2024 Round 1 v Knights: Teams and Previews *Teams p1

[Ruben Daley]

1. Eels’ spine is objectively better than ours though our team can still beat theirs. I’d kill for Moses, Brown or Gutho.

2. Puru is great and could add heaps to our team but it will be hard for him to jump the three hookers and two locks. I also note while there’s been lots to like about him, he didn’t put his hand up in the All-Stars game when playing with the big boys and I’d argue the casual observer probably didn’t notice him in the trials (I did). It’s not unimaginable that someone would consider him outside the best 17.

3. We have the cattle to be a much better attacking side than we are because there are multiple attacking strategies. We just need one suited to having less dominant halves but an excellent pack and multiple dominant one-on-one or unorthodox players. Grindball/ultra-conservative attack will never consistently win NRL games ever again.

4. While a plan of starting the season playing very conservatively sounds very on brand, I can’t help but think the cohesion, choices and execution of our attack in the trials indicates there is potential for this not to be the case. Strange, Kaeo, Woolford and even Hoppa took improvised attacking kicks in the red zone and nearly all were great. Similarly, the ball shifted wide often and early far more than it did last year in all games bar the final.

It looked to me like organised preparation and, more importantly, a green light to play more freely.

Obviously, I’ll wait for Round One before getting too excited but I put more weight on the above than anything I hear in an interview.

[greeneyed]

Canberra Raiders shut the door on hopes Seb Kris could be free to play in Round 1



The Canberra Raiders have shut the door on hopes Seb Kris could be free to play in round one after a host of controversial All Stars calls divided the NRL fan base. Meanwhile, rugby league Immortal Wally Lewis thinks we might be about to see the best of Ricky Stuart.

"You sometimes see the frustration but he's a guy that loves the challenge. While he's got a challenge ahead with a with a group of guys that have got plenty of potential, I think it will inspire him to produce his best."

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... round-one/

[greeneyed]

Elliott Whitehead tips 'Isaah Yeo kind of role' from new Canberra Raiders recruit Morgan Smithies

Canberra Raiders captain Elliott Whitehead has given an insight into the club's new recruit Morgan Smithies as the Englishman looks to complement a forward pack full of representative stars.

"I knew he was a good defender but in training he's showed he's got a lot of quality in attack as well so I'm looking forward to playing alongside him, hopefully he brings us that little bit of ball-playing in the middle. He's a fit kid, works hard in training with his fitness and his ball-playing skills are really good. Hopefully he brings that Isaah Yeo kind of role."

Read more: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/news-2024- ... 55ef52793f

[Battered Savage]

If Ethan Strange doesn't get the 6 jumper to start the season I think Ricky is making a mistake.

He outplayed Weekes in both trials both with and without the ball. If I'm being completely honest I think Cook looked better than Weekes with his limited opportunities in both trial games.

The only way Weeks should be in the 17 this week is either 14 or 1 in my opinion.

Interested to hear thoughts


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[Matt]

To be Yeo, you have to pass the ball.
They keep talking about this ball playing element, and I haven't seen him pass the ball yet.

[LimeGreenMachine]

Smithies is fast becoming my favourite player.
I'm very excited to see him develop over the year.

[Bluesbrother]

To be Yeo, you have to pass the ball.
They keep talking about this ball playing element, and I haven't seen him pass the ball yet.

You might have to go back and watch the weekends last trial then.

[Bluesbrother]

If Ethan Strange doesn't get the 6 jumper to start the season I think Ricky is making a mistake.

He outplayed Weekes in both trials both with and without the ball. If I'm being completely honest I think Cook looked better than Weekes with his limited opportunities in both trial games.

The only way Weeks should be in the 17 this week is either 14 or 1 in my opinion.

Interested to hear thoughts


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The question mark for me is when to bring Strange in. He is clearly up to it but he was playing SG ball at this time last year. To go from that, to 27 rounds of NRL is huge in today's game with the speed and physicality + the mental fatigue that comes with being in the limelight and expected to perform at an elite level.

