R1 | Knights 24-14 Warriors @ Hunter | Sat 4.30pm

[ryana87]

As has been said on here, the back line is outstanding, however it's the forwards that are a concern. I'm not overly worried about the back row, however it's the props and hooker that worry me. Clydesdale was pretty ordinary last year and I really hope he steps up. I saw some pics of Snowy and he looks in much better shape than the last few years. Hopefully the other props will be able to play a key role alongside him. If the props and hooker fire, I can see us as being a top 4 team. If not I see us missing the 8.

I personally thought clysdale was outstanding in the nine's......... Could be having buderus on as a full time coach..... But in those short games, he looks heaps better than last year

 

[perverse]

I don't really see why Clydsdale cops so much flak. Could it be a similar reason Mullo copped it for years after Joeys retirement? Some boots are just too big to fill. I thought Clydsdale has been solid for his first full year in a tough position on the field. Defends very well for his size. I don't really think he's ever looked out of his depth. I think at worst he's a serviceable first grade hooker... and still has a lot of room to grow and improve.

 

[Swarzey]

He was never the problem last season. Always held his own and his service was quick and solid. People expect hookers to be a Jake Friend or Isaac Luke type of player who darts out and makes plenty of ground or a Cameron Smith type that influences direction and general play. After one season of first grade it's almost deplorable that people expect so much and think it's worth tossing him away in favour of picking up some off contract one or cycling through what we have.

He's only going to improve as time goes on and I'd much rather keep him and allow him the time to develop then ditch him and watch him possibly become something elsewhere.

 

[Frederick]

Someone in the Warriors forum is reporting that Tomkins is out of this game with a hamstring injury. Big blow for them if true

 

[Noname36]

Just evens things up for us a bit because our fullback can be such a bloody derp.

 

[Still Nutty]

Interesting article by Barry Toohey today in the DT...article is about Stone's choice between Joey and Sione but the last line or so of the article was the one that caught my eye...it has Stone stating that Tyler Randell is a guaranteed pick in the 17 and he wont be making way for either Sione or Joey to take up a bench spot.

 

[Sacrolishes]

Randall deserves his spot. Been superb in pre season let alone last season for Cup. Basically a stronger version of Peden and Hilder. Always happy to have one of them on the squad team sheet. I'm torn on Sione and Joey. Joey can be just a monster and win us a game or he can give away important penalties. Sione I want to see play to see how he goes in 1st at Center. However I'd rather he replace Gagai IF Gagai is already in his mind going to Broncos. Then of course we have the issue of what if Sione is already happy to leave us to Bulldogs. Then in that case bugger off so we can give Mamo his chance and let Joey be that rocks and diamonds player we still love. At least he wants to stay... As far as we know.

Really tough choice for Stone to make there. Lots of interesting outcomes.

 

[Spot On]

Well it would help if the club knew what the brothers were doing now not in R15. If they're going then BJ is first picked. Just how long will it take for the mess to be fixed?

 

[Noname36]

We can't just drop Gagai for Sione on the basis of media talk that he might join Brisbane in 2016 when Sione has actually signed something to play with another club next year.

Either way we're going to have to pick at least 1 centre that might not be here next year. Stone only has two years to prove himself so whoever he picks it'll be who he thinks will help the squad the most in 2015...not on principle of who is definitely going to be there in 2016.

This whole Mata'utia drama is really giving me the shits though because we have so many backs off contract this year and at this stage we have absolutely no idea what the backline will look like in 12 months time. I'm actually very curious what the club's plan is there. Regardless of whether the brothers, Gagai, Mamo, etc decide to leave anyway we're negotiating with all of them so either the club has them all in their plans going forward or they're just trying to re-sign everyone to cover their arses because they're not confident of their ability to retain many anyway.

 

[Joker's Wild]

No point guessing what is going to happen with their contracts

Stones job is to pick the best possible side and thats what he should be doing.

 

[slotmachine]

I like Randall, busy footballer. I think he looked better than Clydesdale in the nines.

 

[Noname36]

Knights side announced:

1 Kurt Gidley (c)
2 James McManus
3 Dane Gagai
4 Joseph Leilua
5 Akuila Uate
6 Jarrod Mullen
7 Tyrone Roberts
8 Kade Snowden
9 Adam Clydsdale
10 Korbin Sims
11 Beau Scott
12 Robbie Rochow
13 Jeremy Smith

Interchange
14 Tyler Randell
15 Chris Houston
16 David Fa'alogo
17 Jack Stockwell
18 Sione Mata'utia


Probably the absolute worst bench we could have named. Houston, Stockwell and Fa'alogo offer zero impact. I hope to God there's some changes there before kick off. I think Sione may end up starting and BJ to the bench because at least he could offer some impact there. Tapine would have been a much better bench option than Houston...I'd hazard a guess VaiVai or Mataora would have too.

 

[Rod]

Yeah the bench isn't great, thankfully the Warriors one has a couple of debutantes on it also. Starting side is not bad, pretty much what was to be expected. I think we can get them, Warriors are normally pretty rusty at the start of the season.

 

[Sacrolishes]

Got a strange feeling that either Vai Vai or Mataora will be brought in on game day. That is a very strange bench to name.

 

[Noname36]

Got a strange feeling that either Vai Vai or Mataora will be brought in on game day. That is a very strange bench to name.

I very much doubt it unfortunately given neither got a run in the trial side.

 

[Chicken_Hunter]

I'm not too sure how it's a strange bench? House and faalogo are incumbents, Randall is back up hooker/second rower and STockwell is our only other decent prop option.

 

[Sacrolishes]

Fair point Hunter. And I do like Fa'alongo. Houston can do the job. Keen to see Stockwell. Hope he goes well

 

[slotmachine]

Don't see how bj can get a run on the bench when he can't play lock or front row. We need middle players to spell the snowden, sims and smith.

Stockwell and house are clones IMO, pick one or the other but not both.

 

[Noname36]

I'm not too sure how it's a strange bench? House and faalogo are incumbents, Randall is back up hooker/second rower and STockwell is our only other decent prop option.

For me it's about the type of player they are. Like slotmachine said, Houston and Stockwell are very similar. They have big builds and big motors but offer nothing in terms of impact...the main thing you want from your forwards coming off the bench. I actually have no issue with Fa'alogo being there at all but it kinda puts it into perspective how impotent our bench is when he'll probably be the one offering the most impact.

 

[Jono078]

What a disgusting bench.

We'll go nowhere this year with a bench like that.

Incumbent Australian winger/centre didn't make our starting side. That'll be the headline all week.