2017 Line-up

[Unbreakable]

Ben Ikin broke the news. No one else has. He's reinjurerd his leg apparently. It didn't set properly

o_o

When did this happen and how did he break the news? Radio?

 

[M.B.88]

o_o

When did this happen and how did he break the news? Radio?

It wasn't a re-break. The bone didn't set properly so he may need further surgery. No word on how long he'd still be out for but doesn't look good for him to start the year in the 17

 

[Wolfie]

My final statement might be where my concerns truly lie; the NRL is less enjoyable than it ever has been due to the focus/influence of money, media, advertising, refereeing, administration and gambling. These factors permeate the very fabric of the game and filters down through every level, eroding the clubs, players, and fans alike. For the first time in my life (last season) I felt like every second game that I watched I found myself wondering why I still follow the NRL when so many mistakes/corruption dictated outcomes. I'm a bee's dick off saying sayonara to the code, though I'll probably be straight back on the bandwagon when the season proper begins - but still on the edge of moving on.

Excellent summary that. Very similar for me to how the EPL has gone in England. I watch a lot of football, and these days its just nowhere near as good in some respects as it was before they introduced the Premier league as the top division in England. Its dominated by money and there is such a disconnect between the players and fans going to watch now. You get some very mediocre footballers earning $80-100k a week, and it bothers a lot of supporters. They arent fans going to games anymore, they are customers. I feel thats very wrong.

 

[Big Pete]

I'm not opposed to either Blair or Glenn receiving the nod. The only question I would have is why fix what isn't broken? Adam Blair does such a great job for the Broncos in the opening twenty minutes where he gives his all on the field. The decision to let him play a more explosive game has done him wonders and I fear if he was asked to accept a different role we wouldn't see the same output.

In regards to Glenn, it would mean having all your eggs in one basket. The Broncos have always been at their best when they've had one experienced player in the second rotation.

 

[Big Pete]

If I were to agree with popular opinion that there's no difference between the 8, 10 and 13 (which I don't), what's the difference between putting Moose OR Blair in the 13?

It isn't so much about the number that they wear on their back, rather how do the Broncos go about replacing Parker. I don't want to fix what isn't broken with Blair, he's perfectly fine where he is. So it's a question of whether you draft in a prop forward or another backrow. Ideally, the Broncos could use somebody of bending the line and drawing defenders into tackles.

 

[subsbligh]

Big 2017 lineup questions: Parker's replacement, left centre and the Benji riddle.

Jersey numbers and positions are irrelevant. Minutes are key.

We need at least 5 middle forwards in the 17. We've lost Parker and Wallace. That's a huge loss in a forward pack already very light on.

In terms of quality, experience and ability it goes McGuire, Blair ... day light ... (Offa, TPJ, Arrow, Esse..everyone else).

We need one or more of Thaiday, McGuire and Blair on the pitch at once or else we are in big trouble.

I think Bennett has to start McGuire and Blair 8 and 10 and Thaiday and and Gillett in the 11 and 12, and splitting the time between Arrow and Glenn in the middle. S'ua, TPG, [Arrow/Glenn] and Niko on the bench.

I doubt Oates will come into that equation.

Left centre.

Picks itself really? Our backs IMO, in pecking order: 2. Oates, 4. Roberts, 3. Kahu, 5. Mead [Opacic, Pearson]

Benji is here as a mentor. He'll be priceless during Origin.

 

[_wwong]

So our only "big" forward signing in dodds is screwed already?? Geez I hope our young forwards have breakout seasons this year because our forward stocks are pretty grim in terms of experience

 

[pagey]

So our only "big" forward signing in dodds is screwed already?? Geez I hope our young forwards have breakout seasons this year because our forward stocks are pretty grim in terms of experience

It does seem worrying! But there must be a plan in place , surely Bennett has something up his sleeve.

 

[Horseheadsup]

Can't believe we couldn't snag an experienced prop.
Rookies are going to have step up or we're going to limp in with our hard start to the season. Don't suppose Roosters will let Napa go early.

 

[_wwong]

It does seem worrying! But there must be a plan in place , surely Bennett has something up his sleeve.

Hopefully with gillmeister on board we'll be smashing the bigger forward packs in defence. It's our only hope, otherwise those big packs are going to eat us

 

[Super Freak]

We'll be fine.

 

[Super Freak]

Can't believe we couldn't snag an experienced prop.
Rookies are going to have step up or we're going to limp in with our hard start to the season. Don't suppose Roosters will let Napa go early.

It was slim pickings for props this year.

There weren't really any realistic options that were worth it.

 

[Horseheadsup]

It was slim pickings for props this year.

There weren't really any realistic options that were worth it.

That's true and looking back at the greats like Shane Webcke, Petro, and Carroll, they were all inexperienced at some point.

 

[austin71]

I'll have a guys at my starting line up for 2017

1.Boyd
2.Oates
3.Roberts
4.Kahu
5.Mead
6.Milford
7.Hunt
8.McGuire
9.Macca
10.Blair
11.Glenn
12.Thaiday
13.Gillett

14.KNic
15.TPJ
16.Esese
17. Dodds if available /Arrow

 

[Rico]

I'll have a guys at my starting line up for 2017

1.Boyd
2.Oates
3.Roberts
4.Kahu
5.Mead
6.Milford
7.Hunt
8.McGuire
9.Macca
10.Blair
11.Glenn
12.Thaiday
13.Gillett

14.KNic
15.TPJ
16.Esese
17. Dodds if available /Arrow

That's pretty close to mine but I can't seen Wayne playing Gillett in the middle. Like the front row situation, he won't want to weaken one area to strengthen another. IMO If there is 2 players in our squad that need competition for their spots it's Thaiday and Glenn. The more I think about it i can actually see Wayne using Glenn at 13 with pressure from Arrow.

Other than that my team is the same...

 

[austin71]

Yeah

That's pretty close to mine but I can't seen Wayne playing Gillett in the middle. Like the front row situation, he won't want to weaken one area to strengthen another. IMO If there is 2 players in our squad that need competition for their spots it's Thaiday and Glenn. The more I think about it i can actually see Wayne using Glenn at 13 with pressure from Arrow.

Other than that my team is the same...

Yeah i could also see Glenn at 13. Just think maybe Gilletts game would go to a new level being able to roam both sides running off Milf and Hunt

 

[Kyall]

That team looks fairly decent, my first pick was Gillett at lock. But I think Benji should be 14 and Niko have a year in isc. A year with him playing isc would do him a world of good playing at Halfback get his experience up, come back in at origin. Benji retire this year and Niko can come back on the bench or take Hunts spot if he leaves.

 

[Smokin' Joe]

Can't believe we couldn't snag an experienced prop.
Rookies are going to have step up or we're going to limp in with our hard start to the season. Don't suppose Roosters will let Napa go early.

Ese'ese is looking in amazing shape. Best I've ever seen him.
Have said it before - huge potential.