The phone rings….
“Hey mate, BA here. We’re a player down after Browny’s brain snap last Thursday. I’m interested in your take on our starting pack and bench.”
No, that call won’t be coming. But imagine if it did.
Every supporter is an amateur coach and selector, and that’s what makes rugby league great.
Everyone has an opinion.
Just for a moment, imagine that you are some sort of footy savant, a genius at understanding a team’s needs and what particular players provide. A secret society of NRL coaches know your talents as Jack Gibson reincarnated, but it’s a closely guarded secret and they don’t abuse your wisdom.
But now, it’s crunch time for the Eels and the call has come.
What do you recommend?
There’s a few factors at play that you’ll probably consider.
Blake Ferguson Returns
In this likely scenario, Fergo comes back onto the wing, with Taka shifting to the bench to take a forward role.
You then need to find a middle forward to take Brown’s place.
Is this Peni Terepo? He didn’t play on Thursday night but he produced a solid effort for Wenty in their victory over the third placed Dogs at Ringrose on Saturday.
But does Peni possess Brown’s defensive mobility? Can he play Brown’s minutes?
Perhaps there are other options.
Other Forward Options
It’s arguable that the bench has failed to produce the necessary impact over the last two weeks.
Is the time right for change?
Oregon celebrates his first NRL try.
Tepai is moving on to rugby union and has been given minimal game time. Would there be more value in playing either Oregon Kaufusi or debuting Stefano Utoikamanu?
It would be a big call to introduce less experienced players against Brisbane or Manly, with a finals match looming. Both Oregon and Stefano will have NRL careers, and both have been producing the goods for Wenty.
In yesterday’s Canterbury Cup match, Utoikamanu was a standout. He played 60 minutes, topped the tackle count with 44 and made 133 running metres (54 post contact), one line break, five tackle breaks, one offload as well as scoring a try.
Coming off the bench, Kaufusi played 51 minutes, ran for 94 metres (33 post contact), and made 26 tackles.
Would you take a punt with the young guns at this stage of the season?
Kaufusi hasn’t let the team down in his limited NRL appearances, and Utoikamanu looks like an NRL player in every Wenty match. They are the future. Is the future now?
Does a warhorse like Tim Mannah come back into calculations? His career could be coming to a close, but he has the NRL runs on the board. He also produced a stunning 189 running metres (69 post contact), 5 tackle breaks and two offloads yesterday.
Any of these options are probably more appropriate for replacing Tepai, not covering for Brown and his mobility in the middle.
Does the club have a suitable like for like during Brown’s absence?
Resting Reedy
Earlier in the season, pundits were calling for Reed Mahoney to be given a break. That was initially provided via the inclusion of Jaeman Salmon on the bench, and more recently, by Clint Gutherson slotting into dummy half in attack.
Ray Stone in action for Wenty.
Though this time in a match has not proved costly to the team, the down side of using Gutherson is that it removes the fullback from our attacking shapes and makes the Eels attack less effective.
Is the time right to revisit using Salmon off the bench?
Last Saturday, Ray Stone returned from injury off the bench in Wenty’s clash with the Dogs. What was significant is that he played dummy half during his stints on the field yet still produced 81 running metres. If he pulls up fit and well, he could be a viable option for covering Mahoney.
Do you decide to have a bench spot for Stone? His aggression and mobility is similar to Brown, and he can cover for Mahoney. His selection would change the dynamic of the bench and he could remain on the field after deputising for Mahoney on either side of half time.
Alternatives
Both Manu Ma’u and Shaun Lane can play a middle role. Ma’u especially could cover for Brown’s mobility, but then the team would miss the impact of either he or Lane on the edge. It would go against the rule of never weakening one position to cover for another.
Were you to consider moving either to the middle, their role on the edge in the starting team could be taken by either Brad Takairangi or Marata Niukore. Both have experience there, though each seems to have found their best form in other roles.
Niukore in particular has brought the impact off the bench to the middle. Is it best to leave him there or could he be considered for a starting role to replace Brown?
Your Turn
Arthur is just over 24 hours away from naming his team. Let’s assume that Ferguson is returning.
If that call came for your input, what would be your starting pack and bench?
Do you decide to do more than simply replacing Brown?
Over to you.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Alright, interesting enough premise – I’ll go first.
8 – Evans
9 – Mahoney
10 – Paulo
11 – Lane
12 – Niukore
13 – Ma’u
14 – Stone (cover for Mahoney & 13 if Niukore needs a rest).
