General Pick Your Team Rnd 15 vs Broncos

[mt.wellington]

Got a whole two weeks to mull over the selections of this team. The bye couldnt have come at a better time for the boys. That was a bruising encounter against the Rabbitohs and they will be better for the rest. Same team but with two positional changes.

1 SAM TOMKINS
2 DAVID FUSITUA
3 KONRAD HURRELL
4 NGANI LAUMAPE
5 MANU VATUVEI
6 CHAD TOWNSEND
7 SHAUN JOHNSON
8 SAM RAPIRA
9 NATHAN FRIEND
10 SUAIA MATAGI
11 SIMON MANNERING (c)
12 BEN MATULINO
13 JAYSON BUKUYA

14 SILIVA HAVILI
15 JACOB LILLYMAN
16 FELETI MATEO
17 SEBASTINE IKAHIHIFO

Would rather Sam Rapira start to absorb the initial Broncos attack. The guy is the best defender of all our props and Id rather he waste energy tackling in the middle and let Bull save his energy for what he does best, hitting it up.

Other change is Simon Mannering to the right edge. We all saw how the Rabbitohs exploited our right flanks dodgy defence. They did well to shut them out most times but with all the energy the likes of Konrad Hurrell and Jayson Bukuya expend tackling it leaves little in the tank for offence. We need our workhorse tacklebot putting in the work and elevating Konrad and Ngani's load. Sadly Boogs just isnt doing it well enough. He really needs to step up and put the hurt on the centres and his opposite 2nd rower. Right now teams have no fear of running that side and it showed last night.

Siliva Havili really needs to play more minutes. It was depressing to see the Bunnies forwards change tack and head straight down Nathan Friends line. Siliva also brings better delivery which means our halves can stand a little wider and still get the ball at speed.

I could harp on about how I would prefer someone like Charlie Gubb in over Feleti Mateo but it wont happen so I wont bother. We really do need a fourth specialist prop IMO.

Could also go on about how Thomas Leuluai or Ben Henry would be better suited to the teams hooker needs then Nathan Friend but that wont happen either and besides, they are both injured...

 

[mt.wellington]

If Jacob Lillyman gets an Origin call up then Charlie Gubb to start with Sam Rapira and Suaia Matagi coming off the bench...

1 SAM TOMKINS
2 DAVID FUSITUA
3 KONRAD HURRELL
4 NGANI LAUMAPE
5 MANU VATUVEI
6 CHAD TOWNSEND
7 SHAUN JOHNSON
8 SAM RAPIRA
9 NATHAN FRIEND
10 CHARLIE GUBB
11 SIMON MANNERING (c)
12 BEN MATULINO
13 JAYSON BUKUYA

14 SILIVA HAVILI
15 SUAIA MATAGI
16 FELETI MATEO
17 SEBASTINE IKAHIHIFO

 

[InsideBall]

1. Sam Tomkins
2. David Fusitua
3. Konrad Hurrell
4. Ngani Laumape
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Chad Townsend / Tuimoala Lolohea
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Sam Rapira
9. Siliva Havili
10. Jacob Lillyman / Suaia Matagi
11. Jayson Bukuya
12. Ben Matulino
13. Simon Mannering

14. Nathan Friend
15. Suaia Matagi / Charlie Gubb
16. Sebastine Ikahihifo
17. Feleti Mateo

A few questions I have are - will Benry be back by then? Or Leuluai? And how far away from FG is someone like RFM?

If say Benry and Leuluai are both back, I could easily to be persuaded to go with a pack like this:

8. Rapira
9. Havili
10. Lillyman / Matagi
11. Henry
12. Matulino
13. Mannering

14. Leuluai
15. Matagi / Gubb
16. Ikahihifo
17. Bukuya / Faitala-Mariner / Mateo

 

[Inruin]

Got a whole two weeks to mull over the selections of this team. The bye couldnt have come at a better time for the boys. That was a bruising encounter against the Rabbitohs and they will be better for the rest. Same team but with two positional changes.

1 SAM TOMKINS
2 DAVID FUSITUA
3 KONRAD HURRELL
4 NGANI LAUMAPE
5 MANU VATUVEI
6 CHAD TOWNSEND
7 SHAUN JOHNSON
8 SAM RAPIRA
9 NATHAN FRIEND
10 SUAIA MATAGI
11 SIMON MANNERING (c)
12 BEN MATULINO
13 JAYSON BUKUYA

14 SILIVA HAVILI
15 JACOB LILLYMAN
16 FELETI MATEO
17 SEBASTINE IKAHIHIFO

Would rather Sam Rapira start to absorb the initial Broncos attack. The guy is the best defender of all our props and Id rather he waste energy tackling in the middle and let Bull save his energy for what he does best, hitting it up.

