injuries starting to shape round 1 side against bunnies

[Guest]

Probably because Fitzy never left us to play for Souths.

Yeah but many would like to forget Fitzy came to us from St. George. Not that it matters really. Fletch had very little choice but to leave. I know for a fact that he wanted to stay and play on with his mates. He even toyed with the idea after being away in England and it may have been closer to happening than many think. In any case Fletch will always be one of my favourite Roosters. When we had him, Ricko and Fitzy together it was awesome.

[Guest]

plenty of man love for Fletch here LOL!!, he along with Salvo were my favourite Roosters

in regards Maubs in the centres, obviously if fit SKD/BJ would be ahead of Maubs but it doesn't look like they will be right for round 1 and I don't think Smith will throw Moga and possibly Henry or RTS to the wolves in round 1.

with Symonds it is interesting Noyce was saying on saturday that Cherro would be the only player not available for round 1, I get the feeling Smith is freezing out Symonds so he can free up the salary cap space, certainly wouldn't be the first player Smith has done it to.

Yep fair points there Fletch. It would be a big ask to have two inexperienced centres.

Regarding Symonds I have a feeling you are probably right. Thinking back to when he signed, since then he has fallen behind the likes of Guerra, Taka, Cordner and maybe even Arona. Personally, considering his style of play I don't think Symonds has anything special to offer. Apart from the first couple of games he was awful in 2010.

[Yak]

I honestly think Tom Symonds would still make the top 17 at a lot of other first grade clubs. He's been down on confidence ever since he did his knee round 1 2010. I remember seeing him in the 2010 trial against Parra in Gosford. He looked like he was breaking the line at will that night. Easily the best forward on the park. I saw some good signs in the last game against Melbourne last year. His first run was a beauty, he looked quick and made 15 metres running over Widdop (how he did his ankle). Unfortunately he's now behind probably 5 or 6 guys to get a back row spot. He still has great line breaking ability for mine, he just has no confidence and needs to improve his strength in defence significantly. I can see him getting released and signed by Newcastle and eventually go on to play for NSW. Big call but I think it's in him.

[Guest]

Tom Symonds is a centre masquerading as a forward.

[chook 56]

Unfortunately for Tom, there is a heap of talent ahead of him at the mo.
I, too, feel that Brine has already made up his mind to cut him loose. Especially now that salary cap issues are coming into play re holding the new breed of juniors & the SBW farce.

[Guest]

Does anyone think "Not Abo" Henry will get a run this year?

Henry is one of our best outside backs and I feel sure he'll cement a permanent spot in our top 17. Henry can play in several positions., wing. centre back row even five eighth but every time I've watched him play he's impressed me. he plays normally right wing outside Curtis Rona who is another strong player with a stack of talent. Our outside backs might not be the Achilles heel many of us have feared.

[Guest]

Kennedy will be playing in round 1 for sure. They should offload Symonds he has lost it.

[Guest]

with Kennedy,BJ,SKD,Symonds not having a run under their belt before round 1 it would be highly unlikely any of them will force their way into the top grade squad for round 1.

Newtown do not have a match on the weekend between this weekends foundation cup and our round 1 clash with the bunnies, so there is no options to test the above quartet before the season starts.

taking the above into account the round 1 team is starting to look like this:

1.Mini
2.Tagive
3.Moga
4.Maubs
5.Perrett
6.Anasta
7.Pearce
8.JWH
9.Friend
10.Tasi
11.Guerra
12.Cordner
13.FPN
14.Mortimer
15.Masoe
16.Arona
17.Tago

a few unlucky to miss out would be Mitchell/Kennedy(just don't think they will risk him)/Evans

Justin carney will be in the centres Rd 1 if fit. Maubs is a backrower our best backrower, dont even mention him as a centre. SKD BJ Carney Moga even Symonds will play in the centres.
Tagive............ please.
Arona ,Tago. trust me Bosden & Takairangi will be their before them.

[Guest]

I think Henry will get his shot this season, just think Smith will go with Tagive first, also Henry missed a chunk of the pre-season with a fractured wrist which might count against him.

Tagive is rubbish,sat right in front of him in the trial,Gladstone Small made him look like a turnstile,that kid from Newtown Brett Lane is far more impressive ,however I see Carney getting the nod before Penny bunger or Brett Lane.

[TheBigFella]

1.Mini
2.
3.Moga
4.Carney
5.Perrett
6.Anasta
7.Pearce
8.JWH
9.Friend
10.Tasi
11.Guerra
12.Cordner
13.FPN
14.Aubusson
15.Masoe
16.Arona
17.Mitchell

I can't decide on the wing. I'd be looking at maybe giving someone like Kheirellah a shot somewhere or even Alofa.. Not convinced on Tagive. Looked good on the end of the chokers backline.

[Guest]

Kennedy will be playing in round 1 for sure. They should offload Symonds he has lost it.

He needs to be given some game time. He hasn't been given a fair chance IMO. I would love to see him in FG probably as a centre & becoming our captain. I just love a Rooster junior becoming the team captain.

I think he falls in the Linnett basket. The coach obviously doesn't rate them. Where I personally do.

[stephenj]

cherro and kennedy wont be risked on the field until about april? it will be the start of a massive roosters surge?

[Guest]

cherro and kennedy wont be risked on the field until about april? it will be the start of a massive roosters surge?

Your mouth, Satan's ears.

We hit our stride on the Anzac Day matchup with the Bennett-less dragons.

[Yak]

Smith rates Symonds very highly. When he first got to the club he said Symonds and Cherrington were two of the best young backrowers he'd ever seen. I don't understand why people want to put backrowers in the centres. Got to agree with aramis, I think our outside backs will be one of our strengths this season. Consistency in the halves and speed from fullback with be the real problems. If Moga continues to prove himself we'll have pretty close to the best centres in the comp. Also gotta agree on Henry. He looks like a talent. I'm hoping he's given plenty of time at right centre this Saturday. He was very impressive while he was on. Thought it was a bit strange Tagive played a whole half at right centre. He struggled a fair bit defensively. Hopefully not being considered there for round 1.