The Cumberland Throw

The Spotlight – May 6, 2024: Eels Team List Tuesday, You Make The Call

This season is fast becoming one that all Eels supporters would rather forget. Now Round 10 presents arguably the most challenging Team List Tuesday for at least the last six seasons.

Everybody is aware of the limitations to the selection options. There appears to be no upcoming change to the roster apart from losing key players to injury. How that happens is befuddling.

Of equal concern is the loss of form from senior players, for whatever reason, and unfortunately it’s been evident in more than just one or two games.

Is it time to take a punt on unproven, younger players?

Matt Arthur

I understand the reasoning behind sticking to the “name” players on big contracts. They’re on good coin for a reason, and it’s valid to consider it more likely that they could turn their form around rather than expecting a player on debut to make an immediate impact.

It would be a massive leap of faith to debut a player ahead of naming an incumbent, one fraught with the additional risk of exposing a young player to a baptism of fire in a struggling team. There’s the potential of doing more harm than good to the development of a rising star.

In my opinion, we are closer to that leap of faith point than ever before.

Charlie Guymer

But this post isn’t meant to be just about my thoughts. I’m genuinely interested in what our readers would do if given the role of selector. So I encourage you to post your NRL team in the replies below, and add whatever rationale you wish to provide.

As I wrap up this post with my team, please note that it is merely my opinion, one that is no more valid than that of any other supporter. I don’t possess the expertise of a coach or a former NRL player.

However, I will add that I’ve based my calls solely on exposed form from all NRL and NSW Cup games, in addition to opposed training sessions.

My team list for the Broncos game would look like this:

Blaize Talagi

Bailey Simonsson

Morgan Harper (1)

Will Penisini

Sean Russell (2)

Ethan Sanders

Dylan Brown

Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Brendan Hands (3)

Makahesi Makatoa

Kelma Tuilagi

Bryce Cartwright

J’maine Hopgood

Interchange:

Matt Arthur (4)/ Joey Lussick

Ryan Matterson

Junior Paulo (5)

Charlie Guymer (6)


Notes

1 Morgan Harper has been the subject of criticism from Eels supporters. However, he was one of the better performers in recent Eels matches, especially against the Sea Eagles.

2 I had tipped Sean Russell to enjoy a breakout season in 2024. He had added about 7 kgs to his frame without losing any pace. Unfortunately he has struggled on the wing. His form improved dramatically at centre in NSW Cup last week. I’d prefer to see him get more time at centre in Cup, but I cannot select Maika Sivo on the wing so Sean is the option.

3 With respect to our dummy halves, both have not performed as well as they have in the past. I’m prepared to give Hands an opportunity in the starting spot to see if he’d respond to this.

4 It’s not ideal timing, but I’d roll the dice with Matt Arthur. “Boods” is a blue chip prospect and has consistently been one of the best in NSW Cup this season. Unfortunately, he’s probably still ineligible for selection but a tweak of the top 30 and development list could elevate him to a dev contract that he should be on in the first place. The reality is that he remains unlikely to be selected, so Lussick will realistically get the bench role.

5 As usual, Junior is named to start but is a late shift to the interchange.

6 Charlie Guymer is progressing well, both as an edge player and a middle. Make no mistake, he’s destined to have a long career in the NRL. He’s tough, mobile and versatile. It’s time for that NRL journey to start. 

* Both Shaun Lane and Maika Sivo need to regain form and confidence in NSW Cup. We know what each player is capable of doing, but it’s just not happening for either player in the early part of 2024, and the team isn’t travelling well enough to give them time in first grade as they endeavour to get back to their best.

* Joe Ofahengaue would be the unlucky player in my team list as I look for a starting middle. It was a tough decision, and to be fair, the Eels have performed better in the first half so I would acknowledge Joe’s claim to retain his spot ahead of Makahesi Makatoa. Maybe bracket them there.