15 – Gower (reliability)
16 – Mannah/Terepo/Alvaro – (the best form middle to be chosen)
17 – Takairangi (gives injury coverage for many backline positions can play roving lock or back row if needed)
18 – Tepai/Kaufusi/Utoikamanu
This is our most versatile bench imho. It’s not incredibly explosive but it’s reliable & our bench offers little as is.
Niukore was playing 80 outside Moses earlier in the year. Likely to start there next year & is defensively sound.
We don’t lose much by playing manu at 13 because once the first stint is over he can come back on and replace Niukore to reconnect with Moses on the edge if need be.
With either Taka stone or Terepo shifting to lock at that time.
Won’t happen tho, it will be same team as last week with Taka taking Alvaro’s place on the bench.
Fair point Sam; i like your bench besides Taka; i would have same bench except Utoik in for Taka. And yes Mannah / Terepo with Gower and Stone.
So Milo, you wouldn’t find a spot for Taka?
Not in the forwards at this stage Sixties; as I am not convinced he is better than others put forward who specialise in the position. Maybe if he trained there for a pre-season but I am at the stage where some youth is needed.
Although I don’t like shifting players and disrupting another position to cover a missing player, I’m not entirely opposed to Munz shifting to the middle. The issue then becomes the other back row spot. I’d probably start with Taka because I like Marata’s impact off the bench. We need to have impact off the bench and Marata has been providing that.
I agree with you guys, but you may have to sacrifice the impact from bench Niukore for minimal flow disruption with Ma’u in the middle.
Taka has to be in the team simply because with 4 forwards on the bench there is no cover for a backline injury – taka solves that problem.
It’d suck if Jenko went down and had to shuffle manu from 13 to the centres mid game. There goes your shapes in attack and defence.
I think I’m with you regarding Taka, Sam. Offers versatility. But do we then give a spot to Stone who would also be there as cover?
Why a worry, surely if Stone was on the bench in place of Taka, and a centre goes down why not Marata to the centres as he did play there for the Warriors before coming here?
I know that BA won’t want to shift the deck chairs just to find a Brown replacement, so I reckon he will go with Terepo at 13. He has played there earlier in the year and likely has trained in that position. Bench would likely be Niukore, Gower, Alvaro. The last spot is the hardest. BA would look to have Taka play off the bench, but I really feel we need to have a dummy half on the bench. I would go for either Salmon or Stone, who have both played there before.
Taka would feel unlucky to miss out, but as a forward I don’t think he comes in above some of the other players. With Lane and Mau able to play 80 minutes, it’s middle forwards we need on the bench, plus a versatile player that adds cover for dummy half and also the backs.
If it were me doing the selections, I would rather have Kaufusi or Utoikamanu in place for either Alvaro or Gower. This would add the much needed punch off the bench that we have been lacking for the past few games.
To be honest though, I don’t think Terepo is in great form and I would rather see one of the younger players given an opportunity at 13.
It’s a fair argument Longfin. I’d probably put Stone in this week.
For me its simple- we pick the best 17 players available. I would bring in Utoik to play off the bench and have Alvaro fill in for Brown this week to play 60 mins or so.
Ferguson on wing and Taka out. I am not confident that he should take a fwds spot on the bench. Utoik and co are the future and imo should have had more game time before now; but i have not watched wenty etc. We need players who can play mins.
Stone to play on bench for me in place of Tepai. He can do dummy role and play lock / second row if needed.
I’m not sure about Danny in for Brown, but I like the prospect of including Stone.
I thought he would go better on the dry open style field of Suncorp and would have chosen Beau Scott if he was free.
😬 A Beau Scott type wouldn’t hurt!
We miss his defence and old head.
Lets not forget BA likes his edge forwards to play minutes in the middle so I reckon he will select Lane to 13 and Taka to the edge.
I cant see BA demoting Taka and also BA has a liking for the Moses/Mau combination in attack so I dont think he will alter that.
Personally Id find a spot for Stone so hopefully we can remove the ridiculous Mahoney/Gutho situation.
My picks would be.
8. Jnr
9. Reed
10. Kane
11. Lane
12. Mau
13. Marata
14. Stone
15. Gower
16. Mannah
17. Oregan
I realise I havent selected Taka or Alvaro but Id prefer the forwards Ive chosen. Im also pretty sure BA will stick fairly solid though.
One more win we get a home semi. Lets go boys. Cant wait.
