Round 1 Lineup

[PNG Broncos fan88]

you're better off going with either broncos.com.au or nrl.com for your sources. wiki is a page anyone can edit.

thus the disclaimer, I knew it wouldnt be entirely accurate but at least it gives a snapshot of what might be in terms of our official 2021 squad.

 

[theshed]

Wow, Milf is the third most experienced player!

He’s 27 this coming season. A few months older than Cam Munster.

 

[Kooly87]

He’s 27 this coming season. A few months older than Cam Munster.

He's becoming a bit like 'young' Matty Moylan these days, just waiting for him to mature a bit and realise his potential.

 

[Mustafur]

you're better off going with either broncos.com.au or nrl.com for your sources. wiki is a page anyone can edit.

Yes but sources have to be linked or it gets removed and or a disclaimer is shown.

 

[Clintos]

I thought I spotted Isaiah Tass from the Bulldogs in the training photos. Is he a train and trial guy as well, or signed with an affiliate and training with the NRL squad?

 

[McHunt]

I thought I spotted Isaiah Tass from the Bulldogs in the training photos. Is he a train and trial guy as well, or signed with an affiliate and training with the NRL squad?

He's named in this list

Round 1 Lineup

Might be a bit left field but i wouldn't be surprised to see kevie do something a bit different round one. From all reports he views TPJ as a middle forward and he's been impressive at training. Likewise Asiata appears to be viewed as preferred lock and he has spoken about lodge been a forwards...

broncoshq.com

 

[Clintos]

He's named in this list

Round 1 Lineup

Might be a bit left field but i wouldn't be surprised to see kevie do something a bit different round one. From all reports he views TPJ as a middle forward and he's been impressive at training. Likewise Asiata appears to be viewed as preferred lock and he has spoken about lodge been a forwards...

broncoshq.com

So he is. I missed him completely.

 

[regularcola]

My Team atm:
1. Isaako (played well before covid last year and I don't rate Niu at all, way too small and not fast enough)
2. Coates
3. Farnworth
4. Arthars
5. Kennar
6. Milford
7. Dearden
8. Haas
9. Mcullough
10. Flegler
11. Glenn
12. Riki
13. Pangai

14. Turpin
15. Asiata
16. Carrigan
17. Bullemore
Possibles: Teo, Copley, Mead, Lodge, Oates

 

[Thelmus]

1 Isaako
2 kennar
3 farnsworth
4 Copley
5 coates
6 milford
7 croft/dearden (I'm not as certain as everyone else but reckon Kevie will make the right call)
8 haas
9 macca
10 carrigan
11 Oates
12 glenn
13 asiata
14 turpin
15 lodge
16 fledgler
17 rikki
18 paix 19 Teo 20 Arthurs 21 croft/dearden
I haven't seen much to go beyond the gap run and what Kevie's been talking about, but to me it makes sense to play carrigan at prop and use Asiata and his ability to read the play at lock. I thought croft had something in those early rounds until covet hit but cant pick them apart from what little I know as dearden looked the more composed but lacked polish.
Isaako gets fullback over Niu and Arthurs.
Copley has one centre and farnsworth the other until staggs, although maybe Kevie will prefer coates, Arthurs or someone else there, so who knows until a trial is played.

 

[whykickamoocow]

1 Isaako
2 kennar
3 farnsworth
4 Copley
5 coates
6 milford
7 croft/dearden (I'm not as certain as everyone else but reckon Kevie will make the right call)
8 haas
9 macca
10 carrigan
11 Oates
12 glenn
13 asiata
14 turpin
15 lodge
16 fledgler
17 rikki
18 paix 19 Teo 20 Arthurs 21 croft/dearden
I haven't seen much to go beyond the gap run and what Kevie's been talking about, but to me it makes sense to play carrigan at prop and use Asiata and his ability to read the play at lock. I thought croft had something in those early rounds until covet hit but cant pick them apart from what little I know as dearden looked the more composed but lacked polish.
Isaako gets fullback over Niu and Arthurs.
Copley has one centre and farnsworth the other until staggs, although maybe Kevie will prefer coates, Arthurs or someone else there, so who knows until a trial is played.

TPJ

 

[Thelmus]

TPJ

Theres always one I miss out. I was thinking theres something missing. He slips in for Oates, and Oates for Ricki on the bench if I was picking it.
Though that might not be Walters thinking as I think he said TPJ is a middle forward which makes me think either carrigan moves to the back row, or one of , lodge or fledgler misses out.
The only other thing would be macca defending on the edge at some stage to rest Oates that I can see. Asiata played 5/8th so maybe he can defend out wide?
God help me, but all our options appear to be green, small, stupid or slow for that second row spot. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[turkeysnow]

I dont think Haas offers much in the way of being an bench impact player. To me, thats probably TPJ or Flegler or maybe even Lodge.

