Mann's inside running for Dragons No.1

[Slippery Morris]

I think Lafai will end up in the centres and in form Aitken to partner Flo in the wings. I can't see them starting Aiken ahead of Lafai even though on form you would think they should.

 

[BennyV]

I think Lafai will end up in the centres and in form Aitken to partner Flo in the wings. I can't see them starting Aiken ahead of Lafai even though on form you would think they should.

I haven't watched the CS, but I would still be very surprised if Aitken started ahead of Lafai, especially on the left. But it sounds like he's had some game time on the wing, you may be right and he may start out there.

 

[Get2dachopper!]

We just need a left sided centre who can punch some holes in the opposition. I know its very early, but ATM, Lafai is looking like another Dane Neilsen.

Either way, if his form continues, Aitken needs to be in the 17 somewhere. As does Havili.

 

[Country Dragon]

1. Mann
2. Milne
3. Lafai
4. Dugan
5. Nightingale

I think Lafai will get the nod and even though they won't do it. I'd like to see Milne on the wing!

 

[Mr Red]

its an incredibly beautiful headache to have!
If Mann doesnt take to number one Duges goes back there, Mann to wing wow im EXCITED!!!!:crazy:

Mann will not play wing. He is a ball player, not a power runner.
Therefore its either fullback, centre or five eighth.

 

[Mr Red]

1. Mann
2. Milne
3. Lafai
4. Dugan
5. Nightingale

I think Lafai will get the nod and even though they won't do it. I'd like to see Milne on the wing!

you dont think Peter M deserves a shot at left wing first?

 

[Saints Forever]

Mary needs to pick the best 17 players Saints have available.

At present on form Aitken is ahead of him.

He may play left wing if Lafai fails to impress.

 

[Country Dragon]

you dont think Peter M deserves a shot at left wing first?

I'm a fan of Pete's, but just that glimpse of Milne on Saturday makes me think he could be a real excitement machine for us!

 

[Cagey Mac]

1. Mann
2. Milne
3. Lafai
4. Dugan
5. Nightingale

I think Lafai will get the nod and even though they won't do it. I'd like to see Milne on the wing!

I think that you're right but the Lafai is wild card entry here and Aitken or Peter M could easily step into that role.

The halves pick themselves
Au Mau
Rein (Though I'd love to see Havili here)
Packer
Thompson
Frizell (if he was fit) but McCarthy or Lui in his stead
JDB

Cooper
Lui
Creaqh
Havili (assuming that he doesn't start)

 

[BennyV]

I think that you're right but the Lafai is wild card entry here and Aitken or Peter M could easily step into that role.

The halves pick themselves
Au Mau
Rein (Though I'd love to see Havili here)
Packer
Thompson
Frizell (if he was fit) but McCarthy or Lui in his stead
JDB

Cooper
Lui
Creaqh
Havili (assuming that he doesn't start)

I'd wager that Matthews is first choice backup if Friz is out

 

[BennyV]

We just need a left sided centre who can punch some holes in the opposition. I know its very early, but ATM, Lafai is looking like another Dane Neilsen.

Either way, if his form continues, Aitken needs to be in the 17 somewhere. As does Havili.

The difference is that Nielson has been a plank his whole career. Never showed anything more than solid, even at Melbourne.

By contrast, Lafai has shown that he can be a weapon on the left edge. He's actually got the runs on the board and it's not like that happened 5 years ago. Given that, and the way we went about signing him, I'd be very surprised if he didn't start the year at left centre.

 

[Vasilevsky]

I'd wager that Matthews is first choice backup if Friz is out

I thought Matthews was one of the better players on Saturday. Not as good as Packer and JDB but the pick of the forwards after those 2.

 

[Vasilevsky]

The difference is that Nielson has been a plank his whole career. Never showed anything more than solid, even at Melbourne.

By contrast, Lafai has shown that he can be a weapon on the left edge. He's actually got the runs on the board and it's not like that happened 5 years ago. Given that, and the way we went about signing him, I'd be very surprised if he didn't start the year at left centre.

