I don’t know what you guys fill your time with over summer, but as you can probably tell from our website and social media contributions, all we do here at TCT is sit around thinking about the next NRL season. As such, media magnate Sixties, development officer Forty and some Twitter clown (me) have decided to have a competition.
The task: In honour of Team List Tuesday, each of us must predict the named lineups for both Parramatta and Wenty in Round 1, 2017.
The rules: Basically 2 points are awarded for every player who is both correctly identified in the team and wearing the identified jersey. 1 point is awarded if a player is identified in the team, but wearing a different numbered jersey. Due to the unpredictability of bench positions, 2 points will be award for any player correctly identified in any position as being on the bench, regardless of their number. If BA names more than a 4 man bench, the first four players will be considered the actual bench, with the fifth being considered a stand in, regardless of who actually runs out for Round 1.
There will also be two rounds for this competition, the first round will take place now, during the month of November; the second in January when more information will no doubt be available to make selections. This post will be updated then.
Feel free to add your predicted lineups to the comments section. In fact, we encourage it.
Without further ado, here are the November lists. There aren’t nearly as many as I thought there would be, but I’ve nonetheless highlighted differences of opinion in blue.
NRL – Parramatta Eels
Sixties |
Miatch |
Forty |
| 1. Bevan French | 1. Bevan French | 1. Bevan French |
| 2. Semi Radradra | 2. Semi Radradra | 2. Semi Radradra |
| 3. Michael Jennings | 3. Michael Jennings | 3. Michael Jennings |
| 4. Brad Takairangi | 4. Brad Takairangi | 4. Brad Takairangi |
| 5. Josh Hoffman | 5. Josh Hoffman | 5. Josh Hoffman |
| 6. Clint Gutherson | 6. Clint Gutherson | 6. Clint Gutherson |
| 7. Corey Norman | 7. Corey Norman | 7. Corey Norman |
| 8. Tim Mannah | 8. Tim Mannah | 8. Tim Mannah |
| 9. Isaac De Gois | 9. Isaac De Gois | 9. Isaac De Gois |
| 10. Nathan Brown | 10. Nathan Brown | 10. Nathan Brown |
| 11. Manu Ma’u | 11. Manu Ma’u | 11. Manu Ma’u |
| 12. Tepai Moeroa | 12. Tepai Moeroa | 12. Tepai Moeroa |
| 13. Beau Scott | 13. Beau Scott | 13. Beau Scott |
| B. Kaysa Pritchard | B. Kaysa Pritchard | B. Kaysa Pritchard |
| B. Kenny Edwards | B. Kenny Edwards | B. Kenny Edwards |
| B. Siosaia Vave | B. Siosaia Vave | B. Siosaia Vave |
| B. Peni Terepo | B. Frank Pritchard | B. Suaia Matagi |
Amazingly, without any real consultation, Sixties, Forty and myself named identical starting lineups, and an almost identical 17. Furthermore, the considered obvious inclusions (French to fullback, Hoffman to the vacated wing spot, Gutherson to six) are offset by what I would consider as relatively left field selection of Nathan Brown in the starting pack (as opposed to Terepo, Vave or Matagi). With that said, we all picked him as our starting prop, so maybe it’s not as left field as I thought. I suspect Brown will also see some time at lock, hopefully leaving Tepai to play out on the edges.
The bench, however does show a very slight difference of opinion. Notably, all three of us have chosen to include a second hooker (Kaysa), although I suspect my inclusion was a little more begrudging than the other two, as I’m a firm believer in the four forward bench. Still I don’t think we have the cattle to carry IDG as an 80 minute hooker, particularly at this stage of his career, hence Kaysa’s inclusion. The timely announcement of Danny Wicks’ retirement made us collectively leaving him off our respective sides a little less conspicuous. Before I found out, I think I would have had him in my starting 17, as I suspect would have Forty and Sixties if he were available for selection. (All the best for retirement Wicksy, you funny bastard). Kedwards was also unanimous in his selection, as he is basically a rugby league demi-god, as was the inclusion of Siosaia Vave.
However, the final bench spot is where our paths diverge – with Sixties, myself and Forty choosing Terepo, Pritchard (where is the love you two?!), and Matagi respectively. Personally, I also changed Vave to Terepo and back again a couple of times in the process of writing this up.
In short, the selections and omissions of Matagi, Terepo and Frank Pritchard in the first grade squad are going to break this competition wide open, baby.
Now to the slightly more contentious Wenty line up.
