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It’s been a while since I’ve found enough free time to write an article on The Roar, but with NRL.com launching its top 50 NRL players of 2015, it’s about time I picked a side based on those included.
Now, just to prove a point, I actually picked this side on the new NRL Live game, and played a full 80-minute match with them on the hardest difficulty setting. I won 44-18.
So the combinations work, and work well.
And yes, I’m aware players are out of position, but I’ve attempted to explain why with each selection.
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Seriously, this doesn’t need explaining, does it? His stats for 2015 read like he’s playing on NRL Live 2, and has perfect stats and God-Mode enabled.
2. Matt Moylan
Yeah, I know, he’s looking to transition to a pivot, but a fullback should also be able to cover a wing spot if needed, and most can with ease. Moylan is capable, and is too skilled to leave out of this team. And you can’t pick him above Tuivas-Sheck, not based on the past two years.
3. Greg Inglis
Queensland Origin. Enough said.
4. Michael Jennings
NSW Origin. Aside from his off-field antics, he picks himself on form, every year. As a Panther’s fan I’m a bit gutted we lost him, but also glad he’s doing so well for himself at Bondi.
5. Semi Radradra
The next best winger was daylight, or Darius Boyd. But I’d rather have Semi’s bullocking runs.
6. Johnathan Thurston
Was there ever a contest here? I don’t think the number on his back matters, with Thurston in the halves, well, genius ensues.
7. Ben Hunt
The future of Queensland when Cronk retires. Bank on it. If Brisbane go all the way this year, it’ll be off Wayne Bennett’s coaching, and this kid’s control of the game.
8. Paul Gallen
As a Queensland fan, I’ve picked the enemy. And I’ll pick him again. His minutes on the field, his work-rate in defence, there’s not a better front rower than Gallen.
9. Cameron Smith
Can you not pick Cam Smith as hooker in a team like this? Aside from James Segeyaro, there’s no real threat to Smith’s Australia jersey, or his Queensland one. I know, people will talk about Mitch Friend, but I don’t rate him. He’s not in Segeyaro of Smith’s league, but easily better than Robbie Farah.
10. Sam Thaiday
Slammin’ Sam has had somewhat of a career revival under Bennett, and rightly deserves to be here.
11. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
How can you not pick Waerea-Hargreaves? When Sonny Bill Williams left Bondi for World Cup glory, they needed someone to step into the gaping void he left, and Waerea-Hargreaves did. Massively.
12. Andrew Fifita
Okay, this was a toss and turn selection. But turning a blind eye to his off-field problems, Fifita was my final call. His form is decent, and his impact looms as large as he does.
13. Corey Parker
And daylight behind him.
14. James Segeyaro
2014’s Dally M hooker of the year. Yeah, this guy beat out Cam Smith, Farah and Friend. And will likely only lose to Smith in 2015 due to injury. A fit Segeyaro is the second most dangerous player on the field, behind Cam Smith.
15. Trent Merrin
Call it Panther bias, or whatever you like. I like the way he plays, but he clearly checked out for the Dragons in 2015. Most likely due to his eyes being on Penrith for 2016. As a rep player, he’s an impact weapon you bring on when the starters are getting puffed.
Merrin’s passing game, and that deadly offload, along with his tough defence, make him a natural strike weapon in the dying stages of each half.
16. Matt Scott
Had to be be in the side. Better than that guy from south of the boarder, Beau.
17. James Graham
Again, who would not pick him in their side? Okay, maybe those that hate biting poms, but trust him. I’d rather have him in my team, going all Mike Tyson on the opposition, than play against him. After all, I like my ears where they are.
Ok Roarers, who would you pick?
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