1. Jahream Bula - sponsored by Australian Track Services
2. David Nofoaluma - sponsored by Leumeah Shopping Centre
3. Starford To'a - sponsored by Murray Kennedy Real Estate
4. Tommy Talau - sponsored by APN Compounding
5. Junior Tupou - sponsored by The Meat Man
6. Brandon Wakeham - sponsored by Club Menangle
7. Luke Brooks - sponsored by Momenta Advisors
8. Stefano Utoikamanu - sponsored by LP Construction
9. Api Koroisau (c) - sponsored by Exclusive Estate Agents
10. David Klemmer - sponsored by Brae Group
11. Isaiah Papali'i - sponsored by Spectrum Pools & Spas
12. John Bateman - sponsored by Kwikflo
13. Fonua Pole - sponsored by Ultra Building Works
Interchange:
14. Jake Simpkin - sponsored by AJ Engineering Group
15. Joe Ofahengaue - sponsored by Mater Dei on behalf of The Kirk Family
16. Alex Twal - sponsored by LC Wealth
17. Asu Kepaoa - sponsored by Xpertise Construction
18. Alex Seyfarth - sponsored by Wests Tigers Foundation
Cant argue with an unchanged side. Hope Bateman is good to go. Still not happy with Talau at centre, would prefer AJ there but good to have the flexibility on the bench I guess.
Disappointed not to see some changes despite the last start win because
- there was a noticeable drop off in our intensity when Klemmer and Stefano's first stint finished. Dragons were dominant during the middle part of the game until our starting props came back on
- Joffa is carrying a knee injury which makes him unwilling / unable to take hit ups
- there are still problems with our attack in the opposition 20.
Shawn Blore is almost the forgotten man. This week is the ideal time for him to slot in on the right edge assuming Bateman does not come up. If Seyfarth plays that role it is ridiculous.
AJ makes dumb errors every game. He'll make more this week no doubt.
Matamua's development is being hindered through lack of minutes and he offers more than Joffa particularly as lock forward distributing the ball from first receiver.
I'd prefer AJ in the centres and bring Blore onto the bench. Otherwise no real surprises.
Shawn Blore is almost the forgotten man. This week is the ideal time for him to slot in on the right edge assuming Bateman does not come up. If Seyfarth plays that role it is ridiculous.
Agree. Blore offers so much more than Seyfarth.
AJ makes dumb errors every game. He'll make more this week no doubt.
Agree AJ makes some errors but all through effort and enthusiasm. I have AJ in my 17 each week for at least his utility and his effort. Hits the line hard.
Except changes
Has anyone been watching the reserve grade side the last few games? Really interested to know about Blore’s form and why he’s out of favour
@the-last-ronin i havent seen any of the recent Cup games but in the press conference after Penrith, Sheenius said Blore needed to get minutes because he missed pre-season.
My problem with that is that I don't think Blore missed pre-season. He was ready to start on the right edge all summer until we signed Bateman. He played right edge in round 1 but then he got knocked out in that first game. He came back off the bench in Rd 3 and averaged 40 odd mins off the bench in the next 4 rounds. I would not think that represents a lack of minutes that would justify dropping the bloke to reggies to build up conditioning?
Sheens said the same thing about Joffa a month ago but only dropped him back for one game.
I really hope Blore is called in this week. He'd have a hell of a task defending on Cody Walker and co on Souths left side but I really believe he is up to it. Much better than the available alternatives in my view.
@mickb thanks. I don’t agree with that reasoning from Sheens either. I think he has a lot to offer hopefully he’s make in first grade soon.
Ya know to be honest I don’t believe he’s mobile enough for the backrow. I think if he gets a go again he will play as a middle.@mickb thanks. I don’t agree with that reasoning from Sheens either. I think he has a lot to offer hopefully he’s make in first grade soon.
Fair point. I can see that playing out
