So am I correct the rules are 18 players. 1 of your top 5 paid players?
Some may say I am not trying to win this comp? But hey, its a blend of experience and youth.
The top 25 will be practicing for a 13 man game. Willow's team might as well practice as if they only have 9 players. It generally appears that way.
I've rested guys playing in the four nations. And those recovering from injury. Gutho can back up as he's a regular a grader in 15 anyway.
To get the most out of the tournament, 2 (mentor) in a position, ie more experience players generally looking for better year then they had in 2014 or they may be in Willows team. Killer & Mason the exceptions. Then young blokes who will benefit from the run.
Front Row
W Mason (Mentor 1) - New Forward Leader.
E Lauaki (Mentor 2) - Bond with Big Willie. Really think we' would be better with two big experienced Affro's. It would look intimidating.
T Andrews (Love his aggression, he should play more top grade then he got last year. Still smallish may be second row even)
Z Tetevano (He has size, good chance of a bench spot in the A's.)
Second row
J Horo (Mentor 1) - Pressure may be on Horo. Leary is a strange pick up for mine. The new fellow may be a chance of taking his place if he impresses early.
J Hasson (Mentor 2) (If bulks up front row if not second row)
B Leary - Lets see how he goes in a Manly team.
D Kelly - Will benefit from the experience (Got talent)
J Hopoate - Suited to nines. Ball playing small forward, may be big chance of being a surprise selection in the top side this year with no Gifty and Buhrer recovering from injury.
Outside Backs
D Williams (Mentor 1) - Love to see him fight his way back.
J Taufua (Mentor 2) - He could really play any position in 9's except as a playmaker. I'm moving him to the centres. Konrad Hurrell doesn't have to catch bombs.
B Williame - New see what he's got
D Berryman - Speed, can't beat speed. (Just don't get hurt).
C Gutherson - I'd start him on the wing in A's but the experience in this tournament be good. He still hasn't played many a grade games.
Playmakers
J Lyon (c) (Mentor 1) more of a 5/8 role put it is nine a side. DCE played last time. Foran will have played 4 nations. Surely Killers in top 5 paid players?
J Littlejohn (Mentor 2) - Wouldn't mind preparing him for a lock type roll either. He's big enough. Has been limited in what he's asked to do in the top grade, but he certainly hasn't looked out of place.
J Hodges - Possible bench spot depending if toov's wants a second hooker
M Rudolph - He will eat nines up. Sometimes looks like a young Cliffy.