Team changes for game 2

Unbreakable said:
I said it in another thread but I'll say it here as well, I think we stick with Munster & Hunt. Hunt did well for the most part with his kicking game (Wouldn't mind seeing him taking the line on a bit more) and Munster wasn't too bad either, should be better in G2 & G3 once he rekindles his combination with Slater on those sweep plays.

Overall I thought we played well and had plenty of opportunities to win, the only reason the Blues were scoring points was Tedesco & Cook. Literally the only reason, without those two we probably win by 10. That means the primary issue we have is ruck & middle defense, tighten that up and it'll go a long way to winning G2/G3.

In terms of changes.. you have to drop Cooper, he defended well, but you need some ensemble of metres & attacking skill from that position. If Gillett isn't healthy, I'd start Papalii on the edge. He's in career best form right now, we need him to play big minutes if we want a chance at winning, the best way to do that is starting him on the edge, and shifting him to the middle when Hess comes on. Hess isn't a middle forward, he's still too raw, throw him on the left edge for his 30 minutes and have him run straight at Cleary non-stop, wear him out. I'd also strongly consider bringing in some aggression on the bench.

It has to be Alvaro or Ofahengaue, I have no idea why Alvaro isn't getting any Origin buzz, he's been the Eels best player this year. He's arguably the best defensive prop in the game at the moment, and also makes above average metres.

Averages for Alvaro this season - 48 minutes, 12 hit-ups, 107.1 metres, 40.9 tackles @ 93.2% efficiency
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I think he is a new south welshman. Born in nsw and played for mittagong in nsw. Wikipedia could be wrong though
 
Was nice of Wallace to put in a blockbuster performance last night after being so shit for Qld. Ran for 163 metres. Wonder if we can expect the same from a few of the Storm guys on Sunday.
 
Unbreakable said:
He played for multiple Queensland rep teams, so I have no idea how that works. Apparently he has committed to NSW though, so scrap that idea.. Damn, was actually thinking we might have a decent forward.
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There seems to be a few weird loopholes in the 5 question system they brought in. If he wants to play for nsw then thats a shame, for him really. He doesnt stand a chance of getting into the blues, but would definetly be a welcomed addition to ours
 
Unbreakable said:
I said it in another thread but I'll say it here as well, I think we stick with Munster & Hunt. Hunt did well for the most part with his kicking game (Wouldn't mind seeing him taking the line on a bit more) and Munster wasn't too bad either, should be better in G2 & G3 once he rekindles his combination with Slater on those sweep plays.

Overall I thought we played well and had plenty of opportunities to win, the only reason the Blues were scoring points was Tedesco & Cook. Literally the only reason, without those two we probably win by 10. That means the primary issue we have is ruck & middle defense, tighten that up and it'll go a long way to winning G2/G3.

In terms of changes.. you have to drop Cooper, he defended well, but you need some ensemble of metres & attacking skill from that position. If Gillett isn't healthy, I'd start Papalii on the edge. He's in career best form right now, we need him to play big minutes if we want a chance at winning, the best way to do that is starting him on the edge, and shifting him to the middle when Hess comes on. Hess isn't a middle forward, he's still too raw, throw him on the left edge for his 30 minutes and have him run straight at Cleary non-stop, wear him out. I'd also strongly consider bringing in some aggression on the bench.

It has to be Alvaro or Ofahengaue, I have no idea why Alvaro isn't getting any Origin buzz, he's been the Eels best player this year. He's arguably the best defensive prop in the game at the moment, and also makes above average metres.

Averages for Alvaro this season - 48 minutes, 12 hit-ups, 107.1 metres, 40.9 tackles @ 93.2% efficiency
Click to expand...
Like where you're going with Alvaro
 
Kevin would look like a hypocrite. He has been saying this years team is picked on form.
 
