Brian Smith on ABC Grandstand just then.

[Guest]

I have floated the idea of carney at fullback and it has grown on me - see my other posts for insights. My backline would be:
1. Carney
2. Graham
3. Perrett
4. Williamson/Linnett
5. Miniciello
6. Anasta
7. Pearce

I think the back three is dynamite! Perrett i have said for a while has the ability and skills set to be a good centre if he can get his defence in order but having graham outside him and braith inside him should sure up that side of the field defensively. I think the other centre spot has to go to a young gun (williamson or Linnett). Playing inside mini will be that they have a good mentor in the game scenario and I think one of those two would be the icing on the cake. Graham needs to be on the wing as he is faster, safer under the high ball and taller than perrett whereas perrett is a better tackle breaker, whole hitter and has better general ball skills so is therefore better suited to he centres.

Onto the pack:
8. FPN
9. Friend
10. Ryles
11. Myles
12.
13. Maubs

14. Paea
15. Mase
16. Symonds
17. Jones

I think paea and mason are vital components off the bench as they add experience and impact - among others, one of our problems for a couple of years has been falling away when the substitutes come on (this should fix that up). Maubs is the lock we need - will add speed and skill from being a back and has a great attitude, leadership and work ethic. Myles has played his best footy in the backrow and would benefit from playing there offering us a good workrate in attack and defence (help replace fitzy) as well as some power running and aggression (playing as almost an extra prop). Ryles up front for go forward and experience with FPN which I think is good for the balance of the side - he is skillful, aggressive and rips in. The only hole in the backrow spot. Its a spot that I see as cordners but he wont be ready for another season or two. I think picking cherrington in there is a possibility but my only qualm is that that would mean we have a massive starting pack - too immobile?

The ideal fit is going to have to be someone like conn, guerra or baiteri - someone needs to step up into there. Having given it some thought, ahern would have been pretty perfect in that role come to think of it - great workrate in attack and defence, great attitude/work ethic, would add some skill, speed and zip and would be a great complement to that pack.

We signed Jason Baiteri for a good reason, expect him, Guerra or Conn to play in the backrow at 12. Also, expect to see Myles start at prop, with FPN on the bench, and Mason starting.

Ahern is gone, word is he has signed a one-year contract with the Broncos.

[Chris]

Ahern is gone, word is he has signed a one-year contract with the Broncos.

He's from Brisbane I believe, so that would make sense I guess.

[Guest]

We signed Jason Baiteri for a good reason, expect him, Guerra or Conn to play in the backrow at 12. Also, expect to see Myles start at prop, with FPN on the bench, and Mason starting.

Ahern is gone, word is he has signed a one-year contract with the Broncos.

yea i can confirm rohans departure I was just speaking hypothetically as pointless as that is.

[Guest]

I am expecting Conn or Baiteri to end up being a long-term forwards investment for us. I have never seen Guerra play before, so I have no idea how he goes.

[Guest]

just hoping 2010 is a good year and we make big leaps forward and unearth some great new talent to steer this great club back to the top where we belong

[Guest]

http://www.abc.net.au/sport/rugbyleague/audio/

Go to Audio for

Sunday League Finals Week 2

About half way through is the Brian Smith interview and immediately before that they interview Todd Carney

[Guest]

Listening to it now.

He is impressed with Todd Carney's attitude, is glad he is being genuine about his situation.

He isn't sure whether he is a fullback, five-eighth or halfback, and states that he is not sure about Braith at lock, but he will work out in training what the combination will be.

Hughie Stanley and George Jarrett are the country centres we have apparently signed. Half brothers, very very fast apparently.

He has acknowledged the culture problem too, that is good.

[Horry]

George Jarrett is a backrower not a centre Mack.

[Guest]

Ahh really?

My bad, I must have misheard the broadcast.

Hughie Stanley is the centre he described as being one of the best, yes?

[Vasco]

If we did not re-sign Minichiello, I would definitely like the idea.

Mini and Perrett on opposite wings = FAR too short. We will be outjumped. We need at least one of Ryan Williamson, Sandor Earl or Shaun Kenny-Dowall on the wing so that at least we have someone to compete for the aerial ball. Perrett deserves the other wing spot.

Also, I think that Paea will have his last year with us next year, before I think that the younger brigade of Myles, Nuuausala and Hargreaves replace him.

Minichiello played a few years of first grade on the wing without any real problems in the air.

[Horry]

Ahh really?

My bad, I must have misheard the broadcast.

Hughie Stanley is the centre he described as being one of the best, yes?

correct!..........

[TheLoneRooster]

The most pleasing thing I'm hearing about Smith is his acknowledgement of the myriad problems the Roosters possess. I'm looking forward to season 2010 in the hope that he's able to work some minor and major miracles with the players at his disposal and it appears that there is going to be competition for places (except for 7) in the FG team.

[Guest]

Listening to it now.

He is impressed with Todd Carney's attitude, is glad he is being genuine about his situation.

He isn't sure whether he is a fullback, five-eighth or halfback, and states that he is not sure about Braith at lock, but he will work out in training what the combination will be.

Hughie Stanley and George Jarrett are the country centres we have apparently signed. Half brothers, very very fast apparently.

He has acknowledged the culture problem too, that is good.

George Jarrett was signed to play for the Titans NYC last season but dropped off the radar after not making the team. He was still eligible for NYC this year but don't know what happened to him. He is a backrower from what I can recall and is only young, turns 21 next year. Has potential but would prefered to sign Dylan Sharp IMO.

This Hughie Stanley, if I am correct, I remember a kid with the same name running around for St Brendan's College, QLD in the Arrive Alive Cup a couple of years back. If this is the same kid, he is lightning from memory. I think he will be eligible for NYC next season. But I'm not sure if it is him because isn't this kid from NSW Country?

[Guest]

George Jarrett was signed to play for the Titans NYC last season but dropped off the radar after not making the team. He was still eligible for NYC this year but don't know what happened to him. He is a backrower from what I can recall and is only young, turns 21 next year. Has potential but would prefered to sign Dylan Sharp IMO.

This Hughie Stanley, if I am correct, I remember a kid with the same name running around for St Brendan's College, QLD in the Arrive Alive Cup a couple of years back. If this is the same kid, he is lightning from memory. I think he will be eligible for NYC next season. But I'm not sure if it is him because isn't this kid from NSW Country?

In that interview Brian Smith said that Hughie Stanley was originally from somewhere in QLD. I cant recall where but I'd say you have your man mate.

[Geohood]

Looks like this is him.