Now the season is over it's time to look forward to round 1 in Vegas next year.
Currently I'm leaning towards this as my favoured line up, with what we know regarding signings.
Fullback is possibly my most contentious spot. I absolutely love CNK and what he brings despite not being at his best this season. However, I can't go past Taine at the back. I think a 1, 6 and 7 if TT, LM and TMM provides a lot of excitement and attacking threats. They aren't going to be perfect and will have mistakes and off games but we need different points of attack across the park and all three are quick.
In the centres I have Ali locked in on the left edge. Has defensive work ons but his attacking game, especially with that spine, is what he is there for. I was struggling to decide where to fit CNK in to my team but I think last night showed that he can almost play anywhere in the back 5 and cover 6 as well. With Berry still recovering and CNK looking like he provides just that little bit more I have him at right centre.
Wings are a defensive disaster and I have zero confidence in any of them to read the play and stop tries. Without really any other options I have the triple banger twins DWZ and RTS. I actually don't want RTS in the team but I know AW is going to pick and there is no way I want him at center or full back
The forwards almost pick themselves. Its going to be interesting to see where Tohu plays and who is 13. Will he slot in to the second row or prop or stay at lock?
Niukore has been off his game this season, possibly caught between what position he should be and injuries. And where does Ford fit in? Huge motor and a different body type.
Who will be our bench utility. I think we need to rotate this around between Lussick, Roache and CHT.
Lastly, we need the injection of youth. It was really evident this season the difference they made when playing.
So with all that in mind my current line up looks something like this...
TT
RTS
Ali
CNK
DWZ
LM
TMM
JFH
Egan
Ford
Barney
Capewell
Tohu
Walker
Roache
Sifakula
Ale
Need a more balanced share of ball across the team rather than relying on one individual but still need TMM to have around 60% to LM 40% touches of the ball. LM or TT to do the goal kicking. JFH and
Barney as dual captains.
I think that would be an exciting team to watch each week even if they would be inconsistent at times. The robotic style of play this season was like watching a death by a thousand cuts. I think if we don't get hammered by injury again next season this is a top 8 side that has enough of a mix of experience, youth, creativity and speed.
The big work on in the off season is defence and resilience.