Big Del
State of Origin Rep
- Apr 22, 2017
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I don`t think Rugba league 101 is offered at Harvard ?
PRE-GAME [Round 1, 2024] Roosters vs Broncos in Vegas
- Thread starter Nashy
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Big Del
State of Origin Rep
- Apr 22, 2017
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thenry
QCup Player
- Jul 20, 2017
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Pity he's out of the game then!
- Sep 6, 2013
- 57,559
- 70,442
I don't believe he is, at least not based on post-game comments by Roosters' staff.
- Dec 12, 2014
- 6,443
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- Sep 6, 2013
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Fair enough but still nothing official. I'll believe it when it is announced.
Fitzy
NRL Captain
- Sep 10, 2018
- 4,341
- 6,082
2024 state of play:
Fullbacks
Reece Walsh:
Obviously Walshy is an integral part of the side. Looked good again. Needs to drop errors and he will be awesome. Thought his kicking game was very good.
Tristan Sailor:
Awesome fullback. Should be in the NRL at fullback. Sucks at defending anywhere in the line so just isn’t a bench or 6 option. Hang onto him for the rest of the year and let him go. In great touch so the thought of Walsh getting injured (short-medium term) or going to origin isn’t as scary as it could be.
Depth options:
Cobbo & Arthars
Verdict: Reece Walsh
Wing
Jesse Arthars:
Disappointing performance at all-stars but a mix of injury, playing out of position for half the game and first game back for the year will do that. Was just to good last year not to get first crack. Although his preferred position has been right side historically I think he did excel specifically on the left so some concerns there. In saying that his goodwill from last year gets him this position at the start he needs to perform again
Corey Oates:
Thought he had his moments. Not as good as I was hoping definitely didn’t demand selection but definitely solid performance with only the one handling error (to be expected in trials). Looks fit and apparently had a great pre-season. Will get more opportunities to shine. Likely left winger.
Deine Mariner:
Seems he has done no favours for himself in pre-season training and that has extended into the trials. Grew into the game today but it seemed he played his best footy at centre in both trials. I think he’d be fine if called upon just don’t think he’s done enough to be selected. Had an awesome 23’ when he was picked but seems to be the odd man out to start the year. I think he will be in the side sooner than later. 1st drop Centre option as well.
Jordan Pereira:
Good squad option. Experienced, mature, no frills player. Good metre eater and in form in cup. Reliable option if needed to be called upon this season.
Depth options:
Leota, Hoeter, Cobbo, Karapani
Verdict: Oates (left), Arthars (right)
Centres
Kotoni Staggs:
Had a good season after a sluggish start last season. Not the best of performances in the all-stars but that’s what trials are for. Structurally want him to read defence a bit better and also want him to stay involved in games. Needs to shoulder some more of the metresge work this season. Important year ahead for him.
Selwyn Cobbo:
Probably the most intriguing part of our season. Won’t and shouldn’t struggle at all in attack will likely be lethal but defence has to be at a top tier level or it can predominantly be undone.
Delouise Hoeter:
Will be 4th option centre. Solid, reliable and good squad option especially in opposed sessions.
Depth options:
Mariner, Arthars, Karapani
Verdict: Cobbo (left), Staggs (right)
Five-Eigth
Ezra Mam:
Will be good to see how he responds from last years heartbreak. Awesome player but the expectation at his age is he continues to grow, hopefully in playmaking ability and unlocking that lethal edge. Big year again in defence require as well.
Josh Rogers:
4th choice half and 3rd choice 6 after Madden. Good player around training and good to have him alongside Black and some of our other boys in Burleigh colours.
Depth options:
Madden (No. 2), Walters
Verdict: Mam
Halfback
Adam Reynolds:
Thought he was a little bit sluggish at times today but he didn’t need to get out of first gear. Will be crucial again. Hopefully limited if not no regression in age this year.
Jock Madden:
Thought he was really good today looked quite complete in multiple facets. First back up 7 and 6. Will be alongside Paix and Falls in the spine at Wynnum so will have a good spine to push for top end of the table in cup. I’m more comfortable if he was called on upon this year than last in defence but it’s a crucial area. He was horrid against the bunnies when he played last year.
