NRL Round 7 teams: Sharks regain Johnson, Storm lose Papenhuyzen and Stuart swings axe on Raiders

Papenhuyzen probably at acting class preparing to be cut from Origin selection again at Bellyaches request.

"Canberra will be without Josh Hodgson, who’s out with a calf". Do we know the calf's name? :stoked:

Havilii has also been stuck having to play on an edge because of Stuart's refusal to have any backline or edge back row cover on the bench. With CHN on the bench, Havilii can go back to his preferred role in the middle or at hooker. I have to think that Croker and Scott are safe because of injuries in the backs, with CNK, Valemai, Smith-Shields and Simonsson all out.

Agree about Havilli - not sure what he is bringing to the team - when he is rolling he is good but haven't seen much evidence of it this season. And Ricky brings Starling on too late in the match for him to influence the result - what can he do in 10 or 15 minutes? He used to do the same with Kurt Baptiste. I can remember screaming from the stands - "bring on Kurt" - when we were sorely missing a bit of spark. Why not give Starling the first or last 25 minutes? I would have much preferred to have CHN on the bench than Havilli in the past 3 weeks but I guess he was still serving his time for the off season DUI indiscretion. At least the bench looks much stronger this week.

:laughing: :thumbup:

I may have been being kind to myself there. Just do me a favour and don't look at the time difference between what HY said and my reply...

Havili is another who doesn’t seem as effective as last year.A lot of experts have pointed to the Hodgson factor in the team.Be interesting to see how they go without him.Could be the reverse Turbo Phenomenon.

:thumbup: Ba ha ha haaa.. I would never have got it without your comment connecting the puzzle. A minute is doing well in my book..

Look I don't think there is much doubt that Hodgson is a great no. 9 - he was rated second behind Cameron Smith in terms of the best hookers in the game for several years - he can play - when he keeps it simple and direct he's dynamic - but when he's running around trying to create things he just confuses everyone including himself. When Hodgson is in form you wouldn't want him off the field. Wighton, Williams, Hodgson and CNK are all very good individual players but haven't quite sorted out their roles and how to support each other as yet. Potentially they could make a very good spine but its still a work in progress.

I was thinking something similar with Tapine on Saturday - he'd make a decent run but just wasn't looking to offload or create some second phase play. But he's dynamic when he's on. I think Ricky is just trying to stir him into action. No argument about Whitehead - probably not as dynamic and explosive as Kikau and a few other backrowers in the game - but a great defender and super smart player. One of the first picked. Papali'i for the Eels was a real handful. What a pick up for them.

I noticed that a couple of times on Saturday. He didn't look switched on - mind you he had a few mates - Josh Papalii looked to be going through the motions - not his usual dominant self. But I was surprised Ricky dropped Tapine - didn't see that coming. Bit of a wake up call for the squad I suspect. If there was a bit more depth in the backs Croker or Scott may have had a rest as well.

Geoff ,something has definitely happened to Tapine .Couple of weeks ago he was playing with Spiders on him.Only a shadow of that form now.

Drags will be challenging Bunnies for grubbiness status soon

I personally think that Shakespearian quotes should be mandatory on the Roar

Geoff, I agree with your sentiments about Tapine? My issue with him is he likes the “biff and handbags at five paces”, but doesn’t make enough clean breaks for me or bringing other players into the game. On the other hand in my humble opinion .as I saw he make him make his debut “Whitehead is like Carlsberg”. Probably the best and most consistent backrower in the NRL. If played he played for top four sides the media would going bananas in Sydney about him. Great ball player ,too when give the chance !!

Kris is starting; he’s on the wing. I think Croker needs to have a blinder this week. He’s in the danger zone; and if he wants to stay in the hunt to overtake Smith as the all-time leading point scorer, he needs to up his game and avoid being dropped at all costs.

:silly: Not gonna lie, took me a minute to realise who HY was talking about

How is Kris not starting this week? Croker and Scott were both ordinary last week. Croker really doesn't deserve his spot, he is the weakest link in defense and if Ricky were serious Croker would been replaced with Kris this week.

Ricky has swung the machete but the big liability has ducked it. Jarrod Croker was all at sea last game, missing in defence and attack. However, Ricky can see value in him so he stays. As for Saints, I'm still coming to grips with McGuire being there. I hope Griffin can get some positive results from him as I see him as a cringeworthy type of character, not the type you would want in the trenches with you.

At least they know him well. Clever, I had to trawl through the memory banks for that connection..