New South Wales

I agree. I've copped heaps of shit for this, but since early last year I reckon Myles is the best foirward in the game. Not always the most dominant at NRL level but ****ing consistent and definitely the best rep forward IMO. He was dudded not to make the Australian WC squad more than anyone else that missed out.

 

Add to that he is actually a tough **** unlike the other pigs and I actually agree with you.

 

I've given the 40 man squad some thought and this is what I come up with for my starting 17 in game 1 from that squad. Still not 100% finalised, but pretty close.

1 Kurt Gidley
2 Joel Monaghan (left side)
3 Matt Cooper (left side obv)
4 Luke Lewis (right side)
5 James McManus * (right side)
6 Terry Campese
7 Peter Wallace
8 Brent Kite
9 Michael Ennis
10 Luke Bailey
11 Ben Creagh *
12 Anthony Laffranchi
13 Paul Gallen

14 Robbie Farah
15 Ben Cross
16 Mick Weyman
17 Anthony Watmough *

The asterixes represent the finl decisions I made. The backrow is really hard to select and I think pretty much everyone named, bar Stewart would do a job for NSW. I reckon what I picked adds balance. Gallen and Laffranchi have proved their toughness at this level IMO and shuld start. I picked Creagh to start because of his size and the fact that when he has been needed to, he has run with the pigs for the Dragons. His size is a key as well. I considered Waterhouse, but that is a form selection at its highest and I just think the other blokes deserve it more than him. Though if he was selected ahead of Watmough I wouldn't be too concerned. Only one backrower is needed on the bench and I have the impact of Watmough. His defence isn't the best, but I don't think it matters. He will be next to the best defensive half in the game and Cooper will be outside him. He is selected to hit holes out wide once the game has settled a bit. It would allow Creagh and possibly Laffranchi stints on the sideline.

I think the balance is fine and the squad would be able to cover injury. An injury in the backs would see Creagh move to centre (Campo would be better there but you need him at 6) and injuries in the backrow mean Campo can play lock, with Farah at 7 and Wallace at 6. The only problem is there is no one who can play fullback. I really wanted either Jennings or Lawrence in the team on a wing, but the fact is that Folau plays on the right wing, so we need Monaghan on the left and asking them to shift sides and positions is too much, hence I selected McManus who won't let NSW down. If Gidley got injured NSW would probably be ****ed so the only change I'd consider is someone in for McManus who could over the #1 if need be.

 

I dont like the bench very much tbh.

I think blokes like Galloway, Poore and Perry would do a better job then Cross.

Watmough is a pretty shit defender as well so i would replace him with the likes of Stewart, Waterhouse or Tongue.

I dont think McManus is worthy of a NSW jersey; Hayne, Jennings and Williams would all do a better job then him.

 

Just a few points.

You having shit for brains and disagreeing is a good sign.

Cross has done the job before and should be first bench forard picked IMO.

I explained the Watmough decision and you obviously didn't/couldn't read it.

Your last point is based on not much at all.

 

I did read what you said, and i didnt agree.

Sorry Benjamin from now on i'll just agree with everything you say.

Tell me what McManus has done to deserve a rep jersey?

He's a shitter version of Luke Covell

 

Yeah, true. But I wasn't considering Hayne for a few reasons. he hasn't played wing since Origin last time. Lewis is already back to a position he hasn't played in ages. Hayne is a left winger from memory and I want Monaghan on Folau. He has been shit this year even though out of position. I reckon it'd be too much of a risk.

And Hayne is an idiot.

 

Can i ask why you have picked Lewis in the centres?