* Five of the seven backs that I’ve named are graduates of the Eels pathways, as are the four interchange players.

Over to you for your selections.

Eels forever!

Sixties

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73 thoughts on “The Spotlight – May 6, 2024: Eels Team List Tuesday, You Make The Call

  1. Brad

    I’m concerned about Blaize at fullback. Our club has done him no favours by constantly moving his positions, and when I have seen him play 1 in cup he’s looked shaky under the highball and we know he will cop a barrage as a rookie at the back. For that reason I’m tempted to move Simo to fullback. And whilst it flies in the face of my previous comment about continually moving Blaize around, I’m putting him on the wing because he has speed, is less defensively exposed and can roam a little in attack.

    I’d love to see Marthur get a run, but it isn’t going to happen so no point even suggesting it. It’s likely the same applies to Guymer, though I think we are closer to him getting a run than Matt.

    Sivo would never play NRL again for us if I had a say.

    1. Simonssen
    2. Blaize
    3. Harper
    4. Penisini
    5. Russell
    6. Brown/Sanders
    7. Sanders/Brown
    8. Joffa
    9. Lussick
    10. RCG
    11. Carty
    12. Matto (his best game of the season last week)
    13. Hopgood

    14. Hands
    15. Paulo (yes name him in a reserve jersey)
    16. Maka
    17. Kelma

  2. GrayGirraffe

    Not far off mine also mate.

    Talagi
    Simmonson
    Penisini
    Harper
    Russell
    Sanders
    Brown
    RCG
    lussick
    Matto
    Tuilagi
    Carty
    Hopgood
    Marthur
    Paulo
    Maka
    Guymer

    I’d start Matto and I have no reason why other than it’s a change and something I’d look at.
    I’d also add that I thought Harper was very good against manly, though with Russel’s performance at centre in cup I wouldn’t mind seeing him there if Harper continues to be inconsist. In that case I think cini has been decent in cup and whilst yes not been consistent in the past few seasons, I think his contact and metres with the ball could be interesting on the wing.

    1. sixties Post author

      In retrospect, Matto probably gets the start based on what he delivered last week and the fact that Kelma has been playing some NSW Cup. The thing that has constantly held Cini back is defence. His efforts carrying the ball can’t be questioned, but until he gets both sides of the game right he’s not in contention in my opinion.

      1. GrayGirraffe

        Yeah no denying Cini has had defensive faults and I have been critical. But let’s be honest. Is it THAT much worse than some of the defence sivo has delivered?

        Also with my Matto starting thing, yeah he could easily be named tomorrow to start at backrow as I thought he was actually pretty good there. My pick though would be to try to start him as a prop. He’s been very good for a few seasons now off the bench as a game changer. But now with Paulo coming off the bench, maybe we Matto could be used to start in the 10

        1. Longfin Eel

          I tend to agree re Matto starting. Either in the middle or on the edge he does (or can) provide a bit of an x-factor. If we are to win games we need to start really strong and get the scoreboard ticking over. This will be even more critical given the loss of Moses and Gutho over the coming weeks. We will be relying more than ever on our edge forwards to create the gaps with their angled runs instead of our halves/fullback bringing fancy play. The next few weeks will be critical to not only the rest of this season, but likely next season as well.

  3. Noel Beddoe

    The interesting selection is at full back. Is Blaize a major part of our future? Maybe time to find out, looking for poise rather than perfectipn. In fact, for the sake of winning this game, DJ Asi would be my pick as best option. He was unlucky to be dropped after the win at home against Manly. When he had a very successful Flegg side Luke Burt swould start with the tough Denzrl Tenise at 9, then bring Mahoney on after some of the vim had gone out of the opposition. Worked very well. Maybe Lussick to start, for his undoubted toughness, then take a look at young Arthur.
    Looking to next year, some intetesting options. Oregon Kafusi has an option next year and Fonua-Blake is coming; are we intetested in having Oregon back as he approaches his best years?

