Kepaoa was a stand out in the trails bigger / stronger has put the work in, stays injury free will be one of the stand outs this season ! Staines at full back Laurie Reggie’s until he can take high balls at a high percentage ..Kepaoa on the bench can play in the forwards and backs no brainer .I would be surprised if Batmen plays this week a big risk IMO needs to settle in .
I’m expecting this to be the side named
Laurie
Nofoaluma
Naden
Talau
Staines
Doueihi
Brooks
Stef
Api
Klemmer
Blore
Papali’i
Twal
Simpkin
Joffa
Bateman
Pole
I’m expecting this to be the side named
Laurie
Nofoaluma
Naden
Talau
Staines
Doueihi
Brooks
Stef
Api
Klemmer
Blore
Papali’i
Twal
Simpkin
Joffa
Bateman
Pole
Strong side 👍
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Kepaoa was a stand out in the trails bigger / stronger has put the work in, stays injury free will be one of the stand outs this season ! Staines at full back Laurie Reggie’s until he can take high balls at a high percentage ..Kepaoa on the bench can play in the forwards and backs no brainer .I would be surprised if Batmen plays this week a big risk IMO needs to settle in .
It’s a better than a fair point you make about Kepaoa, he trialled really well.
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They all did well in that 2nd trial but the Raiders were very poor weren’t they. Quite a few of our guys got some good minutes and some confidence out of it but the next game will be a lot tougher and a greater indicator of what might be to come.Kepaoa was a stand out in the trails bigger / stronger has put the work in, stays injury free will be one of the stand outs this season ! Staines at full back Laurie Reggie’s until he can take high balls at a high percentage ..Kepaoa on the bench can play in the forwards and backs no brainer .I would be surprised if Batmen plays this week a big risk IMO needs to settle in .
It’s a better than a fair point you make about Kepaoa, he trialled really well.
So, no Bateman and early reports say Staines has beaten Tupou for the wing spot.
You could presume Blore grabs the other second row spot and most likely Pole for lock?
Bench
Twal
Ofahengue
Kepaoa
Simpkin
?
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I’m hoping Stains is not picked on the wing, but on the bench. Think we should go with a bigger body in Junior and he also has the speed and agility.So, no Bateman and early reports say Staines has beaten Tupou for the wing spot.
You could presume Blore grabs the other second row spot and most likely Pole for lock?
Bench
Twal
Ofahengue
Kepaoa
Simpkin
?
I’m hoping Stains is not picked on the wing, but on the bench. Think we should go with a bigger body in Junior and he also has the speed and agility.So, no Bateman and early reports say Staines has beaten Tupou for the wing spot.
You could presume Blore grabs the other second row spot and most likely Pole for lock?
Bench
Twal
Ofahengue
Kepaoa
Simpkin
?
I agree with Declan’s point, that if we want genuine competition for the fullback spot, we should leave Staines in nsw cup to refine his game and put pressure on Laurie. Tupou to wing and Simpkin to bench for me. If we get an injury in the backline I feel there is sufficient cover and versatility across the team to adapt (ie Laurie to halves, naden to wing, Bateman to centre, nofo/junior to fullback, etc).
So, no Bateman and early reports say Staines has beaten Tupou for the wing spot.
You could presume Blore grabs the other second row spot and most likely Pole for lock?
Bench
Twal
Ofahengue
Kepaoa
Simpkin
?
Yeah the latest reports suggest that Bateman will be out. I'm happy to have Kepoa on the bench as you've suggested, he was impressive in the trials and can cover backline. Sheens usually likes the 'back on the bench' selection!
I am hoping joffa is used in front row rotation and not at 13 unless injuries hit
So, no Bateman and early reports say Staines has beaten Tupou for the wing spot.
You could presume Blore grabs the other second row spot and most likely Pole for lock?
Bench
Twal
Ofahengue
Kepaoa
Simpkin
?
I am hoping for this as well. AJ provides cover in the backs. Don't trust him as a FT second rower just yet but I'd like to see more of him in small doses. He's prone to the odd brain fade which is a concern.
@helmesy Staines over Tupou for his experience value makes sense but as others have said Staines should be in the Reggie’s honing his skills at 1 as Laurie is on borrowed time there. Kepaoa is a no brainer for a bench spot covers backs and forwards ..Bateman was never playing this weekend ! smoke screen Sheens is at it again .
id have Tupou take Kens spot over Staines. I think Tupou could/will be something special and in the trials he looked ready enough.
Really hope with Stains starting it’s not another Addo Carr/ Rankin scenario.id have Tupou take Kens spot over Staines. I think Tupou could/will be something special and in the trials he looked ready enough.