Depth options:
Black, Rogers, Walters
Verdict: Reynolds
Hooker
Billy Walters:
Had a cracking season last year. Didn’t get out of first gear today. Obviously hadn’t had the career to afford that many poor games but I think he has been awesome under his dad so I expect another awesome year.
Tyson Smoothy:
Will likely get first crack at 14 but Mozer will be breathing down his neck a few games in. If we are winning and he is performing to a similar standard as back end of last year he likely won’t lose his 14 spot.
Blake Mozer:
Needs more consistency with environment again this year. 10 games of cup and re-evaluate where he is at I think. Probably looking at a few games across the season and rolled out next year in the 17. Don’t rule him out to snag that bench spot at any stage of this year though either.
Cory Paix:
I thought he had a decent game in limited minutes. I wouldn’t mind him being turned back into a half but at the same time I’m just as happy to have him in cup helping our feeders perform well. The better our feeders olay the better the environment for our depth options to transition into first grade when called upon and youngsters to develop. Reliable if need to be called upon.
Depth options:
Bukowski
Verdict: Walters (9), Smoothy (14)
Props
Payne Haas:
Not much needed to be said here. Awesome player. Needs to continue to build his legacy as the best prop of all time. Only one way to do that now, win premierships and god forbid origins. Let’s just stick to the former aye.
Corey Jensen:
I think he is an excellent starter. Never let us done ever and has always gone to another level when starting. Whilst I think there is better options for mine when he starts he demonstrates he is at a level not far off origin. His reliability and consistency nearly makes him selectable if injuries hits. Was excellent today and is in for a MASSIVE YEAR. Plenty of middles looking for places so pressure will be on for minutes, starting positions, places in the 17 and contracts in the future.
Xavier Willison:
Awesome against the all-stars. Fitness is the key and the rest will come. Supper talented. Massive will hopefully continue to cover flegs loss. Cannot wait to see what he brings this year. Has to be in the 17 and had to get some solid minutes imo.
Marty Taupau:
I thought making the 17 might have been a bridge too far to start the year. Thought he was great till suspension last year but thought it might be just a bit to hard with Baker incoming and Willison proving to be just to promising to leave out back end of last year. He played awesome today and is well and truely in the contest.
Fletcher Baker:
Thought he was decent today without being superb. Will hopefully continue to grow. I think he will be selected on the bench but I do hope there is a level higher than that of today. Not to say he was bad but everybody else definitely put there hands well and truely up in a game against lesser opposition. Thought he did the finer detail things quite well. Was a bit disappointed with his mobility and the way he moved. Was a little slow and stiff.
Ben Te Kura:
Thought he was really good today. Just needs to play more cup. Still super young despite being massive already. Will debut this year just needs to play simple footy when his opportunities come. Good depth option and developing youngster.
Depth options: Hetherington, Hunt
Verdict: Haas (starter), Jensen (starter), Willison (bench), Baker (bench)
Second Row
Jordan Riki:
Obviously haven’t seen him this preseason but hopefully he backs last years excellent season up again. Did the little things excellently. Has a nice little edge going there with Reyno, Staggs and likely to be Arthars. Just needs to do the same things again this year. Effort, effort, effort and he will go great guns. I reckon Jordan would skipper us during origin if Reyno was to go down through that period so hopefully he can grow some leadership attributes into his game this year as well.
Brendan Piakura:
Didn’t he look very threatening today. Looks to be in for a massive year. That was a lethal half of footy. Concerningly didn’t last his first 40 minutes of footy this year without injury. Hopefully he is good for round 1 and will hold up better than his injury record suggests he will. If he can stay on the field he will be awesome. Likely to be the outside back coverage mid game so hopefully he is up to scratch at centre as well.
Jaiyden Hunt:
Thought he had a game that inspired a bit of confidence in our depth dilemma. Definitely in the short term. Long term I think he’d do fine but really isn’t very threatening. Does the little things well. Could very well push for a bench spot just as insurance. Good enough forward in both positions for a 20 minute stint that won’t negatively influence a result I wouldn’t think. Nice little signing am happy with him at the minute.
