I would like to see him given the 1 shirt, but that isn't going to happen. I think you may be right about him being on the bench.

I'd also like to see him at full back but like you say, that won't happen. I like him at right centre, with Ratu on the wing. We won't see the best of him if he's moved around too much. He's one of the few players we have that makes things happen so would like to think he'll be in the 13.

I'd like to see Carlos at Full Back, with Connor at Right Centre. Carlos played some really good rugby in the NRL from Full Back

Imo Connor should be starting centre in place of Tui - Tui is a good player but hes not as good as Connor and tough decisions need to be made with the squad we have next year

Connor was In a great run of form prior to him being moved around due to injuries. Hes our best centre imo. No one else is international standard and whilst he had a dip in form last year he was just one of many

1st friendly 3 weeks tomorrow. I think we only have the two so feels a bit light vs previous years. How many weeks until Jones joins us?

Cannot recall seeing CT play any NRL games at FB. He only played about a dozen first team games or so in his combined 4 seasons for NZ Warriors and Newcastle. At the Warriors he played predominantly in their youth team( NYC) at No 6 in his 3 seasons there although he did play full FB occasionally.

For the season at Newcastle he was tried unsuccessfully at centre where his defence let him down. Most of his matches were in their reserve team where he played at No 6.

I think we may see Adam Swift at full back for some games if Shaul is injured or left out because of form

Why?



Is this because 6 years ago, he played a few games at FB for Whitehaven, or am I missing something?

We do Seem to have an embarrassment of riches in the backs at the moment.

Assuming Sneyd & Kelly fit, then they play HB.

Centres - Tuimavave, Griffin, Fonua & Conner - possibly in that order ?

Wing - Naulago, Swift, Fonua, Faraimo, Dawson Jones.

FB - Shaul

Fonua will play whenever fit, so by my reckoning we have at least one back too many - even allowing for one out with injury.

Can't really imagine any of those not in the first team playing reserve grade more than occasionally - I suspect the odd one ( or two ) might be loaned out if all fit after pre-season.

anybody worried the adverse january weather could disrupt our two friendlies? the shay is notorious for cutting up and being waterlogged easily

Cant see Dawson getting a look in and Griffin is likely to start the season on the bench as the replacement second row.

If all fit the team really picks itself with the exception of Adam Swift on the left wing replacing Faraimo.
The bench likely to be Griffin,Connor,plus two front rows.Bowden has to step up otherwise could loose his place.

Savelio?

If fit has to be in the 17

Agree, just cant see some of those not starting being happy.

Josh was our biggest metre maker last year ?

Think Radford will use him in the front row and will be one of the two front row bench starters.
Will revert to second row when injuries/loss of form kicks in.
Thats why i think Bowden has to up his game as Masi and Bienek will be pushing him

Also, most people leaving Ellis out of starting 17 - very much doubt he sees it that way ?

Great position to be in though, real competition for places.

Squad numbers?

6. Connor
14. Kelly

Jones is here. Only injuries according to Radford are Houghton (end Feb), Cameron Scott and Jack Sanderson missing. Game v York this week.

Seems as though I was right, although I don’t get why. Unless Kelly is going to specialise off the bench.

Seems like a good move to me, it was effective last season.
Plus with Kelly's recent injury record I wonder if we are trying to get some continuity in the halves.

…. just a pity Connor isn't a no 6.

If he is indeed first choice stand off this season then I suppose we'll find out for sure one way or the other.

square peg, round hole.

I'm not sure they mean a great deal. Fonua is 24 but he isn't going to be sitting in the stands.