Trial squad announced against Manly

[nayfo]

Ahead of the Community Cup against the Manly Sea Eagles this Saturday night, Head Coach Trent Robinson has named a strong side to take to the field.

It's a different looking side to the team that took to the field in Mackay, with all representatives back-on-board and nearly at full-strength ahead of round 1.

Mitchell Pearce and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves look set to make their first pre-season appearance, while Jake Friend, Mitchell Aubusson, Blake Ferguson, Latrell Mitchell and Chris Smith all look set to line-up following last week's All Stars clash.

1. Michael Gordon 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Luke Keary 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend (c) 10. Isaac Liu
11. Ryan Matterson 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Aidan Guerra INTERCHANGE 14. Dylan Napa
15. Kane Evans 16. Paul Carter 17. Connor Watson 18. Chris Smith 22. Dale Copley 26. Jayden Nikorima

[roosterproud]

DAMN THATS A GOOD SIDE.. ONLY SST REQUIRED
1. Michael Gordon
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Blake Ferguson
5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
6. Luke Keary
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Jake Friend (c)
10. Isaac Liu
11. Ryan Matterson
12. Mitchell Aubusson
13. Aidan Guerra INTERCHANGE
14. Dylan Napa
15. Kane Evans
16. Paul Carter
17. Connor Watson
18. Chris Smith
22. Dale Copley
26. Jayden Nikorima

[Guest]

boogie would prefer Isaac liu in the 13 jumper

[Easts75]

boogie would prefer Isaac liu in the 13 jumper

I agree with boogie

[JAF]

boogie would prefer Isaac liu in the 13 jumper

And Guerra at Wyong??? Haha! 😉

[Guest]

And Guerra at Wyong??? Haha! 😉

exactly mate not a fan of guerra he was poor throughout 2016 and boogie doesnt think he deserves his chance at redemption in the starting line up right away he has to earn it back the hard way

[Darkone]

Liu always destined for front row,

Matterson deserves a go,

congrats to Carter for making the bench

Guerra at lock, he needs the punishment....entertainment value

[stringaz]

Any news on cords?

[stringaz]

Ah yep hammy, a training injury I guess

[PeeGee]

Geeze I'm concerned about Cords and his injury woes. He's off the field as much as he's on it !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stephenj]

guerra should learn to love the central coast the wyong area in particular?

[Mickie Lane]

Not including Cords or SST the 13 named for the trial will be the same 13 named for rd1 I would think. The only player that could force his way into the 13 will be Napa.
The bench is where things arent set in stone IMO. Lets say Napa is 1 of the bench players & Watson is also named as the utility that leaves 2 spots for Evans, Carter & Smith to fight out.

[Waylander]

DAMN THATS A GOOD SIDE.. ONLY SST REQUIRED

I'd personally prefer to have Cordner in the team, mate.

Interesting that Liu is getting the start in 10. I don't know if that's a reflection of Robbo wanting to increase the impact off the bench or just that Napa started last week (and copped a little knock).

We definitely lost significant punch in the middle last year when both JWH and Napa came off for their first rotation. Starting with Liu could be an option, but it may not be needed if one of Evans, Tetavano, Knight, Collins etc stand up this year. I really like Liu, I think he's seriously underrated. If he's included in the prop rotation and we use Carter to cover lock for SST (when he returns) that will certainly help maintain the mongrel.

We could end up with a seriously amazing pack this year. Here's hoping.