Depth options: Patston, Carrigan, Baker, Willison
Verdict: Piakura (left), Riki (Right)
Lock
Patrick Carrigan:
We know what we are gonna get from Pat these days. Needs to shrug off that incident and give us another great year of footy. Crucial part of our side with his leadership, communication, running and ball playing.
Kobe Hetherington:
Locked into the bench as usual. Will play minutes at lock and prop. Great player with great carries and defence. Not a player I ever have to worry about. His ability to play hooker with that versatility as well is helpful. Might be required to play a bit of second row and maybe even centre if Piakura isn’t the outside back back up. No concerns about Hetho other than round 1 fitness. Should be good to go.
Depth options: Taupau, Hunt
Verdict: Carrigan
Development players
Josh Rogers:
Will likely get a game or two throughout the year. Just needs to play reliable footy. Obviously already got his mention earlier but still under the devs status this year.
Coby Black:
Looked good against Wynnum but a debut might be a stretch to far this year. Just needs to play well in MM, u19’s origin and Q-cup. Stick to the basics and apply himself in training and he will grow immensely.
Israel Leota:
Get some cup into him and he will continue to grow. Very athletic just not quite sure he has a huge future in NRL just yet. Will need to keep working hard and just play as much reserve grade as possible. Might get a sniff at a debut in the late rounds but with none of our wingers likely to play origin it could be a bridge to far this year.
Josiah Karapani:
Love the pick up moves very well but has some reliability issues in his game. Play some cup and prove he belongs in our squad and he could get some minutes. Wasn’t far off for Rabbitohs at all in previous seasons from getting some game time in first grade so he is capable. Good white pick up.
Starting 17:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Corey Oates
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Selwyn Cobbo
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds (C)
8. Payne Haas
9. Billy Walters
10. Corey Jensen
11. Jordan Riki
12. Brendan Piakura
13. Patrick Carrigan (VC)
14. Tyson Smoothy
15. Kobe Hetherington
16. Xavier Willison
17. Fletcher Baker (/Martin Taupau)
On the plane to Vegas is obviously the 17 plus I reckon the remaining 10 fully contracted players. You need 13 vs 13 for training and you aren’t leaving 1 full squad member at home and need to account for injuries etc so I’d have all 27 on the plane.
Predicted ladder finish: 1st
Predicted Premiership result: Premiers
UP THE BRONCOS!
Fullbacks
Reece Walsh:
Obviously Walshy is an integral part of the side. Looked good again. Needs to drop errors and he will be awesome. Thought his kicking game was very good.
Tristan Sailor:
Awesome fullback. Should be in the NRL at fullback. Sucks at defending anywhere in the line so just isn’t a bench or 6 option. Hang onto him for the rest of the year and let him go. In great touch so the thought of Walsh getting injured (short-medium term) or going to origin isn’t as scary as it could be.
Depth options:
Cobbo & Arthars
Verdict: Reece Walsh
Wing
Jesse Arthars:
Disappointing performance at all-stars but a mix of injury, playing out of position for half the game and first game back for the year will do that. Was just to good last year not to get first crack. Although his preferred position has been right side historically I think he did excel specifically on the left so some concerns there. In saying that his goodwill from last year gets him this position at the start he needs to perform again
Corey Oates:
Thought he had his moments. Not as good as I was hoping definitely didn’t demand selection but definitely solid performance with only the one handling error (to be expected in trials). Looks fit and apparently had a great pre-season. Will get more opportunities to shine. Likely left winger.
Deine Mariner:
Seems he has done no favours for himself in pre-season training and that has extended into the trials. Grew into the game today but it seemed he played his best footy at centre in both trials. I think he’d be fine if called upon just don’t think he’s done enough to be selected. Had an awesome 23’ when he was picked but seems to be the odd man out to start the year. I think he will be in the side sooner than later. 1st drop Centre option as well.
