So, let's say it's Round 22 and we are officially mathematically unable to make the top 8.
A) would you continue to pick a side aimed solely at winning each individual match, or would you have one eye on 2011?
and B) If you would experiment a little, what side would you name?
Mine:
1. Gidley - not a halfback
2. Uate - no passing game equals not a modern fullback. Great running game can't compensate for a lack of link up play with outside backs. It's too important to attacking structure. Slater, Hayne, Stewart, Patten, Bowen, Boyd, Coote, Hohaia, Dugan... how many of those cannot throw a good pass and set up outside men?
3. Rogers - worth a look at least. Probably too slow and marking the game's best centres I don't know, but wouldn't it be nice to see some creative service provided to our wingers, especially Uate? A lot depends on if we've signed a halback. If we haven't then I think Rogers/Mullen should be playing as much as possible together in the halves. If they could actually fire consistently I'd be happy.
4. Williams - worth a look. I'm fed up with Sau.
5. McManus - with Vuna gone he's obviously next in line, so let's get his confidence back up now.
6. Mullen
7. Roberts - loads of potential. Can he convert it to first grade? Let's find out now.
8. Cross
9. De Gois
10. Simpson - only chance to earn another contract is to prove front row is a good fit.
11. Taia
12. Paterson
13. Hilder - not providing any impact at the moment. His best asset is his massive motor and I thought his form was much better last year in this role, moving to dummy half only every now and then.
14. Mata'utia - ease him in off the bench. Can cover a few positions and a good coach will find a way to use him effectively.
15. Mika - being groomed for a permanent bench spot next year.
16. Fa'aoso
17. Taufua
18. Edwards/Tovo/Tolar
Leaving out:
McDonnell - not a long term first grade fullback. Back up at best.
Mad Dog - love the guy and he walks into my best team, but I'm making the assumption that if we are out of the finals race he will probably be "injured", plus it's unlikely he will go another year.
Sau - needs a serious rocket. Try him at right centre in NSW Cup and tell him to develop a passing game or start playing every match like it's a Test for NZ.
Lulia - decent back up. Pretty much know what he can and can't do by now.
Naiqama - no explanation required I assume. Won't be here next year anyway.
Vuna - this is a bit harsh, he's been in great form. But it's with a view to next season.
Dureau - obviously.
Ciraldo - mediocre and defensively pretty soft and useless lately. Not the worst back-up going around, but nothing more.
Tolar - probably a bit harsh considering he's contracted and will almost certainly be a part of the first grade squad for the next few years.
Ndaira - no point bothering with him
A) would you continue to pick a side aimed solely at winning each individual match, or would you have one eye on 2011?
and B) If you would experiment a little, what side would you name?
Mine:
1. Gidley - not a halfback
2. Uate - no passing game equals not a modern fullback. Great running game can't compensate for a lack of link up play with outside backs. It's too important to attacking structure. Slater, Hayne, Stewart, Patten, Bowen, Boyd, Coote, Hohaia, Dugan... how many of those cannot throw a good pass and set up outside men?
3. Rogers - worth a look at least. Probably too slow and marking the game's best centres I don't know, but wouldn't it be nice to see some creative service provided to our wingers, especially Uate? A lot depends on if we've signed a halback. If we haven't then I think Rogers/Mullen should be playing as much as possible together in the halves. If they could actually fire consistently I'd be happy.
4. Williams - worth a look. I'm fed up with Sau.
5. McManus - with Vuna gone he's obviously next in line, so let's get his confidence back up now.
6. Mullen
7. Roberts - loads of potential. Can he convert it to first grade? Let's find out now.
8. Cross
9. De Gois
10. Simpson - only chance to earn another contract is to prove front row is a good fit.
11. Taia
12. Paterson
13. Hilder - not providing any impact at the moment. His best asset is his massive motor and I thought his form was much better last year in this role, moving to dummy half only every now and then.
14. Mata'utia - ease him in off the bench. Can cover a few positions and a good coach will find a way to use him effectively.
15. Mika - being groomed for a permanent bench spot next year.
16. Fa'aoso
17. Taufua
18. Edwards/Tovo/Tolar
Leaving out:
McDonnell - not a long term first grade fullback. Back up at best.
Mad Dog - love the guy and he walks into my best team, but I'm making the assumption that if we are out of the finals race he will probably be "injured", plus it's unlikely he will go another year.
Sau - needs a serious rocket. Try him at right centre in NSW Cup and tell him to develop a passing game or start playing every match like it's a Test for NZ.
Lulia - decent back up. Pretty much know what he can and can't do by now.
Naiqama - no explanation required I assume. Won't be here next year anyway.
Vuna - this is a bit harsh, he's been in great form. But it's with a view to next season.
Dureau - obviously.
Ciraldo - mediocre and defensively pretty soft and useless lately. Not the worst back-up going around, but nothing more.
Tolar - probably a bit harsh considering he's contracted and will almost certainly be a part of the first grade squad for the next few years.
Ndaira - no point bothering with him
