Round 22: Lower Grades

[bigbopper]

Firstly a correction to previous posts. The NSW Cup has only five teams in the finals - it took a lot of tracking down but it's definitely the case (I still can't find it on the NSWRL website). So we face a real struggle to make the finals.

The NSW Cup side play the curtain raiser to the main game when they take on 5th place Parramatta with a 5.30pm kick-off. We need a 15 point win to pass them on the ladder (the Eels are two competition points ahead with a better points differential) and get into the five. Next round we play the second placed Panthers before ending the season with the bye. So it's a very tough road.

Our wooden spoon Jersey Flegg side taken the 9th placed Eels on Saturday at Ringrose Park with a 3.00pm kick-off.

Please put all team news, scores and discussion here.

Cheers

 

[Kempy]

Firstly a correction to previous posts. The NSW Cup has only five teams in the finals - it took a lot of tracking down but it's definitely the case (I still can't find it on the NSWRL website).

It does seem to be the way. I guess it makes sense since there are only 12 teams. Hasn’t been the case in previous years.

It looks like the Knights game when we had so many players out is going to hurt us. Also the game against Parra previously when we were well on top. Didn’t help that Knight was taken out of the game. That player should have been sent straight off.

 

[bigbopper]

It does seem to be the way. I guess it makes sense since there are only 12 teams. Hasn’t been the case in previous years.

It looks like the Knights game when we had so many players out is going to hurt us. Also the game against Parra previously when we were well on top. Didn’t help that Knight was taken out of the game. That player should have been sent straight off.

I hate the NSWRL site. They often don't have enough information and their score service can be terrible (thanks Kempy for your reports when you are at the ground).

I had to find the information on the final five on another site.

Cheers

 

[Smiths Crisps]

At near full strength, our NSW Cup side is much better than their ladder prediction. Hopefully they can grab 5th and do some finals damage. Other challenge will be losing players to the extended first grade bench during the semi's.

 

[Phil]

If not for the amount of injuries the reserve grade pack would be made up of just about all 1st graders.

Suluka-Fifita
Mamouzelos
Moale
Chee Kam
Lovett
Knight

 

[Pplspoet]

In realty, at full strength the starting 13 should be first grade ready. With a 30+6 firsts squad.

 

[bigbopper]

According to the casualty ward on the NRL site we don't get anyone back this week - Burgess returning from suspension should see one forward (possibly Moale) drop down to NSW Cup.

We need another huge effort against the Eels and if we win that we should have a few guys back for the Penrith game.

Cheers

 

[bigbopper]

The team will be out this afternoon. I hope Havili and Nikorima are okay because with Burgess returning we get a couple of better players in the side. And this week the 18th man for first grade (probably Milne) will be available to play. One other first grader coming back would be a bonus.

Anyway a win over the Eels and we will have another player or two back for the Panthers.

Cheers

 

[Kempy]

I can’t see Havili play this week. I haven’t heard anything since Sunday. But it was mentioned that it was a twinge to the hammy. Not sure they risk him.

I didn’t ask about Nikorima. Not sure what’s the go there.

As I have mentioned previously Tom is touch and go to play this week. Hopefully he is right to go. I’m sure he will be named. Just not sure he plays.

It will be an interesting selection when we have the likes of Sele, Havili and Tom right. Who makes way?

Does Sele get back in the side? Who makes way out of Davvy and Suluka-Fifita? Do they both make way? Does Jed get a bench spot? Do we carry Nikorima on the bench?

 

[Pplspoet]

Depends how they are going.

Fit and in-form, I feel like Turgess, Sele, Cartwright & Nikorima (or Havili as the utility) is our best bench based on what they’ve shown this season.

If DSF wants a run he’d need to steal Nichols’ starting spot. Which is easier said than done.

 

[Kempy]

Depends how they are going.

Fit and in-form, I feel like Turgess, Sele, Cartwright & Nikorima (or Havili as the utility) is our best bench based on what they’ve shown this season.

If DSF wants a run he’d need to steal Nichols’ starting spot. Which is easier said than done.

Could Jed play the utility role? Meaning we have a bigger bench come finals time?

The issue with carrying someone like Taaffe or Nikorima is they aren’t necessarily needed. Whilst it’s ok during the season what purpose to do they have come finals?

We saw the other day that Taaffe came on just because we were well in front and didn’t want to risk Latrell.

Having Jed on the bench he can be used to come on in the backrow. If a back does go down he can cover there as well. Never ideal but he can always go to centre. We have AJ to cover fullback, Campbell can cover wing and Latrell if needed can cover the halves.

 

[Pplspoet]

There’s an argument you could have Havili as the utility with Cartwright their as well.

The only place that leaves you a little short is if you get a halves injury. If that happens, you’re moving Cook or Latrell, or having a backrower running 6 and hoping for the best.

But, it does give you the extra big man on the bench in Havili.

Other thing to consider is just how much game time you can give a 3rd big man. They probably won’t get much game time.

I don’t mind the Nikorima on the bench thing if Cartwright is also there. Means you have good cover for essentially any position. Yes in an injury free game you might struggle to inject Nikorima (he’s not Benji), but that’s a luxury I can live with.

Plus, in HIA world, flexibility is king.

If Ilias or Cody get an early head knock in a final, you’re gonna wish Nikorima was on tbe bench.

It might even be a reason for Havili to beat out Sele for a spot. The hooker cover plus prop option makes him pretty valuable.

 

[Kempy]

Considering what you’re saying this is the bench you would want to see come finals? (Assuming Nicholls starting prop)

14. Nikoroma
15. Cartwright
16. Havili
17. Burgess

To think we have Moale, DSF and Sele all missing out. Whilst Host and Knight out injured. We do have some depth in the forwards.

 

[Shauno]

Depends how they are going.

Fit and in-form, I feel like Turgess, Sele, Cartwright & Nikorima (or Havili as the utility) is our best bench based on what they’ve shown this season.

If DSF wants a run he’d need to steal Nichols’ starting spot. Which is easier said than done.

Yeah hard to argue, I’d personally have Havili in place of Nikorima, with Jed with backline replacement if required

 

[Phil]

STANDOUTS

There’s a young Rabbitoh that fans should keep a close eye — Tallis Duncan — consider him Cameron Murray junior.

Duncan started the season playing lock in South Sydney’s Jersey Flegg side, but has nailed down a spot on the bench in NSW Cup.

The 19-year-old, who was the Rabbitohs’ SG Ball Player of the Year in 2021, signed on a long-term deal in June which will keep at the club until the end of 2025.

In the 37 minutes Duncan was on the field on Saturday, he scored a try, got a linebreak and four tackle busts, while also running for 122 metres. He made 19 tackles — one forcing an error — but missed four.

That performance came after he spent a few days in camp with the NRL squad up on the Sunshine Coast — a clear sign that the club has high hopes for him.

Shaq Mitchell was also dominant in the Bunnies’ win over the Raiders, finishing with 130 running metres, two tackle busts and 22 tackles with two misses, while his ball-playing skills were also on show. Coach Dane Dorahy believes Mitchell is his most improved player this season and he is the first name he puts on the team list each week.