good metres. Impossible to stop near the try line with a good head of steam.
9. Zac Clay – Parra - See Jack Bird comments.
10. Addin Fonua-Blake - Bunnies - Strong runner with even tougher defence. When the going get tough this kid gets going.
11.Tepai Moeroa – Parra - Like Morgan came from union. He is a big, strong, fast and extremely talented utility. The Wallabies have big raps on this kid. He also knows his way to the try line.
12. Salesi Funaki – Tigers - Strong runner with great defence. This kid is a work-horse and a half. A real ENERGIZER BUNNY.
13. Addison Demetriou – Doggies - This kid is a tough as nails pocket rocket who makes good metres. Great defence as well.
14. Tifa Iuta – Dogs
15. Tevita Pangai - Knights
16. Ibrahim Atallah - Steelers
17. Luke Monds - Steelers / Matt Lodge – Panthers

Admittedly there are some players I did consider, like Alex Johnston, Liam Knight, Brendon Cox, and Nyah Freeman, however the players above would be hard to displace. Freeman has very suspect defence, Cox tends to make costly mistakes when it really counts (as it occurred in the Manly game). Admittedly Johnston and Knight are great players who have each scored a bag of tries, however from what I have seen they have not put it over those that I have chosen ahead of them. With that said I would not be surprised if any Johnston, Cox or Knight make it into the team!

Once again please share your thoughts!

Regards,
Tuc.

 

[junior fan]

Thanks LF for your agreement! With that said here is my final team (and why)! please give me your thoughts on alternatives, and if so why?

1. Kaupulu Poleo – Doggies - Strong runner who can break tackles and knows his way to the try line. This kid and f**kof**ka are living examples of perpetual motion.
2. Sione f**kof**ka – Doggies- Similar style of play to Poleo. He too is in great form, however some suggest that his defence is suspect. Selectors might choose Liam Knight over him on this basis.
3. Michael Morgan – Doggies - Going great guns for his first year in league. He is a big, strong and fast utility. Great defence too. Easily break tackles and also knows his way to the try line with 8 tries so far. Flies like an eagle in the air.
4. Dee Jay Harris – Steelers - I seen this kid when he was at the NSW U/11’s. He was great then and even better now. His old man should take him over to NZ as I am sure the All Blacks would love to have a junior like him to develop. Excellent all round centre who also has 8 tries to his name. Excellent kicker as well, need any more be said!
5. John Fomai – Parra - For a smaller player he is a very strong and readily breaks tackles. Like Poleo he is hard to contain. A great finisher.
6. Jack Bird - Steelers - One of the most gifted juniors I have ever seen. I know it is a cliché but this kid has a great future ahead of himself.
7. Joey Lussick – Manly - Great organiser and reader of play who possesses a very strong kicking game.
8. Sinapati Solia – Wests - Strong runner who makes good metres. Impossible to stop near the try line with a good head of steam.
9. Zac Clay – Parra - See Jack Bird comments.
10. Addin Fonua-Blake - Bunnies - Strong runner with even tougher defence. When the going get tough this kid gets going.
11.Tepai Moeroa – Parra - Like Morgan came from union. He is a big, strong, fast and extremely talented utility. The Wallabies have big raps on this kid. He also knows his way to the try line.
12. Salesi Funaki – Tigers - Strong runner with great defence. This kid is a work-horse and a half. A real ENERGIZER BUNNY.
13. Addison Demetriou – Doggies - This kid is a tough as nails pocket rocket who makes good metres. Great defence as well.
14. Tifa Iuta – Dogs
15. Tevita Pangai - Knights
16. Ibrahim Atallah - Steelers
17. Luke Monds - Steelers / Matt Lodge – Panthers

Admittedly there are some players I did consider, like Alex Johnston, Liam Knight, Brendon Cox, and Nyah Freeman, however the players above would be hard to displace. Freeman has very suspect defence, Cox tends to make costly mistakes when it really counts (as it occurred in the Manly game). Admittedly Johnston and Knight are great players who have each scored a bag of tries, however from what I have seen they have not put it over those that I have chosen ahead of them. With that said I would not be surprised if any Johnston, Cox or Knight make it into the team!

Once again please share your thoughts!

Regards,
Tuc.

