2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews *Teams p1*

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Who will win?

Raiders 13+
6
26%
Raiders 1-12
9
39%
Draw
0
No votes
Knights 1-12
5
22%
Knights 13+
3
13%
 
Total votes: 23

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The Greenhouse
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2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews *Teams p1*

Post by The Greenhouse »

2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

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Canberra Raiders V Newcastle Knights
Saturday 8 May, 3:00pm
Equex Centre, Wagga Wagga
Tickets: Click here
TV coverage: Fox League Channel 502
Radio: ABC, Mix 106.3, 2CC

The Canberra Raiders produced a much stronger effort against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round 8, but have now lost four in a row. They head to Wagga Wagga for a meeting with the Newcastle Knights in Round 9. Who would you like to see turn out in green for the game? Name your team and see how you go when the official teams are named on Tuesday.

OFFICIAL SQUADS

Canberra Raiders

1. Caleb Aekins
2. Bailey Simonsson
3. Sebastian Kris
4. Curtis Scott
5. Jordan Rapana
6. Jack Wighton
7. George Williams
8. Josh Papalii
9. Tom Starling
10. Emre Guler
11. Corey Harawira-Naera
12. Elliott Whitehead
13. Ryan Sutton

14. Siliva Havili
15. Hudson Young
16. Corey Horsburgh
17. Joseph Tapine

18. Sam Williams
19. Ryan James
20. Matthew Timoko
21. Dunamis Lui

Injury/Suspension
Josh Hodgson, Calf, (Rd 10-11)
Jarrod Croker, Shoulder (Rd 11-12)
Albert Hopoate, Shoulder (Rd 11-13)
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Neck (Rd 15-16)
Harley Smith-Shields, Biceps tendon (Rd 20-22)

Newcastle Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Brayden Musgrove
3. Enari Tuala
4. Bradman Best
5. Hymel Hunt
6. Kurt Mann
7. Phoenix Crossland
8. David Klemmer
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Daniel Saifiti
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Mitchell Barnett
13. Connor Watson

14. Sauaso Sue
15. Jacob Saifiti
17. Brodie Jones
18. Pasami Saulo

18. Lachlan Fitzgibbon
19. Starford Toa
20. Josh King
21. Tex Hoy

Injury/Suspension
Edrick Lee, Foot (Rd 9)
Hymel Hunt, Hamstring (Rd 9)
Tex Hoy, Hamstring (Rd 9-10)
Bailey Hodgson, Knee (Rd 13)
Mitchell Pearce, Pectoral (Rd 14-16)
Dom Young, Knee (Indefinite)
Jirah Momoisea, Achilles (Indefinite)
Chris Randall, Wrist (Indefinite)

Officials

Referee: Adam Gee
Touch judges: Phil Henderson, Wyatt Raymond
Video referee: Henry Perenara

NRL teams: Click here
NSW Cup teams: Click here

Match Hashtags: #NRL #WeareRaiders #NRLRaidersKnights

The Greenhouse Hashtags: #WearGreen2021 #FromAllAngles

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Plus follow us on Twitter: @TheGHRaiders and Instagram: @TheGHRaiders
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afgtnk
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by afgtnk »

I will assume Kris will be ok and George won't be, given it's his hamstring.

1. Aekins
2. Rapana
3. Kris
4. Scott
5. Simonsson
6. Wighton
7. Sam Williams
8. Papalii
9. Starling
10. James
11. CHN
12. Whitehead
13. Tapine

14. Havili
15. Timoko
16. Guler
17. Sutton
Danaman137
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by Danaman137 »

1. Aekins
2. Valemei
3. Kris
4. Timoko
5. Rapana
6. Wighton
7. Williams / Williams
8. Papalii
9. Starling
10. Young
11. Harawira-Naera
12. Whitehead
13. Tapine

14. Hodgson/ Scott
15. Sutton
16. James
17. Horsburgh/ Guler


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UncleDrew
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by UncleDrew »

afgtnk wrote: April 29, 2021, 11:01 pm I will assume Kris will be ok and George won't be, given it's his hamstring.

1. Aekins
2. Rapana
3. Kris
4. Scott
5. Simonsson
6. Wighton
7. Sam Williams
8. Papalii
9. Starling
10. James
11. CHN
12. Whitehead
13. Tapine

14. Havili
15. Timoko
16. Guler
17. Sutton
Same team instead swap Simonsson for Valemei and play Rapa on the right with Scott. We need to carry an outside back on the bench and Timoko could very well be our answer.
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Rick
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by Rick »

- Aiken
- Rapana
- Kris / Timoko
- Scott
- Simonsen
- Wighton
- Williams (either one )
- Papali
- Hodgson
- Tapine
- CHN
- Whitehead (c)
- James

- Starling ( to replace Hodgo 30/35 until 50/60 min)
- Sutton
- Young (to play lock)
- Guler


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EraserOfLove
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by EraserOfLove »

Assuming George williams and Croker are out with Kris and Hodgson ok.