I'd like to see Strange in the team week 1 and rested at different points. Similar to what was done with Sione Katoa at the Dolphins last season. However if Weekes is in the 6 next week I'd accept that. It wouldn't because he is a better player/the long term option, it would be down to the development plan the club has for Strange.

[Matt]

To be Yeo, you have to pass the ball.
They keep talking about this ball playing element, and I haven't seen him pass the ball yet.

You might have to go back and watch the weekends last trial then.

I did. Very closely. All I wrote about him:
Smithies very busy 27mins stint. 5 for 50m and 21 tackles. He played like a small prop, not a link man.

[greeneyed]

To be Yeo, you have to pass the ball.
They keep talking about this ball playing element, and I haven't seen him pass the ball yet.

Smithies? He was only on the field for 20- 30 minutes wasn't he? Eight receipts, three passes, five runs.

[Matt]

If Ethan Strange doesn't get the 6 jumper to start the season I think Ricky is making a mistake.

He outplayed Weekes in both trials both with and without the ball. If I'm being completely honest I think Cook looked better than Weekes with his limited opportunities in both trial games.

The only way Weeks should be in the 17 this week is either 14 or 1 in my opinion.

Interested to hear thoughts


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The question mark for me is when to bring Strange in. He is clearly up to it but he was playing SG ball at this time last year. To go from that, to 27 rounds of NRL is huge in today's game with the speed and physicality + the mental fatigue that comes with being in the limelight and expected to perform at an elite level.

I'd like to see Strange in the team week 1 and rested at different points. Similar to what was done with Sione Katoa at the Dolphins last season. However if Weekes is in the 6 next week I'd accept that. It wouldn't because he is a better player/the long term option, it would be down to the development plan the club has for Strange.

It's pretty simple IMO. He cut Luki in half 3 times 1 on 1. He's ready.

Ricky wants good defenders, Strange handled Luki. Weekes struggled with Nanai.

That's not to mention Strange outplaying Weekes with the ball too.

Weekes at 1 or not at all IMO.

[Matt]

To be Yeo, you have to pass the ball.
They keep talking about this ball playing element, and I haven't seen him pass the ball yet.

Smithies? He was only on the field for 20- 30 minutes wasn't he? Eight receipts, three passes, five runs.

Yup

[NoMan]

When I watched Smithies in a super league semi last year his distribution was very good. Maybe not Yeo like but very clean and he was involved as a first receiver most sets. In the Final is was pretty non existent but I would expect he can be a decent link man.

[Botman]

Excited to see more of Smithies.
His limited minutes trial was a touch underwhelming for me, but i also expected him to take a bit of time to get used to the game speed. I expect where he is in round 1 vs round 6 could be very different versions of the same style of player.

[Bluesbrother]

To be Yeo, you have to pass the ball.
They keep talking about this ball playing element, and I haven't seen him pass the ball yet.

Well. He passed the ball 3 times?

Did he or didn't he?

You said, you hadn't seen him pass yet? I'm confused. What are you actually saying?

Smithies? He was only on the field for 20- 30 minutes wasn't he? Eight receipts, three passes, five runs.

Yup

[gerg]

If Ethan Strange doesn't get the 6 jumper to start the season I think Ricky is making a mistake.

He outplayed Weekes in both trials both with and without the ball. If I'm being completely honest I think Cook looked better than Weekes with his limited opportunities in both trial games.

The only way Weeks should be in the 17 this week is either 14 or 1 in my opinion.

Interested to hear thoughts


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The question mark for me is when to bring Strange in. He is clearly up to it but he was playing SG ball at this time last year. To go from that, to 27 rounds of NRL is huge in today's game with the speed and physicality + the mental fatigue that comes with being in the limelight and expected to perform at an elite level.