I like the looks of your side. Prefer bird as 5/8 with clay at hooker. The only 2 I could see worthy of a spot, one as you mentioned Liam knight. Big and strong he put 3 on the dogs in manlys win over them. Has scored plenty more throughout the season and I don't think I have seen an opposition centre get over him. The same goes for matautia from Newcastle.

That said there are too many quality centers around. For my mind knight would take either Morgan's f**kof**ka or fomai's positions. Fomai is a better fullback but being impressed by Poleo I am happy to keep him there. f**kofoka can get stood up in defence as you mentioned. Morgan was on the edge which knight scored 3 down (as were Poleo and Montgomery) so also happy to see knight replace him especially as he is an out and out centre. Which would mean fomai f**ko f**ka or Morgan for the wing spots. If Morgan is bigger and better under the high ball (fomai always looks awkward under high kicks) then I'd take Morgan as one the other is a ross up between fomai and f**ko f**ka.

Only other concern is the bench and possibility that you need more coverage? If you were to lose 1-7 or 9 in the match not sure what options you have. That's the reason I put cox in.

 

[stormy77]

Come on guys dont you now how the selection process works yet, I will let you have this guy if this other guy is put in, a lot of politics here guys, and one person

I have not noticed here is young wolfgram, he will be starting front rower, an Australian schoolboy last year and have heard he is right in the mix.....Yes bird should be 5/8 with clay at hooker, no outstanding hookers this year so far........

I like the looks of your side. Prefer bird as 5/8 with clay at hooker. The only 2 I could see worthy of a spot, one as you mentioned Liam knight. Big and strong he put 3 on the dogs in manlys win over them. Has scored plenty more throughout the season and I don't think I have seen an opposition centre get over him. The same goes for matautia from Newcastle.

That said there are too many quality centers around. For my mind knight would take either Morgan's f**kof**ka or fomai's positions. Fomai is a better fullback but being impressed by Poleo I am happy to keep him there. f**kofoka can get stood up in defence as you mentioned. Morgan was on the edge which knight scored 3 down (as were Poleo and Montgomery) so also happy to see knight replace him especially as he is an out and out centre. Which would mean fomai f**ko f**ka or Morgan for the wing spots. If Morgan is bigger and better under the high ball (fomai always looks awkward under high kicks) then I'd take Morgan as one the other is a ross up between fomai and f**ko f**ka.

Only other concern is the bench and possibility that you need more coverage? If you were to lose 1-7 or 9 in the match not sure what options you have. That's the reason I put cox in.

 

[Tucantango]

I like the looks of your side. Prefer bird as 5/8 with clay at hooker. The only 2 I could see worthy of a spot, one as you mentioned Liam knight. Big and strong he put 3 on the dogs in manlys win over them. Has scored plenty more throughout the season and I don't think I have seen an opposition centre get over him. The same goes for matautia from Newcastle.

That said there are too many quality centers around. For my mind knight would take either Morgan's f**kof**ka or fomai's positions. Fomai is a better fullback but being impressed by Poleo I am happy to keep him there. f**kofoka can get stood up in defence as you mentioned. Morgan was on the edge which knight scored 3 down (as were Poleo and Montgomery) so also happy to see knight replace him especially as he is an out and out centre. Which would mean fomai f**ko f**ka or Morgan for the wing spots. If Morgan is bigger and better under the high ball (fomai always looks awkward under high kicks) then I'd take Morgan as one the other is a ross up between fomai and f**ko f**ka.

Only other concern is the bench and possibility that you need more coverage? If you were to lose 1-7 or 9 in the match not sure what options you have. That's the reason I put cox in.

Sorry champ I will have to correct you here! It was f**kof**ka and the African kid who is on the wing that were marking Liam Knight during the Doggies v Manly game. Morgan was playing wing with Poleo in centre on the right side. Their coach does mix the numbers up a bit I must admit (then again so does Parra). All mind games I suspect!

In f**kof**ka's defence I will add that during this game the half back continually rushed up on the Manly line and each time the five-eight stepped him creating a 3 on 2 overlap for Knight to score! Credit to Manly on this aspect they certainly did their homework on Cox as he always rushes up leaving his line exposed. It happened twice in the Parra game too when he rushed up on Tepai Moeroa (got him once but Tepai put two tries on Cox in response).

Someone mentioned Wolfgramm here and I couldn't agree more, however his fitness is not like it was and he has been used off the bench sparingly this season (but with a hell of an impact each time I got to say).

Regards,
Tuc.