Your Team 2023

[earl]

Much better side now

It's basically an upgraded pack but it makes a massive difference doesn't it.

 

[GarethEllis94]

I think so, only because he can provide cover at second row too, and has apparently had a big pre-season.

I'd be happy to see both of them in the Round 1 17 though and let Matamua bide his time in NSW Cup for now.

I’ve got to agree with you. Also provides a different body shape to others, really explosive. But then Twal is just a defensive machine! Lebanese terminator! Could be dependent upon game plan I suppose?

I really think Joe O played some great footy for us last year too, hopefully has just been working on his hands and playing lock this pre season as I think he can do a good job there and develop into that ‘link role’ that everyone wants the modern lock to be. Was sort of thrown into it last year without much prep. This is until Matamua can no longer be kept out of the team.

It’s a really beefed up pack with Joe O at lock + Klem, Papali’i, Stef, Bateman and Api

 

[GarethEllis94]

It's basically an upgraded pack but it makes a massive difference doesn't it.

Centre pairing of Roberts and Gildart also gone!

 

[earl]

Centre pairing of Roberts and Gildart also gone!

Good point. This is a big upgrade as well isn't it. Those two didn't last long last season though did they.

 

[Roar_Power]

Mine hasn’t changed from what I thought previously, as of yet.

I think this is what it’ll be for Round 1:

1. Laurie
2. Nofoaluma
3. Talau
4. Naden
5. Maumalo
6. Doueihi
7. Brooks
8. Klemmer
9. Koroisau
10. Utoikamanu
11. Bateman
12. Papali’i
13. Ofahengaue

14. Simpkin
15. Twal
16. Blore
17. Pole

Only changes I could possibly see happening are Bateman and Blore switching, if Bateman isn’t ready to start yet on his limited preparation.
+
I could also maybe see Matamua to lock, Ofahengaue starting at prop, Utoikamanu to the bench, and Twal out.

Completely agree with you. Does a $500k Staines sit in reserve grade for very long though?

 

[KingRobbie]

Completely agree with you. Does a $500k Staines sit in reserve grade for very long though?

Nah, don’t think so.

I think he’ll be first replacement for Laurie, Nofo, or Ken if any of them are unavailable.

Who knows though.

 

[Tito Santana]

I’ve got to agree with you. Also provides a different body shape to others, really explosive. But then Twal is just a defensive machine! Lebanese terminator! Could be dependent upon game plan I suppose?

I really think Joe O played some great footy for us last year too, hopefully has just been working on his hands and playing lock this pre season as I think he can do a good job there and develop into that ‘link role’ that everyone wants the modern lock to be. Was sort of thrown into it last year without much prep. This is until Matamua can no longer be kept out of the team.

It’s a really beefed up pack with Joe O at lock + Klem, Papali’i, Stef, Bateman and Api

Unless Twal starts to develop an offload now that Sheensy wants them to throw the pill around, I can’t get him in my starting 17.

 

[SeanT]

Nah, don’t think so.

I think he’ll be first replacement for Laurie, Nofo, or Ken if any of them are unavailable.

Who knows though.

To be honest if they picked Stains and Tupou on the wings round 1, I wouldn't complain. Prefer it honestly

 

[Halbrowne61]

Good point. This is a big upgrade as well isn't it. Those two didn't last long last season though did they.

Although I still think the centres are a weak spot for us. Will be watching that closely.