Round 1 against the Vermin

[fletch]

feeling a little more optimistic about our chances against the Vermin in round 1 after seeing the performance against St Helens, yes they are NSW cup quality opposition but at least we showed some degree of attacking structure.

our ability to contain Surgess/Inglis on the fringes will go a long way to deciding the outcome.

on a positive note news today that Gurgess/Turgess and Keary will be unavailable for the vermin due to suspension/injury.

16 of 17 positions are settled for us, only question now is what happens to SKD in his court case later this week, I'm not even sure a verdict will be handed down before round 1, so I guess it will depend on his mental state as to whether he will be right to go, there is no way to tell how the court case will affect him.

[Half time]

Is burgess out injured?

[fletch]

Is burgess out injured?

Tom Burgess is out injured, George Burgess and Luke Keary are suspended

Sam Burgess will be playing.

[Kingsgrove-Loiner]

Is burgess out injured?

The twins are, not Sam.

[LeCoq]

Assuming SKD is good to go and baring any injuries, I think Robbo will go with the same 17 that he named for the St Helens game. I'd be happy with that but I hope he picks someone else in place of Henderson. If anything I would bring another forward on to the bench and use Aubo at hooker to give Friend a breather.

Souths' backline (Inglis and their halves aside) wouldn't worry too many sides.

A'vaua is solid player but can be contained. Gray is a plodder who does a good job of staying right on his side line and hence scored a small bag full on the sweeping wraps last year. Goodwin is pedestrian. And their other winger might even be that journeyman they signed, Nielson?

It'll be won or lost in the forwards.

[Spirit of 66]

Sportsbet have us at $2.40. Maybe Ben Cummins has already been assigned to the game?

[Johnny Tobin]

The St Helens game has thrown the cat amongst the pidgeons. I am also more confident all of a sudden. It could be a fool's paradise.

[fletch]

The St Helens game has thrown the cat amongst the pidgeons. I am also more confident all of a sudden. It could be a fool's paradise.

I still don't think we will trouble Cowboys/Broncos/Storm we are not at their level, but given the Vermin's outs they are gettable in round 1.

[Tommy Smith]

Outs or not, I see no reason why we can't beat Souffs.

Outside of the Burgii, their pack is bog average. Their halves are overrated and their 3/4 line is reserve grade standard. Issac Luke is also a colossal loss for them.

Even without Cordner and JWH I reckon we're a better side.

Ultimately we're the x factor this season. If Nikorima and Hastings click and adapt by mid season and we have a good run with injuries then we can beat anyone.

[Darkone]

No Keary is a bonus for mine

SKD'S case will be resolved before the second day, I will attend on Thursday arvo when I guess she will be found out.

[Hawkeye]

Keary out is no bonus for us.
Very overrated, his only good point is that he hates Russell Crowe !

[stephenj]

souths will miss their hooker more than we will miss rts?

[born_a_rooster]

Luke is without a doubt a massive loss for the vermin but they've got a decent replacement in Damien cook. Watched him in the charity shield game against dragons. Tipping him for a big year

[born_a_rooster]

Also would we go Latrell before j burgess?

[davos]

Assuming SKD is good to go and baring any injuries, I think Robbo will go with the same 17 that he named for the St Helens game. I'd be happy with that but I hope he picks someone else in place of Henderson. If anything I would bring another forward on to the bench and use Aubo at hooker to give Friend a breather.

Souths' backline (Inglis and their halves aside) wouldn't worry too many sides.

A'vaua is solid player but can be contained. Gray is a plodder who does a good job of staying right on his side line and hence scored a small bag full on the sweeping wraps last year. Goodwin is pedestrian. And their other winger might even be that journeyman they signed, Nielson?

It'll be won or lost in the forwards.

Yes to this. I would probably even go with someone like Connor Watson in case one of our halves goes down injured. Watson can play in the halves or at hooker and is more energetic than henderson