Strong Bench...and depth....lookin good

[maxta]

Walker - Great form and adds middle zest and impact, defence questionable, though has even improved this area imo
Lawton - This bloke is simply a quality footballer, always busy and just may make a few big plays come finals time.
Paseka - Has finlly grown into the Monster we all craved - kill, crush, destroy....in no particular order !!
Keppie - Absolute firebrand...the madman of the pack...very solid defender who will intimidate the opposition, but needs to mix the aggression with control - it's a fine line and these officials are soft as tissue paper

The others -

Sipley -
Suli -
Sirro -
De Luis -
Cust -

Great sign a week out from Finals footy.
This would look a damn decent interchange....
Yet they are simply back ups at this stage

Some prefer a 3rd big man off the pine, but happy with the speedy Walker/ Lawton duo, especially in coming games f we are to break down the stubborn Storm defence....this is Exactly what's needed through the guts to give Tom and co some space and Paseka and Keppie are the Big angry bulls to come out he gate.

Sip may have been a sight, but Des got it right...I think Sip had a few poor handles vs Canberra and the scientist likes what he brings but has him locked in a canister, "break in case of emergency"
Suli is also an absolute attacking weapon still paying the price for an early season "off the pace", but looks fitter than ever a the moment and depending on a few factors, may yet see him.
Sirro looked Ok, on return but is not an advance on the stock we already have in the top 17...maybe 20th man
De Luis has been a welcome addition and very solid filling in well, but will simply be on standby as cover.
Cust is certainly under the radar, but would let noone down if needed.

 

[Cliffymagic]

Only 3 or 4 guys out injured who probly don't make the team anyways and Fainu.
Looking strong for a shot at the big dance.

 

[Dion Johnson]

It is a good bench, I think Tent plays better starting and Marty has the better option coming off the bench.

 

[maxta]

It is a good bench, I think Tent plays better starting and Marty has the better option coming off the bench.

That is a Very fair call mate - I go with that call and just maybe - the Dr Des may do the same in finals time ?

 

[Sheikheagle]

It is a good bench, I think Tent plays better starting and Marty has the better option coming off the bench.

Agree I reckon they will swap places on game day.

 

[40 years an eagle]

I think Tent plays better starting and Marty has the better option coming off the bench.

Agree, Tent and Aoli start. I would have Slippers on the bench for finals games in place of Walker. We will see.

 

[Remy]

I'm happy with dropping Sipley for this week because he has been a bit poor in defence in the last few weeks. But I really think we need that sizable bench against teams like Melbourne and Penrith. Walker is a MUST, on the bench. But I feel like Lawton might be a waste of a bench spot. He's a great player and I'm so impressed with him this year, but how will he be used from the bench. Obviously covers a whole heap of positions and is a perfect injury backup but that's at MOST. When else can he come on? We need Crocker to play 80 for us, so vital that he does, he is a key in that middle defence with Jake. So wouldn't having Sipley be way more beneficial for us on the bench rather than Lawton??

 

[StuBoot]

Interesting the concerns with lack of size on our bench.
Storms bench recently has carried both Grant and Hynes, so hardly conventional.

Des rarely stretches the bench even with injuries.
He's only just recently just started subbing Croker and Sirro/Sipley/KDL don't get big minutes generally.

Walker has grown into his new role at roving 13 and provides cover for 1-6 if needed.
Jake covers that extra big man sub.
Lawton covers backrow and hooker.

Second rowers are now 80 minute men as well as Jake so having an extra big man might be a thing of the past with the "new NRL".

Injuries to key personnel in the forward is the killer - eg Jake going down may then be an issue

 

[Deleted member 26876]

I'm happy with dropping Sipley for this week because he has been a bit poor in defence in the last few weeks. But I really think we need that sizable bench against teams like Melbourne and Penrith. Walker is a MUST, on the bench. But I feel like Lawton might be a waste of a bench spot. He's a great player and I'm so impressed with him this year, but how will he be used from the bench. Obviously covers a whole heap of positions and is a perfect injury backup but that's at MOST. When else can he come on? We need Crocker to play 80 for us, so vital that he does, he is a key in that middle defence with Jake. So wouldn't having Sipley be way more beneficial for us on the bench rather than Lawton??

I tend to agree although I also think bringing Lawton into hooker late in the game vs the Raiders and Dogs saved us in those games. Could be needed.

