Round 11 Vs Titans @Cbus Super Stadium - Sunday 26th July 4pm

[WestyLife]

So on a scale of Darius Boyd to Matt Burton what chances we see Daine Laurie get a debut? Staines got a run so I assume Ivan isn't above giving guys a go this year.

 

[PANTHERMIKE]

As long as Billy Blister Burns is no where near the team - ever again...

 

[herbert henry1908]

Lots of people saying go with the safe option at FB, but what if Edwards got a season ending injury at some point? Would you really want Aekins in a finals run?

Perfect opportunity to blood someone with more skill in the role, in case they’re needed at a more pivotal moment.

 

[Jane Murray]

Hopefully, Charlie Staines, if available, comes in, if not, Matt Burton to fullback, or centres, would be my choice.

 

[WestyLife]

Lots of people saying go with the safe option at FB, but what if Edwards got a season ending injury at some point? Would you really want Aekins in a finals run?

Perfect opportunity to blood someone with more skill in the role, in case they’re needed at a more pivotal moment.

Yeah Twitter seemed unanimous on Aekins and MWZ. I'd prefer to develop someone for first grade.

 

[ACTPanthers]

All I'm going to say is I'd hate to be Ivan... So many choices, all with their own merits, meaning he'll be crucified by at least a portion of the fan base no matter the way he goes.

On the game, this is in the same vein as the Cowboys for me. We SHOULD win, on paper and current form, but I fear complacency will bite us. Hopefully the staff and senior players can instil an attitude that won't allow it though.

 

[WestyLife]

Hopefully, Charlie Staines, if available, comes in, if not, Matt Burton to fullback, or centres, would be my choice.

Staines can't play this week.

 

[WestyLife]

All I'm going to say is I'd hate to be Ivan... So many choices, all with their own merits, meaning he'll be crucified by at least a portion of the fan base no matter the way he goes.

On the game, this is in the same vein as the Cowboys for me. We SHOULD win, on paper and current form, but I fear complacency will bite us. Hopefully the staff and senior players can instil an attitude that won't allow it though.

A lot of truth in this.

 

[Jane Murray]

A lot of truth in this.

And watch Bryce Cartwright tear us up big time.

 

[martielang]

Lots of people saying go with the safe option at FB, but what if Edwards got a season ending injury at some point? Would you really want Aekins in a finals run?

Perfect opportunity to blood someone with more skill in the role, in case they’re needed at a more pivotal moment.

There's a lot more to the fullback position than being flashy with the ball. I'm not saying you're overlooking it but many do on this forum. We now have strike pretty much across the field, which (IMO) allows Aekins to be a safe cog in the machine type player for us; catch the ball, run the ball. It doesn't disrupt our whole backline & if we need another ball player, get May on the field a little longer.

He never got the accolades for his positioning or defence because it's not highlight worthy, but then he drops a bomb & the carry on from some.... Meanwhile those same people will die on the cross for Naden when he makes an error or chooses to run 35m infield to tackle someone who isn't there, or when Crichton is out of position at the back which leads to a try...

 

[snickers007]

I'd be putting Burton at 1.
If he shits the bed, we have options mid-game, eg. Crichton and Luai.

We should be trying to minimise the disruptions to our edge defence, which is why Crichton should be named at Centre. And also because I'm still unsure that he has the urgency required to make a real fist of fullback. On the few occasions he's played there this season, we've seen uncontested bombs, and general laziness to play at the ball. Defensively at FB he reminds me of Jarryd Hayne, and that's not a compliment.

So:
1. Burton
2. Mansour
3. Crichton
4. Naden
5. MWZ / Laurie
6. Luai
14. May

Edit: I'm also happy for Aikens to come back in, as he is a good, safe fullback option. I just think that our attack has been so much more dangerous with Edwards in the team due to his passing and support game - and I think Burton is much closer match in that regard.

