Who's to replace Jamie Lyon?

[Parraren]

Not a bad side Colonel. I'll actually give credit to Smith for trying Dykes at 7 because it allows him to jump into dummy half when he sees an opportunity to run with the ball. He did this a few times against a tiring Dogs side in the second half and he looked very dangerous. Set up several attacking raids. I'd be hesitant to move him back to 5/8th because I think he's going well at 7. I always say if it ain't broke.....

With Wagon in the centres i'd see the following as options at 5/8th in order of preference based on current form and experience in the position.

1. Morris
2. Thorman
3. Witt
4. Pai/Muspratt

I like the idea of bringing Webster into the side but I think he could offer us more as an interchange dummy half off the bench. I like Hopkins better at 9 than at 13 assuming Morris goes to 6.

I'd love to have Witty back in the side but if he's (apparently) struggling in premier league then it's a tough call to rush back into first grade...?

 

[Parraren]

I've still got a bad feeling in my gut that Wagon will be named at 6......

 

[JessEel]

worried about BS's stubborn streak, ay?

(heading off, see y'all, if anyone goes Jamie bashin', let me know)

 

[Pazza]

I really dont mind seeing Wagon at 5/8 AS LONG is it is only for the first 15-20 minutes! After that Parra should play a much more expancive game!

 

[eelegant]

You got it Jess!

 

[The Engineers Room]

I've still got a bad feeling in my gut that Wagon will be named at 6......

So do I. Another team option could be:

Grothe
Peterson
Vaealiki
Wagon
Burt

Morris
Dykes

Hindmarsh
Cayless
Armit
Peek
Hopkins
Cannings

Stapleton
O'Dwyer
Webster
Pearson

Those replacements can be changed, just came up with the first two forwards in my head.

I don't know why everyone seems to have abandoned Cayless in the SR.

 

[Parraren]

I really dont mind seeing Wagon at 5/8 AS LONG is it is only for the first 15-20 minutes! After that Parra should play a much more expancive game!

I know what you mean but I just don't see any advantage to be gained by it. The whole idea that it protects the smaller halves (Witt, Thorman etc) from getting smashed in the opening minutes is a total myth. Preston Campbell played 5/8th all season and was targetted all year. I think they won the grnd final didn't they ;-) Besides, you can't wrap players in cotton wool, they should be able to look after themselves, this is what makes a champion half. From what I've seen Witty & Thorman can handle themsleves in defense more than admirably. I still think the safe bet would be to play Morris at 6. He did the job last year and he's got an excellent kicking game.

 

[Pazza]

The openning 20 is really a bash period. The 5/8 really doesnt play much of a role. But the problem was that there was no 5/8 on the bench verse the Bulldogs. If someone like Witt, Thorman, Muspratt etc was there i wouldnt mind wags starting at 5/8, it just gives parra a extra forward on the paddock.

 

[Parraren]

Yep Pazza If that's the thinking then I still think we'd be better starting Morris @ 6, Hopkins @ 9 and bringing Witt/Thorman on after 20 for Hopkins and then moving Morris to 9, Witt/Thorman to 6. Wagon should spend 0 minutes in the halves. With Lyon gone now we really need an experienced head like Wagon in the centres.

 

[The Engineers Room]

Well it didn't happen. Someone needs to tell Brian Smith to read this forum before making team selections because some real good points are made here.

 

[Twizzle]

He's been replaced by Freshie.

Shame no one replaced Kat.