Trials are done!!! Round 1 v Raiders in Vegas

[RHYTHM AND STEALTH]

1. CNK
2. Tauapiki
3. Leiataua
4. Pompey
5. RTS
6. TMM
7. Metcalf

8. JFH
9. Egan
10 Barnett
11 Vaimauga
12 Laban
13. Clarke

14. Walker
15. Afoa
16 Ford
17. Halasima

Capewell doesnt deserve to be there, he can work his way back from NSW cup

 

[Penrose Warrior]

I don't know if there's much point saying Capewell shouldn't be there...he will be. I agree though, he offers so little.

I dunno if this is the team that will play, but this is who I'd pick (based on the ones I know Webster will pick, too)

1. CNK 2. Tuaupiki 3. Leiataua 4. Pompey (is he fit?) 5. RTS 6. TMM 7. Metcalf 8. JFH 9. Egan 10. Barnett 11. Capewell 12. Laban 13. Clark 14. Walker 15. Afoa/Ale 16. Niukore 17. Vaimauga

I wanted to find places for Healey and Leka, but can't justify three of Clark/Walker/Healey in the side and on the bench, and Leka suffers from a log jam of back-rowers and not enough props. Someone will have to rotate through the front row, and I hope it isn't Ford.

I don't think that's the side that will play, incidentally. Probably Ford for Bunty/Ale

Incidentally, I read somewhere that the brachial plexus injury Berry has, is the same one that has been playing havoc with Tom Flegler's career.

 

[Big Marn]

One good thing about nz herald paywall, i dont have to read Chris Rattues shit anymore

 

[One Warrior]

One good thing about nz herald paywall, i dont have to read Chris Rattues shit anymore

Yes definitely shit.

 

[Meth]

Looks like DWZ is out for a stretch.

NRL Casualty Ward: Star forwards return; Munster good to go

A complete rundown of injury news for all 17 clubs heading into the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership season.

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They are saying it’s indefinite still, but listing Round 6-8

 

[Penrose Warrior]

It's definitely a blow losing DWZ, it's a shame our depth doesn't cover wing because I feel like it's often a position you can get away with losing someone in.

On balance, our side would probably be better if we went Charnze at wing and Taine at No.1, but it isn't going to happen. Hopefully Taine can handle the defensive aspects of the role, because I'm sure he'll be able to bring enough with his attacking prowess.

 

[Wheeled Warrior]

It's definitely a blow losing DWZ,

Really? Besides his aerial finishes I don't think it's a blow. Tuaupiki offers better IQ and balance over the glory locks DWZ. Taine is going to surprise a few if he does get named at wing. The size is definitely the only concern some of us have and of course theres that possibility Kosi may get selected instead. (Shudders)

 

[Penrose Warrior]

Really? Besides his aerial finishes I don't think it's a blow. Tuaupiki offers better IQ and balance over the glory locks DWZ. Taine is going to surprise a few if he does get named at wing. The size is definitely the only concern some of us have and of course theres that possibility Kosi may get selected instead. (Shudders)

I'm very comfortable being proven wrong, I just don't know how much experience TT has at wing and how well he'll go - and obviously as you say, if he'll be picked (although I think the fact he started the Storm trial with most of the top side says a lot, and from memory Kosi didn't play many minutes)

DWZ is a very strong carrier out of our own half. He's obviously an elite finisher when given the space. I imagine TT has played mostly fullback so I wonder how he'll go defensively in particular, but I'm excited to find out.

 

[Meth]

While DWZ is an elite finisher and good at carrying the ball out, he is not an elite winger. He is, however, a winger, which is why this is a blow. We literally don’t have a winger with NRL experience in the side currently. I know RTS played plenty of wing and he’ll be fine. But that was a good while ago

 

[Big Marn]

While DWZ is an elite finisher and good at carrying the ball out, he is not an elite winger. He is, however, a winger, which is why this is a blow. We literally don’t have a winger with NRL experience in the side currently. I know RTS played plenty of wing and he’ll be fine. But that was a good while ago

DWZ conceded just as many tries as he finished, so yeah, we arent losing much. Its a neutral change.

 

[Meth]

Well, yes, he had some defensive liabilities. So did Manu Vatuvei.

I think with wingers, they can sometimes end up carrying the can for bad work inside them. Again, he is defensively happens, but he is a part of an edge that was altogether hapless last year.

Far be it from me to be an apologist for DWZ. I have been a critic. But I think, with our roster at the moment, on balance, it is a loss

 

[Meth]

I mean, we are here praying for Adam Pompey to get the nod, so that says something

 

[Meth]

1. CNK
2. Tuaupiki
3. Leiataua
4. Pompey
5. RTS
6. TMM
7. Metcalf
8. JFH
9. Egan
10. Barnett
11. Laban
12. Capewell
13. Clark

14. Walker 15. Healey 16. Niukore 17. Vaimauga

 

[Izz]

1. CNK
2. Tuaupiki
3. Leiataua
4. Pompey
5. RTS
6. TMM
7. Metcalf
8. JFH
9. Egan
10. Barnett
11. Laban
12. Capewell
13. Clark

14. Walker 15. Healey 16. Niukore 17. Vaimauga

Yeah, that'd be a decent team, though my guess is that Ford will be on the bench ahead of Healey because Webby loves some Ford

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

Well, yes, he had some defensive liabilities. So did Manu Vatuvei.

I think with wingers, they can sometimes end up carrying the can for bad work inside them. Again, he is defensively happens, but he is a part of an edge that was altogether hapless last year.

Far be it from me to be an apologist for DWZ. I have been a critic. But I think, with our roster at the moment, on balance, it is a loss

Yea rather than individual defensive ability, I think the bigger potential issue is how they defend as combination.

But it could be a shockingly green right side if TT, Leiataua and Laban all get picked. Maybe 20-25 starts max between them? And probably bugger all reps during the offseason as a defensive unit.

It’s an exciting attacking combination, especially TT and Leiataua but Sticky’s left side of Savage, Kris and Hudson Young will be a massive test for them defensively.

 

[Meth]

Yea rather than individual defensive ability, I think the bigger potential issue is how they defend as combination.

But it could be a shockingly green right side if TT, Leiataua and Laban all get picked. Maybe 20-25 starts max between them? And probably bugger all reps during the offseason as a defensive unit.

It’s an exciting attacking combination, especially TT and Leiataua but Sticky’s left side of Savage, Kris and Hudson Young will be a massive test for them defensively.

Can put Capewell on that edge if it helps

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

Can put Capewell on that edge if it helps

Yea you're right, that'd be the smartest move.

What I'd really like though is Niukore starting on his usual right edge. I know he's underwhelmed the last couple years, but similar to RTS, I'd like to see him put in a spot and left there.