Jordan Pereira:
Good squad option. Experienced, mature, no frills player. Good metre eater and in form in cup. Reliable option if needed to be called upon this season.
Depth options:
Leota, Hoeter, Cobbo, Karapani
Verdict: Oates (left), Arthars (right)
Centres
Kotoni Staggs:
Had a good season after a sluggish start last season. Not the best of performances in the all-stars but that’s what trials are for. Structurally want him to read defence a bit better and also want him to stay involved in games. Needs to shoulder some more of the metresge work this season. Important year ahead for him.
Selwyn Cobbo:
Probably the most intriguing part of our season. Won’t and shouldn’t struggle at all in attack will likely be lethal but defence has to be at a top tier level or it can predominantly be undone.
Delouise Hoeter:
Will be 4th option centre. Solid, reliable and good squad option especially in opposed sessions.
Depth options:
Mariner, Arthars, Karapani
Verdict: Cobbo (left), Staggs (right)
Five-Eigth
Ezra Mam:
Will be good to see how he responds from last years heartbreak. Awesome player but the expectation at his age is he continues to grow, hopefully in playmaking ability and unlocking that lethal edge. Big year again in defence require as well.
Josh Rogers:
4th choice half and 3rd choice 6 after Madden. Good player around training and good to have him alongside Black and some of our other boys in Burleigh colours.
Depth options:
Madden (No. 2), Walters
Verdict: Mam
Halfback
Adam Reynolds:
Thought he was a little bit sluggish at times today but he didn’t need to get out of first gear. Will be crucial again. Hopefully limited if not no regression in age this year.
Jock Madden:
Thought he was really good today looked quite complete in multiple facets. First back up 7 and 6. Will be alongside Paix and Falls in the spine at Wynnum so will have a good spine to push for top end of the table in cup. I’m more comfortable if he was called on upon this year than last in defence but it’s a crucial area. He was horrid against the bunnies when he played last year.
Depth options:
Black, Rogers, Walters
Verdict: Reynolds
Hooker
Billy Walters:
Had a cracking season last year. Didn’t get out of first gear today. Obviously hadn’t had the career to afford that many poor games but I think he has been awesome under his dad so I expect another awesome year.
Tyson Smoothy:
Will likely get first crack at 14 but Mozer will be breathing down his neck a few games in. If we are winning and he is performing to a similar standard as back end of last year he likely won’t lose his 14 spot.
Blake Mozer:
Needs more consistency with environment again this year. 10 games of cup and re-evaluate where he is at I think. Probably looking at a few games across the season and rolled out next year in the 17. Don’t rule him out to snag that bench spot at any stage of this year though either.
Cory Paix:
I thought he had a decent game in limited minutes. I wouldn’t mind him being turned back into a half but at the same time I’m just as happy to have him in cup helping our feeders perform well. The better our feeders olay the better the environment for our depth options to transition into first grade when called upon and youngsters to develop. Reliable if need to be called upon.
Depth options:
Bukowski
Verdict: Walters (9), Smoothy (14)
Props
Payne Haas:
Not much needed to be said here. Awesome player. Needs to continue to build his legacy as the best prop of all time. Only one way to do that now, win premierships and god forbid origins. Let’s just stick to the former aye.
Corey Jensen:
I think he is an excellent starter. Never let us done ever and has always gone to another level when starting. Whilst I think there is better options for mine when he starts he demonstrates he is at a level not far off origin. His reliability and consistency nearly makes him selectable if injuries hits. Was excellent today and is in for a MASSIVE YEAR. Plenty of middles looking for places so pressure will be on for minutes, starting positions, places in the 17 and contracts in the future.
Xavier Willison:
Awesome against the all-stars. Fitness is the key and the rest will come. Supper talented. Massive will hopefully continue to cover flegs loss. Cannot wait to see what he brings this year. Has to be in the 17 and had to get some solid minutes imo.
Marty Taupau:
I thought making the 17 might have been a bridge too far to start the year. Thought he was great till suspension last year but thought it might be just a bit to hard with Baker incoming and Willison proving to be just to promising to leave out back end of last year. He played awesome today and is well and truely in the contest.
