Laurie's predicted 2005 lineup

[Azkatro]

Throwing this one up for debate. The "expected" squad according to the Big League preview magazine.

1. Matt Bowen
2. Ty Williams
3. Josh Hannay
4. Paul Bowman
5. Matt Sing
6. Johnathan Thurston
7. Chris Sheppard
8. Shane Tronc
9. Aaron Payne
10. Paul Rauhihi
11. Luke O'Donnell
12. Steve Southern
13. Travis Norton
14. Carl Webb
15. Mitchell Sargent
16. Leigh McWilliams
17. Rod Jensen

My thoughts - obviously the debateable one initially at least is the #6 jersey. Thurston might have to earn it but if he plays to his potential, he'll stay there.

The other one is the forwards. For starters I don't think Ra will be too happy about losing the #8 jersey! That's a moot point but definitely swap those two around. We might also see Sargent start some matches in place of Tronc depending on how Tronc's form goes this year.

Also I think Southern might get relegated back to the bench for Webb to start on some occasions, early on I think it would be dynamite to have Webb on the park to help gain that early ascendancy.

And if Justin Smith gets a chance then he might step into the bench in place of perhaps Southern or maybe even McWilliams. Last year he was rotated a lot with Payne but if Payne plays well I get the feeling he will start staying on the field for the full 80. Jensen can slot into the backrow so if something happened to Payne, Bowen could move to the hooking role and Ty to fullback.

Anyway that's my thoughts.

 

[Bomber]

Personally I'd like to see Aaron Payne become a fulltime hooker with David Myles or David Faiumu on the bench. I felt that at times when McWilliams came on for Payne that the oomph went out of the dummy half attacking.

I reckon keep Southern and Webb where they are, so when Ra or Tronc come off, another big forward comes on in their place. Remember Origin 1 2002, when they choose big bastards like Beattie and Buttigieg to monster the Blues? Size is great but they ran out of puff after 20 minutes and NSW won.

Other than that it's a fantastic side, especially if Thurston can settle in and wreck havoc.

 

[Roo]

Myles will be on the bench.
Smith will push Southern back to the guns

Jensen
Faiumu
Southern
McWilliams
Luck
Scott

will all get there chances during the year with the inevitable injuries.

 

[nqboy]

That side looks alright to me. LeMac's not one of my favourites and I've high hopes for Justin Smith but there'll be plenty of opportunities with injuries and rep commitments.

 

[Phillips]

i agree with Daley's lineup up although :-k

i'd have Justin Smith in #12 and Steve Southern or Mitchell Sargent

i dont think Myles is good enough to start or get a bench spot, good backup though