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Joined April 2023
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No way Billy goes with Grant & Mahoney in origin, neither has the versatility to play another position at origin level. Possibly Mahoney if Grant is unavailable but if Grant is fit then the bench cover for hooker/halves this season should be Tom Dearden on the basis that Munster is fit & remains first choice 5/8. If Munster is struggling or injured, I’d stick with Dearden at 5/8 with Max Plath as the versatile bench cover, Mozer is a long way off origin footy at the moment. Hopefully the maroons won’t have to dip into the veteran barrel of forwards this season like they did last year with Tino, Horsburgh, Gilbert, Arrow, Hopgood & possibly Flegler back in action. Add them in the mix with Fotuaika, Carrigan, Fifita, Loiero, Fermor, Collins, Cotter, Nanai & Finefeuiaki then we shouldn’t get bullied. More concerned with finding a halfback to cover DCE, Hunt is the best option until Walker’s back.
NRL News: London calling as Brisbane buy in, Hunt reflects on hometown return
Wrong again Don, check cricinfo if you like. Renshaw averages, Test 29 (1 /100): List A 41 (6/100’s): FC 37 (22/100’s). McSweeney test 14 (0/100’s or 50’s): List A 42 (1/100): FC 36 (6/100’s): Don’t let facts get in the way of a good throwaway line. Both came through the Bulls squad a few years apart, McSweeney was always identified as leadership material but his record over a reasonable sample indicates he doesn’t go on to get 100’s after passing 50, unlike Renshaw. Connolly doesn’t have enough innings to consider as a reasonable sample. I like McSweeney as a number 4-5 in the test team down the track but he’s got to be given a chance in the lower order & then take the chance by scoring runs in his preferred position. Konstas & Connolly seem to be getting a leg up from desperate selectors. Renshaw appears to have had his card marked despite getting selected last year, catching Covid & being ostracised.
Aussies surely can’t repeat churn and burn McSweeney mistake with Konstas if Head goes to opener
Seemed to have a prickly point with you, e.g. Renshaw scored a 100, 70 & 50 including not outs in three of his last four shield innings before the pause yet everyone seems to suggest he shouldn’t be considered because he’s only in T20 form. It’s all about context, Mitch Marsh got dropped regularly from test teams because (a) he was picked as a second string all-rounder & hardly bowled or (b) never scored runs consistently to retain the spot (c) was always injured. Now your man Green is a different case, they persisted with him because everyone including one-eyed Queenslanders like me recognised that he’s a 10 year test all-rounder who can hold his place as a batsman only. There’d be no discussions like these if he was fit & available. Connolly might prove equally capable but let’s make a test cap worth something first.
Aussies surely can’t repeat churn and burn McSweeney mistake with Konstas if Head goes to opener
Bit of a difference picking a young guy to play a T20 in the BBL & telling them to just play their natural game than selecting them for the Ashes/BGT series when it’s really playing for sheep stations. The BBL competition is going the way of american baseball, rotation of players, win more than you lose on the road, practically no consequences for throwing away your wicket etc. Keeps the GenZ’s & Alphas entertained, along with the booming music & idiotic chants on the PA.
Aussies surely can’t repeat churn and burn McSweeney mistake with Konstas if Head goes to opener
He who wants to be universally loved, like Rafa & Roger? Probably never happen, even with 30 grand slams.
Human Rights Commission complaint lodged over Tony Jones' 'insulting and offensive' Djokovic dig as drama escalates
Most people outside of the AFL/Victorian bubble probably think Tony Jones is a knob & it isn’t a surprise that a media personality got the ‘humorous’ banter wrong, but why couldn’t Djokovic just followed the lead of the recent Indian cricketers and given his interview with Courier in Serbian. That would have pleased his supporters in the crowd & burned his critics.
Human Rights Commission complaint lodged over Tony Jones' 'insulting and offensive' Djokovic dig as drama escalates
But don, the Marsh lads have had lengthy careers because of the same alleged bias. It’s not like it’s a new direction this selection panel has taken. There doesn’t appear to be a genuine batch of in-form young bats knocking the door down with big runs against quality bowlers.
Aussies surely can’t repeat churn and burn McSweeney mistake with Konstas if Head goes to opener
He’s not usually a starter, big risk.
Round 1 Predicted Teams: Dolphins - Woolf hungry to win after Wayne’s exit, plenty of bite in new-look pack
Despite my close affiliation with everything maroon, I reckon Head & Konstas open, Uzzie can bat at 3, McSweeney at 5 with Marnus getting punted.
Aussies surely can’t repeat churn and burn McSweeney mistake with Konstas if Head goes to opener
Maybe roosters in a transitional season because their pack is looking a bit light on for impact. Definitely a good chance that Newcastle miss out with nearly the worst halves across whoever the use from the squad. Ponga will be burnt out trying to carry them.
Round 1 Predicted Teams: Dolphins - Woolf hungry to win after Wayne’s exit, plenty of bite in new-look pack
If all the speculation about Flegler’s injury was put to bed then they’ve got a decent starting pack & a bit of depth. Lemuelu is a decent forward & Finefeuaiki could be anything although his handling has been a weakness to date at the cowboys. You’re right about Keeley, he has plenty of upside & is still a young bloke. Halves are solid but would love to see someone tell Katoa he’s allowed to take on the line a bit more. Oloapu is a big risk with that injury, reckon he had the wrong people in his ear when he had the blow up at the broncos. A lot of those pacifica kids are the meal ticket for the entire family before their time & we all know some player managers are a blight on the game with the promises they make.
Round 1 Predicted Teams: Dolphins - Woolf hungry to win after Wayne’s exit, plenty of bite in new-look pack
Isn’t Fuller done for most of the season, knee injury? And he’s not so young. Hard to believe the author omitted Kenny Bromwich from the run on side. Harrison Graham to also make waves this year. Captaincy hard on Gilbert, I’d go Herbie or JMK.