 

[franklin2323]

I'd go:

Burton
Mansour
Naden
Crichton
MWZ/Aekins

 

[franklin2323]

There's a lot more to the fullback position than being flashy with the ball. I'm not saying you're overlooking it but many do on this forum. We now have strike pretty much across the field, which (IMO) allows Aekins to be a safe cog in the machine type player for us; catch the ball, run the ball. It doesn't disrupt our whole backline & if we need another ball player, get May on the field a little longer.

He never got the accolades for his positioning or defence because it's not highlight worthy, but then he drops a bomb & the carry on from some.... Meanwhile those same people will die on the cross for Naden when he makes an error or chooses to run 35m infield to tackle someone who isn't there, or when Crichton is out of position at the back which leads to a try...

Look at how much better we are with Edwards back there. Edwards is far from an elite fullback but it shows how far behind Aekins is

 

[herbert henry1908]

There's a lot more to the fullback position than being flashy with the ball. I'm not saying you're overlooking it but many do on this forum. We now have strike pretty much across the field, which (IMO) allows Aekins to be a safe cog in the machine type player for us; catch the ball, run the ball. It doesn't disrupt our whole backline & if we need another ball player, get May on the field a little longer.

He never got the accolades for his positioning or defence because it's not highlight worthy, but then he drops a bomb & the carry on from some.... Meanwhile those same people will die on the cross for Naden when he makes an error or chooses to run 35m infield to tackle someone who isn't there, or when Crichton is out of position at the back which leads to a try...

I take your point, I just don’t think you win premierships with honest toilers like Aekins in a key position.

Our attack really improved when Edwards came back from injury. I think it’d be more disruptive to go back to someone who doesn’t offer anything in that area.


There’s never going to be a better opportunity to blood someone with more potential. We’re top of the table, a dominant forward pack and playing a below average team.

If not now, when?

 

[herbert henry1908]

Look at how much better we are with Edwards back there. Edwards is far from an elite fullback but it shows how far behind Aekins is

Exactly this.

The team became better when Edwards came back, as clear as day. Why go back to a safe option when we have attacking options?

 

[kinghippo]

It has been mentioned that Burton has been training at fullback, surely the titans is the time to give him a shot.

 

[herbert henry1908]

I'd be putting Burton at 1.
If he shits the bed, we have options mid-game, eg. Crichton and Luai.

We should be trying to minimise the disruptions to our edge defence, which is why Crichton should be named at Centre. And also because I'm still unsure that he has the urgency required to make a real fist of fullback. On the few occasions he's played there this season, we've seen uncontested bombs, and general laziness to play at the ball. Defensively at FB he reminds me of Jarryd Hayne, and that's not a compliment.

So:
1. Burton
2. Mansour
3. Crichton
4. Naden
5. MWZ / Laurie
6. Luai
14. May

Edit: I'm also happy for Aikens to come back in, as he is a good, safe fullback option. I just think that our attack has been so much more dangerous with Edwards in the team due to his passing and support game - and I think Burton is much closer match in that regard.

Great post here. You’ve convinced me to abandon the idea of Crichton to FB. Burton is the way to go.

I don’t even see Burton as a big risk. We’ve all seen he’s got great composure, great hands and he’s tall. These seem like all the elements to make a good fullback.

 

[kinghippo]

And watch Bryce Cartwright tear us up big time.

I am more concerned about peachy than Bryce, the peach was one of my favourites.

 

[Aliceinwonderland]

Great post here. You’ve convinced me to abandon the idea of Crichton to FB. Burton is the way to go.

I don’t even see Burton as a big risk. We’ve all seen he’s got great composure, great hands and he’s tall. These seem like all the elements to make a good fullback.

I agree. Your basically only changing one position, instead of two or 3. Even if Crighton went back to F/B when defending.

Add in MWZ to wing until Staines is allowed and fit to play.

Could work real well.

 

[Jane Murray]

I am more concerned about peachy than Bryce, the peach was one of my favourites.

Good point. I forgot about him.