that was me only because i think maloney is quite cute sorry that is a rubbish girlie reason

If we want to seriously develop players in this country, we really need to raise the profile of the reserves nationally.

exactly i stayed to watch the 1st 10mins of the game on sunday but many people went home. would of been a better option to play the reserves before the game on sunday.

Speaking for myself I suggested Maloney must either be struggling or else could feel mistreated. It appears he's struggling, which is fair enough.



However I still maintain that until Moa gets closer to fitness we could use a bench spot better than for a single 15 minute spell. If Washbrook and Berrigan are both fit I'd prefer him to play for longer in the academy this weekend.

Was surprised Washy didnt play in the academy. Personally i can see Lauaki and Crocker here in the next week or two meaning Moa will drop to the reserves anyway. If Washy is fit v Bradford he will come in for Berrigan if he isnt 100%, Whiting may be worth a spot somewhere too.

Maybe they want to test Moa now so that if Luauki and Crocker do get here they can send him back to the reserves knowing exactly what needs to be worked on within his game?



Either way if they both come then I would not like to pick our pack/bench

If they do both come and Lauaki is used at prop, I can see 1 or 2 established names out of the 17. Will be interesting to see which ones.

Cusack

Berro

Dowes



Tickle

Crocker



Radford



[uBench[/u



Lauaki/King

Thackray/King/Moa

Houghton/Lee

Manu/Washy/Whiting/Burnett/Tony



To say that there is a headache there is an understatement, add to that you could play Manu-Whiting-Tony in the centre does give us far above what we had to play with last year.

I've said before it's ok having a winning team, and others have said don't change it, but we are in a position to improve that winning team by making changes/having other options.

Think we may see Manu, Washy, Lauaki and Thacks make the bench up most of the time with Motu and Washy sharing it unless Motu gets his 1 shirt back. Berro can often play 80 mins when Washy is on there. When Motu or Houghton play he can be spelled.

It really is a tough call to make





Didn't Willie play the full match on Sunday and had a fantastic game.



No doubt we will pick up some knocks but gonna be difficult keeping everyone happy without injuries

while i dont expect anyone to like it when tony, raynor, lauaki and crocker become available i expect them all to go into the first team in their 'usual' positions



tony

calderwood

horne/hall/briscoe/whiting

yeaman

raynor

horne

thorman

dowes

berrigan

cusack

crocker

tickle

radford



lauaki

thackray

manu

houghton/washbrook

He's right !