It will be pretty disappointing if
CNK is at fullback and
DWZ is on the wing for round 1.
What we don't want is
Webby being too conservative and we lose 4 of our first 6 games before we then look to the younger players who will then need time to adjust to first grade and we lose more games.
I would prefer we start with those younger players and even if we still lose 4 of our first 6 games the experience that they will gain will set us up for the rest of the season when Met is back.
With everyone fit
1.
RTS (I would need to see more of Linnane at fullback before making a judgement on whether he is better than
RTS,
TT etc. If Linnane is being looked at as our 1
RTS can move back to the wing in place of Kali)
2.
AKP
3.
Berry
4.
Leiataua
5. Kali
6. Linnane/Cleary
7. Metcalf
8. Fish
9. Healey
10.
Barnett
11.
Halasima
12. Capewell
13.
Clark
14.
CHT
15.
Vaimauga
16. Laban
17.
Gannon
18. Fatialofa
For round 1 I would go
6.
CHT
7. Cleary
14.
Egan
Give Cleary a run at 7 with some experience in
CHT beside him. When Met is back we can decide whether
CHT, Linnane or Cleary is the best option to partner him. I just don't want to see
CHT and Boyd paired together again.
The other option is to go 6. Linnane/Cleary 7. Boyd.
If our round 1 team runs out 1.
CNK 2.
DWZ 6.
CHT 7. Boyd that is going to be disheartening. Let's see which of the youngsters impress in pre-season and if
Webby is bold enough to make the tough calls.