What's your strongest possible 2022 Canberra Raiders line up? That's what we are asking the readers of The Greenhouse. We're looking at the "Locks and contenders" for each position in the team in a special series of articles. Some players have clearly locked down their spot but we're looking at all the contenders for places in the Green Machine's top 17. For contentious positions, we're supplementing the discussion with a series of polls.
Josh Papalii has a "lock" on one starting prop spot. In the third of those polls, we're asking which prop should join him in a starting role up front.
Remember, we're looking at the strongest possible team, irrespective of injuries.
The only argument I can see merit in not starting Tapine is if the plan's to bring him in around the 30min mark and not take him off. Otherwise I'd prefer to go old school and have our two best starting props starting the game. There's no reason why Sutton or Guler shouldn't be able to give us quality week in, week out off the bench at this stage of their careers. I think Hola will also be a handy weapon for us off the bench if given a chance.
Tapine is definitely our second best prop but I voted Sutton as I feel he plays better starting and I think impact off the bench is important for our team.
Sutton. Tapine is significantly better. But if Hodgson is moving to loose forward you don't want Sutton on at prop when that happens because he doesn't make enough metres when running the ball.
And FWIW I reckon you should pick your lock first so you know what your 3rd middle is set to be before picking you're second starting prop.
julian87 wrote: ↑January 19, 2022, 5:26 am
Sutton. Tapine is significantly better. But if Hodgson is moving to loose forward you don't want Sutton on at prop when that happens because he doesn't make enough metres when running the ball.
And FWIW I reckon you should pick your lock first so you know what your 3rd middle is set to be before picking you're second starting prop.
Most teams are going to a smaller guy at lock now anyway. As you have suggested, we are likely to see the Starlo/Hodgo combo again.
Which means your starting 13 is nearly irrelevant, as they only play that position 25mins. In our case, they probably end up in the prop (middle) rotation anyway, if they even return to the field - Lui and Sia often didn't.
julian87 wrote: ↑January 19, 2022, 5:26 am
Sutton. Tapine is significantly better. But if Hodgson is moving to loose forward you don't want Sutton on at prop when that happens because he doesn't make enough metres when running the ball.
And FWIW I reckon you should pick your lock first so you know what your 3rd middle is set to be before picking you're second starting prop.
Most teams are going to a smaller guy at lock now anyway. As you have suggested, we are likely to see the Starlo/Hodgo combo again.
Which means your starting 13 is nearly irrelevant, as they only play that position 25mins. In our case, they probably end up in the prop (middle) rotation anyway, if they even return to the field - Lui and Sia often didn't.
Hmm I don't really agree. Stuart has loomed hesitant to play Hodgson at 13 for long periods. And 3 lumbering props in the middle for any period is a massive no no for mine. 13 has to be one of Young or Elliott for mine. Sutton at 13 continuously was one of the biggest downfalls last season. It was just stubbornness from Stuart and not moving with the times.
13 has become one of the most important positions now with what the likes of Murray, Radley, Smith, Watson, Yeo, Peachey and Co offer. Just on that I find it absolutely disgusting that Connor Watson has landed back at Easts on less than what he was on at Newcastle. Absolutely mind boggling.
