With all the rumors about who captain is and rd1 team, what would be the best make up of our team if everyone is 100% fit.
Here would be mine:
1. Isaako
2. Coates
3. Nui - Staggs (depedning on between Nui and Farnsworth)
4. Farnsworth
5. Mead/Copley
6. Milf
7. Dearden
8. Lodge
9. Macca (C)
10. Haas
11. Glen
12. Riki
13. Asiata
14. Turpin
15. Carrigan
16. Fleg
17. Pangai
My reasoning for having;
- Lodge start over Carrigan, Lodge has that crazy in him, that is good for the initial onslaught, I see all forwards (Haas/Lodge/Carrigan/Fleg) playing similar/equal min. We know they can all play 60+ if need be, but better output reduced and sharing the load. Carrigan is a little younger than Lodge and saves him a bit for future.
- Asiata surely starts over pangai, wouldn't have signed without some agreement, also feel its a bit of a wake up call for Pangai to be off the bench, he isn't an edge (who can play 80min). He can however cover edge if needed. That could see Glen/Riki given a spell, Riki maybe early in the season, with Carrigan/Macca also being able to fit in at lock.
- Macca over Turpin, as said a few times now, to take that initial brunt and bring a level head, leadership from the start and good go forward, Turpin on in the first hlf with tired defenders.