I'd like to see Strange in the team week 1 and rested at different points. Similar to what was done with Sione Katoa at the Dolphins last season. However if Weekes is in the 6 next week I'd accept that. It wouldn't because he is a better player/the long term option, it would be down to the development plan the club has for Strange.

It's pretty simple IMO. He cut Luki in half 3 times 1 on 1. He's ready.

Ricky wants good defenders, Strange handled Luki. Weekes struggled with Nanai.

That's not to mention Strange outplaying Weekes with the ball too.

Weekes at 1 or not at all IMO.

Agree Matt. Weekes looked like he was under pressure and failed the test. I'm not sure whether it was because he was having a genuine fight with Strange for the spot, or whether he knew he'd get the Rd 1 jersey and just felt that pressure? Strange played the opposite, almost like the pressure was off and I had the same thoughts for him on why.

I guess we'll all find out on Tuesday but really hoping Strange gets it, he earnt it.

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[Billy Walker]

If Ethan Strange doesn't get the 6 jumper to start the season I think Ricky is making a mistake.

He outplayed Weekes in both trials both with and without the ball. If I'm being completely honest I think Cook looked better than Weekes with his limited opportunities in both trial games.

The only way Weeks should be in the 17 this week is either 14 or 1 in my opinion.

Interested to hear thoughts


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The question mark for me is when to bring Strange in. He is clearly up to it but he was playing SG ball at this time last year. To go from that, to 27 rounds of NRL is huge in today's game with the speed and physicality + the mental fatigue that comes with being in the limelight and expected to perform at an elite level.

I'd like to see Strange in the team week 1 and rested at different points. Similar to what was done with Sione Katoa at the Dolphins last season. However if Weekes is in the 6 next week I'd accept that. It wouldn't because he is a better player/the long term option, it would be down to the development plan the club has for Strange.

This is a really good post. I don’t think it will get much support as understandably people want to see Strange in from day 1 on a trajectory that sees him improve week on week until he becomes the greatest player in the game. It’s nice to dream, but reality says his transition to first grade needs to be managed. It might be that he starts week 1 with a view to having a break 5 weeks in or it may be that he takes his time and builds towards a start over a longer period. He is a very exciting talent and I do want to see him from Rd 1 but I think there may need to be a bit of faith in Ricky and the club here. That said this is the GH and “the experts” will toss toys out of the cot if he isn’t playing on the correct side from day 1 because obviously they know best

[Raidernation]

If Ethan Strange doesn't get the 6 jumper to start the season I think Ricky is making a mistake.

He outplayed Weekes in both trials both with and without the ball. If I'm being completely honest I think Cook looked better than Weekes with his limited opportunities in both trial games.

The only way Weeks should be in the 17 this week is either 14 or 1 in my opinion.

Interested to hear thoughts


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Strange should get the 6 on performance but I do agree with you than cook looked like the best playmaker of all 3 players. He was the only one who looked dangerous with his passing.

[Coastalraider]

In a bubble I understand the concern about bringing Strange in quickly - but the alternative is Weekes who is really not in a much better position than strange anyway?

Completely different story with Rapa/Stewart as you have a seasoned vet taking the spot.

But if you have x2 young, inexperienced players fighting for a spot, surely the kid with a higher upside and better form gets it?


And injury /form predictions aside, the draw is fairly kind this year to a rookie,

9 games - bye
3 games - bye
4 games - bye
8 games - bye

[Bluesbrother]

In a bubble I understand the concern about bringing Strange in quickly - but the alternative is Weekes who is really not in a much better position than strange anyway?

Completely different story with Rapa/Stewart as you have a seasoned vet taking the spot.

But if you have x2 young, inexperienced players fighting for a spot, surely the kid with a higher upside and better form gets it?


And injury /form predictions aside, the draw is fairly kind this year to a rookie,

9 games - bye
3 games - bye
4 games - bye
8 games - bye

Looks like Weekes has been playing NSW cup since 2021 which gives him a bit more time in the system against men. He hasn't played a lot of games though so not sure how much it means.