Hey 60s. Sorry for interrupting the subject matter but I dont do twitter or snapchat or anything like that.
Ive been enjoying your memorabilia items very much. The collection is amazing.
I have the odd item that may also be of interest having been a fan since 1964.
Maybe you could provide an avenue where fellow posters could share some of their cherished items. Not sure how one would do this within this site but hopefully food for thought.
Cheers
Gaz
Hi Gazza,
Thanks for the feedback. I could do a dedicated post with the shared items as the feature, and people could reply with their own items, or you could email your collectibles to TCT and I could share those via social media. Let me ponder on that.
Likewise sixties. Is it possible to post a readable copy of the Fairfield v Cabramatta page on this site? Back in the 60’s some of the old players used to hold court at my local, real characters. Just wanted to see if I recognised any names. No probs if you can’t. I’ve got some early 70’s programs that my wife and kids will probably bin when the cupboards are cleaned out. Happy to mail them to a willing recipient.
I’ll speak to the Ultimate Collector regarding a more defined image. He might be interested in your programs too. If you let me know more specifics, I’ll pass them on.
PDJRFL GFs 70,73, Final 74, SemiF 75. Names include Olling,Hilditch and an interesting one – Len Stacker.
Tks sixties.
It’s a tough call re Taka. His future is probably in the forwards, and/or the bench where he can cover many positions. He deserves his spot. But do we need his type of bench role filled in the team?
This week against the Bronco’s I think I am looking for dependable and reliable to get a job done, BUT I also want some aggression. So with 5th or 6th spot feeling pretty comfortable I’m also feeling generous.
Tim Mannah comes in to take the 13 jumper to replace NBrown.
Ray Stone to the bench to cover for Reed AND slot in and around the middle rotation.
Stone, Niukore and Kafusi provide the aggression and impact (hopefully).
Taka on the bench for versatility.
8- Evans
9- Mahoney
10- Paulo
11- Lane
12- Mau
13- Mannah
14- Stone
15- Taka
16- Niukore
17- Kafusi
18- Alvaro
Stefano and Tim produced some big numbers for Wenty on the weekend. At the very least they’re putting their hands up.
Id swap stone and mannah
We could name both Uto and Kaufusi.
The Brisbane pack is full of young guns as well. Maybe like for like and they won’t be over awed facing them!
I can see the logic there. But it’s worth remembering that our older forwards taught them a lesson in the last meeting.
I’d put Nuikore to the starting side.
Drop Moeroa & Alvaro.
Bring in Kaufusi & Mannah.
Stone on the bench.
All three of your inclusions performed well for Wenty.
This is a hard one because I don’t see enough of Wenty to make an informed decision but here goes.
I would put Gower into thirteen. While we will miss Brown offensively but I think our attack can deal with that if we offload against Brisbane. Gower is a very reliable defender and will hold our middle together.
I would replace Gower on the bench with Stefano. He will give us some strike from the bench and will be able to expose a tiring Broncos defensive line ( they are vulnerable last ten minutes each half) From what I have seen he often lands on his front and gets quick play the balls- this could destroy a tired Broncos team.
We will still need another on the bench and I would put Taka there. He could cover wing, centre, halves and 2nd row. Lastly I would remove Tepai and put in Terepo, we have missed his fierce running and with Taka on the bench you don’t need a second row replacement. Reed will have to play 80 this week. Win and we can create cover for him next round.
Team would be;
Gower into starting team
Bench- Marata, Taka, Terepo and Stefano – Stone in for Terepo if you want cover for Reed.
I hadn’t suggested Gower as a starter in the post, but he could come in from a defensive reliability and mobility perspective. Fair call.
The good thing about being an armchair couch is when you get it wrong you can move forward forget your previous mistakes and and stand up with your pious confidence and throw in your criticisms again the next week.
BA on the other hand has to front up to a presser, irate fans and a board looking at him over their glasses
However with no dents in my confidence and full of opinion would say that normally I would go for Peni but sadly he looks out of form. I would be happy with either of Oregon or Mannah.
I have also been disappointed with Tepai since announcing his departure next season. He has just not been turning up
John, sadly I think he has been turning up, but not on the playing field.,
John, that’s the beauty of expressing opinions via this platform. We can pretend to be experts and we’re not accountable. Mind you, there’s bragging rights for anyone who pulls out an unexpected selection that coincides with BA’s pick, especially if it works a treat!
