Update on what I think will be the team. There are a couple of teams I haven't seen much of so relying on others views.
1. Johnston - South Sydney (in team last year, OZ schoolboy fullback just shades DWZ for #1)
2. Zelezniak - Penrith (exceptional player only 17 will play again next year at FB. Wing this year as with Penrith NYC)
3. Morgan - Bulldogs (haven't seen dogs this year although if form anything like last 2 years should be there. If he has slipped any of 4 below could take place)
4. Naden / Tia kilifi- Penrith, Aitken - Illawarra, Milne-roosters (preference is towards one of the Penrith centres especially considering their ladder position, Aitken scores his share of tries and has some versatility, Milne is big strong and athletic and woud not be out of place)
5. Taylor - Manly ( going great guns for Manly 20s in last couple of games strong and incredibly quick)
6. Hutchison - Illawarra (very good 5/8 Illawarra captain good size decision making and kicking)
7. Cox - Bulldogs (good organiser and strong kicking game haven't seen this year though if slipped Clay could get spot)
8. Lodge- Storm ( was there last year and will be there again, big body keeps going forward with good motor and work ethic)
9. Clay - Parra (more natural hooker but can play halves as has been case wiht parra 20s. Decision making at 7/6 still needs work but strong and quick. Just edging Deitz)
10. Tatola - Balmain (Saw an early game so not sure how he still travelling but was strong and damaging)
11. Moeroa - Parramatta (Big, athletic and hits like a mack truck.offers some versatility also. Played OZ schools rugby at centre last year)
12. Funaki - Tigers ( tough call between he and meehan for starting spot. Meehan versatility goes against him both strong and good line runners)
13. Yates - Newcastle (well rounded game , strong runner good defender will handle this with ease as he did at 16.
14. Leota - Penrith ( meter eater who plays big minutes and doesn't mind putting in a big shot or two. Not the biggest but neither is Fui)
15. Deitz - Roosters (couldn't leave clay out of starting side. Deitz is bigger although not as dynamic)
16. Fonua Blake - Dragons (big aggressive body needed for this game. Not the big minutes will do damage when out there)
17. Meehan - Roosters (OZ Schools winger now second rower brings versatility. Great athlete)
16s
1. Layoun - Parra (excellent at back and extra playmaker in undefeated team. Goal kicker)
2. Aboumelhem - Dogs (can score, strong and quick)
3. Ramien - Manly (playing ball this year but still 16 and eligible for Matts good at ball level. Great at Matts)
4. Wright - Wests (strong ball runner and good defender)
5. Griffith - Parra (seems to have been playing this level forever. Good finisher strong and quick)
6. Lamb - Newcastle (outstanding kicking game can organise and perfect foil to cogger)
7. Cogger - Newcastle (excellent organiser and ball player great partnership with lamb)
8. Pifileti - Balmain (man child, big strong and outstanding work ethic, great leg speed)
9. Tramontana - Parra (strong and quick off mark,knows when to run and can defend well)
10. Vasquez - sharks (much like Pifeleti)
11. Stone- Wests ( impressed every time I see him. Big hits and hard running)
12. Okunbor - Dogs (big, athletic and knows his way to try line.
13.Butcher - Souths (outstanding captain in a great team. Work rate plus)
14. Hamlin - Souths (another key to Souths dominance great go forward)
15. Talaki - Souths ( was good a year young at centre now unstoppable in back row. Damaging runner who rarely misses with the boot either, provides versatility)
16. Sauni - Wests (cornerstone to Wests pack. Plays lock and prop providing work rate and go forward)
17. Dargan - Parra ( traditional 7 great organiser who seems a step ahead of play could easily play 9 to rest Joey and provides options over a traditional 9)
