Predicted Rnd 1 team 2025

[Pazza]

Guymer or Morretti on the bench??

I'm struggling

 

[Gherkin]

I think Guymer will get a spot on the bench, maybe to replace Hopgood late in the game. Guymer can lead the line speed and tighten up the middle when everyone is tired

 

[Gherkin]

I think the following forwards are guaranteed a spot in the 17 - Paulo, Ofahengaue, Tuilagi, Hopgood, Matterson, Williams
If Williams and Matto are both playing in the middle we only need one of Guymer or Morretti at most. These 4 are versatile though so any could cover an edge if needed mid game.

8. Paulo
9. Hands
10. Ofahengaue
11. Tuilagi
12. Cartwright
13. Hopgood

14. Matterson
15. Williams
16. Guymer
17. Smith

Carty seems to be way down the pecking order based on trial selections, but I would probably start him. He plays well next to Moses and butter fingers that's starting this week needs to hold the ball before I'd even consider him on the bench.

 

[84 Baby]

I wouldn’t be surprised if Williams starts in place of Ofahengaue in round 1

 

[Pazza]

I wouldn’t be surprised if Williams starts in place of Ofahengaue in round 1

I would still start the big boys and bring the more mobile middles into the game when fatigue sets in

 

[84 Baby]

I would still start the big boys and bring the more mobile middles into the game when fatigue sets in

I think the big boys would be more effective when fatigue sets in the opposition big boys. Obviously it’ll depend on whether smaller forwards aren’t going to get completely dominated to start the match. Also controlling the ball and field position is very important

 

[Joshuatheeel]

8. Williams
9. Hands
10. Paulo
11. Kelma
12. Kautoga
13. Hopgood

14. If utility Papa or Lussick. If forward same as no. 17
15. Matterson
16. Offa
17. Luca or Doorey or Guymer or Sam

I reckon Sam, could be a smokie if he has a big game Friday.

 

[Incorrect]

8. Williams
9. Hands
10. Paulo
11. Kelma
12. Kautoga
13. Hopgood

14. If utility Papa or Lussick. If forward same as no. 17
15. Matterson
16. Offa
17. Luca or Doorey or Guymer or Sam

I reckon Sam, could be a smokie if he has a big game Friday.

What utility value does Lussick bring? The merkin can barely perform in his specialist position FFS

 

[Pazza]

I think the big boys would be more effective when fatigue sets in the opposition big boys. Obviously it’ll depend on whether smaller forwards aren’t going to get completely dominated to start the match. Also controlling the ball and field position is very important

Please dont think I'm being rude.

I just feel like that's old school thinking.

 

[84 Baby]

Please dont think I'm being rude.

I just feel like that's old school thinking.

And playing smaller players off bench is revolutionary?

 

[Pazza]

And playing smaller players off bench is revolutionary?

Hardly re inventing the wheel but it suits the modern game better

 

[84 Baby]

Hardly re inventing the wheel but it suits the modern game better

Failing to see where our tactical advantage would be then starting big forwards. The good old softening period then we bring our small forwards on to battle theirs? Thats been the general concept since they got rid of unlimited interchange yet you call my idea old school. Unless you mean last season was old school when we looked better starting Ofahengaue and having Paulo on bench?

 

[the phantom menace]

Trials over for us and two weeks to go... hopefully no suspensions or injuries.

Edge forward is the f**king hardest to pick!

1. Iongi
2. Russell
3. Penisini
4. Lomax
5. Tago - I guess, until Simonssen/Addo-Carr can be picked
6. Brown
7. Moses

8. Williams - not sure of the rotation order, but think Ofa's pantsing might cost him
9. Lussick - don't mind if Ryles starts Lussick to soak up first 20mins, so long as Hands comes on after that.
10. Paulo - we'll see how fit Junior is this season, and whether he can handle starting
11. Moretti - I think he's earnt it more than Tuilagi, Cartwright, Doorey or anyone else?
12. Latu / Kautoga - as part of edge forward rotation, why not?
13. Hopgood

14. Hands - As the season progresses I want to see Hands start and Smith get some tastes from the bench (and Lussick drop to Cup). Hands can also be the mid-game halves back-up if needed.
15. Matterson - middle rotation, with some mins on edge if we need
16. Ofahengaue - middle rotation
17. Kautoga / Latu - as part of edge forward rotation, can't miss more tackles than other options
18. Papalli - 18th player probably needs to be a back in case of mid-game injury, but should rotate each week, so players can get good minutes in Cup

Not considered:
Dunster - probably for Cup
Hawkins - Cup
Addo-Carr - probably for Tago's spot
Lane - probably on bench or starting edge forward
Simonsson - if Russell's playing well, might have to wait for injury/opportunity

In NSW Cup or age-limited competition for round 1:
Grieg - last sighted in NRL round 24 2024 so technically dropped
Tuilagi - played NRL final round 2024 so technically dropped
Cartwright - played NRL final round 2024 so technically dropped
Keir
Doorey
Mataele
Guymer
And Brown #2, Loizou, Lynn, Martin, Miller-Stephen, Nanva, Parker, Penisini #2, Pryke, Samrani, Tuivalti, Tupou, Twidle, Volkman, Farrugia (some site had him on train and trial...)?, Funa-Iuta (some site had him on train and trial...)?