    1. sixties Post author

      I hadn’t monitored that with Oggy. Interesting. I can see the logic in Lussick still being there as he could switch to lock whilst Arthur is on. It’s maybe something to keep in mind for whenever Boods debuts.

  4. Macca

    I agree totally sevo and lane out I would love to see Matt and Charlie Gumer in the team idvalso like to see is it Saxon pyke ind the team them 3 on the field together would turn our defence into like a pack of mungrel dogs after a bone and boy do we need that ps if sevo is picked my view on ba will change to the worst big time

    1. Horo

      Nice team sixties! Lane and Sivo should both be in NSW cup and shopped around to other clubs.
      One change to your team would be the numbers put 6 on Brown and 7 on Sanders. It might subconsciously relieve Brown of a bit of mental pressure.

    2. sixties Post author

      Macca, I’m a huge Saxon Pryke fan, but jumping two grades is beyond the question. He needs time in NSW Cup.

  5. B&G 4 Eva

    Well , think I would stick with Sivo, he’s the top try scorer at the club for a reason.

    1. Russell
    2. Simmonson
    3. Penisini
    4. Harper
    5. Sivo
    6. Brown
    7.Sanders
    8. RCG
    9. Hands
    10. Paulo
    11. Matterson
    12. Cartwright
    13. Hopgood

    14. Lussick/ M Arthur
    15. Ofenhengaui
    16. Tualagi
    17. Guymer

    No need to throw young players into such an important game against the Broncos.

    1. sixties Post author

      I don’t expect debutants to be named. I referenced the baptism of fire that such a call would involve. Likewise I expect Sivo and Lane to be named. I can find reasons to agree with those calls but I can also find valid reasons to disagree. This is basically a preemptive disagreement post.

      1. Matthew Sweeney

        In regards to Sivo can I suggest we don’t throw bub out of the tub. He’s had 2 weeks to mourn over his idiotic action. Remember he scored 3 tries one , or two of them considered to be unscorable by the other members of the squad, according to BA. I think he goes good at combank.

        1. Noel Beddoe

          The most intetesting calls to watch on Friday night – Talangi at full back : is ge ready. And Lussick not only to start but to play the full eighty minutes. I like the three quarter line. The Lussick/Talangi calls likel y will decide the game.

          1. Matthew Sweeney

            It’s going to be compelling viewing to see who sinks or swims in this game .

          2. Noel Beddoe

            I think it entirely fair that the reputation of BA be affected by the performance of Blaize on Friday night. It seems that most of us think it’s too early, wrong position. If Blaize proves us wrong we should acknowledge Brad’s judgement; if Blaize fails the decision may be key in costing us the game. Pretty stark.

  6. pete

    Thanks Sixties,
    Always good for a team list.

    The main question is what was the plan B for when we had injuries or suspensions. Every club has these. Why did HOF think we wouldn’t get any?

    Blaize Talagi – not playing 1 recently

    Bailey Simonsson

    Morgan Harper – recruitment mid season

    Will Penisini

    Leumeleume if eligible Russell needs a message

    6. Dylan Brown play natural game

    7. Ethan Sanders play natural game

    Reagan Campbell-Gillard

    Brendan Hands

    Wiremu- going backwards in Cup. Was unfair to drop him 1st game back

    Kelma Tuilagi

    Bryce Cartwright

    J’maine Hopgood

    Interchange:

    Matt Arthur

    Ryan Matterson

    Junior Paulo

    Charlie Guymer

    HOF – The bottom line is the HOF is getting paid and not meeting the core requirements of his role. He has failed year on year to fill the roster with required talent. He’s been too slow at shoring up teams. Nrlw was decimated as well after the GF. HOF is failing across the board.

    Coach – needs to get the best out of the players he has. Currently the players appear like they want a new coach. Errors, discipline, Giving up and missing tackles are dead set coach killers. Do the players want Bennett?

