Predicted team for Vegas vs Panthers

[Stake Removed]

1. W.Kennedy
2. S.Katoa
3. J.Ramien
4. K.Iro
5. R.Mulitalo
6. B.Trindall
7. N.Hynes
8. A. Fonua - Blake
9. B.Brailey
10. O.Kaufisi
11. B.Nikora
12. T.Wilton
13. C.McInnes
Bench
14. T.Hazelton
15. S.Talakai
16. T.Hau Tapuha
17. H.Puru
Reserve
18. D.Atkinson

 

[Cheese sandwich]

He'll probably go with Uele over tuks, hope Puru gets that spot over Atkinson too

 

[Dragon Slayer]

Who are you and what have you done to the real Stake Removed???

 

[roboshark]

No way he doesn't pick Atko as 14

 

[Stake Removed]

He'll probably go with Uele over tuks, hope Puru gets that spot over Atkinson too

I went on what I seen in trials I thought Tuks looked better the Uele.
It will be a close call

 

[DJDL]

No way he doesn't pick Atko as 14

Sadly, I believe this to be true.

 

[R-15-3]

Iv got the same 17

 

[Dragon Slayer]

I went on what I seen in trials I thought Tuks looked better the Uele.
It will be a close call

I agree Stake but I have a feeling BHU gets picked over him. But I would pick Tuks.

 

[Dragon Slayer]

No way he doesn't pick Atko as 14

Atkinson would be asking for an early release to the Stains if Puru got picked in front of him.

But I have a feeling Fity for Round 1 could go 3 props and Talakai. Forwards still getting their game fitness up. Also try to really dominate the Panthers in the forwards by rolling fresh big men through the middle relentlessly.

 

[shaggs]

I don’t think Atkinson plays round 1.
he will be in and out all year pending injuries and maybe the horses for courses selections.

Narrow field. Amazing Penrith defence. I’d be going big on the bench.

 

[Mako-Ver]

Unfortunately the 13 are locked & loaded.
The bench will be
BHU (unless injured)
Talarki
Purple Haze
Acco

18th man
Billy Burns

tourists
Berrel
Tukahuaptuapuapupu
Hiroti
Puru

 

[Chimp]

Almost exactly as I’d have it, but I’d be going with BHU instead of Puru.

AFB to do big minutes, and then just keep rolling OK, BHU, Tuks, Sifa and Hazo so they’re always fresh. Helps combat the Penrith fitness levels and line speed.

 

[2012....Sharks Year]

I’d have BHU in for Tuks. Tusk is the future but BHU is my banker for a try and memorable try celebration in Vegas. Would love to see Puru in for Atko but doubt it happens just yet.

 

[Ozzi_78]

I wouldn’t worry about BHU being picked, he will be injured by round 3

 

[chewsta]

Other forum saying Sione will be out for a while. He apparently requires shoulder surgery (Laterjet).
Huge loss if true.

 

[Get_Sharked]

What's the point of Atkinson on the bench? Sort of roving lock to cover McInnes? I wouldn't bother. Relentless waves of big bodies is what we need.

14. Tuks
15. BHU
16. Hazelton
17. Talakai

 

[Ozzi_78]

Other forum saying Sione will be out for a while. He apparently requires shoulder surgery (Laterjet).
Huge loss if true.

There’s another forum like this one?

 

[DJDL]

Other forum saying Sione will be out for a while. He apparently requires shoulder surgery (Laterjet).
Huge loss if true.

Maybe this is what Riccio meant years ago when he said "one injury away from never looking back".
At the time I thought he mean Jensen Taumoepea, but maybe he was gazing into his crystal ball.

Sad for TTF, but if it accelerates Sam's progression it only helps in the long run.

I've got a feeling it'll play out the same way for Toby.
He and JC are due back around the same time, and I'd say neither are walk up starters for the top 17.
My feeling is JC will overtake him in the pecking order as they get back to match fitness.

 

[DJDL]

What's the point of Atkinson on the bench?

Never a more astute observation posted on this forum.

 

[Special K]

I got the feeling Katoa was out when he posted himself fishing yesterday saying along the lines of "trying to make the best of a bad situation". I love Stonestreet, love him but he has a fair bit of work to do on defence. I do believe in him though.

That podcast posted the other day along the lines of Atkinson on the bench all year gives him experience in different situations/positions vs being thrown in last minute at the end of the year. I see value in that. I do however prefer a 4 forward bench. AFB, Kaufusi, BHU, Toby when fit - Tuku otherwise, Sifa and Hazo is some power.