Quote: jools "According to Mamo on the interview he did with radio Leeds he's just had the screw taken out of his ankle and started walking on it this week. He reckons he will arrive mid Jan but will probably miss "a couple of games" at the start of the season.
So who start at fullback?!? Do we throw Darnell straight in given that other teams will not be up to speed it could be decided it's a good a time as any, or does Gaskell get the nod or even brierley?!?'"
I think it all depends on if Gaskell is going to be starting in the centres or not. I can't see him playing in the centres myself as when/if Brough or Brierley get injured there is no one else other than him who can play in the halves. So providing Brough and Brierley are fit for the start of the season I think Gaskell will start at FB. If he does start in the centres and then Brough gets injured thats 2 positions we have to change rather than just a direct replacement. If we still had Jamie Ellis I would of expected him to be in the centres definitely.
If Gaskell gains a starting slot at left centre then its got to be Darnell or Jared Simpson - I would like to see Darnell given a chance somewhere this season early on as I fear Murphys best days are behind him now and id rather we work out his best position sooner rather than later so he can concentrate on that position rather than end up like a jack of all trades like Jake Connor did. We have that in Gaskell now so we don't need another - just my opinion.
If its true and we are after a NSW cup centre it suggests to me that Gaskell won't be in the centres., time will tell.
Presently, If we didn't get injuries I think our strongest back line would be:
1. Mamo
2. McGilvarry
3. Cudjoe
4. Gaskell
5. Darnell/Murphy/Ormsby - Its hard to put Darnell in there now as hes not played SL yet but he is the one name that keeps getting mentioned who has impressed so far in preseason, so if he goes well in the friendlies he could get a good crack.
Rick Stone may see things completely different.
Hopefully Wakeman will be soon to follow Mamo and our squad really does look the whole lot stronger then.
Im all for giving youngsters the chance such as Sam Wood and Jacob Wardle but if Rick feels overseas is the best option then I would much prefer young hungry players from the NSW cup than a 32 year old has been. The competition is so much stronger than our Championship - I think the Illawara Cutters team this season gone would of probably got in the play offs in the super league.
www.nswrl.com.au/news/2016/09/22 ... uper_.html
If you look at the NSW cup team of the year there is some excellent young players such as Wakeman and another is Kato Ottio the PNG winger is an absolute monster who scored 29 tries in 21 games I think and has not played NRL yet but most likely will this year and you will see how good he is at the world cup.
Tyrone Mcarthy has really impressed - also got in the team, although a bit older than most in the team.
Sam Williams has signed for Wakey and will be a good signing for them.
