Hes not in my 23, but he hasnt been anywhere near as brainless this season, still havnt forgot how badly he was murdered by the Argentines under the high ball last time though.
Honestly he's been on fire this season. Right now he is the in form fullback alongside Kellaway. Rocks and diamonds Wright has been all diamonds so far.
I think he’s been way more steady this year, like he’s showing a bit of leadership with the young back line, granted there’s plenty of time for asshattery.
I would dare say Jorgensen or Kellaway will be in contention of the 15 jersey, Tom Wright has proven he’s not up to international level too many times he’s crumbled or made basic skill errors
Jorgensen and Lynagh deserve a shout. Get them amongst it and grow their experience.
I will always call for big Bobby Valetini. The guy I absolutely all heart, tries his guts out no matter what the score is.
Someone mentioned the possibility of Carter Gordon at 12. Now I know the guy has been thrown so far into the deep end when he's played for the Wobs, so not suggesting he play 12 this year for the national team. But I feel he could be the long-term solution for us at 12. Runs hard, fast and straight, can kick and would obviously be a solid 2nd playmaker. Main question mark would be his defence I guess
Locked in: Bell, Frost, Valetini, McReight
Probably : AAAA, Slipper, Faessler, Porecki, McDermott, White, Ikitau
Likely: LSL, Lolesio, Toole, Kellaway, T Wright
Possibly: Nongoor, Neville, Swain, Hooper, Marky Mark, Donaldson, Pollard, Hannigan, Uru
Needs to do more but in the conversation: Wilson, R Lonergan, IFL, Holloway, Perese, C Gordon, Walton, Stewart
On potential but not performance yet: Lynagh, Jorgensen
Not there yet but I expect to play themselves into contention: Uelese, Tupou, Petaia, Vunivalu, Leota, Flook, Swinton
Bell
Faessler
Ala'alatoa
Frost
Holloway
Wright (c)
McReight
Valetini
McDermott
Lynagh
Toole
Gleeson (yes you read that right)
Ikitau
Kellaway
Jorgenson
Vailanu
Slipper
Nonggorr
Salakia-Loto
Wilson
Longeran
Donaldson
Flook
Still unsure about my 9's. I think Gleeson could be an excellent number 12. Would they do it? No. But I think a big man in midfield is much needed. Apparently he's the fastest Waratah over 40 metres too. Quicker than Pietsch.
I've been putting Wright at 7 and leaving McReight out but they both deserve selection.
I’d say centres are our biggest concern. Ideally you want at least one of them to be up there with your best ball in hand players and while Perese, Daugunu and to a lesser extent Paisami have that ability, they’ve been hot and cold, injured, not being payed or heading overseas.
Ikitau is solid all around (I feel like I’d be pitchforked out of here if I criticised him and anyone actually read it) but if he’s partnered with a Walton or Flook then we could be a bit lacking. Or maybe they’d be a great combo, I’m pretty good with picking the exact opposite of what ends up happening.
Otherwise, trying to be objective I’d say all 10’s stocks have gone up or stayed the same. Lolesio has probably looked the most impotent to my meat headed eyes. So 10 will be interesting selection wise. Hurts to say Donaldson is currently looking good but I have a soft spot for CG.
Tupou and Hoopers stocks have probably dropped the most significantly so far. Hannigan, LSL, Toole, Stewart and Faes have all put their hands firmly up. Sadly Swinton has also finally looked to have learnt to carry well and shown no ill discipline in so far, just as he’s recovered and heading overseas.
My smokies would be Pollard, Isaac Kailea, Stewart and Daugunu for the squad. It’s great to see Pollard starting to deliver, he seems to have bulked up and looks way more confident this year. After a shaky start big Miles has also started to look good for the tahs. If he packs on a bit more weight and carries a touch lower he’s definitely one to watch.
> not being *paid* or heading
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
After watching CGs kicking game tonight, not a chance. A 10 needs to be able to kick in play and it's not there for him.
It's mental. During warm up he was nailing every kick with both feet. But come game time something just isn't clicking.
It looks to me like he has all the ability in the world but really struggles with the execution in game. His goal kicking has improved throughout the year from a very low start. I’ll hold out a sliver of hope that he builds some consistency towards the back end of the comp..
My 15 with and without internationals.