What I love about this site is the various and informed opinions and no critical back biting comments in return.
It’s great.
Please as good as Taka is I don’t believe he is a hard nose forward.
Keep Gower and bring back Mannah on the proviso he is playing first grade standard.
Against Brisbane we need fast strong mobile forwards who will tackle hard.
Cheers Jimmy P. It’s a reasonable comment re Taka given he was tried in the forwards last year but it didn’t work. Though most things about last year didn’t work.
Since the loss on Thursday night, along with the way Tepi has been playing now for some weeks I have had the view he should not be in the 17, or even the extended bench, his form is too far down and his mind is more on next year and simply playing out his contract. May sound hard/harsh but its how I see it, with sorrow being I also supported him and not happy to say that about him, he had so much potential but sadly never attained it enough to really be what he could have been.
The question out of the hole is this, if we lose the next two matches are we out of the 8? I don’t believe we are, and with other teams showing up with playing young inexperienced rookies and doing well, I don’t see why we should not at least try one, maybe two. Part of my player choice decisions is made in order to keep Gutho at fullback and not go to DH to give Mahoney a rest. as for the rest no more than 15 minutes and that comprises 5 before half time and 10 after, we lose too much when he’s off.
I like Marata’s timing off the bench and his input, so he needs to be on the bench. The second choice for a bench spot is Stone, he comes on to give Mahoney his time off, but can then be used as utility for the forwards. Rookie pick for the bench is Stefano. The last bench spot for me would be Taka, he can fill in for the forwards also if Fergo needs a spell then ideal replacement.
NB’s spot at 13 should be Kafusi, he has had some top side experience at prop, but has been at lock for some weeks at Wenty and I tend to think he’s better in that spot than prop, but its an interchangeable role as prop/lock are middle forwards anyway.
I don’t believe that Alvaro has done enough to warrant selection, and as much as I like Gowie, and last weeks game was not his best, and shown to be capable in the past, I believe we need some stronger & younger legs. The bench overall has to have players that are at least the equal ability in attack & defence as those they replace. That is where we seem to falter when the bench falters as they come on.
That’s a lot of changes for the week Colin. I agree with Stefano and Oregon both being ready, but I’m not sure that BA would go with both. Stone could be a genuine chance for inclusion.
Sixties it would seem a lot of changes but by how many really? Basically I am only picking one new face for the team and that is Stefano. Putting numbers on them here I go.
13: Kafusi, 14 Stone, 15 Marata, 16 Stefano, 17 Taka.
Certainly I have left out Alvaro, Tepai and Gower, but I really do not see Alvaro and Tepai as NRL standard ATM. Gower is hard to leave out, and I only have Taka in based on Fergo being short of a run, but I am sure he is champing at the bit to knock some mules off their pedestals. Which means Gower is likely the better option.
I just though Gowie was down on Thursday night.
I see your logic Colin, but it’s still a massively different bench. Where I think you’ll be right is probably Tepai. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him lose his bench spot.
I will be flabbergasted to say the least if he is even chosen on the extended bench, how many minutes has he played over the last 4 games, and what has his ratings been in that time?
While BA was responsible for giving his shot in the top grade against the Warriors a few years back, and over the time at the eels he has shown what he could have been, he should not be in the top 17 again. In saying this, I do not mean to be attacking him as a person or his character rather its to do with him as an NRL squad player at this point in his career.
While Gowie is maybe playing again next year, I would prefer to remember him for his worth contributions to the club than a player that had one year too many. I will miss Manu next year but we can be thankful that he is putting in week by week still even as he prepares to leave.
Colin I went for Oregon over Stefano simply because he has been there before. I would not argue with Stone as a replacement for Meoroa either.
Do you think that Peni is playing like he has already been told he won’t be re-sighned for next season. I hope not.
That would be a total of two replacements for Brown and Moeroa. That also means I have left Taka out which seems a bit harsh.
If they can return to playing with patience and resilience again I think that they can get the job done against Broncos
John, I am sure I saw somewhere where Peni, like Alvaro had an Player option for next year, yet I cannot find that anywhere now. I really am not sure about whether he is worth keeping as a player, unless he can genuinely lift his whole game back to the standard we know he can play at, but turning 28 this year and with him being put back to Wenty this last game in favour of Tepia does not bode well for him, unless he was put back to give an 80minute audition.
