forwards for finals

[ferntree footy]

Bellamy probably has made his mind up already, but he has a lot to choose from.

Definite: Cross, White, Hoffman, Crocker, Johnson, C. Smith

To choose the bench from: Lima, Tagatese, Manu, Blair, Crossman, J. Smith, Aubusson.

I'll take Lima, J. Smith, Blair, and a back (Geyer).

 

[The_Savage_1]

i agree unless 4 forwards is more suitable then i'd add crossman

 

[Earl]

I think Crossman is the weakest link.

8. Ben Cross
9. Cameron Smith
10. Brett White
11. Jeremy Smith
12. Ryan Hoffman
13. Dallas Johnson

14. Clint Newton
15. Jeff Lima
16. Michael Crocker
17. Adam Blair
18. Sam Tagataese

Thats my pick. Although they wern't named I'm expecting Blair and Tagataese to get a run this week, they both havn't played NRL for a couple of weeks, and I think Bellamy would want them to have a bit of a run in case they are needed in the finals.

 

[Captian_Klutz]

I think Crossman is the weakest link.

8. Ben Cross
9. Cameron Smith
10. Brett White
11. Jeremy Smith
12. Ryan Hoffman
13. Dallas Johnson

14. Clint Newton
15. Jeff Lima
16. Michael Crocker
17. Adam Blair
18. Sam Tagataese

Thats my pick. Although they wern't named I'm expecting Blair and Tagataese to get a run this week, they both havn't played NRL for a couple of weeks, and I think Bellamy would want them to have a bit of a run in case they are needed in the finals.

I;ll go with that.

Gotta have a fully fit and firing Blair charging up the centre.

 

[sheet_ed]

Bellamy would be stupid not to rest players this weekend.

Expect a completely different set of forwards and backline.

Dallas needs a rest for that bad neck of his.

Blair, Tagatese, Manu, Aubusson, Chambers, Turner and King all need a run to prepare for the finals.

This is a nothing game and should be treated this way - the Tits have no chance of making the finals and won't be looking to add injuries for their away trip which starts next week.

I expect Bellamy to use this as a trial match for plays and tactics and bring player match fitness up to spec.

This is going to be an entertaining game only from the perspective of see what the Storm can do.

The Finals - I really like Blair and Jeremy Smith - they add the unknown to our pack that seems to catch other teams off guard.

 

[The_Savage_1]

i agree unless 4 forwards is more suitable then i'd add crossman

didnt notice newton was missing from the first list. swap him in for crossman

 

[Lowdown]

You can forget about Bellamy resting players this weekend. Unless they are carrying a niggling injury - all starters will be named, and will play. Time for resting is over. The time is now for building momentum, match fitness, confidence, combinations etc etc.

Here's my take on who's in the box seats for the all important starting pack and bench:

8. White - nuff said. He's been consistent all year - and was simply great v the dogs.
9. Cam Smith - no surprise if he takes out the Dally M for the 2nd year in a row. Those saying Farrah is the best Hooker in our game - tell me the last time the Storm no.9 had a bad game. And I'll show you several Farrah shockers in the last month.
10. Ben Cross - he's big, bad, and adds heaps of aggro to our front row. However, since he signed with the Knights (what were you thinking dude?) - he's form has dropped a little. Forced passes, dropped balls, penalties etc are creeping into back his game. But he deserves a shot - wears his heart on his sleeve.
11. Newton - Has done enough to start IMHO. Crocker is breathing down his neck - but I like Crock coming off the bench rather than starting.
12. Hoff - Has been in great form - though I would like to see some more attacking plays and off loads out wide. He seems to be well marked this season.
13. Dallas - aint no-one replacing this guy. A Storm legend.

Bench (2 props, 2 backrowers)
14. Lima - in my opinion - easily the most improved forward in the Storm, and probably the comp. His go forward is incredible, tackling is tenacious, and for some reason, I can't remember him making a mistake...
15. Jezza Smith - A revelation of aggression, agression and did I mention that judo tackle? Unbelievable
16. Crocker - Need him firing, and if he does, watch him bring home the premiership trophy to Melbourne on the 1st of October.
17. Blair - Has some fancy footwork, great offload and is a great guy to have on the bench.

This bench is great. Hoffman and Jezza can play in the centres, with Geyer covering 5/8 or Hooker if needed. If there is one player at risk here - it could be Jezza being replaced by Sika Manu - if only for Manu's size to cover as the 5th prop forward.

Unluckys:
18. Crossman - have to feel for this guy. He has no dissappointed this year when given the opportunity. We'll lose little if one of the props above him goes down.
19. Sika Manu - he was simply brilliant versus the Doggs. Handled himself flawlessly versus the supposed leading pack in the comp. Will press Blair.
20. Sammy T - Has not quite shown enough razzle dazzle and consistency this year. 2008 will be his year though, especially if Newton leaves.


Also-rans:
21. Aubusson - I'm sorry, but since you re-signed with the Roosters, you have been pretty average Jimmy. Every pass you make seems to go forward, or close to it, and is poorly thrown at that. You are no Nathan Friend, my friend. Harsh - but we gave you a chance, and you walked away from us after a few good games got the Roosters all cocked up.
22. Scott Anderson - Not enough games this year to be contender. Big, but on the one or two games he played, he got smacked up every time he carried the ball.

 

[Kurt200]

22. Scott Anderson - Not enough games this year to be contender. Big, but on the one or two games he played, he got smacked up every time he carried the ball

lol thats wat i thiught too :lol:

 

[ferntree footy]

Ooops,

I forgot about Newton, I guess that says something for the depth cos' I've liked his work with the Storm this year, put him in the 17. I agree Hofmann or J. Smith could be the backup back but that changes the debate a bit cos' then Quinn would have to be left out. I was for picking him on the wing with Geyer on the bench ... but I'm not so sure now.

Let's not forget this situation is a luxury, hopefully all we're debating is who will get to have a premiership ring.

 

[Lucas]

Blair hasn't played in a while now, very disappointing as I rate him highly.

8-13 is pretty obvious, it has been the same for months. I'd have Crocker, Lima, Blair and Geyer off the bench. Jeremy Smith is beyond unlucky. In fact, we should be allowed to play 18 just because we can't fit him in.

 

[LESStar58]

Its a good problem to have..... I mean, we have a full compliment of forwards to choose from....only Kaufusi is unavailable. My forward pack is;

8. White- really picked up last week.
9. Smith- no Cam, we lose. Simple
10. Cross- big, tall, hard running and makes consistent metres
11. Newtown- in the starting side just ahead of Crocker and Jeremy Smith
12. Hoffman- deadset, that attack down the left hand side is incredibly potent with King and Turner. has the ability to contest a high ball as well as the ability to make the move to the centres.
13. Dallas Johnson- work, work, work and seldom tires.

14. Lima- hard worker, impact off the bench
15. Crocker- Lucky charm. Extra mongrel
16. Smith- more mongrel and the ability to move to the centres
17. Blair- a bit underdone bt we all know what hes capable of.

 

[kia ora storm]

If Storm were to play a larger forward pack such as the Dogs or Broncs then I would favour a bigger bench - Lima and Crossman with Crocker.

If we play a team with a lot of ball players such as the Cowboys then I would play the likes of Tagatese and Blair who are a little more agile and faster in defence.

Blair will be unlucky not to play in these finals...