Intrust Super Premiership – Wentworthville Magpies
Sixties |
Miatch |
Forty |
| 1. Will Smith | 1. Will Smith | 1. Will Smith |
| 2. Bureta Faraimo | 2. Honeti Tuha | 2. Honeti Tuha |
| 3. George Jennings | 3. George Jennings | 3. Kirisome Auva’a |
| 4. Kirisome Auva’a | 4. Kirisome Auva’a | 4. Vai Toutai |
| 5. John Folau | 5. Bureta Faraimo | 5. George Jennings |
| 6. Jamal Fogarty | 6. Jamal Fogarty | 6. Jamal Fogarty |
| 7. Jeff Robson | 7. Jeff Robson | 7. Jeff Robson |
| 8. Suaia Matagi | 8. Suaia Matagi | 8. Peni Terepo |
| 9. Cameron King | 9. Cameron King | 9. Cameron King |
| 10. Daniel Alvaro | 10. Peni Terepo | 10. Daniel Alvaro |
| 11. Kelepi Tanginoa | 11. Kelepi Tanginoa | 11. Kelepi Tanginoa |
| 12. Frank Pritchard | 12. Cody Nelson | 12. Frank Pritchard |
| 13. David Gower | 13. David Gower | 13. David Gower |
| B. Jack Morris | B. Jack Morris | B. Jack Morris |
| B. Alex Twal | B. Alex Twal | B. Alex Twal |
| B. James Hasson | B. James Hasson | B. Marata Niukore |
| B. Cody Nelson | B. Daniel Alvaro | B. Cody Nelson |
I would just like to start by saying how ridiculously strong that Wenty side is. In fact, outside of Jamal Fogarty, every player in Sixties’ starting 13 has first grade experience. If the halves can click and injuries don’t devastate, I suspect this side will consider anything less than a top 4 finish in the ISP a poor return on investment.
In regards to the starting side, everyone agreed on Will Smith, the Fog, Jeff Robson, Cam King, Kelepi and Mr Sensible, David Gower. We also each had a centre spot for Kirisome Avua’a, but our guess as to which jersey number he’ll wear differed. Outside of those 7, however, we were all over the place. The other centre position is apparently between Vai Toutai and George Jennings (although technically Sixties selected Robert Jennings), whereas Bureta Faraimo, John Folau, Honeti Tuha or George “Robert” Jennings are also evidently in contention for the other wing spot, according to three blokes who run some website.
I thought both Forty and Sixties’ selection of Frank Pritchard in the Wenty team was intriguing. In fact, I find it almost bizarre than neither see the Tank cracking the top grade, even once he is officially announced (soon) and declared fit enough to play for Round 1. As a result, both of my comrades find themselves with last season’s captain, Cody Nelson, warming their bench (does that sound weird to anyone else?).
Some combination of Peni Terepo, Suaia Matagi and Daniel Alvaro are apparently Wenty’s starting props, with Alex Twal unanimously chosen as a middle forward substitute.
At least until he was awarded the Brett Kenny NYC Coaches’ award at this year’s Ken Thornett Medal Presentation, Jack Morris might not have been a name many Eels fans would have recognised. Still, judging by his selection in all three of the above Wenty sides; at least in TCT circles there’s some excitement about the potential of this workhorse, NYC graduated Gympie product.
Interestingly, across the 2 teams (and 34 available spots), the three of us only used a total of 37 players (my team plus Toutai, Folau and Niukore). That’s a a very limited list, particularly when you consider the list of players of note not named anywhere, in any squad – Rory O’Brien (ouch), Matthew Woods, Joseph Ualesi and Scott Schulte.
Furthermore, here’s the list of players not named somewhere in each of the three squads – Vai Toutai (named only once), John Folau (once), Marata Niukore (once), James Hasson (twice), Bureta Faraimo (twice), Honeti Tuha (twice).
In total, my maths puts our total squad (everyone mentioned above) at something like 41 players. It begs the question – did our recent signings know we were that deep? In any case, there will be some crazy competition for spots, or at the very least some Beau Scott-esque injure-your-teammate-at-training type sabotage. Nothing personal Beau. (*currently sweating profusely, praying Beau doesn’t read TCT / isn’t interested in seeking revenge). In any case, the competition for spots will be fun to watch.
Well, that wraps it up. So let’s hear it – give us your comments, send us your questions, write up your Eels and/or Wenty team lists in the comments below, and of course critique the heck out of the three of ours. I mean, who doesn’t love a summer team list?
Go you Eels.
– Miatch.
Sounds good Miatch. Seems like a good teaching task mate….and predicting etc is linked to maths.
Boys boys boys you all got the fullback spot in the Wenty team wrong Will Smith will miss most of the first half of the season due to recovery from an operation. Mitch do your students ever get taught anything besides Parramatta football goings on, oh and I told you you would not get your $50 :00 of Wicks. Great stuff boys.
After Joe’s comment re Smith likely means Honeti at 1 again with Folou taking his wing spot.
Miatch the picking of round one is a tough ask
Wenty team I go for 60’s pick
NRL team. I would pick the same as you and Forty.
ha, how diplomatic of you Col
For the NRL side my option might not be looked upon to favourably, but worth some thought. Bring Matagi in for Mannah. Now I know Mannah is the current ‘Parra’s favourite son’, however now we have guys with real punch Mannah’s speed and quick play the ball is suited to coming off the bench.
Job well done fellas.
thanks mate
I’ll go with Mitch’s round one team, though I doubt we’ll have Vave and Pritchard on the field at the same time. What this means is we’re unlikely to also have them both off the field at the same time as well. This means one of them will start for Brown or Mannah. I’d say Brown will come off the bench due to his speed and footwork.
I heard they liked Brown as a lock.