    Age – I don’t buy age as a factor. JWH 35yrs and tears it up when he’s playing. Sure a few penalties and sin bins but nobody questions his efforts. Jesse Bromwich 35yrs not as good as before but his leadership and efforts are never questioned. It’s not age it’s attitude – why we don’t get many origin reps or are dropped from the side.

    Defence – we have ignored this as part of the game for a decade. No good saying players falling out of the system. That means it’s too complicated and doesn’t work – address the poor system and simplify it.

    I have never felt so negative about a season. I really hope it can be turned around by BA. But after Darwin I think we hit the worst eels offering for a long time. I’m doubtful BA can turn it around now. Broncos is a must win to save his skin.

    1. sixties Post author

      Cheers Pete. A quick pick up on two points. Firstly. There’s no internal unrest. Secondly, there is no question about older players delivering in the NRL, especially when there is no shortage of young talent around them. I saw a preseason impact of the young players making up more than half of the training squad. The older players looked energised. It gave me hope for the season. Our issue is that there is an older age collective of players, especially in the forwards, and the form is either fluctuating (at best) or poor.

      1. pete

        Thanks Sixties.
        I tend to think my team is not the team BA will go with. Perhaps a few similarities. It’s more about the frustration with status quo.
        We should be better than this. Quite a few need to have a long hard look at themselves. The team needs a shake up.

    2. N. Senada

      Completely agree about your point re: leadership. When Matterson decided to sit out 3 games rather than pay a fine to start 2023, I asked myself, where is the leadership to stop this madness? I can’t help thinking that the Matterson issue was a real exclamation to the Eel’s soft white underbelly. The arrogance of thinking we do not need our best players to start the season….Clearly Gutho is our leader and the only player with the unshakable will to compete to the death. How do we replace that will to win. Who else has that quality in our team? We can’t replace Gutho’s heart. More than his skills, we will miss his heart. Is there somebody with that instinct in the lower grades? Put him in NRL. We need it

      1. Ron

        Dylan has that same will to win as does Moses. I think rcg does (he’s just playing hurt) and hopgood also does. I can’t consistently say the same about the rest unfortunately.

  7. BP

    1. Talagi
    2. Simonsson
    3. Penisini
    4. Harper
    5. Russell
    6. Brown
    7. Sanders
    8. RCG
    9. Hands
    10. Paulo (move to bench)
    11. Cartwright
    12. Matterson
    13. Hopgood
    14. M Arthur
    15. Tuilagi
    16. Greig (start)
    17. Guymer

    I think Greig needs to be pushed into NRL with a sink or swim mentality – I think with an extended run he will find the form he had last year. Kelma/Matto could go either way between starting and off the bench.

    Time for some youth with M Arthur and Guymer + Blaize to have an extended run at fullback. With all of these guys we will need to accept errors will come and that is part of their development. I’d rather see youth get an opportunity and learn/improve from it, than experienced players out there below their best.

    1. sixties Post author

      BP, I agree with youth too. It’s a tough call with Woody. He hasn’t been pushing for selection with his form in Cup, though he was solid last week in what was a very good team win against the Sea Eagles.

  8. Paul G

    1. Blaze
    2. Sivo
    3. Pensini
    4 Simonson
    5 Russell
    6 Brown
    7. Sanders
    8 RCG
    9 Hands
    10 Offa
    11 Matto
    12 lane
    13 Hopgood
    14 Junior
    15 Arthur
    16 Greg
    17 Guymer

      1. Glenn

        Honestly Blaize at fb is ridiculous to me and his form in Cup in that position has been underwhelming. His errors in catching the high ball and D will be targeted by the opposition so why put him this important position? What about Apa Twidle? who has played this position in the lower grades. Surely couldn’t be worse than Blaize.

        1. sixties Post author

          He makes similar errors in that grade Glenn and has actually performed much better at 5/8. The jump from Flegg to NRL is huge.

