Can we remember this is a trial and by no means the final make up of our team.
Preston Campbell I don't expect to play in the number one jersey in 2007 - Cartwright is experimenting with him there with the absence of likely fullback Richie Mathers is out with the flu. Campbell will see 20-40 minutes at fullback and will attack either side of the ruck as a traditional five-eight. "Bowen like" in attack I think Cartwright stated is the plan.
Can I ask why Richie may be a "wasted buy"?
How much have you seen of Richie Mathers play in any rugby league to make such a bold statement when the season has yet to start?
Richie was one of the better players last weekend in a team loaded with feeder players and youngsters looking to push for inclusion in the 32 man squad we will pick from in 2007.
The forward pack is by no means a "pack of names" ala Brisbane or Canterbury though we have very good players laying the foundation up front.
Luke Bailey is world class and will be the cornerstone of the pack. He will be partnered by the James Stosic, an honest prop from Cronulla and Michael Henderson is jumping out of his skin to secure a run on birth. Henderson will have a big season.
Anthony Laffranchi is a very good back rower and made his representative debut for Country last season. I think he is an excellent pick up for the club and Tigers fans are ruing the loss.
Nathan Friend had a very good season at Melbourne last year and is out recovering from off-season surgery. He deserves an opportunity to be a 60-80 minute player in the NRL.
Gavin Cooper could be anything in this competition. He has size, speed and ball skills. Cooper could be on those players in 2007 who surprises a whole lot of people. I think he is a future Queensland Origin player.
The rest of the pack will be mixed with veterans and young talent with NRL experience. Minichiello, Meyers, Hodgson, O'Dwyer, Swain, Hilder, Kahler etc.
There is a nice blend of veteran leadership and savvy mixed with young players in this team.
Will we make the finals? Tough ask for a debutant team - though Melbourne did it. I won't however make any bold predicitions other than to say we were turn up each week and give the opposition a tough contest.
Our main obstacles will be injuries to key personnel over a long NRL season. With some luck in the injury department, anything can happen.
Trial results mean sweet FA when all is said and done. We are giving as many players as possible a chance to press for first team selection so I am not too concerned with results.
The first 5-6 weeks of the season will be crucial for us given the first team will be gelling as one, if we can come through that period with .500 record or thereabouts, we are in good stead.
