PRE-GAME Round 1 - Broncos vs Rabbitohs

[Splinter]

i really just want to know if niko is going to get a shot.

No
It will be Whitchurch

 

[Danoz Direct]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/n...-in-round-1-team/story-fni3gv4u-1227246166099

[h=1]NRL 2015: Broncos coach Wayne Bennett set to name bolter Aaron Whitchurch in Round 1 team[/h]

 

[Grimmiq]

I may need to re-watch the last few games..but hasn't Whitchurch been shit for all the televised pre-season games (Nines and WCC)? Feet for hands and a turnstyle in defense?

 

[Cult]

His defence has been great but he won't add anything from our bench. I'll be disappointed if he gets the bench utility spot over Nikorima or even Oates who can play the same positions but better.

 

[Grimmiq]

Vaguely recall 3-4 tries scored right through him in one game in the nines.

 

[Splinter]

That could happen to Nikorima also.
WB must be looking to fight size with size in this match and thinks Oates needs a good hitout in ISC

 

[Cult]

That could happen to Nikorima also.
WB must be looking to fight size with size in this match and thinks Oates needs a good hitout in ISC

Then he should name Joe Ofahengaue

 

[Splinter]

I really dont think a 19yo prop against Souths is a good idea. Give him time

 

[ethos]

Dodds and Garbutt are completely different players.

From what I've seen of Dodds, he's basically a defensive specialist. Pretty solid but doesn't offer much in attack. Garbutt is far more dynamic. Can offload and has a bit of footwork. When he was at Melbourne, it was felt his defence wasn't a strength (movement, repeat efforts) which is why he didn't get much NRL.

So, depends what Bennett want in those 10-15 minutes they're likely to be on.

Personally, I'd go with Garbutt, considering Milford can sniff around for an offload.

Round One though.. the safer bet is Dodds. Mitch probably needs more game time under his belt first.

 

[Cult]

I really dont think a 19yo prop against Souths is a good idea. Give him time

But a 22 year old centre coming off the bench to play in the forward pack is?

 

[broncos4life]

Do not fear, I am a fan of Doddage. Nick Kenny 2.0, in the best way possible.

And by this he means the pants

 

[Splinter]

Dodds played a lot more than 10-15 minutes against Wigan

 

[ethos]

Dodds played a lot more than 10-15 minutes against Wigan

Fair enough. To be honest, haven't seen much NRL in the past 12 months.. haha

 

[Splinter]

But a 22 year old centre coming off the bench to play in the forward pack is?

He is big, strong and will finish in the back row. Who's career would you rather see set backwards against a big Souths forward pack

 

[subsbligh]

I may need to re-watch the last few games..but hasn't Whitchurch been **** for all the televised pre-season games (Nines and WCC)? Feet for hands and a turnstyle in defense?

Yes and yes. Astounded if he gets a spot. He's just a big strong lad. A lesser version of Oates I think.

Nothing personal. The reason he was cut back in 2012 was how many mistakes he made. He couldn't cut it at NRL level.

Gets a shot in 2015, makes 2 unforced handling errors in his first trial (cue sympathisers: it was wet and cold and muddy... blah blah).

 

[Cult]

He is big, strong and will finish in the back row. Who's career would you rather see set backwards against a big Souths forward pack

Neither. But do you really think that's a good enough reason for him to get a bench spot? Joe could shine. Oates already has.

 

[Splinter]

I am not supporting Whitchurch as such but against Souths i just think he is a better option than Nikorima and Joey O. I would have Oates there but it seems he may be underdone to start the season.

I would bring Nikorima in after Souths is out of the way

 

[Unbreakable]

According to that article Copley will be outside Hodges on the right.. Vidot on the left outside Reed..

Hmm