  9. Fletcher Eelectric podcast

    Considering the calls with Blaize at fullback I would still consider him as a centre but I could see him on the wing and considering Sean Russel has been killing it at centre I wouldn’t mined seeing him there so my team is as followed
    1.bailey
    2.blaize
    3.will penisini
    4. Sean Russel
    5. Morgan Harper
    6.ethan sanders
    7.brown
    8.rcg
    9.hands
    10.joe
    11.bryce
    12.matto
    13. Hoppy
    14.lussick
    15.maka
    16.kelma
    17.wiremu

  10. Brett Allen

    1) Talagi
    2) Simonsen
    3) Harper
    4) Penisini
    5) Russell
    6) Brown (c)
    7) Sanders
    8) Greig
    9) Arthur
    10) Junior
    11) Tuilagi
    12) Matterson
    13) Hopgood
    14) Hands
    15) Moretti
    16) Makhatoa
    17) Guymer
    I’ve dropped Lane, Joffa, Sivo & Lussick, I’m resting RCG because he looks absolutely busted. I’m assuming Carty is still injured, along with Mitch & Gutho.
    I’ve intentionally named Dylan as captain to send him a very loud clear message, until Mitch gets back this is your team. Lead !!!

      1. Brett Allen

        Fair enough, then he’s in for Tuilagi. Straight swap.
        Oh, and can someone please do some serious goal kicking practice.

        1. pete

          Yes Brett, goal kicking so important. Sanders is a kicker hopefully he’s given the job.

  11. Colin Hussey

    Interesting posts from those who have made some interesting observations and hard to challenge the arguments.

    I for one am not wanting to see Sivo on the wing, or for that matter picked in the main side. Sadly, he has failed too many times with brain snap decisions that end up costing primary players out of poor choices with his hit and mostly misses. What has been his highest scores as winger, as he more often than not ends up awarding the opposition with damage to his game, something that has been consistent, but he knows the number of times he makes the poor calls and the team will have to cover for him.

    In general, though I am liking the variations with the team going forward, with Sivo as not being consistent (outside of some tries) is he worth the chances that he takes and pushes against better/consistent players?

    With the choice of players that are replacing those injured, it will be a strong challenge for the players, especially those who are younger but need to lift going forward, may well be a good turn for the new players to show their wares. I look forward to watching the game.

  12. Shaun

    My team is Brown, Sanders plus eleven players who will not leave either alone and backup when they are looking for support. That would be a good start.

    I’d like to see Greig on the bench. He may be a player that will respond well to being back in the NRL team.

    1. Noel Beddoe

      The majority of responders have left Sivo out of their recommendations. The scores are level, there’s a minute to go, someone is given the ball for us fifteen meytes out of the opposing tryline, you’ve got a thousand bucks on the result; who would you most like, of our current roster, to be catching that ball? Brad very much needs a win; I’m pretty confident he’ll pick Sivo.

      1. sixties Post author

        I think he will too Noel, but I don’t like it. I don’t like a situation where a player performance gives with one hand and takes away with the other.

  13. Eels93

    Slightly off topic but I was just interested in your thoughts on the following players. Or if you have any knowledge on whether the club them in our future plans.

    I’ve seen a lot more reserve this year, thanks to NSWRL tv.

    Brock Parker to me seems to do a lot right. Makes his tackles, good metres and does have a sneaky offload up his sleeve.

    Mat Doorey. He is injured a lot but I have always liked what he can offer and hope he gets an injury free run from here.

    Toni Mataele. He seems to have gone backwards but I haven’t given up on him yet.

    Lastly, Sam. L. He is another who has been injured a lot. I like what he brings. He does have the odd poor read in him but I feel like there is still potential there. Just another kid I hope gets an injury free run.

