One of the big talking points in Andrew McFadden's starting team for the NRL opener against the Wests Tigers will undoubtedly be the centre pairing.
The Warriors coach, who knows he is under pressure to deliver in the defining season of his career, named his strongest possible team for last week's trial against the St George-Illawarra Dragons on Saturday.
The chosen centres were Tuimoala Lolohea and new signing from the Sharks Blake Ayshford, while Konrad Hurrell was named on the extended interchange bench.
McFadden had no thought of changing up the midfield line-up for the Tigers next Saturday after the team went down 46-10 in Nelson.
"I don't think we had too many good performers so it is hard to read any form around that," McFadden said at Warriors training on Thursday.
McFadden said the centre pairing was one of the toughest selections in their starting XIII because of the depth they have in that position.
All of the contenders have been training hard and the coach will narrow down his focus to the likely starters for round one this week.
"We have been training certain ways throughout the preseason so we have a fair idea of what we are going to go with and we will wait and see in the next few days."
Hurrell has reportedly trained the house down over the summer and McFadden said at the announcement of the Nines team that he was in "the best shape of his life".
But the controversial centre, who was rumoured to be leaving the club in 2015, has not done enough to secure a starting berth just yet.
"It is the same story with Konnie," said McFadden. "He has done a terrific job preparing for this season. He is in great shape, but that centre position is pretty hotly contested so it will be a very difficult decision going into round one."
Defence has been a work on for the Warriors in the break and McFadden said the experience of Ayshford on the right edge was invaluable.
"Blake's experience gives him that composed attitude out on the field and that is pretty important," said McFadden.
The 27-year-old, who played only four games for the Sharks in 2015, joined Cronulla following five years with the Wests Tigers where he made 104 appearances and scored 33 tries.
On his signing, McFadden said Ayshford had all the qualities the club was after.
"While we're always seeking to create depth and competition, we have also identified the need for more experienced and durable players with the level of professionalism we're after. Blake will bring those qualities to the club. He has been on the NRL scene for several seasons now and has demonstrated just what we need from our signings."
To complicate matters, Solomone Kata, who played on the right wing with Manu Vatuvei on the other in the trial, is hoping to get a chance at centre at some stage this season.
"I prefer to play centre but I don't mind whatever position the coach puts me in, I will do my best for the team," he said.
"I played most of my league at centre and I feel more comfortable there, and if there is any chance to put me back there I am sure the coach will do that. I hope so."
Kata, one of the most dynamic ball runners for the home side when they went all the way to the final of the Auckland Nines, says the role on the wing was much simpler.
"I just like running with the ball. It is easier on the wing. You just catch the ball and run. It is more easy and I enjoy that. I am just trying to take my opportunities."
McFadden has plenty of champion players at his disposal the key question is can he get them to gel and become a champion team.
The centre pairing is a talking point in round one and the coach hopes whoever he chooses delivers so the team can enjoy a settled midfield combination for a consistent 2016 season.
- Stuff.co.nz
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league...re-pairing-is-a-tough-decision-for-NRL-opener