Other change is Simon Mannering to the right edge. We all saw how the Rabbitohs exploited our right flanks dodgy defence. They did well to shut them out most times but with all the energy the likes of Konrad Hurrell and Jayson Bukuya expend tackling it leaves little in the tank for offence. We need our workhorse tacklebot putting in the work and elevating Konrad and Ngani's load. Sadly Boogs just isnt doing it well enough. He really needs to step up and put the hurt on the centres and his opposite 2nd rower. Right now teams have no fear of running that side and it showed last night.

Siliva Havili really needs to play more minutes. It was depressing to see the Bunnies forwards change tack and head straight down Nathan Friends line. Siliva also brings better delivery which means our halves can stand a little wider and still get the ball at speed.

I could harp on about how I would prefer someone like Charlie Gubb in over Feleti Mateo but it wont happen so I wont bother. We really do need a fourth specialist prop IMO.

Could also go on about how Thomas Leuluai or Ben Henry would be better suited to the teams hooker needs then Nathan Friend but that wont happen either and besides, they are both injured...

I think Mateo really needs to go and bring in someone like Gubb. We have enough playmakers in Tomkins, Townsend, Johnson, need the workers not the extra 'flash' in Mateo's play. I'm happy with the Friend/Havili combo but it needs to be used right. Friend for the first 30 and havili for the next 30 with Friend finishing the game off. We saw how Souths used their hooker rotation to good effect. They were fresh at the end of the game in a key area with Isaac Luke. That was the difference IMO (time zone and amount of defence in first half also, which highlights the point. Why wasn't Friend spelled in the last 20mins with the amount of tackling he was doing?)

 

[Sup42]

I'm of the mind where probably we don't need to make any changes , but if we had Benry and TL ready I would give those two a go in place of Friend and Feleti.

If we stuck with those two I'd be ok with that too. The Warriors made a hole for themselves last game...I would given em all a chance to dig their way out

 

[¿N. ig-mah¿]

I wouldn't change much, and it depends on injury.

1 Tomkins
2 Fusitua
3 Konrad
4 Ngani
5 Manu
6 Chad
7 Shaun Johnson
8 Lillyman
9 Havili
10 Matagi
11 Benry (Bukuya if Ben still injured)
12 Matulino
13 Mannering

14 Friend (20 minutes in the middle of each half)
15 Rapira
16 Seb
17 Mateo (not 100% on this, but struggling to fill the last spot, Gubb as another option)

No offence to Bukuya, but Benry's defence is becoming legendary. He has a spectacular low tackle. I also considered Peyroux for the final bench spot (if Benry was still out), simply for utility value.

Would like to see Sione back sooner rather than later, and I wish his brother would stop with the injuries and finally begin to develop.

 

[matiunz]

Probably same team (still pissed off) with Henry (Mateo) and Tommy in if fit.
Doesnt seem likely to happen but would like to see Tommy in for Friend and actually play hooker.
Tomkins for mine is looking less and less like an NRL fullback, when is the time to give him a run in the halves?

 

[Iafetas Kickstand Wang]

I think Mateo really needs to go and bring in someone like Gubb. We have enough playmakers in Tomkins, Townsend, Johnson, need the workers not the extra 'flash' in Mateo's play. I'm happy with the Friend/Havili combo but it needs to be used right. Friend for the first 30 and havili for the next 30 with Friend finishing the game off. We saw how Souths used their hooker rotation to good effect. They were fresh at the end of the game in a key area with Isaac Luke. That was the difference IMO (time zone and amount of defence in first half also, which highlights the point. Why wasn't Friend spelled in the last 20mins with the amount of tackling he was doing?)

You make an interesting point re rotation. I thought we get it horribly wrong last night. If we are going to play Siliva, I don't think pulling him out of the game after 12-13 minutes is the right move. Give him a good stint. That said, I'm a big Siliva fan but at the present he's not running the ball so all he is effectively doing is passing, which Friend does anyway. Feleti's usage last night seemed poor. When he was on I thought he was looking very good ball in hand. I don't think Cappy quite his rotation usage down correctly. In some ways we are minimising player strengths a bit. I'd prefer to see Jayson Bukuya come off during games for at least 20-30 minutes. I thought Jayson was soft on a number of defensive plays last night.

 

[Marshthedarsh]

If Jacob Lillyman gets an Origin call up then Charlie Gubb to start with Sam Rapira and Suaia Matagi coming off the bench...

Is that assuming he won't back up?

 

[Defence]

Other change is Simon Mannering to the right edge. We all saw how the Rabbitohs exploited our right flanks dodgy defence. They did well to shut them out most times but with all the energy the likes of Konrad Hurrell and Jayson Bukuya expend tackling it leaves little in the tank for offence. We need our workhorse tacklebot putting in the work and elevating Konrad and Ngani's load. Sadly Boogs just isnt doing it well enough. He really needs to step up and put the hurt on the centres and his opposite 2nd rower. Right now teams have no fear of running that side and it showed last night....