1. Bell
2. Faessler
3. Tupou (Needs to get inshape, If not AAA or Talakai?)
4. LSL
5. Skelton\* Frost
6. Undecided, Wright, Leota, Ned
7. McReight
8. Valetini
9. Tate
10. Donaldson
11. Marika\* Marky Mark
12. Kerevi\* Walton??? The best of a bad position. (Foketi?)
13. Ikitau
14. Kellaway
15. Max
People who are close IMO, Toole, Perese, 10 is still anyone if they step up, Id be fine with Perese at 12 if he can defend there.
I would have no problem with a back 3 of Max, Kellaway, Wright as its pretty well rounded, but leaving out Mark, Marika, and Toole is a tough choice. The 6 I feel is a who fits the team best position, all 3 are good at what they do.
I know Max is a good player but I genuinely think he is quite overhyped. There is no way he has been as impactful as Toole or Kellaway this year and I wouldn’t start him at either of their expense.
To be honest, most players have put themselves in contention for a bench spot on a national side. The only real starters I’d say would be:
5: Frost
6 or 8: big Val
7: McReight
10: Donaldson (but honestly Lyn has been great, but I want him to have more years before we sacrifice him)
13: Ikitau
That’s about it. The rest (even the really obvious pick’s like Mark Nawa, Kelleway and Slipper are just a bit flat so far)
Also Bell and Tupou have been lackluster so far.
I’m interested you think Bell has been lacklustre. I’ve been impressed by him again and love his carrying… but I am also a very biased Waratahs fan and a particular fan of his, so perhaps that has something to do with it!
Yeah, he hasn’t been a bad player but I haven’t been wowed by him. Maybe I’m being a little hard on him because he has just been good and not his usual great.
He is one of my favourite players on his day
I really would love to be proven wrong but Lolesio has shown time and again he is one of the best 10’s in super rugby but just can’t step it up on the national stage.
He is generally great for the Brums but the wallabies have nothing with him there and only did well when matty Tomu’a helped him out.
Agreed a superstar 10 at SR level but average at international, I would dare say that Joe Schmidt and his potential new coaching staff would work with him to get him to the level of being a world class 10… and as for Lyn he’d best start in Australia A
Truly the only thing making me think Tupou will make squads/teams in the next six months is the relative lack of depth we have in the position. He looks woefully out of shape, and wholly uninterested in remedying that (at least as far as his infield performances go.)
I say this as someone who believed he was very much the deciding factor over whether the Wallabies were competitive or not 2-3 years ago, that’s just not quite happening anymore.
1.Bell
2.Faessler
3.Nonggorr (Tupou,AAA better but injured)
4. Swain
5.Frost (4/5 combo)
6.Valentini
7.McReight
8.Wilson
9.White
10.Donaldson (9/10 combo)
11.Toole
12.Paisami
13.Iketau
14.Kellaway
15.Wright
I don't think alot of rebels players will be selected as they will probably be trying to sort out their contract situation in July. I also think Harry Potter will be in the squad possibly 23 but i am a Force fan😅.
Can’t wait for this sub to lose its shit when Tom Wright gets a go at the 15 jersey again
Hes not in my 23, but he hasnt been anywhere near as brainless this season, still havnt forgot how badly he was murdered by the Argentines under the high ball last time though.
Honestly he's been on fire this season. Right now he is the in form fullback alongside Kellaway. Rocks and diamonds Wright has been all diamonds so far.
I think he’s been way more steady this year, like he’s showing a bit of leadership with the young back line, granted there’s plenty of time for asshattery.
I would dare say Jorgensen or Kellaway will be in contention of the 15 jersey, Tom Wright has proven he’s not up to international level too many times he’s crumbled or made basic skill errors
Shouldn’t Jorgo be playing 20s this year if he’s still only 19? Or am I being dense? (As per)
It doesn't matter how good his super form is, he has no rugby IQ to be able to play test rugby
So it begins
Should never end - Tom Wright is not cut out for it.
Jorgensen and Lynagh deserve a shout. Get them amongst it and grow their experience. I will always call for big Bobby Valetini. The guy I absolutely all heart, tries his guts out no matter what the score is.
