If I were going to be ruthless, and pick a 17 that I think is best moving forward, I think I'd go with the below. Bearing in mind we'd probably be able to keep some of those left out as depth, and I've also kept it to current players, not "expected" signings or anything. And this isn't a team for right now, it's what I think will be a good side by the end of the year, or more importantly next year as we go harder for the title.
1. Boyd - Let's face it, he has the spot sewn up. But he is very safe, has good hands, and is well drilled at being the link man.
2. Kahu - Once he warms up I hope he'll live up to his expectations. Wing isn't his ultimate position but it'll do for now.
3. Copley - Still has a bit to do in terms of defence and ball control, but is 400% the player at centre than he is on the wing.
4. Hodges - Don't argue.
5. Vidot - As has been discussed in other threads.
6. Milford - He won't get the fullback spot but he will get every opportunity, resource, and assistance to succeed at 6.
7. Hunt - Yep.
8. McGuire - Great at doing the "workhorse prop" job and his best games are always when he plays big minutes.
9. McCullough - Hopefully as the season progresses there will be a clearer picture of how the new ruck speed works and he can exploit it.
10. Blair - Go on, shoot me. He's the impact prop (yes, prop) that is there to intimidate and hurt during the softening up period.
11. Oates - The wide-running back-rower that has speed, strength & size.
12. Gillett - looking better each game after his surgery. He's the x-factor back-rower that just makes stuff happen.
13. Parker - Please let Bennett just be "managing him" for the moment so he's got the juice left for 80 minute games later on.
14. Nikorima - I enjoyed his spark. Not suitable for big minutes as he'd end up being a target in defence.
15. Thaiday - whether he'd accept a job on the bench, or go elsewhere for easy retirement money, this is his future IMO.
16. Wallace - I was rubbing my eyes on Friday. Seems to have really improved.
17. Gavet - I think his dropped balls were nerves, when he gets composed he'll be the aggressive bench prop we've been needing.
Omissions:
JoO - Has a big future with us but is just outside the full 17 for now. In a year's time watch out.
Maranta - Look, I really like him, has a great attitude and works hard, I just don't see his improvement taking a steep rise.
Reed - Another that I really like, but I think we've seen his best. Not a spent force but not good enough to hold back Copley.
Glenn - Again, I think we saw his best in 2011 or so. That flat-attacking game plan just doesn't work and he's not fast or strong.
Dodds - A great no-nonsense player but will be competing for Wallace for that bench spot and JWal seems to have nosed ahead.
I haven't commented on Garbutt, Molo, or any of the other younger players as I have nothing to base opinions off. It's a shame, because a lot of the players that I have left out are in my opinion the more likeable players, but being easy to relate to can only keep you in the fan's 17 for so long.
