Half settled: Smith hedges his bets with playmakers

[sneaky_is_here]

I reckon Dureau will play.
This is what Smith does to keep pressure off young players.
He has a plan, but it's not for the press, the fans, or even the players till a bit before kickoff.

That makes sence. I wont be happy if your just getting my hopes up

 

[Super Sub]

I don't quite understand why Patto is on the bench. Although we do have a lot of good young second rowers and I'm happy to see Taia start because he is a bit more rugged and really gives it to the oposition in defence

 

[Karmawave]

The players named 18 through 20 are there purely for any injury mishaps this week.

I highly doubt any will play this weekend.

 

[macavity]

The players named 18 through 20 are there purely for any injury mishaps this week.

I highly doubt any will play this weekend.

never know with our coach.

having said that, I also think the 1-17 is what will run out.

 

[skeepe]

From the various news reports, I gather the Raiders will start with this (or something similar):

1. William Zillman
2. Colin Best
3. Phil Graham
4. Joel Monaghan
5. Adrian Purtell
6. Terry Campese
7. Todd Carney
8. Scott Logan
9. Lincoln Withers
10. Dane Tilse
11. Neville Costigan
12. Glen Turner
13. Alan Tongue (c)

14. Marshall Chalk
15. Troy Thompson
16. Michael Weyman
17. Nigel Plum

Would rather see Bronx Goodwin instead of Purtell, but there you go.

 

[Big Tim]

never know with our coach.

having said that, I also think the 1-17 is what will run out.

It certainly wouldnt be the first game that Smith has coached where number 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 all played.... so nothing is out of the question.

It could just be the thing that Scotty needs to beleive he is the future #7..... he may now feel that he is only one step away from FG.

 

[MSKnight]

That Raiders team will be strong and tough to beat but the Home Crowd factor should do the trick.

Our halves combination is similar with Bailey/Campese the same sort of Styles.

Mullen/Carney usually play Number 6 and have slotted into the Halfback roles.