If everyone is fit (will Tohu ever be nrl-fit?),
CAPLETTERS I’m most convinced are best option.
I’d be starting rd 1
cnk
DWZ
BERRY
POMPEY
rts
METCALFE
TMM
Tohu ( give us another good year)
CAPEWELL
Ford ( I like his motor but his handling seemed better at prop)
Marata ( step up big guy)
EGAN
JFH
BARNET (#2 prop but want strength off bench)
Clarke
Demitric Vaimauga
Cht
Fullback and left wing I think are hardest picks - happy to be proved wrong by TT and maybe mgt.
Loads of guys that could be argued just as or nearly as good - so rotate them in and out of the 17.
Definitely think Leitaua will start to dominate but I like Pompey s experience and kick options and I think DWZ defence might be better with Berry inside. I think he trusts Berry to tackle his man. ( I haven’t reviewed footage).
I think TMM and Metcalfe as encumbents get the start, but am cautiously optimistic about Boyd’s kicking and organisation. (And to be fair while we are not ecstatic about our best halves CHT is pretty good 4th option in the halves , so we shouldn’t lose much with the inevitable injuries.)
Loads of depth almost everwhere.
Laban,
Ale, HALASIMA, MGT, TT all new solid players who looked good in limited games and Dylan and Lussick and bunty still have plenty to offer. Really looking forward to webby unleashing Halasima.