Kearney
Sherriffe
Crookes
Nero
Halley
Sykes
Orford
Scruton
Lestrange
Lynch
Langley
Menzies
Donaldson

Hall
Kopczak
Godwin
Whitehead

although doesn't give much options if a back gets injured - Menzies or Donaldson might have to do a job out of position.

I don't think Reardon did enough wrong to be dropped, but I have to admit, Kearney has played his best games for Cronulla at full-back, Sykes has played his best games for us at SO and Halley has played well at FB, but wing could be his best position. I'm sure we will try other combinations as the season goes on and we may find one works better than the others.

Remember we still have Platt to come into the centres aswell where he played excellently at the end of last season.


Kearney
Sheriffe
Platt
Nero
Halley
Sykes
Orford

Could end up being our best backs with Reardon and Crookes covering, although I hope Halley can show his mid to late 2009 form again as he did look like our long term option at full back. still cant fault his effort though.

I would think Halley will be on the wing at some point rather than Sheriffe. I thought he had a nightmare yesterday.... Letting the ball bounce near the end was criminal, another time the line opened up for him and he turned back inside to the traffic.
With regards to Nero, that awful pass from Orford summed him up to me. All he had to do was bend his back and pick it up. What we got was an half d attempt and he knocked it on under pressure.

Players are not playing for Macca pure and simple. No passion at all, years gone by then they would have been smashing in to the tackle all game...
Not sure what the solution is but if it carries on then more and more will be calling for heads to roll!

1. kearney
2. Sheriffe
3. Reardon
4. Sykes
5. Halley
6. Sykes
7. Orford
8. Scruton
9. Godwin
10. Lynch
11. Langley
12. Menzies
13. Donaldson

14. L'Estrange
15. Hall
16. Whitehead
17. Burgess (whichever one is ahead of the other give him a go he's a big lad and if used properly won't get exposed)

18. Platt

I can't see Macca changing Kearney from 6 - he's had two games there and those of you who went to the pre-season games were raving about him. He's only had two "proper" games there.

We've played two sides from last seasons top 3 in our first couple of games. Granted yesterday we were awful, but many a better judge on here have said that we need to have a bedding in period for some of the new guys.

Yesterday was all about the manner of the defeat, but don't forget Saints had a point to prove to their own fans and were very up for the game. A few decisions went against us in the first half via forward passes / knock-ons that weren't given and that helped to take the game away from us.

The players left from last year are still low on confidence. Heads drop too easily when we go behind after not capitalising on any good pressure we've had. If I've ever seen a team that needs to score first in a game, it's us!

Don't expect too many changes, a couple could be forced (ie Reardon might get a call to Red Hall after his clothesline attempt near the end).

I'd not be adverse to Godwin starting, and Donaldson on the bench for Worrincy.

If Reardon is forced out, we could move Menzies to centre, Sykes to FB and Halley to the wing. That does leave us with Donno and Whitehead in the back three, which I don't think Macca is too keen on. But hey, nothing else has worked !!!!

Sykes at both 4 and 6? Please no!

People groan at this all the time, the fact is though, that with a sliding defence, the winger would probably be forced in to touch should he take the outside, therefore losing possession. I'm sure there'd be a bigger groan is response to that, would there not?

Kearney - We need some penetration at fullback. Halley couldn't beat an egg.
Halley - He likes running toward the touchline so at least here he'll be comfortable.
Crookes - Deserves a chance.
Menzies - Need a shake up in the centres and he's been too quiet in the pack.
Reardon - Been up and down so far but few other options.
Sykes - Awful at times this year but less bad at stand off.
Orford - Needs to gain match fitness and game time.
Scruton - Our one forward who ran onto the ball at pace yesterday. Easy selection.
Godwin - Deserves a chance to start.
Lynch - Need a big effort from him so has to start.
Whitehead - Enthusiasm is in short supply and he provides some.
Langley - Not been too bad so far this year.
Donaldson - Enthusiasm and creativity - two things we need!

Now it gets harder:

Koppy
Olbison
Hall
L'Strange

If a winger deserves to be dropped after yesterday, it's Reardon not Sheriffe.

Maccbull, why would you drop Kopzcak?


And I think we all know we're not going to see a big shake-up yet.

100% correct

Agree with that totally. There's not many wingers who are good enough to tiptoe millimetres away from the touchline without being forced out.

Alas I think you're right.

TBH I reckon the team I named is more likely to line up later in the season if at all. You're right I do think it's worth sticking with the halfbacks as they are for a while to see if they can drum up some understanding. It's just that Halley offers zilch in attack and I think Kearney could do better.

As for the Manly boys gelling I was under the impression they'd played together before!