Once again

[Jake the snake]

Its been said before but here goes again:

Starting Pack:

Cannings
Moriss
Tsoulos
Hindmarsh
Cayless
Wagon

Hopkins
Armitt
Vella
Pearson/Kaufusi/Stapleton/Moi Moi

Vella would be devestating off the bench and Armitt is the perfect replacement for Cayless. I could not decide on the last spot but it would either be Pearson or Kaufusi. Hopkins can cover every posy in the team so he is perfect No.14.

Thats orgasmic.

 

[Ron Jeremy]

I find it hilarious when people actually question as to whether we actually do have forward depth this year like....simon says??

Our forward pack is very exciting.....however i do feel we need another top class outside back to round our side off nicely.

 

[Twizzle]

After last nights trial, Peek would be the first forward that I would pick.

Pearson was big and hit the line hard, but never got over the advantage line, where as other did repeatedly.

Cannings
Morris
Peek
Hindy
Caylo
Wags/Hopkins

Kafusi
Stapleton
Tsoulos
And a little guy like Thorman

That's one trial, after next weeks game, we might come up with a different combination, and that may change after the first 4 rounds.

As usual the team may not settle until mid season.

If you want to get excited about next season, our big forwards are definately worth getting excited about.

Last nights game was a good forward battle, and its where we won the game.

 

[Pazza]

I am excited about Micheal Witt and Chris Thorman. Both players are young with plenty of skill and can hopefully strike up a combination that will last for many seasons. A well estalished halves combination is what we have lacked. If we can get Thorman and Witt in the halves in the long term, then we are going to be highly successful.

 

[KITA]

what about dykes? He is very good once in form like sevens for example

 

[Twizzle]

Fair Call.

Two more trials to go.

 

[Pazza]

Dykes holds on to the ball and crabs side ways alittle too much for my liking, he is a good player but he wont take us to the top.

 

[Ron Jeremy]

So i've gathered that Thorman did show some promise last night??

Great news as remember his pre season has been limited & he apparently lost abit of conditioning.

C'mon Stormin Thorman!!

 

[half]

Dykes holds on to the ball and crabs side ways alittle too much for my liking, he is a good player but he wont take us to the top.

he almost took the sharks to the top with a supporting cast half as good as ours

 

[The Colonel]

If we are going to go to the top we need an exeprienced half. Thorman and Witt will have the job long term but unfortunately they aren't anywhere near the class of Sterling and Kenny (yet) as a combination. We will need experience to guide us around the park as well as youthful enthusiasm. A fit Adam Dykes will be more than dangerous behind a monster pack.

 

[Misty Bee]

Got it in 1, Colonel. Can't imagine Witt and Thorman guiding is to the 2004 premiership. Dykes, on the other hand....

 

[Agent Mulder]

What about moving Dave from the Centers and putting Langi in there with Lyon and moving Dave to lock and have Wagon off the bench? Wagon can almost play anywhere.

 

[The Colonel]

Why move an international centre to play him out of position and have an often injured replacement step in for him? Langi is a good player when fit however weakening a position to strengthen another isn't necessarily a good idea. Also with the likes of Muckert, Muspratt, Hinchcliffe, Hopkins, Wagon, Pai and Widders all capable of playing lock not really warranted.

 

[Pazza]

Dykes leading us to premiership? i doubt it, my point is get these yung guys in and build for the long term success. Plus it is going to happen anyways, Dykes is a walking injury, Thorman will get plenty of game time at 5/8.

 

[The Colonel]

If your going to win a premiership you need an exeperienced player in the halves to do so. Thorman and Witt are great players don't get me wrong but they do not have the experience that Dykes has. When fit he will play more often than not.

2003 - Gower
2002 - Fittler
2001 - Johns
2000 - Walters
1999 - Kimmorley
1998 - Langer

History dictates the need for experience.

 

[Agent Mulder]

Why move an international centre to play him out of position and have an often injured replacement step in for him? Langi is a good player when fit however weakening a position to strengthen another isn't necessarily a good idea. Also with the likes of Muckert, Muspratt, Hinchcliffe, Hopkins, Wagon, Pai and Widders all capable of playing lock not really warranted.

Just a thought dude.
Although he plays fullback for NZ not always in the center

 

[The Colonel]

Its a good thought Lyon. I think Langi will get some game time this year and if he stays fit can be a valuable back up when Origin and Tests teams are named. In our strongest team however he may struggle to make the 17.

 

[Pazza]

No doubt you need a quality player in the halves but i wouldnt have Dykes anywhere near the players you have listed. Australian and Origin reps, some of the best halves the game has ever seen. I doubt we will win the comp this year. There are alot of new faces at the club and we need to build. 2005 - 2006 will be when we mature into a real force.

 

[Pazza]

i have no idea who is going to play in the #5? any body got any oppinions?

 

[The Colonel]

I think you underestimate Dykes. Based on 2001 form and fully fit I would put him level with Gower and Walters. Dykes has shown glimpses late last year and early this of what he can do ala 2001. In the same class as Fittler, Langer and Johns - not a chance. However if the team can stay fit and healthy I would put or chances of finishing the year well as opposed to causing headaches late in the season as better than great.