I believe the requirement is only 5 of the top 25 players.
From being a fan of Rugby 7’s I think you need at least two play makers, one left and one right but most of all you need speed. If you watch 7’s rugby, the players with speed are the standouts and we have quite a few across the park.
Of the NRL starting 13 I’d only include four, because it’s going to be a huge season and there’s more than likely going to be injuries in this competition, as there always are with Rugby 7’s:
Jorge Tafua – I’d play him as a forward when they have to have 5 in the scrum but ultimately on the wing with speed inside him. He breaks tackles and gains lots of metres.
Brenton Lawrence – speed and strength and will help make the centerpiece strong.
Jamie Buhrer – one of the quickest off the mark, great defence and passing game.
Tom Symonds – speed and strength plus a great hole runner and good in defence
We need a goal ‘drop kicker’ and that’s where Manaia Rudolph comes in plus he’s apparently a good ball distributor. He also has a RU background in NZ so has no doubt played 7’s.
If I had to pick our ultimate 9’s team it would be:
Brett Stewart
Jorge Tafua
Jamie Lyon
Steve Matai
Keiran Foran
Daly Cherry-Evans
Glenn Stewart
Anthony Watmough
Brenton Lawrence
With these guys on the bench:
David Williams
Tom Symonds
Peta Hiku
Clinton Gutherson
Michael Chee Kam
Ligi Sao
However, given protecting injuries for top 13 and our first four rounds, this is what I’d play:
Clinton Gutherson - elusive and quick
Delroy Berryman - really quick
Cheyse Blair - strong and quick but defence may be an issue
Jorge Tafua - As in the above synopsis of NRL players
Peta Hiku - elusive and perfect for this type of game
Manaia Rudolph - can't say I've seen much of him but his reputation is as a great ball distributor and he has a RU background. Can drop kick (those points are so vital in this type of game)
Michael Chee Kam - I seriously believe if he can remain injury free he'll be a super star in the game. Strong and a great runner of the ball and distributes well when he makes a break.
Jamie Buhrer - As in the above synopsis of NRL players
Brenton Lawrence - As in the above synopsis of NRL players
With these guys on the bench:
Wayne Chisholm - elusive and quick but probably a little deficient in defence. A point scorer when others tire and I think he has a great drop kick as well.
Tom Symonds - As in the above synopsis of NRL players
Jesse Sene-Lefao - Covers both backs and forwards. Quick and strong. I was surprised he didn't make an appearance in the first grade team this year (even though he was named once) but won't be surprised if he does this year.
Josh Starling - His reputation probably deserves a spot but either he or Jake T.
Ligi Sao - ideal for this game. Non stop and great runner with the ball. Strong in defence.
Jayden Hodges - a live wire and non stop player. Great to have on in the last five minutes of both halves.
