WT v Knights round 1 ‘25 predictions

[Rock Hopper Steve]

I reckon Benji will face some difficulty this year in selecting his 5/8th.
Not saying for round 1, as the incumbent will get first shot and rightly so…but at some stage in the next 3 months I’m predicting Latu’s performances will demand the 6 more-so than Galvin’s will.
Therein will lay the dilemma for Marshal. Either way it’ll be a political decision. Pressure from Richo to keep Lachy and entourage happy until contracts are signed v’s pressure from the Fainu brothers to treat selections fairly.

We will find out just how good Richo is through this challenge need to keep both camps happy and wanting to stay for the good of the future.

 

[Ron Brodrick's Spirit]

Assuming injuries to Olam, Naden and Api's suspension. Here's my team for Round 1.

View attachment 20614

TWAL to defend in the middle for 15/20 mins then replaced by BIRD for remaining.

MAY to play 60mins replaced by TWAL. HUNT on for POLE after 20/25 mins. Reverse in second half.

SIONE FAINU as backup in the Back Row but could easily be replaced with another mobile forward.

LATU FAINU to cover Hooker or halves (dubious about his service from the ruck tho).

That'll be it except maybe Kit for Sione.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

We will find out just how good Richo is through this challenge need to keep both camps happy and wanting to stay for the good of the future.

I can safely tell you he is better than Lee Happy to take your money and his sidekick Pas can Go

 

[Oldman]

I reckon Benji will face some difficulty this year in selecting his 5/8th.
Not saying for round 1, as the incumbent will get first shot and rightly so…but at some stage in the next 3 months I’m predicting Latu’s performances will demand the 6 more-so than Galvin’s will.
Therein will lay the dilemma for Marshal. Either way it’ll be a political decision. Pressure from Richo to keep Lachy and entourage happy until contracts are signed v’s pressure from the Fainu brothers to treat selections fairly.

The way I look at it, if Galvin keeps playing up to the level that makes it impossible for him to be dropped or moved from the 5/8 position, Latu will just have to wait his time either in ressies or as a 14.
With injuries or Rep games he will get his opportunities.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

I like the way you look at it. Oldman. Realistic.

 

[Tucker]

The way I look at it, if Galvin keeps playing up to the level that makes it impossible for him to be dropped or moved from the 5/8 position, Latu will just have to wait his time either in ressies or as a 14.
With injuries or Rep games he will get his opportunities.

What if he doesn’t?
That’s when the politics happens that I’m talking about.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

No politics T. Just money.

 

[Tucker]

No politics T. Just money.

They aren’t mutually exclusive factors.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

I wish you were right. Look at the world today.

 

[Oldman]

What if he doesn’t?
That’s when the politics happens that I’m talking about.

I understand
But
we could say what if about everything.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

And you still be right.

 

[Tucker]

I understand
But
we could say what if about everything.

Yes…but I’m saying it about this topic.
There is a genuine possibility Benji will have to deal with this and it will be interesting to see how he does it.
I don’t want to lose either of them.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

I prefer keep.Galvin and lose Benji. Otherwise in fantasy world im with you.Tucker.

 

[hammertime]

Maybe benji has kept the 2nd row depth thin as a way to nudge Galvin there.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

Maybe benji has kept the 2nd row depth thin as a way to nudge Galvin there.

Okay Tucker

 

[innsaneink]

Should be a good crowd thanks to last night's good effort
Luais first run for the year
Latu 14?
Who will be 9?

I hope we can build.pressure better when in their red zone.... And we need to be better switching from attack to defense

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

Our captain will be 9. And I hope we can relieve pressure. Its just a game.

 

[Betterdays22]

18-10 Tigers. Solid scrappy win with our forwards dominating but scappy offence. Lots to look forward to for the year

 

[JC99]

Should be a good crowd thanks to last night's good effort
Luais first run for the year
Latu 14?
Who will be 9?

I hope we can build.pressure better when in their red zone.... And we need to be better switching from attack to defense

TDS will be 9. No other options - Tristan Hope is currently on a train and trial so he can't play.

 

[bbobb]

TDS will be 9. No other options - Tristan Hope is currently on a train and trial so he can't play.

That kind of makes it easy for Benji. For mine, Tristan Hope has outshone TDS by some distance in the trials. It also probably means Latu to 14.