    1. sixties Post author

      Update.
      Brock has a future in my opinion. Ultra consistent. You know what you’ll get with him. Was close to the best/most reliable in Flegg for the last two seasons.
      Matt Doorey needs an injury free run. Just had awful luck
      Toni Mataele hasn’t been playing due to a hamstring injury. Might be back round 11?
      Samuel Loizou has had his best injury free run. This year The ball is in his court to make the most of that

    2. Brett Allen

      My issue with Doorey is that he gets hurt too often, not injured, but hurt. He doesn’t seem to be able to handle a whack. You gotta be able to take a hit and get up immediately.

  14. B.A Sports

    I think your side is pretty on point.

    I don’t agree with the people calling for Simmonson at the back – especially with the logic that he would be safer under the high ball. His passing game also leaves a fair bit to be desired.

    Sivo and Lane deserve a rest. I think Matto is probably lucky to keep his spot.

    Harper is dreadful. He played better last round, but his better is t good enough. Still unfit, still slow and woefully out of position too often. Whoever plays there is killing time til Lomax arrives, so just get Asi some more first grade experience.

    I’d like to see Marthur get a shot though with all the criticism B.A copped around selecting Jacob, I imagine he will be gun shy to pick him.

    I’d like to see Brown back to 6 and Sanders at 7. But with Lussick constantly throwing balls high and forcing halves to grab the ball from infront of their face or over their shoulder constantly, it might be too much to ask of the rookie in first grade with the faster defensive lines.

    1. sixties Post author

      Cheers BAS. My rationale behind selecting Harper is that he is actually a better defensive option than others and he’s scored a couple of tries that have come from staying in the moment and chasing hard, something that I think has been missing in some others. I’d disagree about him being unfit, but lack of pace would be a fair call.
      Matt Arthur provides great service out of dummy half and reads the play superbly. It would be a tough call about when to debut him, but any supporter that can’t see his ability doesn’t understand footy.

  15. N.Senada

    Sixties, it is a sad state of affairs, our current situation. I started compiling my team and I had to stop because I burst into tears. I contemplated putting Sivo in there. But, why put him in there just because there is nobody else better? Why reward Sivo for such lamentable and unenergetic performances? Put Isaac Lumelume in. For all his lack of finesse and his limitations, he shows a little more effort in running the ball back at least. Oh dear, how could anybody pick Shaun Lane? He is out of steam. He needs to be away from NRL for a while. I’d put Matt Arthur in there. What is there to lose?

  16. JR

    1. Talagi
    2. Russell
    3. Penisini
    4. Harper
    5. Simmo
    6. Brown
    7. Sanders
    8. RCG
    9. Hands
    10. Joe O
    11. Matto
    12. Carty
    13. Hopgoat

    14. MA
    15. Junior
    16. Moretti
    17. Kelma

    Key points:

    Talagi gets his shot for a month at the 1 jersey.
    He’s a bit sus under kicks, but he’s got speed and he’s silky with the ball.

    Russell on the LEFT wing will kill it!
    He’s a left hand carry and every time he has played on the left, he’s scored multiple tries.

    Hands gets the start at 9, Lussick has had his chance and has struggled a lot without Moses.

    Matto had his best game on the edge last week, keep him on the edge, but shift him to the left and use him in the middle rotation.

    Upgrade Matty and give him a go.
    He’s crafty.

    Moretti shouldn’t have been dropped in the first place.
    Plays with heart, has leg speed and aggression.

    Kelma comes on to allow matto to move to the middle to spell Hoppy.

    1. BDon

      Totally agree on Moretti. I distinctly recall the first of 2 dropped balls. It was a long pass where he had to swivel sideways, the 2nd one he had to reach his hands forward. His style is to run hard, so with bad passes when thinking ‘run hard’, he just needs to think ‘catch ball’ first, and he needs to be given better service to get the best out of him. Tuilagi dropped a perfect pass v Manly just when they were reduced to 12, we’ve had heaps this year.

