Team v Sharks

[Rooster_6]

It's not that bad. Aubusson will still be hitting the edges and getting through a lot of defensive work. Both our Linnett and Leilua are injured so we don't really have much choice. Interesting that Smith didn't choose Symonds though. He could have either played centre instead of Aubusson or bench instead of Paea. I suspect we might see a different side on Friday night.

Graham has been awesome at centre every chance he has had. Khereliah (sp) has been in great touch for the 20's and even though Smith has shown he wont pick directly from the 20's there's still Maori and Towers who have been awesome for Newtown all season.

[Guest]

Well all media reports were stating that morbs was going to be the one not fit to play this weekend, and leilua would be right to go. I dont mind moving leilua to centres, but if morbs is indeed slotting in there, id rather try out a kid like blair at centre, instead of putting morbs at centre again.

[Guest]

Well all media reports were stating that morbs was going to be the one not fit to play this weekend, and leilua would be right to go. I dont mind moving leilua to centres, but if morbs is indeed slotting in there, id rather try out a kid like blair at centre, instead of putting morbs at centre again.

Blair isn't good enough yet, I've actually been disappointed watching him play. It's still early days but he looks no better than Williamson.

I don't like the idea of Maubs in the centres, I'd prefer to see Graham there and then bring someone else in on the wing. I wouldn't be too worried though, that team probably won't run out on Friday.

[Guest]

Never thought i'd say this, but I can't wait till Watts gets here if it means Koupashitsis is not in the team.

Smith will play both of them on the bench. Koups is here to stay

[Guest]

Blair isn't good enough yet, I've actually been disappointed watching him play. It's still early days but he looks no better than Williamson.

I don't like the idea of Maubs in the centres, I'd prefer to see Graham there and then bring someone else in on the wing. I wouldn't be too worried though, that team probably won't run out on Friday.

I agree about Blair, he's been disapponting lately in the under 20s

[Guest]

Conn may not bend the line, but he draws in defenders into the tackle then gets an offload!!

[stephenj]

i dont think well see either maubs or lopini on the field friday night?

[Guest]

Maubs selection at centre is a regressive move. I hope its simply a pragmatic decision by Brian Smith in order to get the points against the Sharks. Hopefully BJ isn't too far back and Kane Linnett makes his return for the Cowboys game.

[Chook Norris]

Maubs selection at centre is a regressive move. I hope its simply a pragmatic decision by Brian Smith in order to get the points against the Sharks. Hopefully BJ isn't too far back and Kane Linnett makes his return for the Cowboys game.

kane is apparently out for 4-6 weeks

[Guest]

If Smith was going to name a young guy in the backline, he wouldn't name him in the team til as late as possible.

Though you look at the Sharks team and there isn't a lot of speed around the ruck area, so the Roosters may get away with a pack full of props as long as they use their interchange well. None of Barret, Smith or Morris are terribly fast compared to what other teams have in these positions.

To be honest, the Roosters should win by at least 20 points - for and against is going to be vital in the next few weeks. The Sharks have nothing to play for. Our only challenge will be getting the blokes up both mentally and physically after the St George clash.

[melon....]

This is not the starting line up

[Guest]

It all depends on the fitness of Leilua and Aubusson. I would definitely look at blooding in a youngster.

If Leilua is fit but Aubusson is injured:

Minichiello, Perrett, Kenny-Dowall, Leilua, Graham, Carney, Pearce, Ryles, Friend, Myles, Nuuausala, Lowe, Anasta, BENCH: Kouparitsas, Kennedy/Conn, Hargreaves, Masoe

If Aubusson is fit but Leilua is injured:

Minichiello, Perrett, Kenny-Dowall, Graham, Blair/Kheirallah, Carney, Pearce, Ryles, Friend, Myles, Nuuausala, Aubusson, Anasta, BENCH: Kouparitsas, Kennedy/Conn, Hargreaves, Masoe

If both are fit:

Minichiello, Perrett, Kenny-Dowall, Leilua, Graham, Carney, Pearce, Ryles, Friend, Myles, Nuuausala, Aubusson, Anasta, BENCH: Kouparitsas, Kennedy/Conn, Hargreaves, Masoe

If both are injured (which I seriously hope is not the case)

Minichiello, Perrett, Kenny-Dowall, Graham, Blair/Kheirallah, Carney, Pearce, Ryles, Friend, Myles, Nuuausala, Lowe, Anasta, BENCH: Kouparitsas, Kennedy/Conn, Hargreaves, Masoe

At least in this way, we don't toy with the balance. Linnett out = bring in a centre. Aubusson out = bring in a backrower. Don't mess with the pack, Myles has been doing well at prop, and Aubusson has been doing well at second row. Don't try to cover the weaknesses, allow the players to play to their strengths.

I am loving the two hitmen Hargreaves and Masoe storming in off the bench.

I am loving having two skillful hole-hitting wide runners in Anasta and Aubusson on the left and right fringes respectively slicing through holes and putting their outside men away.

I am loving the grit that Ryles and Myles provide as teacher and apprentice starting up front.

I am loving Jake Friend's sharp service and pitbull-like tacking.

[Guest]

Paea??? No way !! Where is Leilua ?

[TheLoneRooster]

Mack, JWH is injured too so you can't factor him into your calculations this week.
If that is the team that runs out on Friday night, I'll be amazed.

[The Pelican]

Is Aiden Guerra injured? because i would like him to get another run in Maubs position.