My prefered pack would be:

8. Haas
9. Macca/Turpin (Macca maybe with experience, Turpin come on with tired defenders)
10. A fit Lodge (after seeing the play the ball speed, he was very good for us before Haas/Carrigan)
11. Glen (Although on less min)
12. Ricki
13. Pangai (first 20 initial sting)

14. Turpin (spells macca, and macca can cover middle if needed to defend)
15. Asiata (comes on after first 20min odd, and brings more play in middle)
16. Fleg (Agression)
17. Carrigan (Hard work)

I understand it would feel like a demotion to carrigan, but he is a future captain and doesn't need to be busted first season! I see Pangai being able to play edge in short stints and to spell Glen, so Asiata could come on Glen off. Or Pangai in a shorter contained stint. Our forwards can all play decent min, it is more about their output and what they do on the park. Ricki because he too is a rookie could see Glen come back on his edge or Pangai to play there as well. Glen can also then cover any back injury.

I don't feel Oates should get first crack, Kennedy isn't great. If we lose Lodge unfortunately we loose some of what a great pack we have could look like.

 

[BroncsFan]

My prefered pack would be:

8. Haas
9. Macca/Turpin (Macca maybe with experience, Turpin come on with tired defenders)
10. A fit Lodge (after seeing the play the ball speed, he was very good for us before Haas/Carrigan)
11. Glen (Although on less min)
12. Ricki
13. Pangai (first 20 initial sting)

14. Turpin (spells macca, and macca can cover middle if needed to defend)
15. Asiata (comes on after first 20min odd, and brings more play in middle)
16. Fleg (Agression)
17. Carrigan (Hard work)

I understand it would feel like a demotion to carrigan, but he is a future captain and doesn't need to be busted first season! I see Pangai being able to play edge in short stints and to spell Glen, so Asiata could come on Glen off. Or Pangai in a shorter contained stint. Our forwards can all play decent min, it is more about their output and what they do on the park. Ricki because he too is a rookie could see Glen come back on his edge or Pangai to play there as well. Glen can also then cover any back injury.

I don't feel Oates should get first crack, Kennedy isn't great. If we lose Lodge unfortunately we loose some of what a great pack we have could look like.

Looks decent, but the only thing I would say is there's probably too much chopping and changing in the 2nd row with the proposed rotation

The edge defences need to know who's out there with them and having 3 or so different combinations throughout every game is a high risk.

I think Glenn probably keeps the edge spot and plays 80 at least until Riki can prove he's able to play 80.

Glenn is definitely no frills and probably doesn't give us much strike, but we know he can play a solid 80mins while the rest of the pack rotate and Riki gets up to speed with 80mins of NRL.

I think TPJ comes off the bench (or maybe starts), but I think he's our swiss army knife. He can run riot at prop or lock, ball play in the middle or completely wreak havoc on an edge. Unfortunately I don't think his defence is good enough to play 80 on an edge (unless it gets a huge overhaul), and he's been most effective in the short stints when in the middle. Having TPJ play 50-60mins in shorter stints throughout the pack would be difficult to plan for as an opposing coach and handy to have for Kevvie to inject where needed.

 

[HarryAllan7]

My (very long) perspective on our best team as it stands:

1) Isaako
In my opinion, he has the skills to be a solid fullback - focus on running hard, solid positioning and high effort (especially support play). His goal-kicking is very valuable.
2) Farnworth
Think he's much more suited to wing than centre
3) Arthars (Staggs when fit)
Showed some glimpses in limited time last year - should get first crack until Staggs is back. Copley can cover if Arthars isn't up to scratch
4) Niu
Haven't seen a great deal yet that has impressed me, but he is considered a player of the future and by all accounts is suited to centre - time for him to have the opportunity to show what he's got.
5) Coates
Has earned a wing spot, but I'd make every KPI he has this season related to defence and positional play. The freakish attacking prowess will be there regardless - his focus needs to be on developing the poor parts of his game first.
6) Milford
Expectations are low. Still the best option.
7) Dearden
Expecting big things from our little number 7 this year
8) Lodge
Forward leader with the versatility to thrive in the new style of the game (despite what others here may think)
9) Turpin
Suits our attack and the modern game more than any other options on the roster. Carrying a hooker on the bench who can't play any other positions is a liability. He has to play 80.
10) Haas
KW needs to have a sit down with Haas pre-season and diagnose what's going on. After bursting onto the scene, Haas' performances towards the end of last year were objectively poor - culminating in a woeful Origin Game 3. Haas is a metre-eating monster and receives due praise for this, but he needs to show more commitment in defence and I'd love to see him introduce some more mongrel and toughness into his game - at times it seems like carting the ball forward and making metres is so easy for him that it's almost just become routine and Payne is happy coasting. Haas needs to push himself and take his game to the next level - He's still extremely young and has time... but he has the talent to be a once-in-a-generation player and we should be ensuring he reaches this level.
11) Glenn
Had a horror run with injuries last year. Seems more interested in Instagram than rugby league nowadays, but he's one of very few experienced older players who needs to be setting a good example out there and leading.
12) Riki
Looked really good last year in the glimpses we saw - seemed to combine well with Dearden. Not sure he's fully ready yet, but second row is a very simple position - he should get his shot to start and make us forget about Fifita.
13) Asiata
Signed to play lock, he adds extra ball-playing depth and nuance to our side - can only benefit Dearden's development to have another playmaker of sorts taking the pressure off and creating some opportunities in the middle. I believe TPJ is the better player, but Asiata lacks the bench impact TPJ does, and Tevita has a long way to go to prove he can be a solid, reliable contributor and until he does, Asiata should start.