Fletcher Baker:
Thought he was decent today without being superb. Will hopefully continue to grow. I think he will be selected on the bench but I do hope there is a level higher than that of today. Not to say he was bad but everybody else definitely put there hands well and truely up in a game against lesser opposition. Thought he did the finer detail things quite well. Was a bit disappointed with his mobility and the way he moved. Was a little slow and stiff.
Ben Te Kura:
Thought he was really good today. Just needs to play more cup. Still super young despite being massive already. Will debut this year just needs to play simple footy when his opportunities come. Good depth option and developing youngster.
Depth options: Hetherington, Hunt
Verdict: Haas (starter), Jensen (starter), Willison (bench), Baker (bench)
Second Row
Jordan Riki:
Obviously haven’t seen him this preseason but hopefully he backs last years excellent season up again. Did the little things excellently. Has a nice little edge going there with Reyno, Staggs and likely to be Arthars. Just needs to do the same things again this year. Effort, effort, effort and he will go great guns. I reckon Jordan would skipper us during origin if Reyno was to go down through that period so hopefully he can grow some leadership attributes into his game this year as well.
Brendan Piakura:
Didn’t he look very threatening today. Looks to be in for a massive year. That was a lethal half of footy. Concerningly didn’t last his first 40 minutes of footy this year without injury. Hopefully he is good for round 1 and will hold up better than his injury record suggests he will. If he can stay on the field he will be awesome. Likely to be the outside back coverage mid game so hopefully he is up to scratch at centre as well.
Jaiyden Hunt:
Thought he had a game that inspired a bit of confidence in our depth dilemma. Definitely in the short term. Long term I think he’d do fine but really isn’t very threatening. Does the little things well. Could very well push for a bench spot just as insurance. Good enough forward in both positions for a 20 minute stint that won’t negatively influence a result I wouldn’t think. Nice little signing am happy with him at the minute.
Depth options: Patston, Carrigan, Baker, Willison
Verdict: Piakura (left), Riki (Right)
Lock
Patrick Carrigan:
We know what we are gonna get from Pat these days. Needs to shrug off that incident and give us another great year of footy. Crucial part of our side with his leadership, communication, running and ball playing.
Kobe Hetherington:
Locked into the bench as usual. Will play minutes at lock and prop. Great player with great carries and defence. Not a player I ever have to worry about. His ability to play hooker with that versatility as well is helpful. Might be required to play a bit of second row and maybe even centre if Piakura isn’t the outside back back up. No concerns about Hetho other than round 1 fitness. Should be good to go.
Depth options: Taupau, Hunt
Verdict: Carrigan
Development players
Josh Rogers:
Will likely get a game or two throughout the year. Just needs to play reliable footy. Obviously already got his mention earlier but still under the devs status this year.
Coby Black:
Looked good against Wynnum but a debut might be a stretch to far this year. Just needs to play well in MM, u19’s origin and Q-cup. Stick to the basics and apply himself in training and he will grow immensely.
Israel Leota:
Get some cup into him and he will continue to grow. Very athletic just not quite sure he has a huge future in NRL just yet. Will need to keep working hard and just play as much reserve grade as possible. Might get a sniff at a debut in the late rounds but with none of our wingers likely to play origin it could be a bridge to far this year.
Josiah Karapani:
Love the pick up moves very well but has some reliability issues in his game. Play some cup and prove he belongs in our squad and he could get some minutes. Wasn’t far off for Rabbitohs at all in previous seasons from getting some game time in first grade so he is capable. Good white pick up.
Starting 17:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Corey Oates
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Selwyn Cobbo
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds (C)
8. Payne Haas
9. Billy Walters
10. Corey Jensen
11. Jordan Riki
12. Brendan Piakura
13. Patrick Carrigan (VC)
14. Tyson Smoothy
15. Kobe Hetherington
16. Xavier Willison
17. Fletcher Baker (/Martin Taupau)
On the plane to Vegas is obviously the 17 plus I reckon the remaining 10 fully contracted players. You need 13 vs 13 for training and you aren’t leaving 1 full squad member at home and need to account for injuries etc so I’d have all 27 on the plane.
