Haven't put much thought in to it, but my initial feelings for the side for Round 1 would be this, although as I'm writing it, I'm realising how difficult it is to fit our squad in to a top 17.
1. Tesi Niu
2. Corey Oates
3. Herbie Farnworth
4. Kotoni Staggs
5. Jordan Pereira
6. Albert Kelly
7. Adam Reynolds (c)
8. Pat Carrigan
9. Jake Turpin
10. Payne Haas
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Jordan Riki
13. Kobe Hetherington
14. Cory Paix
15. TC Robati
16. Ryan James
17. Thomas Flegler
Thoughts:
Fullback - Could very easily see Cobbo surpassing Niu in the pre-season if he has a few really good games, but think Walters will play it safe and give Niu the first crack, given how valiant he was over the last few months of our 2021 campaign.
Wing - Another tough spot to call. We saw at the back end of last season how important Oates is to our success, as long as he has a good pre-season and comes back at 100% fitness and confidence, has to get first crack on the left wing. Right wing is extremely tough, there's several options, but I think Pereira's metres of trouble will be invaluable alongside Oates, especially given that Niu & Staggs aren't known for their work rate. Underrated player imo. Cobbo is unlucky not to be there, but I think he'll benefit greatly from playing 80 minutes every week at Fullback in ISC, with the view of him replacing Niu down the line, potentially even during the 2022 season.
Centre - Bit of a no-brainer. Farnworth & Staggs are 2 of our most dangerous players, they'll certainly get first crack. Very interested to see what sort of shape Brenko Lee turns up in though, because he could certainly push Herbie for that left centre job this year.
Five-Eighth - Once again, 50/50 call. I'm leaning towards Albert Kelly. He's the more dangerous runner of the ball out of him and Gamble, and he's less predictable. When your halves partner is Adam Reynolds (Who is extremely reliable, but also predictable), it's important to have a bit of a wildcard in the halves with him. That's why him and Cody Walker complemented each other so well.
Halfback - O Captain! My Captain!
Prop - Carrigan certainly gets first crack at cementing that number 8 jersey as his own alongside Payne. Think Ryan James could very easily slot in there, but Pat gets the first go at it.
Hooker - I'm not a fan at all of Jake Turpin, but it makes sense to start the year with a reliable hooker. If he throws up a few dud performances to start the season, it'll be enter Cory Paix and/or Billy Walters.
Second-row - No brainers. Riki performed very well after coming back from his injury last year, was a dangerous weapon outside Gamble, can't wait to see what Reynolds can make him. If he underperforms, he'll have Robati & Piakura breathing down his neck.
Lock - I've been an outspoken proponent of the line of thought that Hetherington's performances were extremely overrated in 2021. I still think he deserves first crack, primarily due to the fact that there's not really any other options, short of Carrigan playing there (who IS NOT a lock), or someone like Robati.
Bench - Pretty much picks itself, Paix, Flegler & James will all 100% be there in Round 1. Robati is my current choice for the last spot, purely for his versatility to play in the middle and edge, but you could certainly mount an argument for Palasia, after his exceptional 2021, or possibly even Jensen, with the numbers he was putting up in ISC.
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