2016 Roster - rating the positions

[SpaceMonkey]

We're past the half way mark this season and going reasonably well, and have made some big purchases for next year, so I thought it would be good to run a ruler over our player stocks in each position, and where our strengths and weaknesses are:

Fullback: Well sorted, we've got the best young FB in the game arriving and some able backup in Lolohea, and if he can stay fit, Fisiahi.
Wing: Again, pretty good. Manu as always is an automatic selection on one side and we've got Maumalo, Fusitua, and Fisiahi to fight it out for the other spot.
Centre: Still lacking a little in experience but that is improving as our you guys get more games under their belts. Good competition for spots between Laumape, Hurrell and Kata, with Fusitua in the mix too if he's not on the wing.
Halves: Definitely our weak spot. SJ is a star, no problems there, but Lolohea is green at first grade level and we have very little behind him. Leuluai is experienced but of limited ability as a half, and below his we're really looking at throwing juniors in the deep end.
Second Row/Lock: Plenty of depth there. Mannering/Hoffman/Thompson are forming a great combo and we've got enough capable talent to fight it out for the bench spot in Faitala-Mariner, Ikahihifo, and Lousi.
Prop: Again, well sorted. Matulino and Lilyman are elite level talent and Vete, Lisone and Gubb all look right at home in first grade. Toafofoa Sipley looks like a huge prospect as well.
Hooker: Isaac Luke provides us with a top class hooker, and provided at least one of Friend and Leuluai stay on we've got adequate cover. Jury is still out on Haviili though.


So all in all looking pretty good, though if I was Mr Doyle I'd still be keen on signing another decent half, particularly if they could cover hooker as well. What do y'all reckon?

 

[ozbash]

I think Tui will slot straight into 6.

Just hope the coaches mix SJ and Tui up a bit..

 

[Shaun Hewitt]

I'd say we are looking quite good for next year.
Although I'd agree re in needing a half.
First choice next year of Tui and Johnson but if an injury or two were to happen, we'd be looking at who? Leuluai to cover half?

Also slight concern at FB,obviously thrilled wtih RTS, but whats behind him? Tui? He'll be in the halves! Fish? Doesn't inspire confidence? Wouldn't be surprised to see him go. Higano? not ready

I don't know which halves would be available, maybe Luke Kelly?
Could do a Townsend and be a fringe NRL but use us to solidify a spot?
As for Fullbacks? I'm a fan of Gardner, can also cover wing so offsets Wright departure (should he go). Only concern is size. He tore it up for Newtown over the weekend, but I do have to acknowledge that its not NRL level.

 

[Penrose Warrior]

I'd like to see Maumalo get first dibs on the other wing position. I rate him really, really highly. Almost like we have 6 props when he and Manu are gaining such big carrying metres.

Our depth in all positions (bar halves) is great, and even then someone like TL or Lolo (depending which way they go) is still better than a lot of teams. We could do with an experienced back-up centre ala Carmont a couple of years ago but probably not much avaialble.

 

[RHYTHM AND STEALTH]

Lets see this season out first aye

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Lets see this season out first aye

This thread is about evaluating our positional strengths- it's applicable to the rest of this season too.