PRE-GAME Round 1 - Roosters v Broncos

[Sproj]

Willison is the Haas replica when he comes off - Piakura has to be there for 2nd row depth and impact - it is definitely between Jensen, BTK and Marty for other bench spot - can not go wrong either way

Definitely, Xman is first and only locked in player on the bench. The second would be Piakura and then you have a dart board with Walters/Madden/Smoothy and another one with Jensen/Taupau/Te Kura.

The only thing I really don’t agree with whatever way Maguire goes is if he picks Shibasaki over Mariner. You can cover whatever perceived defensive weakness Mariner has with putting the right players either side of him - Hunt, Gosiewski and Arthars I’m looking at you - but Shibasaki isn’t even in the same postcode as Mariner with ball in hand. Shibasaki’s defense isn’t good enough either to even shade Mariner there.

 

[The Strapper]

I'm not sure his management would be too keen on media releases that his injury is taking too long to heal.

He needs to find him a new contract for next year... they don't need rumours out there that his ACL isn't healing properly.

I didn't mean his injury would actually taking longer than expected to heal just that the roosters would use that as a smokescreen so they could delay bringing him back into the side.
You make a good point though that if they did that it could start rumours that he is not healing well and that could jeopardise him getting another contract.

 

[The Strapper]

Does anyone happen to know when the Broncos will release tickets to their home games? (non-member here.)

I am a season ticket holder and I still haven't got my ticket for this year (although I have been told it is coming soon.)
I have noticed that none of the tickets for broncos home games are on sale yet.
You could try ringing the Broncos club on 1300 462 766 and see if they have got any information.
Let us know if you hear anything.

 

[BroncsFan]

I didn't mean his injury would actually taking longer than expected to heal just that the roosters would use that as a smokescreen so they could delay bringing him back into the side.
You make a good point though that if they did that it could start rumours that he is not healing well and that could jeopardise him getting another contract.

Yeah I get the smokescreen, etc. but I just think the manager would kick back at that, because otherwise he has to explain to every potential bidder that it's rubbish and just the rorters trying to save face... then you have two different stories out there and that creates more media.

Not sure it's really needed though... everyone knows that rorters are moving him on. There doesn't really need to be anything about whether he fits culture or not, they're just moving in a different direction and looking at options for next year given Smith won't be there.

Smith will want to get back playing even if it's in NSW cup because he will want to show he's fit and healthy for his next deal. He wouldn't be able to do that if rorters are saying he's injured and can't play.

Rorters have zero depth at hooker this year as well, so you can never say never on Smith playing again for them this year.