Up against Saifiti, Klemmer and Frizell our forward pack need a bit of the old Jonathon E in-the-tokyo-Dome attitude, otherwise they'll go through us like a £20 wrap of badly cut billy whizz.

1. Aekins
2. Rapana
3. Kris
4. Scott
5. Simonsson
6. Wighton
7. Sam Williams
8. Papalii
9. Hodgson
10. Lui
11. Guler
12. Whitehead
13. Tapine

14. Starling
15. CHN, Loathe to pick him because of the mindless penalties he gives away.
16. Sutton, he's been flogged to death this season otherwise he'd be in my starting line up in place of Guler.
17. James , more than one 20 minute shift this week please sticky.

Timoko/ Havili Reserve

Hudson-Young, Horsburgh and Soliola for their Cocoa, Pipe and slippers.
Changeable. Alterable. Mutable. Variable. Versatile. Moldable. Movable. Fluctuate. Undulate. Flicker. Flutter. Pulsate. Vibrate. Alternate. Plastic. Prog. House. Music.
The Nickman
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by The Nickman »

I just hope the coach sticks solid with the 17 who played last night. Perhaps bring Papalii and Lui in for Horsburgh and Sia.

I don’t know what to do about halfback to be honest, the right edge saw the most ball they’ve had since 2019. Scott looked like a completely different player when he actually got given the ball occasionally.

For the first time in forever the right looked like the threat, particularly once Jordy switched to his correct side.
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by julian87 »

1. Aekins
2. Simonsson
3. Kris/Timoko
4. Scott
5. Rapana
6. Wighton
7. (Lock/middle half) Williams
8. James
9. Starlng
10. Papalii
11. (Right half) Whitehead
12. CHN
13. Young

14. Guler
15. Tapine
16. Sutton
17. Valemei/Timoko/Williams
well, I guess you could say that I'm buy curious.
The Nickman
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by The Nickman »

Here's the team I think we need to stick solid with.

1. Aekins
2. Simonsson (left)
3. Kris/Timoko if Kris injured
4. Scott
5. Rapana (right)
6. Wighton
7. Whitehead
8. James
9. Starlng
10. Papalii
11. Young
12. CHN
13. Tapine

14. Havili
15. Lui
16. Sutton
17. Guler

Rocky Stewart's bench rotation has been **** awful though. James should've played a second stint, he looked amazing out there!
SeeBee101
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by SeeBee101 »

As long as Young is dropped, I don't care what team he picks. That bloke is a shirt grabber and needs a stint in NSW to sort himself out. Pretty sure I can attribute 10 tries over the past 4 games due to his misreads or missed tackles.
Raiders666
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by Raiders666 »

Hopefully Croker is back for his goal kicking
SeeBee101
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by SeeBee101 »

Raiders666 wrote: April 30, 2021, 8:50 am Hopefully Croker is back for his goal kicking
My man Sammy Williams can kick a peach of a goal. We sweet
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by Raider47 »

Ricky has a lot to answer for with some of these shambolic bench choices/rotations and general selections. At last our backline looked menacing yesterday

Probably getting to do or die if we are to do anything this season tbh.

1. Aekins (God I miss CNK)
2. Simonsson
3. Kris
4. Scott
5. Rapana
6. Wighton
7. SWilly (GWilly if fit)
8. Papalii
9. Hodgson
10. Lui
11. CHN
12. Whitehead
13. Sutton

14. Starling
15. Timoko/Young
16. Tapine
17. Guler

18. Young/Timoko
19. James
20. Valemei
21. Frawley

Horsburgh needs to pull his finger out so he can have a week in NSW Cup. Without Young on the bench we look light however he too needs to pull his finger out and I think if a second rower was go down we could move Kris and pop Timoko into the centres. Lui for some defensive stability.
SeeBee101
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by SeeBee101 »

Raider47 wrote: April 30, 2021, 9:05 am Ricky has a lot to answer for with some of these shambolic bench choices/rotations and general selections. At last our backline looked menacing yesterday

Probably getting to do or die if we are to do anything this season tbh.

