Things change very fast in rugby league.
6 weeks ago we needed a new backline basicaly. Most bar myself wanted Waqa punted. All of a sudden he is the form centre of the comp and id argue on consitency he has been one of our best 5 players in the last 6 games. I always rated him and new he had it in him of stays focused.
Penisini has been a revelation and solves a huge problem.
Dunster I seen as a good back up. Or an ok winger if had nobody else. Even thomI don't see rep quality now I am thinking he might perhaps be slightly better then average and a certain starter.
Then there is Ray Stone. I'll be honest I raved on about this kid and he let me down.I pretty much gave up on him and put him down as a guy who ranks 19-21 in your squad. Plays 10 games a year due to injuries with low minutes. I am not yet convinced he is a starter or a certain top 17 player but the signs now suggest he is NRL quality. And if named in the 17 would wouldn't be dissapointed.
In the last month it feels like we found 4 x new players or atleast filled 4 roles.
I'd start the year as follows
1 Guth
2 Dunster
3 Waqa
4 Penisini
5 Sivo
6 Brown
7 Moses
8 Rcg
9 Mahoney
10 Jnr
11 Papa
12 Marata
13 Matterson
14 Stone
15 N.Brown
16 Cartwright
17 Kafusi
18 Lane
That is my best 17. The middle is a little light but our 2nd rowers are like props. N.Brown and Stone would bring a nice fast defensive line.
Sivo spot will be questioned.
I'd be confident that guys like Russel, Hollis,Rodwell, Greig are potential NRL players. Arthurs if called upon will be more reliable also.