I concur with what Pou had to say last night at 9.04 PM. Frank Pritchard wasn’t bought to play reserve grade, or considerable minutes on the park alongside Siosaia Vave – not unless the team is up 46-0 with half an hour to play in the 2017 Grand Final!
that’s an impressive first 20 mins.
Herein lies the danger of the early call. Having submitted my line ups, I’ve seen enough training and received enough feedback from training this week (with most of the full squad now there) to make changes.
However, for the sake of our challenge I won’t go in to edit. What I will say is that I would find a starting spot for Matagi. His ball work with first receiver hit ups and offloads have been outstanding. He looks bigger than Brown and I think we want a bigger body there. I would also be more inclined to start Brown on the bench as I believe he will be viewed as a back rower. All of that would mean some shuffling on the bench. I’m not sure who misses out. The question will be whether BA goes with a second dummy half or not.
Matagi didn’t seem to be a ball-playing forward when turning out for penrith. It’s quite remarkable just what a whole new lot of coaches can do for a player’s game.
people say that a lot about BA. not just blue and gold glasses either.
We seem to be in good hands then. Dare I dream of greater glories to come?
You can dare!
Firsts.
1. Bevan French
2. Josh Hoffman
3. Michael Jennings
4. Brad Takairangi
5. Semi Radradra (I believe he will shift to the right if he is available)
6. Clint Gutherson
7. Corey Norman
8. Tim Mannah
9. Isaac De Gois
10. Siosaia Vave
11. Manu Ma’u
12. Tepai Moeroa
13. Beau Scott
B. Kaysa Pritchard
B. Nathan Brown
B. Peni Terepo
B. Kenny Edwards
Seconds.
1. Will Smith
2. Honeti Tuha
3. John Folau
4. Kirisome Auva’a
5. George Jennings
6. Jamal Fogarty
7. Jeff Robson
8. Suaia Matagi
9. Cameron King
10. Daniel Alvaro
11. Frank Pritchard
12. Cody Nelson
13. Kelepi Tanginoa
B. Alex Twal
B. Rory O’Brien
B. James Hasson
B. Jack Morris
Left out.
– Scott Schulte
– Bureta Faraimo
– Vai Toutai
– Matt Woods
– Dave Gower (I believe he won’t be with us)
– Marata Niukore
– Joseph Ualesi
That said, I would make some changes to the lineup but I believe that what I have named is close to what Brad will. I like Miatch’s lists. Sorry boys 🙂
thanks for your input mate. I think I’ll be finding a spot for Matagi in firsts though.
good competition for spots, particularly in the forwards. worried about that extra wing spot though
With all the stuff going on re Semi it makes for some serious rethinking. Do we pick the team we would like to see if all the current boxes/players are set or one without Semi?
I would really like to know who is the top tier of 26, which includes the prospective replacement if Semi leaves or get suspended with the court case. I think that dark cloud is hanging over the team and perhaps was in BA’s plans with the amount of signings of the backs.
Agree 100%
On Matagi whilst he is a player with a good offload and makes good metres every time he runs, last season he only played 29 minutes a game and does not do a lot of defence. I think Brad may look for a bit more out of him. I also think that Terepo was one of the big improvers in the team last year and I definitely see him in the 17 now that Danny has retired.
Frank Pritchard did not play NRL last year so a lot will depend on how he performs in the Off Season. Last season Brown played off the bench and was very effective. that maybe his spot for 2017. I find it hard to rate Vave because I was very happy to see him sign but so much has happened since we became aware he was coming
NRL Wenty
1. Bevan French 1. W Smith
2. Semi Radradra 2. Tuha
3. Michael Jennings 3. Kirisome Auva’a
4. Brad Takairangi 4. Vai Tautai
5. Josh Hoffman 5. George Jennings
6. Clint Gutherson 6. Jamal Fogarty
7. Corey Norman 7. Jeff Robson
8. Tim Mannah 8. Suia Matagi
9. Isaac De Gois 9. Cameron King
10. Peni Terepo 10. Daniel Alvaro
11. Manu Ma’u 11. Kelipi Tanginoa
12. Tepai Moeroa 12. Frank Pritchard
13. Beau Scott 13. David Gower
B. Kaysa Pritchard B. Jack Morris
B. Kenny Edwards B. Alex Twal
B. Siosaia Vave B. James Hasson
B. Nathan Bown B. Cody Nelson
NRL. I predict an injury in off season to Taka…just taking a punt.
1. French
2. Semi
3. Jennings
4. Auva’a
5. Hoffman
6. Gutho
7. Norman
8. mannah
9 IDG
10. Matagi
11. Manu
12. Tepai
13. Scott
14. kenny
15. Brown
16 Peni.
17. K Pritchard
Wenty
1. Smith
2. Schulte
3. Jennings
4. Folau
5. Tuha
6. Fogarty
7. Robson
8. Alvaro
9. King
10. vave
11. Kelepi
12. F Pritchard
13. Gower
14. Twal
15. Nelson
16. O’Brien
17. Ualesi
I thoroughly struggle to pick our forward pack – it is such a challenge to leave a few of them out!