1. Aekins (God I miss CNK)
2. Simonsson
3. Kris
4. Scott
5. Rapana
6. Wighton
7. SWilly (GWilly if fit)
8. Papalii
9. Hodgson
10. Lui
11. CHN
12. Whitehead
13. Sutton

14. Starling
15. Timoko/Young
16. Tapine
17. Guler

18. Young/Timoko
19. James
20. Valemei
21. Frawley

Horsburgh needs to pull his finger out so he can have a week in NSW Cup. Without Young on the bench we look light however he too needs to pull his finger out and I think if a second rower was go down we could move Kris and pop Timoko into the centres. Lui for some defensive stability.
I like this team but i'd swap Guler for James.
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Seamonkey
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by Seamonkey »

After reading the SMH article on Papa I'm not confident on him playing.
If you can accept losing, you cannot win.

Winning is not everything, but wanting to win is

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The Nickman
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by The Nickman »

Seamonkey wrote: April 30, 2021, 9:15 am After reading the SMH article on Papa I'm not confident on him playing.
What article?
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Seamonkey
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by Seamonkey »

‘It’s obviously taken its toll’: Papalii reveals reason for ‘rest’, hints at Raiders return date

Canberra prop Josh Papalii has lifted the lid on the club’s decision to rest him for their huge clash with the Rabbitohs and suggested his pre-season boxing bout might be to blame for his dip in form.

“Footy isn’t the most important thing for me right now and I need to mentally freshen up,” Papalii said. “I think with the late finish last year, playing for Queensland, jumping into the boxing and then going straight into the pre-season, I thought I’d be all right but it’s obviously taken its toll.

Read more: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pr ... 93df35c60a

Footy isn't the most important thing for me right now: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/footy- ... 57nig.html

He was interviewed prior to the game it seems.
If you can accept losing, you cannot win.

Winning is not everything, but wanting to win is

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The Nickman
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by The Nickman »

Haha they made an agreement together yet EDIT Righto.
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Seamonkey
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by Seamonkey »

Yeah seems a bit like a forced article to keep the peace. But concerning about his response to playing next week. Sounds like nothing significant has happened but he's just burnt out and lost interest.

Thats tough for a team when he's such a big off field influence!
If you can accept losing, you cannot win.

Winning is not everything, but wanting to win is

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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by BadnMean »

SeeBee101 wrote: April 30, 2021, 9:09 am
Raider47 wrote: April 30, 2021, 9:05 am Ricky has a lot to answer for with some of these shambolic bench choices/rotations and general selections. At last our backline looked menacing yesterday

Probably getting to do or die if we are to do anything this season tbh.

1. Aekins (God I miss CNK)
2. Simonsson
3. Kris
4. Scott
5. Rapana
6. Wighton
7. SWilly (GWilly if fit)
8. Papalii
9. Hodgson
10. Lui
11. CHN
12. Whitehead
13. Sutton

14. Starling
15. Timoko/Young
16. Tapine
17. Guler

18. Young/Timoko
19. James
20. Valemei
21. Frawley

Horsburgh needs to pull his finger out so he can have a week in NSW Cup. Without Young on the bench we look light however he too needs to pull his finger out and I think if a second rower was go down we could move Kris and pop Timoko into the centres. Lui for some defensive stability.
I like this team but i'd swap Guler for James.
Yep. Swap Guler for James or Hors.
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by Canberra Milk »

I don't think we need a back on the bench with CHN in the 17. I would recall Lui for Horse. Start with "the bois" Havili, Paps, Taps, then Starling to sub on for remainder.

Croker I might need on the wing for goalkicking. Hodgson may squeeze onto the bench as a roving middle forward.

Tempted to drop Young but we need the backup at second-row.
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BadnMean
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by BadnMean »

Problem with Hodgo as a roving forward is he's a very poor defender and can't take a hit up... If he's not a #9 he's making it really hard to balance the team.
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by Northern Raider »

Young is a conundrum. Defensively he's very strong. Makes 50 odd tackles a game and did an excellent job containing Fifita. Problem is he occasionally comes up with total clangers that lead to tries. Really needs to get those out of his game.
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by The Nickman »

BadnMean wrote: April 30, 2021, 10:18 am Problem with Hodgo as a roving forward is he's a very poor defender and can't take a hit up... If he's not a #9 he's making it really hard to balance the team.
Yeah, Hodgo is a 9 or bust these days. He just hasn't got the knees or lateral movement to play in the middle or the halves anymore.
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by Billy Walker »

Seamonkey wrote: April 30, 2021, 9:49 am Yeah seems a bit like a forced article to keep the peace. But concerning about his response to playing next week. Sounds like nothing significant has happened but he's just burnt out and lost interest.

