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I'd nearly pick Clune over Norman anyway. Looks to be much more dangerous. Can't see Norman being dropped though. I also don't want to see Norman in the centres or fullback. If not 5/8, has to be 1/2. My CS team would be:
I don’t think Normy will be dropped either due to his price, but I honestly would love to see some balls in this department. It’s not as though it matters what the cost. You have a squad of 30 of varying salaries and you pick the top 17-18 for game day.
That team certainly looks fine to me. Mary and his "Shepherds" hopefully would at least give this a go as it is a trial even though it is for the Shield!!
After our centres fiasco, I see Norman as one of our greatest weaknesses. He is a solid first grader but just doesn't deliver a lot. Take away a couple of clutch field goals and he's not done much, especially against decent sides.
I saw Norman deliver at the Eels in a game against us. It is our coach who delivers poor instructions / selections. Under Flanagan I believe you would see Norman at 7 and a Hunt / Britain hooker rotation while McInnes is out. I am sure you would also see Aitken and Lafai dropped to CC.
Why are you sure Aitken and Lafai would be dropped? For all you know Flanagan goes fishing with them on weekends.
If Lafai hooks a fish he would hand the rod to Aitken who would capsize the tinny after leaning over to the side.
Too bad there's no Tedesco or Trbojevic fish in our waters.
I'm happy with Lomax, providing we can find centres that have skill and speed.
I was happy with Lomax's game at fullback on Saturday. We also have Cody Ramsey, who has X factor and could be the better fullback in a year or 2. I am hoping in Ramsey and Lomax, that we may have our version of Slater and Inglis. Early in Inglis's career, fullback was his best position, but Melbourne had to find room for both of them, which lead to Inglis playing centre and even 5/8. Early Inglis and Slater are the 2 best fullbacks I have seen play the game.
MEDIA RELEASE
Charity Shield to host 'Captain's Challenge' trial
Author
NRL Media Release NRL Media
Timestamp
Thu 6 Feb 2020, 04:57 PM
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) held its first meeting for 2020 in Sydney today and has agreed on two key outcomes:
National Anthem
- It has accepted advice from the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council (ARLIC) not to play the national anthem at the All Stars match on the Gold Coast.
- It has provisionally endorsed a new "Captain's Challenge" system to be implemented for the 2020 Telstra Premiership.
The Commission has agreed the All Stars match is an event unique to Indigenous Australians and the wishes of our players should be respected.
This decision was made after extensive consultation with senior members of our indigenous playing groups and members of ARLIC. This year's All Stars match on February 22 on the Gold Coast marks the 10-year anniversary of the event devised by former player Preston Campbell to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
ALRC Chairman Peter V'landys said it was an important role of the Commission to listen and consult with all players on issues that impact both the game and individuals.
"The All Stars game was created as a celebration of Indigenous players and their culture," Mr V'landys said.
"We have listened to our players' concerns that the words of the anthem do not represent them or their families and does not include an acknowledgement of First Nations people. We respect their wishes and have agreed that the anthem will not be played at the All Stars match on February 22."
Captain's Challenge
The Commission was also updated on proposed rule changes for the 2020 Telstra Premiership season designed to bring further innovation and excitement to the game.
A new "Captain's Challenge" system was provisionally endorsed by the Commission and will now progress to discussions with clubs, players and broadcast partners before a final decision on implementation in the 2020 Telstra Premiership. The NRL will trial the Captain's Challenge rule change at the All Stars game on February 22 and the Charity Shield game in Mudgee between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the St George Illawarra Dragons on February 29.
Under the proposed new rule, the captain will be the only player allowed to challenge a decision. Each club will have to nominate a second player to take on the responsibility should the captain leave the field.
The only decisions that can be challenged are ones which involve a structured restart of play (e.g. penalty, scrum, drop-out). Challenges will not be permitted where the referee allows play to proceed.
Sides will be permitted one unsuccessful challenge per game.
A final report and recommendations from NRL management will be presented at the next Commission meeting to determine the implementation.
https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2020/02/07/charity-shield-to-host-captains-challenge-trial/
Not sure as we certainly had a some players that were specialists in 2nd or 3rd grade and never got a top grade jersey (oh for that era to come back)
