Ryan
Journey Man
Before I say it, I want to say a few things that will make you see why I feel this could work:-
Most of think Chris Hicks was better in 04, when he was a centre. The reason for this is that he is pretty darned good with ball skills, and gave good disposal of the ball to both his outside winger, and his inside second rower. I have watched most of our games on DVD many times, and Chris Hicks is awesome when he comes in field, around opposition forwards (point in case being that try under the posts in that last game against Canberra). What would you guys think of a team like this:-
01. Brett Stewart
02. Ashley Alberts
03. Steven Bell
04. Steve Matai
05. Paul Stephenson
06. Chris Hicks
07. Matt Orford
08. Kylie Leuleuai
09. Michael Monaghan
10. Kane Cleal
11. Anthony Watmough
12. Steve Menzies
13. Ben Kennedy
14. Shayne Dunley
15. Brent Kite
16. Luke Williamson
17. Adam Cuthbertson
Now - a few reasons I put the team together like this.
In my opinion, moving Hicks from Centre to 5/8 would be a Darren Lockyer type move. Our entire backline would have pace to burn. He is a finesse player, and could cut through opposition forwards as upposed to having to run around / through centres as he does on the wing. Also, look at how Vagana goes at 5/8. I just think it would work.
Secondly, we all think that Alberts / Matai are both emerging / maturing players. It would be a shame to have either of those players out in my opinion. Therefore, why not have BOTH in the team. Both know how to make line breaks, both are aggressive, and with a bit of technique, I'm sure their defence can improve, as their aggression and attacking style in defence is already there.
Third - Look at that bench. A strength of a team is how effective a bench can be throughout a game. Dunley, Kite, Williamson & Cuthbertson isn't really a step backwards in my opinion. They will maintain a level of ruthlesness through the game when they are injected.
Next, I think Leuleuai & Kleal have that immediate aggression that can send shudders through opposition teams, and they rarely back down. That said, they are both prone to a fatigue factor, and having them on 1st up, means you can rest them through the middle part of the game when Kite & Cuthbertson come on in their stead.
With Hicks at 5/8, Monaghan can still be satisfied that he can have a ball playing role if required. Hicks is great out of Dummy 1/2, and can pass both sides of the ruck.
Paul Stephenson should be in the team on the wing, because I think he excelled both in attack & defence in that position toward the end of this year.
What do you think guys? It worked for The Sharks, it worked for The Broncos. Could Hicks be a quality 5/8, until Witt or Monaghan get more experience?
I am considerring that Jason King would have to come back through Premier League to prove himself - if nothing, because he has been injurred, and is still injurred apparently. So too Bryant, whilst a great player, may have to come through Premier League (although he has ALREADY proved himself). Rose will be pushing. These three players would be vying for Cuthbertson's spot, so I think that heaps of motivation for Cuthbo to consistently succeed.
I'd also like to point out that Monaghan should be under pressure from Ballin, and Premier League form will be a great test to whether Monaghan can retain his spot. This in my opinion, isn't a bad thing at all. Competiton for spots is what it's all about right?
The team I have listed in my opinion is very balanced & structured. Something I think Des Hasler's named teams haven't been for the past two years.
Anyways - what do you think?
Most of think Chris Hicks was better in 04, when he was a centre. The reason for this is that he is pretty darned good with ball skills, and gave good disposal of the ball to both his outside winger, and his inside second rower. I have watched most of our games on DVD many times, and Chris Hicks is awesome when he comes in field, around opposition forwards (point in case being that try under the posts in that last game against Canberra). What would you guys think of a team like this:-
01. Brett Stewart
02. Ashley Alberts
03. Steven Bell
04. Steve Matai
05. Paul Stephenson
06. Chris Hicks
07. Matt Orford
08. Kylie Leuleuai
09. Michael Monaghan
10. Kane Cleal
11. Anthony Watmough
12. Steve Menzies
13. Ben Kennedy
14. Shayne Dunley
15. Brent Kite
16. Luke Williamson
17. Adam Cuthbertson
Now - a few reasons I put the team together like this.
In my opinion, moving Hicks from Centre to 5/8 would be a Darren Lockyer type move. Our entire backline would have pace to burn. He is a finesse player, and could cut through opposition forwards as upposed to having to run around / through centres as he does on the wing. Also, look at how Vagana goes at 5/8. I just think it would work.
Secondly, we all think that Alberts / Matai are both emerging / maturing players. It would be a shame to have either of those players out in my opinion. Therefore, why not have BOTH in the team. Both know how to make line breaks, both are aggressive, and with a bit of technique, I'm sure their defence can improve, as their aggression and attacking style in defence is already there.
Third - Look at that bench. A strength of a team is how effective a bench can be throughout a game. Dunley, Kite, Williamson & Cuthbertson isn't really a step backwards in my opinion. They will maintain a level of ruthlesness through the game when they are injected.
Next, I think Leuleuai & Kleal have that immediate aggression that can send shudders through opposition teams, and they rarely back down. That said, they are both prone to a fatigue factor, and having them on 1st up, means you can rest them through the middle part of the game when Kite & Cuthbertson come on in their stead.
With Hicks at 5/8, Monaghan can still be satisfied that he can have a ball playing role if required. Hicks is great out of Dummy 1/2, and can pass both sides of the ruck.
Paul Stephenson should be in the team on the wing, because I think he excelled both in attack & defence in that position toward the end of this year.
What do you think guys? It worked for The Sharks, it worked for The Broncos. Could Hicks be a quality 5/8, until Witt or Monaghan get more experience?
I am considerring that Jason King would have to come back through Premier League to prove himself - if nothing, because he has been injurred, and is still injurred apparently. So too Bryant, whilst a great player, may have to come through Premier League (although he has ALREADY proved himself). Rose will be pushing. These three players would be vying for Cuthbertson's spot, so I think that heaps of motivation for Cuthbo to consistently succeed.
I'd also like to point out that Monaghan should be under pressure from Ballin, and Premier League form will be a great test to whether Monaghan can retain his spot. This in my opinion, isn't a bad thing at all. Competiton for spots is what it's all about right?
The team I have listed in my opinion is very balanced & structured. Something I think Des Hasler's named teams haven't been for the past two years.
Anyways - what do you think?
