2017 Line-up

[Mightybroncs2k17]

I see that as one of the biggest challenges managing the hooker role. As you said replacing macca with anyone other then another specialist hooker or even Kodi you really risk losing some direction and just general quality ball service. However using someone like Glenn in there for ten minutes probably keeps us just as strong defenssivley. The question is do you put a Kodi nickorima on the bench and use thst fourth bench spot just to give Macca a ten minute break or does Kodi bring enough to the team to warrant more of a role in the side?

However leaving Kodi out leaves Glenn as the main bench utility and in a fast paced match where players are tiring you could regret not having those fresh legs on the bench to give Macca a break. It also wouldn't be ideal having no viable replacement for Macca if he gets injured or has made 40+ tackles and is totally gassed in a close game.

 

[pagey]

I see that as one of the biggest challenges managing the hooker role. As you said replacing macca with anyone other then another specialist hooker or even Kodi you really risk losing some direction and just general quality ball service. However using someone like Glenn in there for ten minutes probably keeps us just as strong defenssivley. The question is do you put a Kodi nickorima on the bench and use thst fourth bench spot just to give Macca a ten minute break or does Kodi bring enough to the team to warrant more of a role in the side?

However leaving Kodi out leaves Glenn as the main bench utility and in a fast paced match where players are tiring you could regret not having those fresh legs on the bench to give Macca a break. It also wouldn't be ideal having no viable replacement for Macca if he gets injured or has made 40+ tackles and is totally gassed in a close game.

Glenn and mcguire have both spent time at hooker. Maybe not the best options but they could get the job done.

 

[Morepudding]

Yeah it's tough. I think it depends on the opponent and weather conditions as well. Personally i'd like them to rotate the 17th player between Niko/Benji, Ese'ese, Arrow and Sua assuming the other three bench players are Glenn, Offa and TPJ. Then depending on the oposition, and their team structure (whether they run with 4 forwards or 3 and a utility) you decide if we use 4 forwards or 3 and a utility. I think doing this during the early rounds would be good, allowing for some 2017 NRL experience for all the young guys come origin time. then post origin pick the option which was most effective for the team in the lead up to the finals.

 

[Morepudding]

If Milford starts this year with good form, I think there is a very good chance he could push for an origin spot. QLD need to start planning for who will take the 6 from JT in 2018. I don't believe Morgan is a viable 6 at state level and he fills that utility role so well. But I doubt they will want to be putting in a 6 who hasn't played origin before in 2018 so would not be surprised at all if Milford was on the bench at expense of Morgan for at least one of the games this year.

 

[1910]

Blair having another run this week against Wynnum.

 

[mitch222]

Blair having another run this week against Wynnum.

Not surprising. Only reason he was left behind from England was because he had a new bub. Bennett would be wanting him to have a few games under his belt before the season starts.

 

[Super Freak]

If Milford starts this year with good form, I think there is a very good chance he could push for an origin spot. QLD need to start planning for who will take the 6 from JT in 2018. I don't believe Morgan is a viable 6 at state level and he fills that utility role so well. But I doubt they will want to be putting in a 6 who hasn't played origin before in 2018 so would not be surprised at all if Milford was on the bench at expense of Morgan for at least one of the games this year.

I couldn't see him getting an Origin spot even if he does get back to his best form.

QLD are loyal. They hardly make any changes. I can't see Morgan losing his spot unless he gets an injury.

 

[mitch222]

I couldn't see him getting an Origin spot even if he does get back to his best form.

QLD are loyal. They hardly make any changes. I can't see Morgan losing his spot unless he gets an injury.

I think Morgan will get first crack in the halves and maybe Milford could snag his role on the bench

 

[Fuziondroid]

Maybe not..feel NSW are about to dominate so changes will happen naturally .. our boys starting to get older .. hopefully we keep winning for a long time to come

 

[Morepudding]

I couldn't see him getting an Origin spot even if he does get back to his best form.

QLD are loyal. They hardly make any changes. I can't see Morgan losing his spot unless he gets an injury.

Yeah whilst I see your point and agree they are Loyal, I feel that there is a decent chance once Thurston retires that Morgan may also lose his spot. He is a solid player but you would have to imagine a big reason he has been selected is due to his combinations with Thurston. He hardly set the world on fire last year in Origin and they definitely need to look toward 2018 when they lose arguably their best player...

 

[pagey]

By the sounds of things kahu has the left center spot . I really want him to have a great year.

 

[Stix]

By the sounds of things kahu has the left center spot . I really want him to have a great year.

Yeah was reading the same thing today, still can't figure out where Benji fits in?

 

[_wwong]

Yeah was reading the same thing today, still can't figure out where Benji fits in?

Redcliffe dolphins.

 

[Mightybroncs2k17]

I don't think benji does fit in unless there are a few injuries or some pretty big individual form slumps/ bad team performances that require a a shake up amongst the boys. Especially looking at his recent injury history he struggled last year to string together games and he's played two games for us at the nines and is having injury troubles already. Unfortunately for benji it looks as though his first grade days are numbered be it through lack of form/ age or injury.

 

[pagey]

Yeah was reading the same thing today, still can't figure out where Benji fits in?

Backup and knowledge i guess

 

[Super Freak]

Yeah was reading the same thing today, still can't figure out where Benji fits in?

Utility.

A bit of extra experience on the field in those later stages of the half to help Hunt and Milford since they have trouble closing out games.

 

[Stix]

Yeah I agree with all of the above, I'd prefer Kahu at centre but is this because Benji is injured? From all pre season reports Benji was having a strong pre season and on track to pick up a spot in the 17(probably at centre). I don't believe Bennett brought him on board to play ISC.

 

[Super Freak]

Yeah I agree with all of the above, I'd prefer Kahu at centre but is this because Benji is injured? From all pre season reports Benji was having a strong pre season and on track to pick up a spot in the 17(probably at centre). I don't believe Bennett brought him on board to play ISC.

I don't think Benji was ever going to take that left centre spot.

He has been training at centre, in the halves etc, but that's because he is going to be our utility instead of Kodi.