    2. John Eel

      JR the last time I saw Russell on the left was earlier in his career. That game he scored three tries before halftime.

      Looked good until Campbell took him out with knees to the ribs while scoring his third.

      1. sixties Post author

        He did have a cracking game in Cup last week. Would have liked to see more time in Cup getting that confidence in the position.

  17. Joseph

    1- Russell
    2- Simonnson
    3- Penisini
    4- Harper
    5- Sivo
    6- Sanders
    7- Brown
    8- RGC
    9- Hands
    10- Ofenhengau
    11- Tuilagi
    12- Cartwright
    13- Hopgood
    14- Talagi
    15- Matterson
    16- Paulo
    17- Makatoa

      1. Joseph

        I think we are damned if we do and damned if we don’t. We don’t even have half reasonable options to replace him. For all his flaws, he can score tries no other winger can at our club and he’s solid under the high ball.

  18. Sec50

    Just an aside 60’s, the NRL are killing our game. Gus was right to call some rule changes stupid. The officiating has been terribly inconsistent. The so called best refs, Atkins, Klein and Sutton et al are dreadful and don’t start me on the bunkers. Wyatt Raymond who reffed the Titans v Warriors game two weeks ago was the best display for a long time imho yet doesn’t get a gig last weekend.
    And to say that our club is in a parlous position is an understatement.
    I can’t get excited about selecting a team this weekend I’m sorry. As a 73 yr old who has followed Parra for all my formative years I am the most forlorn i have ever been. The powers that be have set us up for failure.
    Just needed to get this off my chest.

    1. sixties Post author

      Understandable opinion Sec. The constant rule changes and tweaking of the game are going to make it unrecognisable. There is now discussion about ending kick offs from halfway after tries because of the bigger collision from the carry. Will they then end deep kicks in play to the fullback or winger. I get the concern about concussion. I get the need to make safety of the players paramount. But you see concussions from innocuous tackles too. How many concussions occur in the kick hit up vs standard tackles? Logic says we’ll end up playing league tag because you can’t eliminate the majority of concussions as they are accidents that occur in a contact sport.

      1. Macca

        Easy rule for the kick off if defender hits the ball carrier in the head with any part of his body automatically sent off even if accidental you have to run 30metres to make the tackle they’ll soon start tackling low

  19. Mannah Brow

    All the comments about our aging pack are true but look at the results Bennett is getting at the Dolphins with a much older pack and. They also have no real recognised half and were only thrown together last year.
    They look much better defensively than us and more coherent in attack.
    Compare the pair and tell me why don’t we want Bennett?

  20. Ron

    Blaize
    Russell
    Harper
    penisini
    Simonsson
    Dylan
    Sanders
    Rcg
    Lussick
    Ofa
    Cartwright
    Matto
    Hopgood

    Moretti
    Tualagi
    Junior
    Hands

    The depth options at parra are pretty pathetic. Arthur should debut soon but once Moses is back in my opinion (would be unfair to throw Arthur in with this bunch of misfits atm). Guymer should debut in a month or two when gutho is also back.

    Big test for blaize – he needs to show something (ir do the basics well). Needs to catch the bombs and be in position on kicks + communicate from fullback. Errors will happen but I need to see some fundamentals done right because when I watch him in cup I’m not that moved.

    I believe sivo and lane should be in reserve grade until they pull their finger out (and even if they do they should be moved on at end of year regardless)

  21. Jimmy

    Simmo at the back and tell him to do a Gutho – he has plenty of ticker and some skills we don’t see enough of. Give Russell a run in the centres – let him get his hands on the ball earlier and more often. Sanders at 7.
    Give Grieg a go in the forwards AND use the bench to get in front of fatigue not chase it., esp if RCG is playing hurt.
    Tell Hands he’s on in the 20 minute mark so Lussick knows to work his arse off early
    Sivo and Lane NSW cup

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