Poor Mick, but who will replace him?

[philstorm]

I was devastated to read the reports that Mick can't play in the Grand Final. Terrible luck for the great guy and i'm just shattered that he can't play.

But it begs the question, who should replace him? It'll come down to one of Jeremy Smith or Garret Crossman. I know Crossy has been brilliant, but Smith has that X-Factor about him ...

I'd go for Smith personally, but who knows! I've learnt over the past few years to trust whatever Bellamy does 100%. I know he'll make the right choice and even if we lose, i'll be backing whatever decisions he makes 100%!

 

[Lucas]

Crossman should never have missed last week. Has been outstanding when he has played this year, injury prevented him from having a real stellar season. Smithy has done OK, but isn't at Crossman's level yet. He will get more chances next year with Kidwell gone.

I wouldn't rule out Crocker yet though. As long as there isn't a tear to the ligament, he could be a chance to play.

 

[MONY]

Crossman should have played against the Dragons. He should be in the side this week whether Crocker is out or not imo.

 

[sheet_ed]

Isn't Donnelly available? He is training and running and we need a big man in the pack.

He is always my pick for a forward.

 

[Dani]

I feel sorry for Jeremy Smith.
He has been excellent all yea and will probably miss out.

 

[UndertakerMike]

i'm a big Jezza fan.

Crossman will take Crocker spot though. btw Crocker has next to no chance of playing.

 

[Noa]

Personally Id play Garrett and have Blair or Kaufusi play wider of the ruck but I read Bellamy will go with J.Smith.

 

[Lowdown]

I feel Crossman has done ok, but there is a widening gap between him and the likes of Ben Cross and Adam Blair. Crossman, like Donnelly seem to have a habit of losing the ball in tackles at key times (ie right after scoring a try) and Bellamy does not tolerate this. White, Kaufusi and Cross have excellent hands in the ruck, and offer a higher degree of mobility.

I reckon they will go for Jeremy Smith for one reason and one reason only - aggression in defence. Crocker has the 'mongruel' reputation, but Smith has delivered this year on the field with aggressive tackling and hitting the line at speed in attack and defence. His mobility is the perfect foil to tire out the Broncos pack. We dont need a 5th prop in this game. We have more than enough size with Fusi, Whitey and big Ben Cross and Blair. What we need is speed around the rucks with the ability to offload, but also to catch the likes of Berrigan zipping from the play the ball.

Mark my words - Jeremy Smith will be chosen.

 

[Noa]

Crossman >> Cross.

Before his shoulder injury Garrett was our best prop-forward. His defence is the best in the team (in terms of making the tackle) and his go-forward is great. I hope he bounces back from the disappointment of missing out on the GF.

 

[MONY]

As much as I love Jezza, he shouldn't and won't be in the team. Crossman offers far more to the team for mine and like Noa said, he was our best forward before his injury.

 

[1999]

so let me get this straight, u blokes fance 3 props on the bench and a hooker, wake up, jez smith or jamie feeney will be named before crossman, not because their better, but because a backrower NEEDS to be there, u boys know this...

 

[sheet_ed]

Unusual thought - based upon the 20 man selection.

Hill to 2nd Row/Lock - Webster to Geyers wing - Geyer to 5/8th.

Works for me and would really unsettle the Broncos.

 

[philstorm]

Unusual thought - based upon the 20 man selection.

Hill to 2nd Row/Lock - Webster to Geyers wing - Geyer to 5/8th.

Works for me and would really unsettle the Broncos.

Fair point, but moving Hill to 2nd Row/Lock would mean one of Hoffman or Johnson going to the bench. After all their good work this year - those two definitely deserve a start in the Grand Final.

 

[Jasestorm]

Jeremy Smith is the only real logical choice, with the possible exception of Jamie Feeney.

As much as I like Garrett Crossman, we do not need another Prop. We would lose the mobility that gives us the edge over most other packs.

 

[Jasestorm]

Not to mention Agro.

 

[MONY]

Either way I'm sure Jezza or Garrett will play very well.

I love watching Jeremy play

 

[UndertakerMike]

Jezza will star in this big stage.

 

[UndertakerMike]

Just adding to this:

Feel real sorry for Jake Webster If it wasn't for his dodgy shoulder he'd really be pushing for a sport in the squad.

 

[kia ora storm]

Jeremy Smith is a strong replacement but the only query I have over him is that he is a lot smaller than Webcke, Civoneceva and Thorn and they may target him.

 

[Sanchez]

what about playing webster off the bench in the second row