Unpacking side a bit
Gives us a little info about Dykes that he’s named at FB, however could be just as much to fit Puru as indicative that’s where his focus is.
2-4 no surprises, I left Katoa out but he’d be one of my first picks to go in if I was adding more experienced players.
Forwards, I did say maybe Colquhoun could start on an edge, it’s interesting though being above Billy. McInnes there is interesting also - a bit of middle leadership?
Jack would be another of my top picks from best 17 to be playing so only bench surprise is Crouch. I didn’t even think to include him in mine. Bench and extended bench numbers are to live and die bye but suggests he got thought of early.
Veaila I didn’t think of, Ataata would have been my pick if I had put a name to ‘it star middle’. Rest are pretty predictable but the other name of note is Talakai who may be being sounded out for an impact role…
Notable absentees IMO though
- Taukamo
- Coutts
- Swann
- Pollard (just failed an HIA by the sounds)
- Gabrael
- Gibbons