Anyone saying that we should keep Brett out of the team is a fool. He was extremely safe under that ball, almost scored a try as well...one that he planned all along (check the replays of SOO, he made the call to Jennings to put the kick in. It wasn't Brett's fault that Jennings kicked it straight to Thaiday). Brett Stewart is the best fullback in NSW, end of story.
My team:
1. Brett Stewart
2. Jarrod Hayne
3. Michael Jennings
4. Josh Morris
5. Akilua Uate
6. Todd Carney
7. Mitchell Pearce
Before I continue, have the above and that will be the first time in years that we have kept the same back 7 for the full series (if they play Game 3 as well). That's a good thing. I think we have the Backs right, no change needed.
8. Paul Gallen
9. Robbie Farah
10. James Tamou
11. Anthony Watmough
12. Greg Bird
13. Glenn Stewart
Just a little change around here to put Glenn in the 13. I know Bird did a good job but Glenn looked out of place in the 12. He would be in his element in the Lock position. Choc has to start to free up room for a forward on the bench.
Bench:
14. Trent Merrin
15. Aaron Woods
16. Luke Lewis
17. Ryan Hinchcliffe/ Jamie Buhrer / Ryan Hoffman / Ben Creagh / Keith Galloway
My bench is an interesting one. Luke Lewis was huge for us off the bench in Game 2 last year and I think he would be great in that role again as well. I would swap him with Choc about half way into the first half then bring Choc on for the last 20 mins of the 2nd half. As for the 17, I'm not sure. In the end, we need a utility (Hinchcliffe or Buhrer) but we could also do with that punch up the middle that Keithy and Hoffman can give. Creagh I hate but he has the experience we might need, and changing the team I would like to keep only to cover injuries.
1. Brett Stewart
2. Jarrod Hayne
3. Michael Jennings
4. Josh Morris
5. Akilua Uate
6. Todd Carney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Paul Gallen
9. Robbie Farah
10. James Tamou
11. Anthony Watmough
12. Greg Bird
13. Glenn Stewart
Bench:
14. Trent Merrin
15. Aaron Woods
16. Luke Lewis
17. Ryan Hinchcliffe/ Jamie Buhrer / Ryan Hoffman / Ben Creagh / Keith Galloway