Pack to start 2012.

[elo]

Looks great mate. I'm just wondering if we are a prop short?

Nah, Kennedy/Tasi/Masoe/Evans/JWH (Brian will keep him there unfortunately)/Ailaomai.

Plenty of props.

Our starting pack is damn hard to pick, as long as Bwaith isn't in there we should be good.

[stephenj]

thats the only reasonable explanation Ive read as to why our club is keen on dollar bill! it however makes sense?

[G-Unit Guerra]

8. Kennedy - one of our few workhorse props with a big frame and big impact.
9. Friend
10. Tasi - similar to Kennedy, and can really hit in defence.
11. JWH - I would play him in the backrow because it gives us more go forward, a bit of extra intimidation in defence, and because I think he has a skill base we haven't tapped into yet, which will flourish on the fringes.
12. Guerra - seems to be forgotten on here; he deserves a starting spot on consistent performance last season.
13. MAubs - another forgotten man, was absolutely key in 2010, a workrate to rival Friends and a Smith favourite.

14. Mitchell - will need to work hard to stay in the team, as Mortimer looms as another Smith fave.
15. Masoe - the club would be (and is) hoping for a boom year from the big fella. Sighs of relief when an opposition sees the back of Tasi/JWH wouldn't last long if you brought Mose on.
16. Taikarangi - deserves a crack over guys like Cordner and Cherrington after good form in the back end of 2011.
17. FPN - aim up or piss off time for Frank, he's on too much to be as inconsistent as he is. There are plenty of young blokes (Cordner especially) who deserve this spot as much if not moreso than he does. I'd give him four or five rounds at most to pull his finger out, or he'd quickly be on the outer.

Agree totally.

A front-row rotation of Kennedy, Tasi, Masoe and after he returns from his bench stint, JWH would make teams raise the flag. I see Guerra and more-so Maubs than JWH killing it down the fringes. Taka and Mose for some instant impact from the bench and FPN to (fingers crossed) ensure that the leadership and intent remains in the pack after a few interchanges take place. Friend to bust a nut for 50 mins and then replaced, yes interchanged, with Mitchell for 20 - 30. If A Mitch can maintain the ascendency than he finishes the game. If it is still a tight battle then Friend is the man.

[Billy Gunn]

Kennedy
Jake
Tasi
Aubs
Guerra
FPN

Bench

Cordner
Mose
JWH
Morts

[Guest]

Kennedy
Jake
Tasi
Aubs
Guerra
FPN

Bench

Cordner
Mose
JWH
Morts

Looks good mate..But you have far more faith in FPN than me..

I don't think he deserves a position in what is shaping to be the surprise packet of the comp..

[Roostarz]

Looks good mate..But you have far more faith in FPN than me..

I don't think he deserves a position in what is shaping to be the surprise packet of the comp..

Too right. With people leaving JWH,FPN, Cordner, Mitchell or Morts out of their teams and benches makes for a great 2012 imo. None of the so called experts rate us I think we will bite a few unsuspecting prey this year.

[Billy Gunn]

Looks good mate..But you have far more faith in FPN than me..

I don't think he deserves a position in what is shaping to be the surprise packet of the comp..

I am hearing since his drinking session he has worked his arse off, if not cordner to lock and Taka to the bench

[Guest]

Does anyone think Bosden is likely to feature early in the season? Could be something special and there is also the forgotten man, Arona to consider. Good depth I just wish there was one more prop.

[Guest]

I am hearing since his drinking session he has worked his arse off, if not cordner to lock and Taka to the bench

Good news..

Now he has to start working his arse off on the field..

I'd still have Boyd at lock..I've never been a wrap on Frank..

[Guest]

I have a strange feeling that FPN might have a big year. There is no doubting his ability but he seems to be a pretty lazy guy and as such he is very inconsistent on the field. Maybe he can turn it around.

[Geohood]

Tinirau Arona
Wrestling at Maroubra beach, you think it sounds fun? You come tackle guys like Mose lol
4 hours ago

[Guest]

Tinirau Arona
Wrestling at Maroubra beach, you think it sounds fun? You come tackle guys like Mose lol
4 hours ago

Are you some kind of Twitter addict? Who give a ****?

[Yak]

I'm confident FPN will have his biggest year yet. On his day he has the ability to be the most damaging player on the field. Unfortunately his best runs happen late in a dominant attacking set so that means he plays his best when the team is performing well. I've also heard that his attitude has turned around. Hopefully this means he loses the laziness in defence.

MRHK, I don't think we're short on props at all really. If Kennedy can stay fit for the majority of the year we'll have one of the best rotations in the comp. Despite all the back row talk JWH will most likely be used as a prop and should be starting. Arona, Bosden, FPN and Takairangi can all played the 3rd prop lock role very well. Smith mentioned Taka would be given this role at time throughout the year and I think he would offer a lot there. As well as that we have two of the best young props available in Kane Evans and Josh Ailaomai. Both these guys would be chosen on the bench in many other teams with weaker front row rotations. Add to that Isaac Liu who has impressed Smith massively so far in the pre season. We really have extremely good depth in all positions bar the halves. Can't wait to see if these guys have developed further since last season come trial time.

[Guest]

My view on FPN this year is i think he'll play well. But Smith will use him as a utility backrower, lock and prop so he will struggle to find consistency!

[Rooster_6]

8. Kennedy
9. Friend
10. FPN
11. Guerra
12. Aubusson
13. Hargreaves

14. Masoe
15. Tasi
16. Cordner
17. Dumbrell

Just on the uncommon selections

FPN - He's a senior player now and very popular amongst the playing group, time for him to step up and use his influence.I think he's been a victim of his own versatility, his ability to play anywhere in the forward pack and play many different roles has probably resulted in some inconsistent performances. I think he deserves the shot at a permanent and more senior role in the team.

Hargreaves - He struggles at time playing in tight not for a lack of trying though, he's got very good leg speed, late foot work and reads the game quite well. At lock he'll be able to run wide either side of the ruck whilst still doing the dirty work down the middle when it's needed. He's got a tremendous workrate that we haven't seen yet. Jack Gibson always said defend smartly, attack aggressively... this sums up JWH perfectly, if he does this imo he has the potential to be one of the best locks going round for the next 10 years.

Tasi - Still young, still inexperienced. Development and growth is all about taking small steps. Last year he played reserves and got half a dozen games, this year he'll play off the bench and start the odd game. Talent will never be this guys downfall but progressing too fast might be, there's no rush and there's no reason why he can't play long minutes off the bench. Starting is the next step after having a full season in first grade.

Dumbrell - Perfect impact player, great defence so we loose nothing there and a very good running game. Service games is also solid... He's just got more to his game than Mortimer or Mitchell.