Either way Im happy.
I'd prefer Sipley and Keppie fight it out for a bench spot. I'd definitely go with Sipley at this stage. If Lawton gets dropped that's ok as well but I think he suits our gameplan more than 3 bopping forwards. Keppie can be the best forward on his day... or the worst. Sipley is more often than not the best bench forward, and I think that consistency should be rewarded. We'll probably get an injury in week 1, 2 or 3 of the finals anyways so the loser between Keppie/Sipley will get another chance you'd think.

However, with a grand final potentially on the cards you'd back whoever Des picks to make the most of it with one of Keppie/Sipley/Lawton looking over their shoulder. Prime chance to win a premiership this season.

 

[Shoe1]

Yep Jake gives us the extra middle, meaning Lawton and walker can be bench impact. Good balance.

 

[Simonmyers11]

I cannot believe it. We are at absolute full strength heading into finals (touch wood)

What a change from the last 3 years, heck last 6-7 years was probably the last time we finished the year full strength and every player available.

 

[Jerry1]

I cannot believe it. We are at absolute full strength heading into finals (touch wood)

What a change from the last 3 years, heck last 6-7 years was probably the last time we finished the year full strength and player available.

You’ve jinxed us Si. 🙂
Next week they’ll be dropping like flies after an explosion at the Mortein factory.

 

[Simonmyers11]

You’ve jinxed us Si. 🙂
Next week they’ll be dropping like flies after an explosion at the Mortein factory.

Oh mate, don't say that. LOL. Our injury jinx is hopefully finally over!

 

[rmd]

Des is looking to build cohesion. I can’t remember Des ever resting anyone going into the finals. Correct me if I’m wrong.

 

[Lyonstomenzies]

The speed of the game now demands smaller men on the bench.
I for one like both Walker and Lawton with their speed around the ruck.

 

[eaglebuzz]

I'm happy with dropping Sipley for this week because he has been a bit poor in defence in the last few weeks. But I really think we need that sizable bench against teams like Melbourne and Penrith. Walker is a MUST, on the bench. But I feel like Lawton might be a waste of a bench spot. He's a great player and I'm so impressed with him this year, but how will he be used from the bench. Obviously covers a whole heap of positions and is a perfect injury backup but that's at MOST. When else can he come on? We need Crocker to play 80 for us, so vital that he does, he is a key in that middle defence with Jake. So wouldn't having Sipley be way more beneficial for us on the bench rather than Lawton??

No way! We need Lawton on that bench. Covers injuries for 9 and the second row.

 

[BOZO]

The speed of the game now demands smaller men on the bench.
I for one like both Walker and Lawton with their speed around the ruck.

Perspective time ....
The speed of the game now demands impact players and not just smaller players
Players that come on and make an impact with their power play and speed regardless of their size . Size without strength and speed does not dominate .

In 2008 the Big strong fast and agile Steven Menzies was dynamic coming off the bench in our Grand final win

In the Big matches Power players dominate the Passive players

 

[Eagles4Life]

Can anybody clarify if this is the first time all season we have had this seventeen as named? Asking for a friend. Lock down days. 🙄

 

[EOL now nesting on the GC]

Oh mate, don't say that. LOL. Our injury jinx is hopefully finally over!

I know I shouldn't say it but here goes.

Do any of you think the best ever thing for Turbos hammy was that the comp moved to QLD?

Looking at the tracks we have played the majority of the year on and they have been flat, fast and with stable short grass.

even before we left for the sunshine state we played in Mudgee which looked immaculate. Bank west v the eels and tigers. we took a home game to Suncorp.

he didn't play at home against the raiders or the cows at home due to SOO.

In fact the only game he played at home this year was against the Warriors.

we all love Brookie but let's be honest the track has had a bad rep for injuries for a long time.

perhaps the planets are aligning this year after all?

 

[Brookie Bob]

The speed of the game now demands smaller men on the bench.
I for one like both Walker and Lawton with their speed around the ruck.

Lawton is listed at 94 kgs, and plays 'bigger' than that - noting his stints in the 2nd row covering Schuster when he was injured.

Walker is listed at 98 kgs, and it wouldn't surprise me if he's not 100 kgs at the moment - his tackle to drag a 110kg Bulldogs prop back into the in-goal showed strength.

The strength and speed (and versatility) of both will serve us well in the finals.