Tom said:
Kevin would look like a hypocrite. He has been saying this years team is picked on form.
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Yeah think Cows have missed a trick this year. Morgan should have stayed at 7 from start since was killing it and JT was always going to be slow coming back so why not ease him into it from bench as didn’t need weather first 20 mins of each game at 6 so can pick his moments.

Now finals are all but done don’t see the sense in persisting with him more than dignity allows. Morgan to 7 and need to get Martin in doing a lot of ball playing from 6/13 role (13 when JT2 having a spell) to prep for next year. Ideally use JT for 40-50 minutes to close the game and guide the team so the old legs can play quality minutes and more in a teaching role.

QLD would have been much better off with Smith stepping up doing same thing to guide team home after 30th minute. At very least Smith needs to be asked to come into camp when Macca is unfortunately selected again to get him up to speed. Could do similar with Ponga and Slater. Let slater play fullback with Oates on wing and in last 30 switch slater to wing, Oates to second row and bring Ponga on to run riot on tired forwards. Need a succession plan rather than just throwing guys in deep end where possible, use your legends to teach the new guys. Use young blokes in short stints since they are more likely to drift in and out of the game more so build their confidence and get most value by getting them on for impact.
 
More i consider DCE less like the idea. Even the commentators last night admitted he is a flat track bully. He was horrid.

1. Slater (wing after 50)
2. Oates
3. Inglis
4. Munster
5. Gagai if 100% fit (Holmes as backup)
6. Milf
7. Morgan
8. Scott
9. Macca (will happen but let’s use him for 30 at hooker with Smith as an exoskeleton all week in camp then 20 at lock to tighten middle and final chance)
10. McGuire
11. Papali
12. Kafusi but only for 50 mins
13. Glasby
14. Hunt
15. Napa
16. Wallace
17. ? Edge forward maybe Hess but open to options. No point using Hess as middle forward.
18. Ponga.
+ everyone else into camp for the week including Ash Taylor.

If we lose game 2. Then Taylor and Ponga could be introduced.
 
Only need 17 qlders....there's plenty there and a battalion of 17 year olds ripening as we speak.
 
Number6 said:
More i consider DCE less like the idea. Even the commentators last night admitted he is a flat track bully. He was horrid.

1. Slater (wing after 50)
2. Oates
3. Inglis
4. Munster
5. Gagai if 100% fit (Holmes as backup)
6. Milf
7. Morgan
8. Scott
9. Macca (will happen but let’s use him for 30 at hooker with Smith as an exoskeleton all week in camp then 20 at lock to tighten middle and final chance)
10. McGuire
11. Papali
12. Kafusi but only for 50 mins
13. Glasby
14. Hunt
15. Napa
16. Wallace
17. ? Edge forward maybe Hess but open to options. No point using Hess as middle forward.
18. Ponga.
+ everyone else into camp for the week including Ash Taylor.

If we lose game 2. Then Taylor and Ponga could be introduced.
Click to expand...

Who kicks the goals?
 
winslow_wong said:
Who kicks the goals?
Click to expand...

Fair point. Holmes might have to play over Oates if no other options. If Ponga in team less of an issue. Would have preferred Hunt at 9 and Ponga as 14 (which is why had Slater going to wing but couldn’t edit) which would be good enough for goals given lack of tries in current setup makes goal kicking a secondary consideration but problem of backup hooker options in that setup as Hunt should only play 50 or 60.
 
I still maintain we should bring in Matt Scott, not just for his experience but I still think he has a bit to offer at Origin level.

He averages just 1.31 metre less in post contact metres than Napa, and also averages less game time at 42.76 minutes compared to 45.92 minutes for Napa. His play the ball speed is also quicker, average play the ball speed is 3.53 seconds which is quicker than both Napa and Wallace. Quick play the balls are very valuable at this level.

I don't think he has been that bad this season. He hasn't been at his usual level, but neither has Napa and he still got picked.

I would bring in Scott, Ofahengaue, Slater and drop Cooper. Those would be the only changes I make.
 
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