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Joined February 2019
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An opinionated battler.
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Khawaja, Finch (c), Warner, Smith, Maxwell, Stoinis, Carey, Cummins, Starc, Behrendorf and Lyon.
That would be my XI but it appears as though they’ll play two spinners. In that case Behrendorf would make way for Zampa. But I would argue that the Big Show is just as an effective short form bowler as Lyon/Zampa. If Stoinis can regain his form I think that lineup gives us the necessary batting strength for the impending shootouts on the roads in England.
Khawaja at risk of being axed for World Cup opener
I think Cronk will be a victim of the relative success of his contemporaries. Of this current generation I think the only two guarantees for immortal status are Smith and Thurston, with Slater and Inglis a whisker away. Although, if Cronk were to steer the Chooks to back-to-back premierships this year, I dare say he’d enter the same company as GI and Billy.
The NRL have to be careful to preserve the status of the Immortals and not let them grow exponentially. In saying that over the last decade I think we’ve been blessed with a particularly talented cohort of greats – much more so than the 90s.
The burning question: Is Cooper Cronk an Immortal?
As much as it pains me to say it – I can’t see a Premiership contender from outside of those three. Perhaps the Raiders are the only team with the necessary firepower to challenge come playoffs. But Sticky hasn’t been there in a while and I worry their depth would be an issue if a few injuries were to strike them down. Manly have overperformed off the back of some coaching masterclass. The Eels, Sharks and Tigers have been terribly inconsistent. I’d predict the Dragons and the Broncos to clinch final berths but I only see them making up the numbers.
What astounds me is the depth of the top three sides – particularly the Roosters and Melbourne. Ryan Hall will make his NRL debut tonight, a 38 test veteran for England and prolific try scorer to boot. Given he’s been injured, I’d argue he still wouldn’t make a full strength Chooks 13. The same goes for Melbourne. Billy Slater retires and the Storm have 3 genuinely impressive young stars vying for his jersey.
So what is the secret to NRL success?
Superior recruitment? World class coaching? Is it an even playing field? A long way from it.
The 2019 premiers: the Roosters, Rabbitohs or Storm
A few bold selections there Crowd, some of which I can’t agree with. I understand your belief in combinations but I don’t think you can justify the selection of Tupou. I don’t see him as an Origin player nor do I believe Fittler does. On form alone I think Fergo has to be first picked – plus he’ll be picking up on that old Roosters combination.
I’m a big fan of Wighton and have absolutely no qualms with his selection in the centres. The same goes for Reynolds at 7. I’d be very disappointed given the Panthers form if Cleary gets the nod.
Your starting pack is exactly as how I’d have it, however, I have a few issues with the bench. I think Murray has to be there at 14, as the sole utility player. As for 15-17, I’d be picking three big forwards – 2 props and a second row/lock. Most likely at this stage Finucane, McLean and my smokey big Payne Haas.
The NSW armchair selectors Origin team
I think you’re probably fairly accurate with most your squad. I’d like to see them pick Finucane at 13 and have Jurbo coming off the pine as a prop/lock rotation, particularly as he has the ability to open up a game with his deft hands. The other centre spot is an interesting one. Wouldn’t it be nice if they picked a halves of Keary and Wighton. On one edge had Keary, Cordner & Latrell and on the other Wighton and Leilua. I don’t this it would work in practicality but gosh it would be lovely viewing.
The NSW Blues contenders
I’d say that’s a testament to Smith’s ability as opposed to Bellamy’s inability. I think you’ll find that when arguably the best player of all time is missing from your team – you’ll struggle.
Bennett versus Seibold is less interesting than many, many, many things
I guess it really depends on what Hansen chooses to do at both 7 & 8. Ardie Savea is the most in-form player in the competition and should really be a lock at 7. Although Read hasn’t been in the same vein of form that saw him awarded World Player of the Year in 2013 and a general freak for the succeeding 4-5 years, you’d be a brave man not to have him at 8 for his AB swansong. In that case I’d look to pick Frizzell at 6 and have Scott Barrett off the pine. A very nicely balanced BR. In saying that all of the players mentioned above would be first picked at 6 of the WB’s and a number of other top tier teams. Such is the depth of the NZ production line.
Six options for the All Blacks' No.6 jersey
I think we must remember not to look at the BR in isolation. They must be complementary to both the game plan and the forwards in front of them, particularly the two locks. Arguably the WB’s greatest positional woe in the last decade has been the lack of world class depth in the second row. Too often we have picked physically inferior, inadequately skilled and poor lineout operators as our 4/5/19. Therefore, we have become accustomed to trying to compensate with our backrow. I’m a proponent of the ‘dual-openside’ system granted the two locks picked are solid at set-piece time and add that much needed starch in both attack and defence. Gatland was allowed to play both Navidi and Tipuric this year because both AWJ (truly world class) and Adam Beard (6’8″ and 120kg) satisfied the above criteria. Notwithstanding the fact that Tipuric himself is regarded as one of the finest defensive lineout technicians in the NH.
If I were picking my strongest WB XV today given the cattle we have available, I would pick a combination of Jones, Pocock (assuming full fitness) and Naisirani. With a larger framed lock at 19 i.e. Arnold and Hooper at 20.
Breaking down the Wallabies' back-row conundrum
So if Wests played Manly at Bankwest Stadium they wouldn’t be entitled to the ‘home side’ status? Even though both Balmain and Wests’ catchment areas border Parramatta’s. Interesting logic.
The thing they haven't told you about Bankwest Stadium
The stadium was built predominantly by Government funding. Sure the main tenants are the Eels and WSW but why let it sit dormant when other teams (with a footprint in the area), play at sub-par venues.
The thing they haven't told you about Bankwest Stadium
What a slap in the face to all of WSW 8000 fans.
The thing they haven't told you about Bankwest Stadium
Hi Mary, I love reading your analysis and I think your rugby league knowledge far surpasses that of your brother David!
One player I think you could have added to that list is Dale Finucane. He has been a consistent performer in a Melbourne team that, for the last five seasons, has been littered with stars. I’d happily have him in there in place of Crichton, but to be fair, they offer completely different skill sets. It looks as if Freddie will look to bring on the likes of Wighton, Crichton and Murray with their impressive foot speed against the tiring Queensland forwards. Perhaps a tactic that hasn’t been employed in Origin for some time now.
The players unlucky to miss Blues selection