Round 1 Predicted Teams: Dolphins - Woolf hungry to win after Wayne’s exit, plenty of bite in new-look pack
Well, much to my dislike, there are now only two types of forwards: middles & edges, so it doesn’t matter what number they wear.
Round 1 Predicted Teams: Dolphins - Woolf hungry to win after Wayne’s exit, plenty of bite in new-look pack
Somehow they need to have Plath on the field for 60ish minutes, whether at lock or hooker. He’s the pulse of that pack.
Round 1 Predicted Teams: Dolphins - Woolf hungry to win after Wayne’s exit, plenty of bite in new-look pack
Wasn’t Denan Kemp’s claim to fame that he scored a last play miracle try against the Eels of a magical Darren Lockyer kick? Champions make everyone around them look great. Incidentally, I’ve heard a few of his insights into the NRL & they appear quite balanced & measured.
One-hit wonders: From prolific try-scorers to heavyweights and even fighters, the Dragons who never got a second game
All the graciousness of Donald Trump when he loses, all the humility of Trump if he wins. Since when is the world number 84 ranked player a challenger? Not sad to see him go out but he’s really just setting himself up for his future career as an influencer like his girlfriend, I’m sure he’ll give an opinion on anything & everything tennis whether he’s asked for one or not.
'F--king Challenger player serving bigger': Kyrgios clips opponent amid straight-sets loss to crash out of Aus Open
I trust you’re inferring that the selectors are hoping that Connolly displays enough ability (not potential) to take the role of either a current test batsman averaging 47ish (marnus) or a legend about to crack 10,000 test runs (Smith) because to date, he’s achieved absolutely zip in first class cricket. I like the look of him, but let’s see him do something substantial first.
How do you solve a problem like Marnus? The four options facing selectors as dry spell turns into drought
Rugby forwards have to eat well to keep up with their opponents, not easy to do if you don’t earn enough so fringe players with a limited career span rightly look after number one.
Exclusive: 'Fly the coop' - World Cup Wallaby signs with English club as RA loses second forward in as many weeks
what’s the etc? doesn’t seem to recognise defence. Is there a top 100 effective tackles criteria?
AFL Top 100: Despite the list talent, it could be a make-or-break year for Freo's coach in 2025
Riki had a fantastic season in 2023, chasing kicks and smashing wingers which often led to turnovers. Everyone seems to forget that almost the same broncos pack (Flegler & Capewell excluded) took on the Storm pack in the 2023 qualifying final & absolutely belted them into submission winning 26-0. I reckon a more experienced Willison now almost covers for Flegler’s loss so they just need a back-rower to reflect Capewell’s input.
Round 1 Predicted Teams: Broncos - Maguire on mission to put steel in show ponies but injury, ban raise questions
I agree Black is the future of the club at halfback but this season is all about redemption for a missed opportunity in 2024 so Black doesn’t have to provide that as a first year rookie. I don’t think Kevvie gave Madden a fair shot in first grade & when the opportunity came he got a long term injury so we’re yet to see if he’s any good. I left Mam out of consideration because he’s got to struggle with the scrutiny & pressure once the suspension ends, possibly as the broncs are fighting to stay in contention for finals. Last season’s form indicated he didn’t handle the Leniu sledge very well and we all know he’s going to cop a lot worse this year, especially at away venues. If we have Reynolds & Hunt as halves there’s plenty of guile but not an abundance of pace to crack the line. I’ll be happy if Black gets a few runs in the NRL & puts in a full season in the Qld Cup for experience. The other thing I’d like is to cull a couple of hookers from the squad, use Mozer every week and hope he lives up to the wraps.
Round 1 Predicted Teams: Broncos - Maguire on mission to put steel in show ponies but injury, ban raise questions
I think Coen Hess is a huge ‘in’ with Taumalolo injured & appearing mostly disinterested in club footy. Laybutt & Jaxson Purdue should be a walk up starts in the centres until the squad refreshes in 2026 when Purdue can lay claim to a halves role. I’d go Derby on the wing as I think his potential is untapped while Paulo, Valemei & Vailea have had their chances & provide reasonable depth. The other option is Murray Taulagi progressing into the centres but that might weaken one position to strengthen another. Just above borderline 8 finish without major injuries for mine.
Round 1 Predicted Teams: Cowboys - Injuries cause havoc, vacancies out wide and up front
Agree that Marnus being selected appears to just be reward for having an ACA contract, is he going as the 12th man designated fielder? A better option would be Qld teammate Matt Renshaw. Batting well in the BBL and scored 122, 72n.o. & 51 in 3 of his last 4 innings in the One-Day Cup batting at 3 or 4 before the break for the test series. Webster also seems hard done by, has reasonable form across all formats with 11 wickets in 3 One-Day Cup games.
Cummins no guarantee to make Champions Trophy, Marsh recalled despite form slump, young Renegade axed
Bennett has always liked to include that hard working ‘no name’ forward in his pack when he’s been successful in the premiership, going back to the Brett Le Man or Alan Cann days so that’s why he brought Aitken with him. Souths will have to find that guy in his absence early on, maybe Tallis Duncan or Lachlan Hubner fit the bill.
Round 1 Predicted Teams: Rabbitohs - Bennett faces major selection headaches, will new half work and can Latrell fire?
As much as rusted on league lovers like me would love the London conversion, it’s a proven failure so why go back there? Maybe the broncs want a feeder club to give their surplus players & youngsters an incentive to stick around by getting an overseas experience.
NRL News: London calling as Brisbane buy in, Hunt reflects on hometown return