how fox sport rate the roosters pack

[Guest]

Front Row: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend, Martin Kennedy
Second Row: Mitchell Aubusson, Aidan Guerra
Lock: Frank-Paul Nuuausala
Reserves: Mose Masoe, Lama Tasi, Boyd Cordner

The Roosters have the makings of a strong pack with plenty of youth and size from jerseys 8-13. They don't come much meaner than Kiwi hardman Jarred Waerea-Hargreaves, who last week said his side has the capability of becoming one of the most dominant packs in the game. Mose Masoe and Martin Kennedy (both 120kg) are anything but small boys, while Frank-Paul Nuuausala is a hard man to stop when he musters a full head of steam. Scare factor: 7 out of 10

[Guest]

They will be a 10/10 in a year or two.

[Guest]

I honestly think our best pack at the moment is...

8. Kennedy
9. Friend
10. Hargreaves
11. Guerra
12. Aubusson
13. Arona

14. Takairangi/Cordner/Bosden
15. Nuuausala
16. Tasi
17. Masoe

With Friend playing 80 minutes, and our outstanding backrow depth, we can afford to play 4 forwards. Aubusson and Guerra are mobile enough to push into the centres if required anyway. Nuuausala might be down on consistency, but he is a NZ international for a reason, and when he is on song he has a tremendous impact. He should be used in short, explosive bursts interchanging with the graft and toil of Arona. Guerra and Aubusson should be playing plenty of minutes, spelled briefly by the other backrower on the bench.

[Guest]

Where are the rest of the ratings?

[Guest]

Front Row: Petero Civoniceva, Andrew McCullough, Ben Hannant
Second Row: Sam Thaiday, Alex Glenn
Lock: Corey Parker
Reserves: Josh McGuire, Matt Gillett, Ben Te’o

They were dubbed the 'baby Broncos' last season, but there’s certainly nothing baby-sized about Brisbane’s forward pack in 2012. Their skipper Sam Thaiday sets the tone with his ultra-aggressive approach to the game, while renowned hit men Alex Glenn and Ben Te’o are no strangers to the highlights reel. In the engine room, props Petero Civoniceva and Ben Hannant know only one speed and direction – hard and straight – and consistently bend back opposition defensive lines with their surging runs. Couple the imposing Broncos pack with a Suncorp Stadium crowd baying for blood, and you’re left with the recipe for a bruising night at the office. Scare factor: 9.5 out of 10

Canberra Raiders

Front Row: David Shillington, Travis Waddell, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs
Second Row: Bronson Harrison, Joel Thompson
Lock: Shaun Fensom
Reserves: Dane Tilse, Josh Papalii, Sam Mataora

Many teams don’t exactly warm to the idea of a trip to Canberra Stadium. It’s freezing cold, the stands are filled by the parochial green army, and there’s usually half a dozen giants waiting in jerseys 8-13. David Shillington, Dane Tilse and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs all stand at more than six-foot-four and tip the scales at 110kg plus, forming one of the most physically daunting prop rotations in the NRL. And while the Raiders boast one of the biggest packs in the competition, it’s not just their size which causes a few heart murmurs for opponents. The bruising defence of Shillington, Learoyd-Lahrs and Bronson Harrison is enough to make any ball-runner think twice. Scare factor: 8 out of 10












Hitman ... Bulldogs enforcer Frank Pritchard.

Source: News Limited


Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Front Row: Sam Kasiano, Michael Ennis, Aiden Tolman
Second Row: Frank Pritchard, Dene Halatau
Lock: Greg Eastwood
Reserves: Corey Payne, James Graham, David Stagg

The Dogs were criticised for their lack of aggression last season, but Des Hasler has certainly lifted the likes of Frank Pritchard and co. Penrith winger Dave Simmons felt the impact of his former teammate’s brutal hitting in the opening round, as did Cronulla’s Wade Graham last year. However it’s been the finesse rather than the fear of the Bulldogs pack which has surprised most this year. Young prop Sam Kasiano has been a standout with his slick ball-skills for a 196cm, 122kg front-rower. Scare factor: 6.5 out of 10

