21 MAN SQUAD (almost) v SOUTHS

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has built a bridge across Anzac Parade and offered rare praise for a Roosters outfit that will be without more than 1500 games worth of NRL experience in Friday's rivalry stoush.

"I think they've done a great job," Bennett said.
"But we all go through those seasons. If you coach long enough you're going to experience a lot of things… But that's the strength of their club and that's what's made them so good.
"Besides Melbourne they've probably been the best club in the competition for the last 20 years.
"On a consistency basis they've played in a lot of grand finals and they've had a lot of wins, they've played in a lot of finals series and there's a culture there that's really strong.

Take of that what you will.

Thanks Mick....nice comments from Long Tall Sally. I have to say, a few Souths guys I know have been very complimentary of what we are making of our season. Despite the adversities. I respect that.

[zac]

the rest won't do him any harm. if we're going to rest players it makes sense to do it this game and then get a bit of momentum next week when we'll be less make shift but good luck tomorrow

[Serenader]

All you can do is laugh……

[King Salvo]

Robbo should rest Teddy and SST as well.

They only have 19 players - who will be 18th player?

I don't think SST will play though

[Monaco's Fan Club]

JWH out. We’re fack’d.

I think it is Robbo’s smartest choice. JWH will benefit from the rest and is guaranteed not to do anything stupid tomorrow …

[Headless Chook]

I agree, might as well rest Teddy and Joey as well if we're resting JWH for a 'minor knee complaint'

[fletch]

They only have 19 players - who will be 18th player?

I don't SST will play though

Make Teddy 18th man.

[Bmw06i]

Robbo is a smart men, trust in him.

Does it matter if we don’t win tomorrow? no it doesn’t.
Does it matter if we don’t win in the finals ? Yes it does.

[JAF]

All you can do is laugh……

Or cry!!

[roostermcgregor]

"Originally posted by King Salvo


SST hasn't been passed fit to play as yet either - DSF on Standby.

I think the team could be

1-Tedesco
2-Toops
12-Sitili
4-Manu
5-Abbey or 18- MGT
6-Hutch
3-Lam
17-Thomas
9- Verrills
16- Baker
15-Whyte
11-E Butcher
13-Liu

Bench
7-Waker
14-B Marschke
19-Hau Tapuha
20-DSF



If that's the team I am perfectly happy with it.
Most of you on the chookpen are going to think I am mad, but I think they will stick it to Souffs.
The side is inexperienced, and there is nothing to lose.
If they get beaten comfortably, that could be expected because they are all youngsters.
But if they push Souffs to the limit - Bennett has named a near full strength side - reputations will be blown away.
Don't forget, these young kids are playing for the opportunity for the Roosters 17 next year.
And if they rip in , just like i think they will, they will become recognized as the best up- and - coming forward pack in the league

Go chooks - do us proud

[Easts75]

I'm all for resting players also...but if Robbo did rest Teddy , SST (headknock) etc etc are you comfortable with getting done by 50+ ??? I am not so sure. I think we carried the scars for quite a while from the hiding they gave us recently

[Seventy Five]

I know most on here cant stand Souths but if you go through their side its not a bad side. If the Chooks had their strongest team on the paddock the Roosters would beat them because the Roosters strongest team is/was a ripper, title contenders but the team tomorrow night is not even half of our strongest team so being realistic a near full strength very good Souths team will be just to strong for our mighty Chooks. I dont think/hope its going to be a flogging but I cannot see a win for the Chooks. If Im wrong I want you to bag the fark out of me.

So now JWH is out, big deal, "tis but a scratch,"

Seriously though Mickie, I don't think a bagging will be coming your way after this game but when it comes to the Roosters my heart always gets right of way over my head so I always have hope. Even now.

BTW the way if we weren't playing Souths tonight, I might admit to Latrell and Cody being two of my favourite players to watch, and if Souths weren't Souths I might own up to enjoying their style of footy but I'm not doing that ok.

Trough Thick n Thin East's To Win.

[Mickie Lane]

So now JWH is out, big deal, "tis but a scratch,"

Seriously though Mickie, I don't think a bagging will be coming your way after this game but when it comes to the Roosters my heart always gets right of way over my head so I always have hope. Even now.

BTW the way if we weren't playing Souths tonight, I might admit to Latrell and Cody being two of my favourite players to watch, and if Souths weren't Souths I might own up to enjoying their style of footy but I'm not doing that ok.

Trough Thick n Thin East's To Win.

That’s the spirit Seventy Five.
Hopefully the Chooks can make a game of it, I just don’t want to see us get smashed.

[Paddo Colt 61]

The pack, while willing and gallant, won't be able to match the Souffs 6 without Jazza and SST often goes missing without his inspiration which means that the bros will be very active especially in the final 30. Our completion rate has been abysmal and was so last week. Don't expect that to improve. Looks very much like the coach has conceded.
Having said that Tedesco has been an exemplar so......