14) Carrigan
He's not a lock.. should be brought on to play front row.
15) Flegler
I like Flegler and think he cops too much flak around here for penalties and mistakes. Had a bad year and struggled with injuries, but think he really needs to cement himself as a first grade player now.
16) TPJ
Can take over for Asiata at lock - defending in the middle and then shifting out wide to attack - maximise his strengths and minimise his weaknesses. He's on his last chance here - prove you want to play for the Broncos and prove you can channel your aggression and talent into production without being suspended. If KW can get TPJ firing, our whole team improves markedly. Give him a simple job to do, utilise his impact off the bench to keep forwards rolling once Haas comes off.
17) Oates
Outside back and second row cover. Very versatile bench option who allows us to cover any potential injuries. Can work on developing his game in the back row.

18) Bullemor
19) McCullough
20) Copley
21) Paix

 

[WASSHHH]

Given injuries etc., come round 1 I’d like to see a forward pack / bench of:

8. Haas
9. McCullough (takes the initial brunt)
10. Lodge
11. Glenn (see McCullough)
12. TPJ
13. Asiata

14. Turpin
15. Flegler
16. Carrigan
17. Riki

That seems like a pretty strong rotation with a good balance of strike, ball-playing, experience and toilers.

Our backline stocks are pretty puss though:

1. Isaako (is there anyone else?)
2. Coates
3. Farnworth
4. Copley
5. Mead
6. Milford (has A LOT to prove, must know his contract won’t be renewed unless he plays the house down)
7. Dearden

Honestly though, you could probably interchange any number of the old / unproven kids / average outside backs we have into the 1-5 and probably get a similar result.

Anyway, will be interesting to see what transpires over the next couple of months.

 

[rnabokov]

Given injuries etc., come round 1 I’d like to see a forward pack / bench of:

8. Haas
9. McCullough (takes the initial brunt)
10. Lodge
11. Glenn (see McCullough)
12. TPJ
13. Asiata

14. Turpin
15. Flegler
16. Carrigan
17. Riki

That seems like a pretty strong rotation with a good balance of strike, ball-playing, experience and toilers.

Our backline stocks are pretty puss though:

1. Isaako (is there anyone else?)
2. Coates
3. Farnworth
4. Copley
5. Mead
6. Milford (has A LOT to prove, must know his contract won’t be renewed unless he plays the house down)
7. Dearden

Honestly though, you could probably interchange any number of the old / unproven kids / average outside backs we have into the 1-5 and probably get a similar result.

Anyway, will be interesting to see what transpires over the next couple of months.

Really like this side. My preferred one as well. For mine it is well balanced and addresses, potentially at least, a key issue of ball playing in the middle which I feel was a major weakness in our game last season. TPJ and Asiata add that extra dimension which Carrigan did not at lock. We need to get the ball moving, and moving away from the middle, something TPJ and Asiata can ensure. Also, Turpin just has to add a running game from dummy half instead of a simple shovel at first receiver. Our spine's style of play has been far too one dimensional.

However, this for me raises the next key issue: support play, both for the middle forwards and when Milford and Dearden distribute the ball. Support play for mine was a big problem last year. About this, I want to see our FB up behind the ruck as much as possible to add that extra dimension in attack. All the top sides excel at FB play up front.

As for our backs, I reckon Farnworth and Copley are undersold as a quality centre pairing. I for one think they will be terrific.

 

[theshed]

Really like this side. My preferred one as well. For mine it is well balanced and addresses, potentially at least, a key issue of ball playing in the middle which I feel was a major weakness in our game last season. TPJ and Asiata add that extra dimension which Carrigan did not at lock. We need to get the ball moving, and moving away from the middle, something TPJ and Asiata can ensure. Also, Turpin just has to add a running game from dummy half instead of a simple shovel at first receiver. Our spine's style of play has been far too one dimensional.

However, this for me raises the next key issue: support play, both for the middle forwards and when Milford and Dearden distribute the ball. Support play for mine was a big problem last year. About this, I want to see our FB up behind the ruck as much as possible to add that extra dimension in attack. All the top sides excel at FB play up front.

As for our backs, I reckon Farnworth and Copley are undersold as a quality centre pairing. I for one think they will be terrific.

Niu showed quite a nack for hanging around the ruck for offloads. Never really transpired but he was always energetic and in the right position.

 

[BooKhaki]

People on here have a very short memory on how limited McCullough is. Up there with the worst service in the comp.