Cronulla Sharks

Front Row: Ben Ross, Isaac De Gois, Bryce Gibbs
Second Row: Jeremy Smith, Jayson Bukuya
Lock: Paul Gallen
Reserves: Andrew Fifita, Sam Tagataese, Wade Graham

They might not be the biggest, but Cronulla certainly have the cattle in their forwards to be a contender for the meanest pack in the NRL. Picture charging with a full head of steam and having to choose between colliding with the awaiting shoulders of Bryce Gibbs, Jeremy Smith, Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita or Sam Tagataese? Fifita and impressive youngster Jayson Bukuya provide the X-factor and are capable of sparking their side with blinding run or big shot. The Sharks pack is oozing with raw aggression and has the potential go toe-to-toe with any other in the competition. Scare factor: 9 out of 10

Gold Coast Titans

Front Row: Luke Bailey, Matt Srama, Nate Myles
Second Row: Greg Bird, Mark Minichiello
Lock: Ashley Harrison
Reserves: Luke Douglas, Matthew White, Luke O’Dwyer

The Titans pack is generally one of the smallest in the NRL, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some big boppers in the bunch. While the back-row of Mark Minichiello, Greg Bird and Ashley Harrison is underlined by agility, endurance and ball-skills, the likes of Luke Bailey (107kg), Luke Douglas (110kg) and Matthew White (116kg) throw their large frames around in the quest for forward metres. One sizeable unit the Titans have missed is Ryan James, the man-child who burst onto the scene as a 111kg, 18-year-old rookie. James will be hard to miss when he returns to the Titans fold with his hulking 121kg, 194cm frame. Scare factor: 5.5 out of 10





NRL: Round 10






Tips: 'The Dragons are vulnerable' +26


Manly Sea Eagles

Front Row: Jason King, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite
Second Row: Anthony Watmough, Tony Williams
Lock: Glenn Stewart
Reserves: George Rose, Jamie Buhrer, Darcy Lussick

The reigning premiers boast one of the most aggressive packs in the competition. Veterans Jason King and Brent Kite (both 109kg) lay the framework and certainly take some stopping, before the real muscle kicks in. And they don’t come much bigger or meaner than the man they call T-Rex. At 118kg and 192cm, Tony Williams is a scary sight. Add in speed and a penchant for a big hit, and it’s no surprise Ricky Stuart was desperate to have Williams’ services in Origin. Then there’s the in-your-face of Anthony Watmough, one of the key protagonists of the Brookvale Brawl in Glenn Stewart, and the cherry on top – big George Rose. They all meld together to ensure no side ever leaves Brookvale Oval without plenty of bruises. Scare factor: 9.5 out of 10

Melbourne Storm

Front Row: Jesse Bromwich, Cameron Smith, Jason Ryles
Second Row: Ryan Hoffman, Sika Manu
Lock: Todd Lowrie
Reserves: Bryan Norrie, Kevin Proctor, Ryan Hinchcliffe

The Storm pack combine size, skill and discipline under the highly successful resigme of Craig Bellamy. The bulk of the pack consists of 100kg+ units with a desire to ground their opponents into submission. Jesse Bromwich has been a standout in the front-row with his strong carries up the centre of the ruck, prompting selection in the Kiwis squad. Sika Manu just about demands a Melbourne postcode of his own and isn’t afraid to throw his hulking frame around. Jason Ryles is an imposing presence in the middle of the park while Ryan Hoffman is a constant threat on the edges. Scare factor: 7 out of 10





NRL Line-ups






Round 11: NRL line-ups for the weekend




Newcastle Knights

Front Row: Kade Snowden, Danny Buderus, Evarn Tuimavave
Second Row: Chris Houston, Zeb Taia
Lock: Neville Costigan
Reserves: Willie Mason, Alex McKinnon, Joel Edwards

The lack of size in the Newcastle forwards forced Wayne Bennett throw a lifeline to Willie Mason. The Knights have generally struggled with their go-forward this season and unfortunately for Novocastrians, that doesn’t look like changing too much with the current cattle. Nathan Tinkler fought tooth and nail to secure Kade Snowden from the Sharks and after a slow start to the year, the former Origin prop is building towards some form. Chris Houston, Zeb Taia and Neville Costigan get through a mountain of work, while youngsters Alex McKinnon and Joel Edwards look terrific future prospects. However, at this stage, the Knights lack the size and aggression to outmuscle other packs. Scare factor: 3.5 out of 10

