I’ll have a go at this. If you break it down to Definites, Probables, Possibles and Depth, I have this…
I have the forwards as high minute forwards (HMF) and low minute forwards (LMF). I think you need at least 5 high-minute guys (including hooker).
I also don’t think you need a dedicated “14” in this team, given that you have several guys capable of covering elsewhere.
Note this is my own list and not where I think the club has them.
DEFINITES
Fullback - Kennedy
Right Centre - Ramien
Right wing - Katoa
One half - Hynes
HMF x 3 - Brailey, McInnes, Finucane
That’s it for Definites imho. Everyone else is a chance to miss out (or move positions) because of injury or simply because someone else is playing better.
PROBABLES
HMF - Graham
LMF - Hamlin-Uele, Williams, Talakai, Rudolf
Left centre/wing - Mulitalo
POSSIBLES
HMF - Wilton
LMF - Pele, Hunt, Fifita
Half - Trindall (right), Moylan (left), Metcalf (either)
Bench/utility - Tracey
DEPTH
HMF - Nikora
LMF - Martin
Half - Rivett
Centre/wing - Taumoepeau, Samrani, Hiroti, Iro
Wing - Stonestreet
**
Other than a halves position being up for grabs and the left centre/wing spot being a question mark, the glaring need is at least two more high-minute forwards (ideally three). Two from the current squad and one new guy.
Without listing 1-17 I’ll say…
- Sign a starting prop
- Graham and Wilton starting edges
- Bench is BHU, Talakai, Rudolf, Williams and none play more than half a game
- Sign a left centre, or move Ronnie there and play one of the kids at left wing
- Pick any half from the possibles list above (they all have pros/cons)
- Tracey is #18 when everyone is fit and first drop in case of injury (he’ll still play a lot of games)