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?
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Cronulla run a 2/2/3 system, which is effectively 3 props
The Prize_Man
Roar Pro
I just prefer a front row with real power and line bending ability i.e Bromwich, JWH, Scott. He still makes a good prop but not in the top class i think. Corey parker is the best lock and arguably the most valuable forward in my opinion considering his work rate, defence in the middle, and the absolute danger of his offload. the last 2 years of origin he has really shown his class against the best. As for Lewis he is an edge back rower if i have ever seen one. I wouldn't play him through the middle. Gallen at lock suits the sharks and nsw style of play. And right now im blanking on who else is a top lock in the competition. i like LoLo but he is a bit up and down other than that can't really think of any in gallens class let alone parkers.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
Funny Prize - I actually think Gallen works much - MUCH - better as a prop. I've tried to take on board some outcomes of my vehement disagreements with RG and Squid on this issue...and I think you could reasonably say Gallen makes a decent prop. While I've had serious concerns over his decision-making (both on-field and off-field), his workrate for a front-rower is very good, as is his ability to make the tough runs when the middle-third defenses are fresh. This was pointed out a while back in this debate on another thread, and I think it has merit (...I think!) I think Gallen is actually wasted as a lock though, as I think you get other candidates with a substantially greater all-round skill-set who can give you a more complete game. Guys like Luke Lewis and Corey Parker are the main two I'm thinking of here (although poor old Lewis had the "game of his life" against the Cows the other night...dear oh dear. He wasn't Robinson Crusoe tho).
The Prize_Man
Roar Pro
On the contrary i watch a lot. In the modern game the lock is a middle so yes some teams play there lock as a third prop ie the bulldogs who have 5/6 including there bench. Just because he plays in the same part of the field doesn't mean he has the same role as a prop. paul gallen wouldn't be in my top 5 props. but he is in the top 5 locks because he can make the hard yards through the middle like a prop but still have the defensive mobility and workrate of a lock. His best position is 13 although he can undoubtedly play prop. when he does play prop though i think you lose some of the advantage (size + mobility and workrate) gained by him playing lock. although this entirely depends on how the coach has setup the team.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
"Gallen is a lock not a prop" Don't watch much league, do you?
The Prize_Man
Roar Pro
That is all well and good but that is not made clear at the top of the article. Also in my experience of the albeit outdated rugby league live games moylan is a terrible winger. also its no wonder you win all the games when you pick a dream team.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
It's a proven combination definitely, it's just that sometimes I think it just limits Thurstons game that touch. Might be even better if I slot Thurston into 7 and have Hunt at 6
The Prize_Man
Roar Pro
The way that all teams play these days basically requires your best back to play fullback. in my australian team i would pick 4 fullbacks and maybe j moz sneaks into the centres.
The Prize_Man
Roar Pro
I don't think how well you play with them on a video game is justification of anything except "My favourite team to play rugby league live with".
Parrafan
Guest
Lol league top try scorer just misses to Koroibete who is a defensive liability. I know I'm biased, but Semi is first picked winger, whether on the left or right.
Parrafan
Guest
And I would add that the modern Lock, isn't what an old 80's style lock used to be. Gallen plays in the 13 but his job is that of another prop, he plays middle of the field.
Ben Lott
Roar Pro
Pretty much, Dutski. It's not so much that they don't rate, as the game-play and camera angles make them too difficult to get results from. And bashing teams up the middle, then putting the speedy little guys through the gaps, is much more fun... at least, as far as the game goes. I played a game last night, 2x 20min halves, on Easy, and won 224-0 against the Kiwis with this team... and RTS scored 4 tries off the kick-off... more a just for laughs game, and laugh we did.
Dutski
Guest
Hey Ben. Enjoyed the read. I gather edge running second rowers don't rate on Xbox? Is that why your pack is all props/centre corridor men?
Ben Lott
Roar Pro
You're not wrong Will! With Inglis and Jennings in the center, and with Moylan and Semi on the flanks, I couldn't find a spot for any of them, and I rate them all very highly... although, whilst I think Dugan's best spot is still in the middle of the park, he's definitely a gun fullback. Even wingers and centers have an excess of talent, with guys like Whare, Mansour, Boyd, Semi, the Morris twins, Koroibete, Curtis, Holmes... the list goes on.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Deadset, how many good fullbacks are there in the NRL at the moment? You've named RTS, which is impossible to argue with, at fullback and then Inglis and Moylan in the centres and on the wing respectively. And you've left out Tedesco and Slater and B Morris and Dugan who are all outstanding players in their own right, and any one of whom wouldn't look out of place in a representative XIII. There is SO MUCH talent at fullback at the moment.
ChubbzyK96
Guest
Best description of DCE I have ever read..... I have to be honest, i didn't mind him before the GCT saga....but now, I cant stand him.... If he plays for QLD again, well then......
Ben Lott
Roar Pro
I've always thought Fitifa was more 2nd Row than prop... gives him more options with the ball other than "run straight, don't drop it". That was more the Martin Lang/'Gorgeous' George Rose style of prop... Glad to see someone other than myself thinks DCE is QLD's Pearce...
Ben Lott
Roar Pro
I think you misunderstood the purpose of my article. This isn't a real world team, or I'd have not picked people out of position. This is a team designed to win games on X-Box... based on the NRL's Top 50 list. Nothing more or less.
Ben Lott
Roar Pro
Lyon didn't "just" miss out, he wasn't on my radar... Morris and Whare are light years ahead of an aging Lyon. It was tough with Props and the 2nd Row... but I like who I've picked... and I'm yet to lose a match with them, even online in X-Box Live... granted, there are very few people -playing the game online for now.
The eye
Guest
2015 form only- in real positions 1.RTS...but Tedesco was very very good 2.5...Semi and Curtis (both left,too bad..excuse Curtis his shocker last week..wonderful year) 3.Josh Morris..centre of the year imo 4.Jenno 6.JT 7 Shaun J 8.JWH 9.Ennis 10.Matulino 11 Cordner 12 Graham 13 Parker