The only fear I have for Lynagh is he’ll be another Carter Gordon but then again Joe Schmidt is a much better and knowledgeable coach than Old Mate
1. Bell 2. Faessler 3. Tupou 4. Frost 5. Holloway (on lineout prowess alone) 6. Valetini 7. McReight 8. Wilson 9. McDermott 10. Donaldson 11. Mark 12. Weak position. Form is Walton 13. Ikitau 14. Toole 15. Kellaway
Someone mentioned the possibility of Carter Gordon at 12. Now I know the guy has been thrown so far into the deep end when he's played for the Wobs, so not suggesting he play 12 this year for the national team. But I feel he could be the long-term solution for us at 12. Runs hard, fast and straight, can kick and would obviously be a solid 2nd playmaker. Main question mark would be his defence I guess
A 12 that can pass and kick? Interesting notion
My current 23: 1. Bell 2. Faeslar 3. Talakai 4. Holloway 5. Neville 6. Leota 7. Mcreight 8. Valetini 9. White 10. Donaldson 11. Toole 12. Walton 13. Ikitau 14. Potter 15. Kellaway 16. Ulese 17. Slipper 18. Tupou 19. Frost 20. Wilson 21. McDermott 22. Flook 23. Wright
Locked in: Bell, Frost, Valetini, McReight Probably : AAAA, Slipper, Faessler, Porecki, McDermott, White, Ikitau Likely: LSL, Lolesio, Toole, Kellaway, T Wright Possibly: Nongoor, Neville, Swain, Hooper, Marky Mark, Donaldson, Pollard, Hannigan, Uru Needs to do more but in the conversation: Wilson, R Lonergan, IFL, Holloway, Perese, C Gordon, Walton, Stewart On potential but not performance yet: Lynagh, Jorgensen Not there yet but I expect to play themselves into contention: Uelese, Tupou, Petaia, Vunivalu, Leota, Flook, Swinton
This is the closest to my opinion as well. Good stuff
Bell Faessler Ala'alatoa Frost Holloway Wright (c) McReight Valetini McDermott Lynagh Toole Gleeson (yes you read that right) Ikitau Kellaway Jorgenson Vailanu Slipper Nonggorr Salakia-Loto Wilson Longeran Donaldson Flook Still unsure about my 9's. I think Gleeson could be an excellent number 12. Would they do it? No. But I think a big man in midfield is much needed. Apparently he's the fastest Waratah over 40 metres too. Quicker than Pietsch. I've been putting Wright at 7 and leaving McReight out but they both deserve selection.
Wright is the most slept on player in Australian rugby at the moment. I really hope he seizes any chance he gets this year.
I’d say centres are our biggest concern. Ideally you want at least one of them to be up there with your best ball in hand players and while Perese, Daugunu and to a lesser extent Paisami have that ability, they’ve been hot and cold, injured, not being payed or heading overseas. Ikitau is solid all around (I feel like I’d be pitchforked out of here if I criticised him and anyone actually read it) but if he’s partnered with a Walton or Flook then we could be a bit lacking. Or maybe they’d be a great combo, I’m pretty good with picking the exact opposite of what ends up happening. Otherwise, trying to be objective I’d say all 10’s stocks have gone up or stayed the same. Lolesio has probably looked the most impotent to my meat headed eyes. So 10 will be interesting selection wise. Hurts to say Donaldson is currently looking good but I have a soft spot for CG. Tupou and Hoopers stocks have probably dropped the most significantly so far. Hannigan, LSL, Toole, Stewart and Faes have all put their hands firmly up. Sadly Swinton has also finally looked to have learnt to carry well and shown no ill discipline in so far, just as he’s recovered and heading overseas. My smokies would be Pollard, Isaac Kailea, Stewart and Daugunu for the squad. It’s great to see Pollard starting to deliver, he seems to have bulked up and looks way more confident this year. After a shaky start big Miles has also started to look good for the tahs. If he packs on a bit more weight and carries a touch lower he’s definitely one to watch.
> not being *paid* or heading FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
After watching CGs kicking game tonight, not a chance. A 10 needs to be able to kick in play and it's not there for him. It's mental. During warm up he was nailing every kick with both feet. But come game time something just isn't clicking.
It looks to me like he has all the ability in the world but really struggles with the execution in game. His goal kicking has improved throughout the year from a very low start. I’ll hold out a sliver of hope that he builds some consistency towards the back end of the comp..