Predicted ladder finish: 1st
Predicted Premiership result: Premiers
UP THE BRONCOS!
- Jan 25, 2014
- 44,773
- 34,153
I'm starting to warm to the idea of having Sailor as a super sub off the bench. He's too good to be stuck in reserve grade and having him come on against tiring forwards could really open the game up.
Teams essentially only really use 16 players these days with the 17th just there to get some game time. Storm had some success having a backup hooker and another back on the bench and I think the game is starting to get to a point where you no longer need 3 forwards on the bench.
The only issue is can Piakura handle playing 80 every week? He's still quite green. We would need both backrowers to play 80 every week. Riki can handle that just fine, it's just whether Piakura can.
Teams essentially only really use 16 players these days with the 17th just there to get some game time. Storm had some success having a backup hooker and another back on the bench and I think the game is starting to get to a point where you no longer need 3 forwards on the bench.
The only issue is can Piakura handle playing 80 every week? He's still quite green. We would need both backrowers to play 80 every week. Riki can handle that just fine, it's just whether Piakura can.
Big Del
State of Origin Rep
- Apr 22, 2017
- 6,134
- 7,063
50 / 50 .
Walsh had one great kick . One terrible kick over the side line
What did he do at preseason that did him no favours ?
When did Kobe ever play dummy half for the Broncos ?
.
just landed and watched highlights of today...yes i get thats cherry picked..but there was a lot to like..my man jock had a couple of monents. this team has loads to like. seems everyone has engaged. nice to see Paix have a go. not too many negatives. stop chasing ghosts
Big Del
State of Origin Rep
- Apr 22, 2017
- 6,134
- 7,063
I thought Jock did real well .
Played 2 positions and was good at both . The short pass he threw Piakura was very nice .
Manofoneway
NRL Player
- May 22, 2022
- 2,289
- 5,491
He just needs a better kicking game. Some of his kicks are so shallow, its a big part of our game having the ball float for an extra few seconds allowing Riki to damage the ribs of whoever makes the catch.
Big Del
State of Origin Rep
- Apr 22, 2017
- 6,134
- 7,063
Did you take into account the gale force wind ?
Some passes floated forward after being passed backwards .
Manofoneway
NRL Player
- May 22, 2022
- 2,289
- 5,491
Yeah I didn't so good point, but even in games last year his kicking game felt a bit lacking. Probably just used to having an elite kicker in Reyno has made me more judgemental
Don't disagree but some more time with Reyno he can learn. He had that comung through
Fitzy
NRL Captain
- Sep 10, 2018
- 4,341
- 6,082
I think I might have seen some kicking footage from pre-game that got me a bit more excited. More so meant it seems he has improved that aspect rather than it being excellent.
Mariner was considered almost a lock to play this year at the start of the pre-season. Come trials time he had almost an impossible task to win the jersey and come the end of trials he is nearly unlickable for rd 1. He clearly hasn’t performed very well on the training paddock or the trials to be in his position. When Kev fronted the press over Selwyns move the lack of confidence and energy for what he was doing that pre-season seemed pretty obvious. Didn’t seem certain around his role or his ability at that stage. I think in this full strength side he would kill it but he had a shocker last week he just can’t come back from for rd 1 with yesterdays performance. None of the wingers have really put there hand up at all these trials which is a bit disappointing. I’d go as far to say Mariner yesterday was probably our best wing performer and all his good work was at centre.
Hetho has played hooker a few times from the bench. Not that he is a hooker but if you want Sailor to play 14 his chances of attaining that are a lot more likely with Kobe there who can cover middle and hooker. I don’t like the idea at all but I do feel more confident knowing Kobe is there if they were to do it. Sailor is the shittest tackler I think I have ever seen at this level. He has no chance of playing that role and I will riot if he does. He defended horridly at 6. All his work that has got him to a point where he could play 14 has been from fullback we don’t need a fullback on the bench. He just cannot defend in the front line.
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