You're right - it's not a bad season at all when you look at how the games are laid out. Having a look at Katoa from the Dolphins season stats from last season he ended up with 22 games. 20+ games for Strange this season would be a good target.

I honestly think both Strange and Weekes will offer us something over the course of the season. I don't mind who starts but agree with everyone else who says Strange has earnt the spot. Keen to get the season going as either way, it's an improvement on last year having these guys going at it. Both have something different to offer.

I do think that if Weekes isn't given the role it has the potential to crush him and he won't have much of a future here as a result. However, if Strange isn't given the role I feel it will just make him hungrier. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing what Kaeo is capable of when he is given the backing of the coaches and some confidence. The guy clearly has some ability IMO. If he doesn't work out, we can punt him and put in a hungry Strange who has clearly got a very high ceiling and is going to be a long term player for us.

If Kaeo isn't given a chance I do wonder what the point of signing him was? Arguably he has done his job if he has gotten the best out of Strange. For me though, I'd like to see what he can do over the opening rounds of the season.

It's really a tricky situation for the coaches but a very good one for the club to be in.

[Beejay]

Weekes was signed for an option in the halves (maybe fullback). We needed one after losing all our back ups.
He’ll play NSW cup and if Strange or Fog miss a week he’ll play NRL.

I don’t have much doubt Ricky will go with Strange at 6. He ticks every box Ricky likes.

Schiller will play centre and he’s deserved it. Always been solid in FG and had great trials.

[Northern Raider]

In a bubble I understand the concern about bringing Strange in quickly - but the alternative is Weekes who is really not in a much better position than strange anyway?

Completely different story with Rapa/Stewart as you have a seasoned vet taking the spot.

But if you have x2 young, inexperienced players fighting for a spot, surely the kid with a higher upside and better form gets it?


And injury /form predictions aside, the draw is fairly kind this year to a rookie,

9 games - bye
3 games - bye
4 games - bye
8 games - bye

Agree with this. Weekes has a little bit more experience in open grade but Strange has shown he's up to it and quite simply looks a better player. Hasn't looked out of place in his half season in NSW Cup and trials this year. Some players make that transition quicker than others and those need to be given the chance. Nathan Cleary a great example. Thrust into NRL direct from U20s and fit right in.

Stewart looks a little further behind in that development curve. Understandable as he's a year younger. Best to ease him into NRL over the course of the season.

[Billy Walker]

Sam Walker is one who comes to mind. He is going to be a very good half and he burst onto the scene but then he took time in NSW cup to refine things. I think long term he will be better for that.

[Raiders_Pat]

Predicted team:
1. Rapana
2. Cotric
3. Timoko
4. Schiller
5. Savage
6. Strange
7. Fogarty
8. Papalii
9. Levi
10. Tapine
11. Young
12. Whitehead
13. Smithies

14. Starling
15. Mariota
16. Hosking
17. Mooney

18. Hopoate

[BadnMean]

Predicted team:
1. Rapana
2. Cotric
3. Timoko
4. Schiller
5. Savage
6. Strange
7. Fogarty
8. Papalii
9. Levi
10. Tapine
11. Young
12. Whitehead
13. Smithies

14. Starling
15. Mariota
16. Hosking
17. Mooney

18. Hopoate

I'd be quite happy if that is the team. It's 90+% of the team I'd like to see. I can quibble about the #9 but Levi usually defends strongly at least and is fit as a fiddle for the early rounds heat.

[Cranky Old Man]

Nobody else has mentioned it, so I will. In the first trial Woolford didnt last long but he piqued my interest for his propensity to put a big loop on his longer passes. There werent many of them to study, but I kept an eye out in the second trial and believe I saw it again. This wasnt a feature of his game lastyear, so is it an injury or other factor coming into play? Almost like he didnt have the strength to throw a flatish longer ball.

