Wood, Clarke, Grix and Carney are the only absentees?

Johnson may be slower than at his peak, but the first five or six years of his pro carreer were at centre, starting at the Pies. Vanderson has much less experience at centre. Personally I'd keep Bridge at centre, anyway.

I'd go with this and leave Bridge at centre.

Mathers

Hicks
Bridge
King
Riley

V Anderson
Briers

Morley
Monaghan
Carvell
Westood
L Anderson
Harrison

Subs

Cooper
Rauhihi
Johnson
Higham

Good call....Briers is pretty much our pivotal player, so his half back partner can afford to be pretty much a flexible utility player, such as Vinnie Anderson....Any support Briers requires can come from Monaghan, who at least in the absence of Clarke is left in his best position.

Feel sorry for Clarke.. however we have a damn good squad and a damn good chance... don't want to say it but think this could be it...

Only problem with Vinnie at 6 is speed off the mark. I imagine that had Grix been fit his No 1 mission would have been to snuff out Robinson, who IS quick off the mark. Do you think Vinnie can doe this?

he can do a good job of closing kickers down, if he can be arsed,

Have just heard from a reliable source that the team will be:


MATHERS
HICKS
BRIDGE
KING
RILEY
V.ANDERSON
BRIERS
MORLEY
MONAGHAN
CARVELL
L.ANDERSON
WESTWOOD
HARRISON

BENCH
HIGHAM
JOHNSON
COOPER
MCCARTHY

Would imagine monas would move to 7 when Mickey comes on. Looks like a strong team though with a lot of good options. Feel a bit for Mitchell missing out, but young Tyrone has grasped his chance with both hands.

Absolutely gutted for Clarkey.

McCarthy instead of Rau..... can't see it myself.