TEAM LIST Round 2 vs. Raiders

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Agreed on Staines. He seems to be a favourite on the forum and has some positives as a player, but just don't seem him as an NRL standard winger.

His kick returns are poor and often gets forced back to his own line. His post contact metres would have to be the worst of any winger in the comp. Tupou cops a lot on this forum (fair enough for his errors) but he is much less of a liability considering he actually makes good metres early in the set and gives us a good foundation, is a threat in the air and can finish just as well as Staines

I would replace Staines with Naden when hes back fit. Naden is just as quick, if not quicker than Staines, has more skill, is a better ball runner, makes more metres, is better starting off sets and is an aerial threat.

Overall we need to improve the wing position maybe more than any other, but based on what we have right now our best options at wing are Tupou and Naden (if we are not playing Naden at centre).
I think Naden might be the better centre than To'a.

Lobb has the turning circle of the Queen Mary, but he is a weapon in the air- so he at least offers that on game day.

Ideally I'd replace both To'a & Staines.

And people laughed when I suggested Hymel Hunt, who at least can tackle..
 
I think Naden might be the better centre than To'a.

Lobb has the turning circle of the Queen Mary, but he is a weapon in the air- so he at least offers that on game day.

Ideally I'd replace both To'a & Staines.

And people laughed when I suggested Hymel Hunt, who at least can tackle..
Agree with you on naden; if he could just stay on the field between injury and brain fade.
 
Imagine my concern then, if I consider him the vital defensive element on that side of the field..
It’s the same as last year and it took him a month to even look like he was ready to play , makes u wonder what the hell does our medical team do 🤔
 
Hoping Faataape really puts his hand up here. I think
his combo with Galvin & Papali'i down the left hand
side will be interesting to watch, both good line runners
but haven't been fed right, the latter at all tbh. Right
side bit vulnerable yet again even with Bateman back
 
PlayerInjuryExpected Return
Justin OlamKneeRound 4
Latu FainuHamstringRound 4
Brent NadenShoulderRound 4
Josh FeledyShoulderRound 4
Solomone SaukuruShoulderRound 4
Sione FainuFootRound 5
Adam DoueihiKneeRound 17*
Why does this feel all too familiar?
We haven't even played a game yet.
 
Very ballsy can from Benji, the Raiders threw Strange in last week at 5/8 only difference is they partnered him with the relatively experience Fogarty compared to the inexperienced Bud.
Also Bateman straight in who hasnt struck a blow in anger in the preseason.
Still feeling like we'll get lapped our team still has some glaring weakness's, but you live by the sword you die by the sword.
 
Brave selections of Faataape in the centres and young Galvin at 6. Raiders are a hard tough outfit especially at home and we haven't gone too well against them anytime in the past but credit to Benji for trying a few new things. Might just work too.
To be fair his hand was forced with Faataape a little bit. I dare say if Olam and/or Naden are fit he doesn't play. Casey and Garner are centres in cup. Our only other real option was to have Tupou in there.

I'll be getting behind them regardless of who is playing. If you can't have a little bit of hope round 1 when will you?
 
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To be fair his hand was forced with Faataape a little bit. I dare say if Olam and/or Naden are fit he doesn't play. Casey and Garner are centres in cup. Our only other real option was to have Tupou in there.

I'll be getting behind them regardless of who is playing. If you can't have a little bit of hope round 1 when will you?
I thought it was odd that Faataape didn't play the second trial actually. Maybe Benji had seen enough? Faataape played great in the trial but will be even better with a year of full-time football/another preseason under his belt.
 
PlayerInjuryExpected Return
Justin OlamKneeRound 4
Latu FainuHamstringRound 4
Brent NadenShoulderRound 4
Josh FeledyShoulderRound 4
Solomone SaukuruShoulderRound 4
Sione FainuFootRound 5
Adam DoueihiKneeRound 17*
Why does this feel all too familiar?
We haven't even played a game yet.
It's not just us.... It's part of the game some clubs have 6 or 7 out

 
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