I think there are too many cons for Jamie at 5/8.
- Burns / Orford 2 years straight = consistency. Consistency = combinations;
- Lyon is the best centre in the world in my opinion;
- Dragons tried it with Gasnier. It failed;
- Makes an extra position in the team for Matai. What I mean by that is that if Burns plays Hooker, Dunley is dropped. With our lack of depth, we can't afford that. Therefore:- 3. Bell 4. Lyon 6. Burns 13. Matai 14. Dunley.
People have to remember for Lyon to be 5/8 Burns or Dunley have to be dropped, unless Burns / Dunley can play Lock? Des just won't drop 1st grade veterans like Dunley. Regardless of form. Three years has shown us this. For that reason, we can safely say:-
01. Brett Stewart
02. Michael Robertson
03. Jamie Lyon
04. Steven Bell
05. Chris Hicks
06. Travis Burns
07. Matt Orford
08. Jason King
09. Michael Monaghan
10. Brent Kite
11. Anthony Watmough
12. Steve Menzies
13. Steve Matai
14. Shayne Dunley
15. George Rose
16. Mark Bryant
17. Luke Williamson
I've come to think that this will give our team more mobility in attack and defence than last year with Matai at Lock.
Also, it's how we have the strongest bench. With Lyon @ 5/8, we then talk Glenn Stewarts etc.....and they are Premier League players playing Premier League.
Again, I just can't see Des dropping Dunley. Can you?