The problem what I see for players like Peni is that we have several young players who are off contract this year as well, including Stefano, Ray Stone, with Salesi Fainga’a & EthanI PARRY apparently unsigned also. These are players I believe need to be kept but they need to be signed very soon before they are taken by other clubs. By not picking them especially Stefano and Salesi, who are very much future NRL players and ones that we must keep rather than chasing others.
The choice of Oregan at Lock is what I also believe is the right call, using Stone as a replacement for him and for Mahoney is an ideal for him. Marata gives good impact off the bench, and if Manu and Shaun are playing well, then Marata adds to their impact as well. and a very strong back three, that would allow Kafusi to fit into Jnrs spot. We need a strong player of bulk to take over from Evans and Stefano should be that man. The 17th player though could be either Gowie or Taka.
We do have a golden opportunity in giving these young players a run this weekend, it would be a tough assignment and test for them but I see no reason for not giving them a run. What do we have to lose really? we still sit at 6 on the table, and the only ones that can take us out of that spot is if we lose and Cronulla and Storm win, we should still be in 6th spot, two losses though will not help our morale though.
I have noticed on Zero Tackle club stats page that Alvaro has actually been signed for 2 more seasons rather than just the single PO for next year. I am amazed at this as I heard he was only signed for one more year in accord with the PO on his contract.
Colin, I believe that both Danny and Peni are with the club next year, and that Danny was extended.
Sixties, some few years back I believed that (at that time) that Alvaro and Alex Twal were front rowers that could be mainstays of our teams for some time, of course Jnr was gone and Tim was still here doing ok, today, I could understand the aspect of Dan taking up his PO for next year, but I cannot understand given his performances this year, and over the last few weeks, why he could have warranted an extra year over the single PO for next year. At best he is a year by year proposition at the moment.
Peni, is worth the extra year and likely moreso than Dan, but he has to mature himself and as a player, to really make a show next year, I certainly would like to be proven wrong at this time in 2020 regarding the two of them.
I can’t argue with you Colin. What I will say about Daniel, without knowing the $$$ is that it’s a 30 player roster and Daniel is worth a spot in there for a variety of reasons. Does his current form warrant an NRL spot? He’d probably agree that this year has not been his best, but as last year’s Thornett medallist, you’d hardly cut him loose. (Yes, I know you’re not suggesting that).
Fair calls sixties. The aspect that its a 30 man playing roster means some (not the best choice of terms) lesser standard players can get a spot, I do know that Daniel has played well in the past, with him signing on again, lets hope that this year is an aberration for him.
We currently have 33 players in the roster, of those there are 9 players listed as off contract, including Peni, so if he’s staying it means there are 8 spots available for upgrades and/or new signings, I guess as I look over the players off contract, I am more concerned in regards to those we wont resign than those who have. As examples I see Stefano as being listed as being off contract as well as Ray Stone, I really hope the two are resigned rather than some of the others.
Anyways, lets hope the side that’s picked against the horses can get the job done.
You also have a distinct advantage over me regarding the players as I can only get to see the eels when on the box whereas you see the training and games, am I jealous? – you betcha.
Start with Gower for Brown. Without Brown I think Alvaro and Moeroa should go to Wenty. We could be vulnerable again behind the ruck, so the bench has to look like Niukore x 4…strong, athletic.lateral agility. That suggests giving 3 young blokes a run, Stone, Oregon and Stefano but maybe too light in NRL experience. Even without Pangai Jnr the Broncs will field a pack that might see Reed needing a break, so Stone and bring in Mannah to bolster experience for either Oregon or Stefano.
Just on benches, Manly, even without Sironen, fielded a bench that mixed it with the Raiders strong pack..big, strong,athletic, agile.
BDon, both Mannah and Stefano put in performances for Wenty that looked like they wanted to make a statement.
Great proposition Sixties.
I guess we can all make a call, but we have zero accountability if we get it wrong. On the other hand BA if he gets it wrong we have lost 2 in a row..and he will be blamed by many (after the event) for making the wrong call. You could call back Mannah for a swan song..but I think something non form related is keeping him back i.e. random call to the Tigers coach…
I have been wondering why Kafusi, Salmon and Parry have not received many chances ..Ive wondered why Stefano hasn’t been blooded. I didn’t want a situation where Stefano, Kafusi, Salmon or Parry were called upon in a sudden death final. I believe now is the time to get the bench right and at the same time give plan for the future. I think our young guns can give us the enthusiasm we need heading into the finals. Our young guns can take on the young Broncos pack.