I liked the way they were doing it a month ago- seb starting at 13- manners on the edge then when seb comes off manners moves to the middle and benry or bakuya can move into the vacant edge spot.
Always been a bakuya fan but he hasn't been able to find his best form with us yet tbh

 

[jsmooove]

whens Tommy L back? i see two choices with him, either comes back and replaces townsend or he comes off the bench and replaces friend. i still value in friend but he is a 40min hooker at best with his days of going close to 80 are well and truly over.

id be picking benry over Bakuya purely cause i think benry will shore that right side up better

 

[brightman]

All I'd like to see is TL in and Friend left right out, our stoic defensive line bleeds metres when he's on the field. Shaun Johnson OR Ngani kicking FG @ 100% and Tomkins finally getting his mojo on!

Oh and 1 more thing. Seb to keep becoming a beast on D, I love watching him aim up the opposition and power through his work load

 

[mt.wellington]

Is that assuming he won't back up?

Didnt even think about that. Just got my dates mixed up and thought they would be in camp...

 

[Danpatmac]

I liked the way they were doing it a month ago- seb starting at 13- manners on the edge then when seb comes off manners moves to the middle and benry or bakuya can move into the vacant edge spot.
Always been a bakuya fan but he hasn't been able to find his best form with us yet tbh

I thought mannerings move to 13 has been pretty successful

 

[rocketman]

If they are going off the game plan is it not the captain who should say guys get your shit together it is so frustrating watching them stand behind the posts and not getting ripped into for weak tries ,that was twenty min i thought we would never see again.

 

[stacky18]

The 17 that played that last night is the best 17 that we have available and I am happy for them to be picked again, wholesale changes are not needed.
But there are question marks on Matagi and Havilli. Are they unfit or injured? They both go off after 17 minutes and never fire a shot for the rest of the game. I think I saw Matagi come on and miss a tackle but I don't really remember, and Havilli come back at all? If it was a tactical play than that tactic should be shelved.
If possible I would make one change. Bukuya out and Henry in if fit. Henry offers more on attack and is an equal, if not better defender. Bukuya hasn't really offered anything in recent times.
I keep Mateo only because he offers better offense than Bukuya and because Mateo was playing good footy the last month up until last night.
If TL is fit he shouldn't play. I am unsure if he offers anything in the 6 that we don't already have in Townsend. Also I don't trust TL's defense, when on our line he goes backwards and puts too much pressure on his outside men. Play him in NSW cup for a few weeks to test his fitness before even considering him in the 17.
Also can someone teach Manu how to rap a man up? How many times does he go in for the big hit and hit his man only for the ball runner to get up and carry on or off load.
Two big games before our next bye, we need to win at least one to keep pace with the 8 and both to get into the 8.

 

[warriorsfan92]

If everyone is available:
1.Sam Tomkins (a shame about Locke leaving, provides little competition for fullback, so his spot is slightly a give in to him)
2. David Fusitua (future star)
3. Konrad Hurrell (current star)
4. Ngani Laumape (shown why he deserves to start, and where hes best is at c)
5. Manu Vatuvei (been one of our best)
6. Thomas Leuluai (i personally rated last years combination of TL and Shaun Johnson, Leuluai in my opinion was one our best 2013, hes a first grade starter for sure, if fit he starts any day over an NRL rookie who has, yes at times shown potential, but thats it, POTENTIAL, one consistent game in half a season)
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Sam Rapira (change after 20 with Matagi)
9. Saliva Havili
10. Jacob Lillyman
11. Ben Henry
12. Ben Matulino (a fourth prop playing wider, high work rate out wide, yet playing in 20-30min bursts)
13. Simon Mannering
14. Nathan Friend (final 20min - tighten up that final 20 defence that has been fading of late)
15. Jayson Bukuya (second rower, could come on at 13, sub Matulino, and shift Manners out wide to tighten that 2nd half of each half - just a possibility?)
16. Suaia Matagi (Prop interchange)
17. Feleti Mateo (prop/2nd rower)

Hoping Tui, Gubb and RFM getting a run soon dependent on injuries.

 

[unclesteve]

Start Seb and Havilli. Bukuya and Friend to the bench.
Otherwise same team if everyone has pulled up ok.

 

[ShaunJohnson7]

If the Fish was available and he got the chance to play for the NSWWarriors this coming weekend (I assume they don't have a bye) then I would look at something like this

1. Fish
2. Fusitua
3. Kon
4. Laumape
5. Manu
6. ST
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Matagi
9. Friend (40 mins, he shares the role with Havili he plays the first and 3rd quarters)
10. Lillyman
11. Mutts
12. Benry
13. Mannering

14. Havili
15. Rapira
16. Seb
17. Mateo I guess, its either him or Buyuka and neither fill me with much confidence at the moment

 

[Perth warrior]

This would be my team choice if all players are available.

1. Fusitua ( WOW - Inglis/ Folau in the making, kills the high ball and size to return and break holes.)
2. Fish/ Locke
3. Kon
4. Laumape
5. Manu
6. ST
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Matagi
9. Havili
10. Rapira
11. Mutts
12. Mannering
13. Seb

14. Lillyman
15. Bukuya/ Mateo
16. Gubb
17. Benry (rest break for Havili and cover all over)