Thats tough for a team when he's such a big off field influence!
It’s all a bit concerning. I’m glad the big fella is looking after himself and doing what he needs to do. I won’t speculate what combination of things might be occurring but fairly strong signs there has been a drop in moral and culture in the place. Testing times for Ricky and his leadership team.
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by Canberra Milk »

Well if he can't play as a middle, I don't have room for him in the 17 anymore. Sorry. I'll deliver him the news...
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by The Nickman »

Canberra Milk wrote: April 30, 2021, 10:35 am Well if he can't play as a middle, I don't have room for him in the 17 anymore. Sorry. I'll deliver him the news...
I mean, it's ludicrous to suggest it, but... he may not be our best hooker anymore.
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by BadnMean »

Canberra Milk wrote: April 30, 2021, 10:35 am Well if he can't play as a middle, I don't have room for him in the 17 anymore. Sorry. I'll deliver him the news...
Hodgo/Starling is the way forward for this season + probably next.

It just makes it ridiculous to also have Havilii in the bench rotation. Probably put some noses out of joint to drop him. But once players think they are running the joint the whole thing is pretty close to needing to be blown up.
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by Canberra Milk »

How are you going to play Hodgo/Starling exactly, tho? I want Starling to play around 55-60 minutes. That means Hodgo only gets 20-25? In that case I'd rather Havili to start, as he is a big strong body for the opening exchanges, has good combination with my bois Lui/Papa/Taps, and can back up in the second half as a middle

I'm not writing Hodgo off but I just don't have room for him
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by afgtnk »

Problem I'm seeing with Starling is that you're taking away so much of his effectiveness by not having a someone with speed trail through the ruck with him. It's a massive waste playing him without one.

Honestly could've had 2-3 tries last night from the runs he made last night that amounted to nothing in the end.
Last edited by afgtnk on April 30, 2021, 10:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by SeeBee101 »

Canberra Milk wrote: April 30, 2021, 10:45 am How are you going to play Hodgo/Starling exactly, tho? I want Starling to play around 55-60 minutes. That means Hodgo only gets 20-25? In that case I'd rather Havili to start, as he is a big strong body for the opening exchanges, has good combination with my bois Lui/Papa/Taps, and can back up in the second half as a middle

I'm not writing Hodgo off but I just don't have room for him
I'd have Hodgo on from 1-30th min. Starling 31st - 55-60min, then hodgo for the rest. The whole bench rotation is **** at the moment. a lot of this comes to down to the coach not putting his foot down and making people come off. So he leaves them on for too long. Before you know it, they get overwhelmed and can't defend...
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by Canberra Milk »

I think Starling is best in the final 20, so that doesn't work for me either. You're giving him 25-30 minutes of rotation then... that's just a cameo, we need him for more than a cameo
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by GreenMachine »

People finally coming to grips with the fact that:

Hodgson isn't our best hooker at the moment. Not for the team at least.
Croker certainly not better than the backs who played last night.
Bench/interchange has been a mess all year.
Ricky doesn't know his best team and the constant rotation of players in and out of the 17 is screwing with any team chemistry.
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by zim »

I don't know if I can pick Sammy after seeing him play this year. He's been all over the place.
I'd be tempted to just pick someone that can play a minor role but is better in defense. Don't really have much choice though do we if we lose Wighton and I don't think Newcastle will give him the same freedom that the Rabbits did either. Really an error from the Rabbits not smothering him on the 5th more often. We were getting nothing out of dummy half to put them in two minds.
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Re: 2021 Rd 9 V Knights: Teams and Previews

Post by BadnMean »

SeeBee101 wrote: April 30, 2021, 10:57 am
Canberra Milk wrote: April 30, 2021, 10:45 am How are you going to play Hodgo/Starling exactly, tho? I want Starling to play around 55-60 minutes. That means Hodgo only gets 20-25? In that case I'd rather Havili to start, as he is a big strong body for the opening exchanges, has good combination with my bois Lui/Papa/Taps, and can back up in the second half as a middle

I'm not writing Hodgo off but I just don't have room for him
I'd have Hodgo on from 1-30th min. Starling 31st - 55-60min, then hodgo for the rest. The whole bench rotation is **** at the moment. a lot of this comes to down to the coach not putting his foot down and making people come off. So he leaves them on for too long. Before you know it, they get overwhelmed and can't defend...
That could work. Hodgo to get the roll on and steer the game the way we need it played, Starling when he might get most benefit from his speed and to liven up our second half. Hodgo again to give some direction and ice a game in the last 20.

The only other options don't involve playing Hodgo. I'm not quite ready to write him off yet. By end of season it might be clearer.
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