North Queensland Cowboys

Front Row: Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, James Tamou
Second Row: Tariq Sims, Gavin Cooper
Lock: Dallas Johnson
Reserves: Jason Taumalolo, Ashton Sims, Glenn Hall

North Queensland have one of the best book-ends in the game to guide three of the NRL’s scariest future prospects. Matt Scott finished 2011 as the world’s best prop and will be hoping to recapture that form in this year’s Origin series. The new breed of prime Townsville beef comes in the form of mini-mountains James Tamou (23, 113kg), Tariq Sims (22, 106kg) and Jason Taumalolo (18, 110kg). The trio are rampaging balls of muscle, with terrific leg speed and the ability to ‘whack’ an opponent in defence. If the Cowboys can retain their young chargers then trips to Dairy Farmers Stadium will be anything but a holiday for years to come. Scare factor: 7.5 out of 10

Parramatta Eels

Front Row: Tim Mannah, Matthew Keating, Mitchell Allgood
Second Row: Nathan Hindmarsh, Joseph Paulo
Lock: Reni Maitua
Reserves: Justin Poore, Fuifui Moimoi, Matt Ryan

Parramatta lack the size and aggression in their front six to really put a dent in the defensive line. That role was achieved so spectacularly by cult icon Fuifui Moimoi during their brilliant run in 2010, but the big Kiwi prop has since been a touch flat. Players like Mitchell Allgood and Tim Mannah look to out-work rather than outmuscle, and while Nathan Hindmarsh will stop you, he certainly won't belt you. Reni Maitua and Justin Poore have the capacity to be the aggressor but we haven't seen much of it so far this year. Scare factor: 4 out of 10



Penrith Panthers

Front Row: Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston, Tim Grant
Second Row: Clint Newton, Cameron Ciraldo
Lock: Luke Lewis
Reserves: Dayne Weston, Chris Armit, Danny Galea

Penrith have a couple of big units up front in the form of Sam McKendry (110kg) and Tim Grant (112kg) that bring their share of muscle to the equation. Luke Lewis plays with plenty of aggression, while guys like Dayne Weston and Cameron Ciraldo don't shy away from the contest. One heavy-hitter Ivan Cleary would love to have back in the mix is Nigel Plum. The robust back-rower earned the gong as the 2011 Big League Magazine's Hardest Hitter with his reputation for bone-jarring shots. Scare factor: 5 out of 10

St George Illawarra Dragons

Front Row: Dan Hunt, Mitch Rein, Michael Weyman
Second Row: Matt Prior, Ben Creagh
Lock: Dean Young
Reserves: Trent Merrin, Jeremy Latimore, Atelea Vea

The Dragons have an even distribution of toughness and smarts in their forwards. Dan Hunt and Michael Weyman go hard and straight, while Ben Creagh and Trent Merrin opt for smart lines and a bit of footwork. Creagh may have lost a few points in the scare stakes with his State of Origin back-peddal to Justin Hodges in Game III in 2009. While the Dragons aren't necessarily a 'big' side up front, their determination and toughness holds them in good stead against most opposition packs. Scare factor: 5 out of 10












Big and mean ... Souths star Sam Burgess.

Source: News Limited


South Sydney Rabbitohs

Front Row: Scott Geddes, Issac Luke, Luke Burgess
Second Row: Sam Burgess, Dave Taylor
Lock: Michael Crocker
Reserves: Eddy Pettybourne, Jason Clark, Roy Asotasi

The Bunnies generally have the biggest pack in the competition with an average weight of almost 106kg in their starting six. When it comes to blokes you would hate to tackle, it's safe to say that Dave Taylor tops most lists. A 122kg monster with pace and legs like tree trunks? Not for me, thanks. Then there's his partner in crime, Sam Burgess. Anyone who saw an 18-year-old Burgess' bell-ringer hit on Fuifui Moimoi would think twice about running straight at the big Englishman. Even Issac Luke at hooker is one of the bigger hitters in the competition, regularly flattening players well above his weight division. Scare factor: 9 out of 10

