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We are missing that x-factor forward like a Dave Taylor or TLL. Poor selection to not even have them in the squad. And we need to work on the combination, that was terrible again.
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Are we talking about Michael Jennings here? Deadset he's a contender for the invisible man if the ball doesn't go his way.
Defending Hodges and now dissing Jennings?
Jennings will want the ball. For starters, he'll be keen to make the most of his speed and elusiveness when Australia are just about to get to half way. This is where he is the most dangerous. As a rookie, he will be craving the opportunity to do something and be involved in the game. I seriously doubt that he'll be content to stand around and let the play run without him.
Yep, you have a great rugby league mind.
Oh dear Pete. You've got massive issues.
Morris the worst player on the field? F**k me dead mate :lol:
I have a problem with Hodges because he put in a poor performance on Sunday morning. He went missing in my book, his stats weren't great either. His stats compared to GI were woeful actually. Morris wasn't great but he did well for a debutant. Hodges should be doing far better given his experience at rep level.
Speaking of Hodges, one quiet performance shouldn't see him dropped. The last thing Australia needs is an inexperienced centre to play on a 'foreign' side of the field. Not to mention, behind Inglis, Hodges is easily the most talented centre in the world.
In saying, a Thurston/Cronk halves pairing would be interesting to see. I've always seen Thurston as a five eigth and I believe Cronk would be a suitable foil given his clinical style of play. However, dropping Lockyer at this point would do more harm than good and I'd only roll with that combination for the game against France.
To put my money where my mouth is...
1. Billy Slater
2. Brett Morris
3. Greg Inglis
4. Justin Hodges
5. Jarryd Hayne
6. Darren Lockyer (c)
7. Johnathan Thurston
8. Ben Hannant
9. Cameron Smith
10. Petero Civoniceiva
11. Nathan Hindmarsh
12. Anthony Watmough
13. Paul Gallen
14. Brett White
15. David Shillington
16. Sam Thaiday
17. Ryan Hoffman
*Keep the backline how it is, Morris can't play any worse and there's no need to apply pressure to any of the young rookies to perform.
*Changed the starting pack for balance and application. As a result the bench is made up of impact players with Thaiday and Hoffman coming into the backrow while White and Shillington can give Civoniceiva and Hannant a breather.
Wasnt he one of our best in the test earlier in the year.
In saying, a Thurston/Cronk halves pairing would be interesting to see. I've always seen Thurston as a five eigth and I believe Cronk would be a suitable foil given his clinical style of play. However, dropping Lockyer at this point would do more harm than good and I'd only roll with that combination for the game against France.
To put my money where my mouth is...
1. Billy Slater
2. Brett Morris
3. Greg Inglis
4. Justin Hodges
5. Jarryd Hayne
6. Darren Lockyer (c)
7. Johnathan Thurston
8. Ben Hannant
9. Cameron Smith
10. Petero Civoniceiva
11. Nathan Hindmarsh
12. Anthony Watmough
13. Paul Gallen
14. Brett White
15. David Shillington
16. Sam Thaiday
17. Ryan Hoffman
*Keep the backline how it is, Morris can't play any worse and there's no need to apply pressure to any of the young rookies to perform.
*Changed the starting pack for balance and application. As a result the bench is made up of impact players with Thaiday and Hoffman coming into the backrow while White and Shillington can give Civoniceiva and Hannant a breather.
I'd love Hodges to play. He's going to get knocked the f**k out. That pikey merkin has it coming.
Hodges is a pretend hard man and he'll go missing again when the English forwards stand up.
I hate that twig. Hope he trips and dies.
I'd love Hodges to play. He's going to get knocked the f**k out. That pikey merkin has it coming.
Hodges is a pretend hard man and he'll go missing again when the English forwards stand up.
I hate that twig. Hope he trips and dies.
The whole backline was out of sync so I dont know why anyone is looking for scapegoats there, well apart from Mr Inglis.
The forwards are where any and all changes should be made, and those Id have in the firing line:
Thaiday - Always leaves me with the nagging feeling he's just below rep standard, probaly got to leave him in though due to the balance of the squad we picked
Hoffman - If you dont have him running lines out wide he aint going to do much else for you
Hannant - see Thaiday but only one of him or White can go.
White - Mixes his form at NRL level so dont know why they thought he could lead Australias forward pack
Gidley - Slater doesnt need a rest, Cam may need 10minutes at most, so not really needed at this level. Put Lewis on the bench and when/if Cam needs a rest send Billy there, Hayne to FB, Lewis to center, GI to wing.
Id probably go with this
1. Billy Slater
2. Brett Morris
3. Greg Inglis
4. Justin Hodges
5. Jarryd Hayne
6. Darren Lockyer (c)
7. Johnathan Thurston
8. Ben Hannant
9. Cameron Smith
10. Petero Civoniceiva
11. Nathan Hindmarsh
12. Anthony Watmough
13. Paul Gallen
14. Sam Thaiday
15. David Shillington
16. Sam Thaiday
17. Luke Lewis
Why do so many people think Slater can fill in at hooker? He can barely pass the ball accurately so why would you put him in the position where he has to do it over and over.