TEAM LIST Preseason Challenge Week 1 v Canterbury

Team List
Halbrowne61 said:
Shoot me down if you will but isn’t the real purpose of trials to put out your best team under match conditions so you hit the ground running in Round 1.
I never quite understood why it’s assumed your “rested” players will turn up to Round 1 in peak physical condition and ready to play 80 minutes.
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Not in week 1. How many years have we been watching trials, and some still have no concept of how clubs approach them.
 
Halbrowne61 said:
Shoot me down if you will but isn’t the real purpose of trials to put out your best team under match conditions so you hit the ground running in Round 1.
I never quite understood why it’s assumed your “rested” players will turn up to Round 1 in peak physical condition and ready to play 80 minutes.
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Risk vs Reward

Not worth it for this first trial.

I like this team for this hit out.

Skelton, Galvin Klemmer, Latu and TDS.
 
I highly doubt Galvin will be played that long as with Latu. They are our two main halves with Latu being the main backup. I’d say it’s probably to give them time together and build a combination. There’s a good chance that at some point Api and Luai will miss some footy time either through rep requirements, injury or suspension.

I’d say this spine is a pretty clear indication of who’s next up and getting time together would be important for the season when at some point injury, suspensions etc hit. I’m also very glad Tallyn has been given the nod of captain. For me my main watch will be Matamua, he has looked superbly fit this preseason (more than I’ve ever seen) and to me if he has a good hit out may lock down a bench or thirteen spot. Just overall super excited for footy to be back and win or lose excited to see the juniors field.
 
Halbrowne61 said:
Understand but disagree S. what is the difference in risk between this week v next week, or the week after.
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First game of the year there’d be some rust etc. I kind of liken it to a straight sprint and a warm up then sprint. If you go to a straight sprint there’s a higher likelihood of injury whereas a warmup allows the body to prepare. Also just giving the main guys an extra week to prepare helps the body. Must also note that Luai and Turuva were injured recently while Bula is coming back from a shoulder reco so it’s best to be pre-cautious. It’s also just a good way to get reps in juniors who are making/made their way to first grade.
 
Should we be reading anything into Klemmer playing? I suspect we don’t want him or his contract for 2026. He needs to play at least 14 games this season to trigger the 2026 option year in his contract.
 
Wiz said:
Should we be reading anything into Klemmer playing? I suspect we don’t want him or his contract for 2026. He needs to play at least 14 games this season to trigger the 2026 option year in his contract.
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I think he will need to be better than good to keep his spot in the team with the unwanted over priced 2026 contract weighing into selections.
However if he does continually play better than good, he will leave Benji with no choice other than to select him each week.
 
From this team I’m hoping that only the following are named for our round 1 team,
2. Jeral Skelton (needs to impress)
6. Lachlan Galvin
9. Tallyn Da Silva
10. David Klemmer
14. Latu Fainu
17. Sione Fainu (needs to impress)

If we are going to improve the rest haven’t shown enough to be in our best 17.
 
Wiz said:
Should we be reading anything into Klemmer playing? I suspect we don’t want him or his contract for 2026. He needs to play at least 14 games this season to trigger the 2026 option year in his contract.
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I think he just needs some miles in his legs. I don’t think we’re in a position to leave players out because of contract clauses. If he’s good enough to play 14 games so be it. Injuries rather than being dropped are his biggest obstacle.
 
WestsTigers4VR said:
I highly doubt Galvin will be played that long as with Latu. They are our two main halves with Latu being the main backup. I’d say it’s probably to give them time together and build a combination. There’s a good chance that at some point Api and Luai will miss some footy time either through rep requirements, injury or suspension.

I’d say this spine is a pretty clear indication of who’s next up and getting time together would be important for the season when at some point injury, suspensions etc hit. I’m also very glad Tallyn has been given the nod of captain. For me my main watch will be Matamua, he has looked superbly fit this preseason (more than I’ve ever seen) and to me if he has a good hit out may lock down a bench or thirteen spot. Just overall super excited for footy to be back and win or lose excited to see the juniors field.
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We have 2 halfbacks on the sideline [Tannous 'n Liles]
Maybe take Galvin off, Latu to 5/8 and bring on a 1/2?
Experiment time or keep us guessing?
 
I’ve noted all the responses to my earlier mail, and my final word on it is that I get what everyone is saying, but I just see it a little bit differently.
I hope that all the players come through unscathed but I definitely wouldn’t pay a pineapple to watch a trial( that’s offensive) and absolutely would never ever consider betting on the game.
Tigers $1.77 favourite , ha, based on what? Keep you money in your pocket.
Just my opinions.
 
What’s all this talk about trials? I agree with your view on this Hal.
It’s a 3 round preseason challenge.
We have an opportunity to give our top 30 some real game time over 2 games and if Benji wants a fast start this season surely he has his top 17 on the park together in game 2 for a good period of time?
It’s too good an opportunity. That first win is far too important.
 
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