Sorrenson will always start if fit, expect papail'i to prop of the bench, for a few first games, we didn’t buy him to run an edge, we have garner, Martin, mav and Sorrenson for that
To be fair when it comes to the pack start and bench - only Leota and Garner can’t alternate between mid and edge. Yeo, Smith, Henry, Sorensen, Martin, Papali’i have good versatility in that regard should they be required. Yes, Yeo is a mid/halfback purely that goes without saying but just making note.
Sorro, Marto, Smith, Henry and Paps have all shown they can bash in the middle or be moved to an edge if required, at times in the last 5 seasons. Not saying that’s what will happen, far from it but it does make good conversation about what the actual back row and bench rotation will be and how Ivan uses players. Clearly he is trying to evolve the way Panthers play.
Garner does make more sense on bench. He can cover center too. But I think his form back end of this season has been undeniable and he IMO has earned a starting spot in the 13. While Sorro is unfortunately getting older and his body is failing more often than not. I think to better use him, a bench spot gives him and the team far more impact and versatility.
Henry becomes out and out mid rotation and Pap/Sorro then become both mid and edge rotation depending how Ivan sees the game unfolding. It’s not a bad predicament to be in!
5’8 i’m unsure on still. Cole probably didn’t do enough to cement it. His kicking game isn’t where it needs to be. Schneider could be it but there’s a gap between his leg speed vs his mind/game reading speed which is telling! I think the 5’8 needs to be quick enough to get fast clean ball to the outside men! Talagi’s defence needs work and I think he isn’t there as a ball player yet. Maybe by mid season? Thats why I like him starting the season as the 14. He can play anywhere in the backline and 10 mins in the middle to give him a defensive workout early in the year wouldn’t be the worst thing. See: Toelau.
That leaves Laurie. He was being used as a half in lower grades at times through the season and he can kick whilst also being the closest like for like to Luai. Unless Ivan completely fools us all and goes with Toelau, now that might be interesting and his late season cameos at hooker was more to do with shoring up his defensive work than anything else like I’m insinuating with Talagi off bench.
Alternatively, Schneider goes to halfback and Nathan goes to 5’8 even though the numbers on their backs doesn’t change. They haven’t actually started a game together, I don’t think they’ve even been on the field at the same time yet. So that’s an unknown. Could be shades of Cogger/Cleary.
Good spot to be in!
