TEAM LIST Round 1 vs Knights

[JC99]

Faatape! You’re joking, I’ve seen it all

Not many options with 3 centres out injured...

 

[batboy]

Remember when Luai played with a busted shoulder and had to retire?
The only reason Cleary was able to bring the side home was because Cogger stepped in the 7 role and ran the ship. This allowed Cleary to get a bit wider and play eyes up. It was a huge effort considering Yeo went off injured as well and Broncs were flying.

Even a Qlder would have to tip his hat to that effort….
He was just always on the ball and ripped them apart

 

[Dazed]

I like that Hope gets a run. Apart from his inclusion & Latu named in reserves there's no real surprises there.

I could be wrong but I think Hope is starting!

 

[hammertime]

If Api was available, Hope wouldn't be getting a run. If Naden, Olam or potentially To'a was available, Faatape wouldn't be getting a run.

Those two are depth selections. They aren't bad calls. I think both are pretty decent from that perspective.

 

[happy_tiger]

Not many options with 3 centres out injured...

Bird defensively would of been a good call in the centres

 

[tigerballs]

Cogger was vital to Penrith winning the 23 GF. He can play.

So can Sharpe. They've got me worried.

 

[Bigscreentv]

if we dominate the middle they are easily beatable. If we drop too much ball, give away too many set restarts, then they will cause us problems.

Looking forward to it after a long off season!

 

[tigerballs]

I liked the approach in the trial with Bird coming on later in the game. His impact was noticeable and he got busy immediately.

Like to see more of this approach, I think it's a good move.

Guy covers the backs and halves too.
Has a lot of value, utility wise.

As for the hooker position, its obvious Api needs a spell... so I think this was always in the plan.

Twal at 13 is a defensive approach and he can move into the prop rotation when Bird comes on, which allows us to carry Royce and Sione as the bench forwards.

See how it goes.

Makes more sense with May able to play big minutes as well.

 

[hsvjones]

Kasey Badger is the Video ref 😕 Not going to help us at all unfortunately..

 

[Aceshigh]

If Api was available, Hope wouldn't be getting a run. If Naden, Olam or potentially To'a was available, Faatape wouldn't be getting a run.

Those two are depth selections. They aren't bad calls. I think both are pretty decent from that perspective.

Is Toa injured again ?

 

[Speed2burn]

Mason also looks scared under the high ball while Bula rarely makes a mistakes. Bula also saves a lot of tries from line breaks too

They will test Mason early and often

The kid is only 19 and played a handful of games .. I think whatever he lacks he makes up for it in desire. Guy is a ball of energy

I also may be biased because my uncle coached him in the juniors so I want him to do well lol

 

[Speed2burn]

Looked like Mason went up a gear in the trials. Did I hear/see someone say something about him getting sprint training in the off season and he is now one of the fastest at the club? He did look explosive off the mark.
I really like Bula, but he looks brittle. I always hold my breath when he runs it back off the kick and gets Belted. But I am glad we have him, he can be anything.

I feel the same about Bula. Love seeing him in open space but I’m scared he’ll snap in half on a kick return lol.

No idea about Mason but wouldn’t surprise me

 

[hank37w]

Klemmer playing reserve grade

So much for keeping him in cotton wool so he doesn't get injured. 🤣

 

[Tiger_Yoshi]

Faatape! You’re joking, I’ve seen it all

Its either him or Feledy.....both are shite

 

[Tucker]

Its either him or Feledy.....both are shite

He isn’t shite

 

[BAGNF05]

It’s good to have an NRL calibre team. Even the surprise packets were good in the pre-season. Been a while since we could have genuine optimism.

 

[Camel2281]

wheres Toa. not on bench. injured?

Terrible player

 

[BAGNF05]

Faatape over Toa is interesting.
I like it.

To’a and Staines haven’t earned a jersey through form at this club , hopefully they dominate reserves and provide quality depth.

 

[Camel2281]

Agree. It looks like we’ll be running with two hookers this year which I like. If our halves are as good as advertised I want slick service in getting them the ball.

I have no issue with Latu playing full games in reserve grade for a few weeks and see how things shake out.

Might not be the case with Api back, he's able to get through alot more minutes than TDS in NRL. To me it shows Benji knows TDS isn't ready to play 60+ minutes like Api. Think you'll see Hope play almost as many minutes as TDS this week.

When Api returns you only need to have Latu cover a short breather for him at hooker then be able to play elsewhere and create. Otherwise you carry a sub that's only on for a handful of minutes a week which is a complete waste

 

[TigerSkins05]

Have we ever won a game starting with both Alex’s .. ?? 😳😳