Blood&Bandage
Juniors
- Messages
- 201
MATE.... Big post, I’d be very happy with that team.1. Widdop
2. Pearson
3. Lomax
4. Mann
5. Pereira
6. Norman
7. Hunt
8.Graham (c)
9. McInnes (vc)
10. Vaughan
11. T. Sims
12. Frizzell
13. JDB
14. K.Sims
15. Lawrie
16. Leilua
17. Robson
* Norman is a specialist 5/8 playing with a specialist half back. Playing with Moses diluted his effectiveness where as Hunt is a cut above..
* Graham captain - in the twilight of his career but at least will lead with passion and intensity. The other forwards will follow him into battle. Should play longer minutes than he did in 2018 for that reason.
McInnes to lead the team while Graham is having a spell. Future fulltime captain.
* Widdop to fullback during his last year with the club. Should never have been appointed captain but could be great at fullback for us. Better defender than Dufty, better under the high ball - can chime into the backline like a second 5/8 that would be unpredictable and destructive for opposing teams..
* Centre pairing of Lomax and Mann may take a while to gel but has a lot more potential than Aitkin/Lafai. Defensively superior also.
* Pereira is rock sold and is dependable if not brilliant.
Pearson has a lot of toe although untried at this level.
* Leilua off the bench as a game breaker
* Lawrie stepped up in 2018 and should be part of the prop rotation.
Korbin Simms is no slouch and should add plenty to the prop rotation also.
Finally Robson has a similar traits to Cook. Very quick from Fake and can do some serious damage when opposition forwards are tiring.
Conclusions
(a) Backline that is better balanced and can defend.
More speed and attacking potential.
(b) Except for K. Sims, same pack as last year with Lawrie and Leilua both a year older and with some FG game time under their belt. If they continue to improve this pack has the potential of being the most potent in the comp.
(c) Widdop at fullback is a much better option than Dufty.
I love watching Dufty streak away for tries as much as anyone but he is a nightmare in defence and under the high ball.
Not worth the risk if you have a more reliable and experienced alternative.
(d) Norman as the long term 5/8 given Widdop's imminent departure. We lose nothing if we manage to recruit him and could form a potent combination with Hunt.
Hunt is 2 classes above Moses and Norman will be delighted to pair up with a better halfback partner.
Great picking Dennis.
Fingers crossed.