Sydney Roosters

Front Row: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend, Martin Kennedy
Second Row: Mitchell Aubusson, Aidan Guerra
Lock: Frank-Paul Nuuausala
Reserves: Mose Masoe, Lama Tasi, Boyd Cordner

The Roosters have the makings of a strong pack with plenty of youth and size from jerseys 8-13. They don't come much meaner than Kiwi hardman Jarred Waerea-Hargreaves, who last week said his side has the capability of becoming one of the most dominant packs in the game. Mose Masoe and Martin Kennedy (both 120kg) are anything but small boys, while Frank-Paul Nuuausala is a hard man to stop when he musters a full head of steam. Scare factor: 7 out of 10

Warriors

Front Row: Jacob Lillyman, Nathan Friend, Ben Matulino
Second Row: Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering
Lock: Michael Luck
Reserves: Elijah Taylor, Sam Rapira, Russell Packer

It may come as a surprise to many, but the Warriors actually have one of the smaller forward packs in terms of combined weight. They’ve also struggled in the forward metres department so far this year, but that’s not to say they aren’t a scary proposition when they get a roll-on. Perhaps the most imposing element of the Kiwis is their size and speed across the park, particularly out wide. The likes of Matulino, Lillyman and Packer hit the line with gusto up front, while Mateo and Mannering are rangy back-rowers blessed with good ball-skills, making the players around them even more dangerous. Scare factor: 7.5 out of 10

Wests Tigers

Front Row: Keith Galloway, Robbie Farah, Aaron Woods
Second Row: Adam Blair, Gareth Ellis
Lock: Chris Heighington
Reserves: Matt Groat, Liam Fulton, Matt Bell

On paper, the Tigers have one of the more imposing packs in the competition. Yet they’ve struggled to compete physically at times this season – even labelled 'soft'. Their ordinary start has been partially due to injury and a young pack of forwards finding their feet, plus high-profile recruit Adam Blair hasn’t seemed the same player as he was at Melbourne. When on-song, Blair is one of the most damaging second-rowers in the world. The Tigers have sorely missed the aggressive ball-running of their fringe dynamos Chris Heighington and Gareth Ellis. On the plus side, Aaron Woods has been belting the line with gusto and unites with big Keith Galloway after a lay-off with injury. Expect the big ginger-haired prop to take plenty of stopping. Scare factor: 5.5 out of 10

[Guest]

Next time please just paste in the link.

I never thought I'd see the day where the wabbits forward pack would be rated higher than ours and a 9/10.

Bring me a tissue box now.

[Bansai Pipeline]

The Rabbitohs are huge dude.

Big across the park.

[Guest]

will do sorry guy

Next time please just paste in the link.

I never thought I'd see the day where the wabbits forward pack would be rated higher than ours and a 9/10.

Bring me a tissue box now.

[chook 56]

The Rabbitohs are huge dude.

Big across the park.

Will be interesting to see how they go without Taylor next year.
I rate him B I G.

[TDK]

Will be interesting to see how they go without Taylor next year.
I rate him B I G.

They will be stronger, they have signed Geoff Lima, Ben Teo and rumored to have signed another big bopper prop, Dave Taylor is a fine attacking player but falls away in other statistics.

[Guest]

The day I listen to anything Matthew Johns has to say about anything is the day I vote for the ALP again.

[Guest]

I honestly think our best pack at the moment is...

8. Kennedy
9. Friend
10. Hargreaves
11. Guerra
12. Aubusson
13. Arona

14. Takairangi/Cordner/Bosden
15. Nuuausala
16. Tasi
17. Masoe

With Friend playing 80 minutes, and our outstanding backrow depth, we can afford to play 4 forwards. Aubusson and Guerra are mobile enough to push into the centres if required anyway. Nuuausala might be down on consistency, but he is a NZ international for a reason, and when he is on song he has a tremendous impact. He should be used in short, explosive bursts interchanging with the graft and toil of Arona. Guerra and Aubusson should be playing plenty of minutes, spelled briefly by the other backrower on the bench.

Cordner shouldnt have to be a toss up he is better than FPN
Taka, Cordner, Tasi and Bosden
Masoe has good value but Bosden has a great future ahead of him