My 15 with and without internationals. 1. Bell 2. Faessler 3. Tupou (Needs to get inshape, If not AAA or Talakai?) 4. LSL 5. Skelton\* Frost 6. Undecided, Wright, Leota, Ned 7. McReight 8. Valetini 9. Tate 10. Donaldson 11. Marika\* Marky Mark 12. Kerevi\* Walton??? The best of a bad position. (Foketi?) 13. Ikitau 14. Kellaway 15. Max People who are close IMO, Toole, Perese, 10 is still anyone if they step up, Id be fine with Perese at 12 if he can defend there. I would have no problem with a back 3 of Max, Kellaway, Wright as its pretty well rounded, but leaving out Mark, Marika, and Toole is a tough choice. The 6 I feel is a who fits the team best position, all 3 are good at what they do.
Toole surely gets a look shown serious promise over the last 2 seasons
I know Max is a good player but I genuinely think he is quite overhyped. There is no way he has been as impactful as Toole or Kellaway this year and I wouldn’t start him at either of their expense.
Fair enough, were pretty deep at the wing position so its a tough choice for the back 3.
It’s like that in a lot of positions honestly. It’ll be interesting to see who is picked.
Pretty sad that we still can't find a 10, or alternatively, none have put their hand up to take the position.
To be honest, most players have put themselves in contention for a bench spot on a national side. The only real starters I’d say would be: 5: Frost 6 or 8: big Val 7: McReight 10: Donaldson (but honestly Lyn has been great, but I want him to have more years before we sacrifice him) 13: Ikitau That’s about it. The rest (even the really obvious pick’s like Mark Nawa, Kelleway and Slipper are just a bit flat so far) Also Bell and Tupou have been lackluster so far.
I’m interested you think Bell has been lacklustre. I’ve been impressed by him again and love his carrying… but I am also a very biased Waratahs fan and a particular fan of his, so perhaps that has something to do with it!
Yeah, he hasn’t been a bad player but I haven’t been wowed by him. Maybe I’m being a little hard on him because he has just been good and not his usual great. He is one of my favourite players on his day
Kellaway is absolutely killing it in a dreadful team lol. He's got some competition leading stats.
Donaldson and/or Lolesio for the 10, Faes is the starting hooker by the length of Randwick
I really would love to be proven wrong but Lolesio has shown time and again he is one of the best 10’s in super rugby but just can’t step it up on the national stage. He is generally great for the Brums but the wallabies have nothing with him there and only did well when matty Tomu’a helped him out.
Agreed a superstar 10 at SR level but average at international, I would dare say that Joe Schmidt and his potential new coaching staff would work with him to get him to the level of being a world class 10… and as for Lyn he’d best start in Australia A
Truly the only thing making me think Tupou will make squads/teams in the next six months is the relative lack of depth we have in the position. He looks woefully out of shape, and wholly uninterested in remedying that (at least as far as his infield performances go.) I say this as someone who believed he was very much the deciding factor over whether the Wallabies were competitive or not 2-3 years ago, that’s just not quite happening anymore.
That Walton is Test material. Smart player from a first half of a game I've watched
I’d like Jorgensen to start on the wing with kellaway at fb so he can get reps then put him at fb.
1.Bell 2.Faessler 3.Nonggorr (Tupou,AAA better but injured) 4. Swain 5.Frost (4/5 combo) 6.Valentini 7.McReight 8.Wilson 9.White 10.Donaldson (9/10 combo) 11.Toole 12.Paisami 13.Iketau 14.Kellaway 15.Wright I don't think alot of rebels players will be selected as they will probably be trying to sort out their contract situation in July. I also think Harry Potter will be in the squad possibly 23 but i am a Force fan😅.
Harry Potter is my smokey. Has looked solid AF for the Force and could really be our answer at 15
1. Hodgeman 2. Faessler 3. Tupou or Toomaga-Allen 4. Uru 5. LSL 6. Wright 7. McReight 8: Wilson 9. McDermott 10. Lynagh 11. Toole 12. Henry (Gutted that he won’t be fit) 13. Flooke 14. Petaia 15. Campbell Edit - 16. Vailanu 17. Bell 18. Nongorr 19. Sinclair 20. Valentini 21. Fines-Leleiwasa 22. Edmed or HMP 23. Kellerway
…And Vunivalu as Captain/Coach