Since when has Lafai gotten so many runs on the board?

Regardless, Aitken has thus far shown he is now far superior and should consign Lafai to the NSW Cup at least for the first few rounds.

 

[TruSaint]

The difference is that Nielson has been a plank his whole career. Never showed anything more than solid, even at Melbourne.

By contrast, Lafai has shown that he can be a weapon on the left edge. He's actually got the runs on the board and it's not like that happened 5 years ago. Given that, and the way we went about signing him, I'd be very surprised if he didn't start the year at left centre.

His history is just that BV. If we are to go on Mary's word, then Aitken and Dugan will start. I was hoping as we all were for Lafai to show his stuff, and maybe he will. To date, Aitken is ahead and Dugan is a given.

 

[Objective View]

The difference is that Nielson has been a plank his whole career. Never showed anything more than solid, even at Melbourne.

By contrast, Lafai has shown that he can be a weapon on the left edge. He's actually got the runs on the board and it's not like that happened 5 years ago. Given that, and the way we went about signing him, I'd be very surprised if he didn't start the year at left centre.

I'd be shocked if he didn't start either. But he doesn't deserve to.

It really is that simple. No ifs, no buts.

Straight Shooter

 

[BLM01]

His history is just that BV. If we are to go on Mary's word, then Aitken and Dugan will start. I was hoping as we all were for Lafai to show his stuff, and maybe he will. To date, Aitken is ahead and Dugan is a given.

I think if Mary is fed dinkum. Aitken is playing well at right centre where Dugan played for NSW. I think Dugan should be f/back and left centre well I would give Lafai (if plays well in NZ) then Izaac Thompson or Milne a go..but then again Milne plays natural right centre as well . Mann..well I would not of bought him but is best at wing or f/back not centre..so left wing Mann.
I think the coach has got to many players at a similar fringe level except for Dugan and so far is confusing himself on who to put where in positions 1-4..and if not careful might make the wrong decisions.

 

[GC Dragon]

I think the round 1 Starting 5 will be

1..Mann
2..Mata
3..dugan
4...Lafai
5..Flo
6..Widdop
7...benji

Mine would be .

1..Mann
2..Flo
3..Aitken
4..Dugan
5..Milne
6...Benji
7...Widdop.

Lafai would have to have the game of his life against the Warriors to get a start over Aitken ...Same with Mata over Milne ....And Widdop should be made our main playmaker

 

[dragonsben]

I think the round 1 Starting 5 will be

1..Mann
2..Mata
3..dugan
4...Lafai
5..Flo
6..Widdop
7...benji

Mine would be .

1..Mann
2..Flo
3..Aitken
4..Dugan
5..Milne
6...Benji
7...Widdop.

Lafai would have to have the game of his life against the Warriors to get a start over Aitken ...Same with Mata over Milne ....And Widdop should be made our main playmaker

Matautia will be in the team

yeh how they played marshall played in charity shield was bullshit, he's not a first receiver. he needs to be able to run the ball and be dangerous! one of the only times he got the ball in the first half bloody rein gave him an awful pass and stuffed it. we need to play what we see in front of us, widdop to control and game and give marshall and free pass (within reason)

 

[Saints Forever]

Mann will start at full back because the decision was made last year that we need a ball playing full back.

Mann should only play that role in attack.

Duges should remain full back for purpose of kick returns unless Mann shows he has the ability to beat the line as it approaches.

If the experiment fails, Mann will compete for another backline position

I expect to see Mary pick:

Mann
Flo
Duges
Lafai
PM

But hope to see:

Mann
Flo
Duges
Aitken
Lafai

But would be happy with any combination rolled out by Mary that includes

Duges
Mann
Flo
Aitken
Lafai
PM
Milne

We are well placed in terms of injuries to backline as long as Mann/Widdop/Marshall stay fit.

If we lose 2 of those 3 at any stage we are in for a whole lot of hurt.

Silver lining may be Hutch surprises us or club is forced to contract Wallace/Nona.

McCrone I simply don't rate at all.