Predicted Rnd 1 team 2025

[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.

update my prediction (what I think Rykes will do), after trial:

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

14. Lussick/papa. If forward, same as no. 17
15. Matterson
16. Offa
17. Luca or Doorey

Outside chance Guymer.

Second edge spot, still up for grabs, only options are Kautoga, Cartwright or Guymer. Think Cartwright played himself out of side Friday. Interestingly Guymer got extended time at edge during trial. But not sure he did enough. While not sure if Ryles will go for a utility or second hooker.

The back line picks itself, except for second wing spot (Russell is a lock). Tago wasn't great but most likely gets it. WouId have liked to see Papa get a run there in the trials, see how he goes. What other options are there? Lomax to wing? But who plays centre? Not likely.

 

[Gherkin]

Williams is not an edge player .... he does well in the middle ... im not sure why people keep picking him as an edge.

We have a massive lack of reliable edge forwards .... i assume Kelma will be one due to lack of anything else .... should we consider putting Matto back on an edge? Maybe he isnt in that headspace anymore?

We have massive problems at edge forward

That's exactly why people are naming him on the edge. I don't mind the Matterson call, not an ideal option but can fill a spot there and hopefully defend well enough next to Moses or Brown. If Matterson starts on the edge I'd have someone more dynamic on the bench Kautoga (if he can hold the ball) to change it up in the 2nd half.

Cartwright was terrible the other night but I think he'll still be considered. I feel like more experienced players like him, Matterson, Lomax were just getting through the minutes the other night. The younger kids were putting in trying to push for a spot. But I would only pick Cartwright if he was next to Moses, which isn't going to happen if Kelma has trained there all off season.

 

[eels_fan]

Williams is not an edge player .... he does well in the middle ... im not sure why people keep picking him as an edge.

We have a massive lack of reliable edge forwards .... i assume Kelma will be one due to lack of anything else .... should we consider putting Matto back on an edge? Maybe he isnt in that headspace anymore?

We have massive problems at edge forward

I believe he can 100% play on the edge, or in a hybrid style role moving between the 2.

It was actually mentioned in the coverage, and i agree, he is very similar to Sorensen at penrith who shifts between both roles aptly and adds so much to the penrith team.

He's more suited to the edge that Matto is now, and he's a better option that Carty and Lane

 

[Pazza]

Williams is about as much as an edge forward than hopgood is