Preseason is always hard to gauge where the team are at in comparison to everyone else, including the Dolphins because of the way they dispersed their minutes, but we have every reason to be hopeful of another top 4 & beyond. Being the second year under Webster everything appears just a little more refined than 12 months ago. A lot of it is simple stuff too. The
@Wahs Up Podcast did a good job of showcasing that mid week by highlighting some shifts off of taps from kicks into touch to help our Front Rowers be less of an easy target to the opposition D line.
Couple of other thoughts:
- I've previously been in favour of Niukore starting at Prop &
Barnett off the bench because
Barnett would provide an increase in line speed on his arrival but I now think it needs to be the other way around like it was yesterday. A middle of
Barnett/Tohu/Walker in the second quarter doesn't really have anyone to create momentum off static ball. All are fantastic off the back of momentum though but that's my reasoning in favour a combo of Niukore/Tohu/Walker from something like the 25th-45th minute. Walker does provide his own boost in line speed & overall intensity as well.
- Ford has his critics (& weaknesses) but will be under no pressure to retain his spot unless he has a shocking first month.
-
Metcalf locked in the #6 with TMM his back up. If SJ went down though I think CHT is first man up to replace him because the right hand edge is all about shape & he plays the most square in attack.
- Lussick would be a third stringer at many clubs but we probably need to have him in the 17 during the regular season to ensure Egan isn't burnt out come playoffs. That leaves Ale, Tevaga & Bunty all competing for the #16 jersey which will probably only be a 20 minute role. That's my pecking order but I can understand cases for all 3.
- Crazy to think how far the club has come in such a short space of time when you consider
Euan Aitken was our 2022 Player of the Year (& rightfully so) but wouldn't be guaranteed a spot in our 17 today.
- Dolphins will miss Gilbert immensely (slid from 6th to 13th without him in 2023) but, when they're at full strength, they should float around the edge of the top 8 & be a good watch.