Paulo
Reed
Evans
Lane
Nukore
Mau
Stone
Kafusi
Stefano
Gower to mentor the young guys.
Rest Alvaro, Tepai and Peni
Pete, that’s the beauty of being armchair coaches, we can laugh off our own opinion. Look at what happened to coach Brown after he admitted to poor choices. It looks like you and Colin are on the same page. I have to be honest about Stefano – he looks ready. Like Colin, there is logic to your choices. Whether we can afford that many changes is another thing. But in my opinion, Stone and Stefano must come into calculations.
Looks like BA blocked my calls.
Coming off a loss where our bench lacked impact and with Fergo back there will have to be some significant change. With NBrown out I’d play Gower as #13, minimises change to the run on team and BA doesn’t like to change the team.
Stone comes in to cover Reed & Gower’s breaks and will provide some impact. Marata (covers an injury to a back) and Alvaro hold their place, Stefano comes in for Tepai to add punch.
If Ferguson is back I would not have room for Taka. He was trialled in the forwards last year and just doesn’t handle the workload and is a defensive liability. Taka has gone well on the wing, I think that is his new home.
You might be very close to the mark, but I reckon Taka will hold a spot.
I’m good to go if and when BA makes the call but in the unlikely case that doesn’t happen I’ll go with Taka on the bench and also bring in Peni for Tepai. It also seems like Utoikamanu has over taken Kaufusi in the pecking order (hopefully we’ll see them both in first grade next year). I also like the idea of Stone on the bench but I guess we can’t have all of them in yet.
With Tim in the Wenty team, either Oregon or Stefano has had to start from the bench. That’s been Oregon lately and Stefano has really ramped up the impact.
Stone to 14, Tepai to 13 and Terepo on the bench.
Takas back to Wenty.
BA will do predictable BA and waste a spot on the bench for Takas who can only really cover the outside backs or 6 at a semi competent level. If we’re gonna spell Reedy it has to stop being at the expense of having a fullback. Our attack suffers having Gutho there both in terms of service and not having a 1. Its stupidity.
Thanks for the reply Gregory.
I don’t like Gutho at dummy half either. Stone was the answer but injury has robbed him of game time since we last played Brisbane.
By the way, “predictable” BA has done a pretty decent job with his decisions this year. He’s debuted Brown, Sivo and Parry. Look where the teams who’ve been less predictable with their selections (Knights, Panthers and even Broncos) are sitting.
I think hes done a fair job after last season but still not sold on BA.
I think he got lucky with blooding Sivo as it seemed going into the last trial he has going to start with George Jennings but injury forced his hand. We may have seen Sivo at some stage anyway but he sure helped us from round 1.
Replacing Norman for Brown was a good decision. IMO Parry wasn’t close to ready, hence why we’re now playing Takas on the wing. I think BA has to make the hard call and see Takas for what he is. That being depth in the outside backs. His second row stint was a failure last season as he doesnt have the ability to make repeat efforts that are needed there.He’s no longer a first choice centre here, and hes playing as a winger out of desperation. Fergo comes back and Takas shouldn’t be required. I think the soft option is to find a spot for him, the right option for the balance of the team is to play a backup 9 or an extra middle.
Yep. 4 forwards on the bench and we’ll just have to cover any backline problems via Mau and Marata and make sure Kotoni Staggs isn’t given acres to work in.
The rev aka Snedden
Rd 24 line up should be like this.
1# Gutherson
2# Sivo
3# Blake
4# Jenko
5# Ferguson
6# brown
7# Moses
8# junior
9# Mahoney all 80 minutes of him.
10# Kane
11# Mau
12# Lane
13# stone ) but Brad will go with Moeroa
Bench
14# marata
15# kaufusi
16# Gower
17# Stefano. But Brad Will Go with takarangi.
18th man salmon
It’s the future. It’s time we start giving these young guys a Fair crack at NRL.
Not bad going got it right almost with the starting 17.
EVANS
MAHONEY
PAULO
MAU
LANE
TEREPO (last chance)
MARATA
MANNAH
STEFAN
TAKARANGI
Time to make a change. Gower, Meroa, Alvaro have had enough chances and have shown they can’t consistently produce what is needed and often cause any and all momentum to be lost and that is something that is hard to get back.
Stone does not get a look in, he tries hard but gives away silly penalties and in all honesty has very little meaningful impact.
Taka gets a bench spot due to his versatility but as a forward he is ordinary.