[Regs Revolution]

Id say with certainty that Strange will be the number 6 come round 1 and for the rest of the year.

I’ll put it out there, Strange will be in the top 3 of five eighths in the league in 3 years time. There’s something special about him.

[Ruben Daley]

Predicted team:
1. Rapana
2. Cotric
3. Timoko
4. Schiller
5. Savage
6. Strange
7. Fogarty
8. Papalii
9. Levi
10. Tapine
11. Young
12. Whitehead
13. Smithies

14. Starling
15. Mariota
16. Hosking
17. Mooney

18. Hopoate

I'd be quite happy if that is the team. It's 90+% of the team I'd like to see. I can quibble about the #9 but Levi usually defends strongly at least and is fit as a fiddle for the early rounds heat.

Agreed. I think this will be really close to the team Ricky will name but I expect Guler or Saulo in for Mooney.

[Raiders_Pat]

Predicted team:
1. Rapana
2. Cotric
3. Timoko
4. Schiller
5. Savage
6. Strange
7. Fogarty
8. Papalii
9. Levi
10. Tapine
11. Young
12. Whitehead
13. Smithies

14. Starling
15. Mariota
16. Hosking
17. Mooney

18. Hopoate

I'd be quite happy if that is the team. It's 90+% of the team I'd like to see. I can quibble about the #9 but Levi usually defends strongly at least and is fit as a fiddle for the early rounds heat.

Agreed. I think this will be really close to the team Ricky will name but I expect Guler or Saulo in for Mooney.

It was between Mooney, Saulo and Guler for the final spot. I've gone with Mooney because I thought Guler didn't show enough in the trials and Saulo fell out of favour last season. Mooney showed some good effort plays in the trials imo e.g. his charge down. This will allow him to get a couple NRL games under his belt and then Horsburgh will come in to the 17. Hopoate also seemed to have fallen out of favour last season which is why I've gone with Savage. There's definitely a good dose of hopium in my thinking. Other selections I've gone with on the basis that Ricky prefers the defensive picks and I thought Weekes' defence was a bit too suss for Ricky.

[Raiders_Pat]

Predicted team:
1. Rapana
2. Cotric
3. Timoko
4. Schiller
5. Savage
6. Strange
7. Fogarty
8. Papalii
9. Levi
10. Tapine
11. Young
12. Whitehead
13. Smithies

14. Starling
15. Mariota
16. Hosking
17. Mooney

18. Hopoate

I'd be quite happy if that is the team. It's 90+% of the team I'd like to see. I can quibble about the #9 but Levi usually defends strongly at least and is fit as a fiddle for the early rounds heat.

I'd have Puru at 14 as my main change to that lineup but I know we're not going to see it. I hope we do eventually get there at some point in the season though.

[Billy Walker]

Predicted team:
1. Rapana
2. Cotric
3. Timoko
4. Schiller
5. Savage
6. Strange
7. Fogarty
8. Papalii
9. Levi
10. Tapine
11. Young
12. Whitehead
13. Smithies

14. Starling
15. Mariota
16. Hosking
17. Mooney

18. Hopoate

I'd be quite happy if that is the team. It's 90+% of the team I'd like to see. I can quibble about the #9 but Levi usually defends strongly at least and is fit as a fiddle for the early rounds heat.

Agreed. I think this will be really close to the team Ricky will name but I expect Guler or Saulo in for Mooney.

I wouldn’t have Cotric in there.

[bonehead]

not sure if I can be bothered to work an extra 3hrs across tues/wed to get out early and drive 2.5 has to make this game

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[Ruben Daley]

Predicted team:
1. Rapana
2. Cotric
3. Timoko
4. Schiller
5. Savage
6. Strange
7. Fogarty
8. Papalii
9. Levi
10. Tapine
11. Young
12. Whitehead
13. Smithies

14. Starling
15. Mariota
16. Hosking
17. Mooney

18. Hopoate

I'd be quite happy if that is the team. It's 90+% of the team I'd like to see. I can quibble about the #9 but Levi usually defends strongly at least and is fit as a fiddle for the early rounds heat.

