Some interesting selections there.
I'm not sure why you wouldn't pick Taruva at FB, and use Staines (or someone else) on the wing. As a few have said, I probably would have started with Hope and used Latu Fainu. I think that offers a bit more variety in general, and cover in case of injuries.
Newcastle have also made some perplexing decisions. The combo of Crossland and Sharpe in the halves worked very well for them in the trials. I'm a bit surprised they're starting with Cogger. Even more surprised that they're starting Crossland at hooker and Brailey is coming off the bench. When Brailey comes on they may leave Crossland out there and have too many ball players getting in each others way. Too many cooks in the kitchen so to speak. Here's hoping.
Good to see we have a bit of size for a change. That's new. Across the park though we still look a fair bit smaller than the Knights. It's hard to imagine that Newcastle left edge isn't going to find a fair bit of space. I'd be shocked if they didn't base their game plan around attacking that area all day, no matter what their field position is.
With half our spine out it's gonna be a tough assignment. I'm hoping to see us put in and work for each other, and hopefully show some good structure in attack and defence, which was a bit lacking in the trials. Hopefully we can come away with the 2 points. It'd do wonders for the confidence.