Agreed. I think this will be really close to the team Ricky will name but I expect Guler or Saulo in for Mooney.

It was between Mooney, Saulo and Guler for the final spot. I've gone with Mooney because I thought Guler didn't show enough in the trials and Saulo fell out of favour last season. Mooney showed some good effort plays in the trials imo e.g. his charge down. This will allow him to get a couple NRL games under his belt and then Horsburgh will come in to the 17. Hopoate also seemed to have fallen out of favour last season which is why I've gone with Savage. There's definitely a good dose of hopium in my thinking. Other selections I've gone with on the basis that Ricky prefers the defensive picks and I thought Weekes' defence was a bit too suss for Ricky.

I’d pick Mooney because he’s better right now and has way more potential. But I just don’t think that’s how Ricky will go. He likes Guler (who I think is better than most on the GH give him credit for though still don’t think is top 17) and Saulo really stepped up in the trials.

I think you’re right with Horse and also Hoppa. Ricky likes him but people forget he fell out of favour late last year. I think Ricky knows Savage is better. He just wants Savage to work as hard as Hoppa does.

[Raidernation]

Predicted team:
1. Rapana
2. Cotric
3. Timoko
4. Schiller
5. Savage
6. Strange
7. Fogarty
8. Papalii
9. Levi
10. Tapine
11. Young
12. Whitehead
13. Smithies

14. Starling
15. Mariota
16. Hosking
17. Mooney

18. Hopoate

I'd be quite happy if that is the team. It's 90+% of the team I'd like to see. I can quibble about the #9 but Levi usually defends strongly at least and is fit as a fiddle for the early rounds heat.

Agreed. I think this will be really close to the team Ricky will name but I expect Guler or Saulo in for Mooney.

It was between Mooney, Saulo and Guler for the final spot. I've gone with Mooney because I thought Guler didn't show enough in the trials and Saulo fell out of favour last season. Mooney showed some good effort plays in the trials imo e.g. his charge down. This will allow him to get a couple NRL games under his belt and then Horsburgh will come in to the 17. Hopoate also seemed to have fallen out of favour last season which is why I've gone with Savage. There's definitely a good dose of hopium in my thinking. Other selections I've gone with on the basis that Ricky prefers the defensive picks and I thought Weekes' defence was a bit too suss for Ricky.

I’d pick Mooney because he’s better right now and has way more potential. But I just don’t think that’s how Ricky will go. He likes Guler (who I think is better than most on the GH give him credit for though still don’t think is top 17) and Saulo really stepped up in the trials.

I think you’re right with Horse and also Hoppa. Ricky likes him but people forget he fell out of favour late last year. I think Ricky knows Savage is better. He just wants Savage to work as hard as Hoppa does.

I agree that Stuart likes Savage but his work rate and mentally isn't where it needs to be. I don't think people give savage the credit he deserves when it comes to making meters from the backfield, he is actually pretty good. He just needs to be be switched on a little more defensively and I think he is a starter on the wing and a a good option at fullback if there's an injury. He just needs to get his mentality right.

[BadnMean]

I'd have Puru at 14 as my main change to that lineup but I know we're not going to see it. I hope we do eventually get there at some point in the season though.

I like all the things Puru can do with the ball in hand. He looked sharp in the brief trial minutes I saw (20 minute stint?). He does seem to get battered in FG the couple of times I've seen him- HIA's which may just be bad luck or may be a sign there are aspects of being a middle in FG he's going to be challenged by.

As a 14 it'd be handy to have half cover. His best path might be to develop hooker skills further also and make the bench hooker redundant. 2 props, Hosking for backrow/outside backs and Puru as hooker/mobile middle/halves cover could work. I doubt until later in the season though.