Kane Linnett is the first natural centre we've had since Ryan Cross

[Cockadoodledoo]

He would have been howled down by the supporters if melbourne put on a few tries down his side at the start... he misread several plays.. the dropped ball saved him.

Good to see some potential... can't wait for people to talk him up then shoot him down when he has a bad game.

People have called for him for a while but I think the time smith kept him down will serve him well.

He injured his ankle 2 months ago when he was set to make his debut.. Spending the next 6 weeks on the sidelines injured was why he had to wait so long.

[Guest]

No doubt, Linnet has the x factor. Smith has found the missing link. I still think Mini is passed it though.

[Guest]

Fark the Hayne Train,we have the Kane Train,all aboard, you are a very usefull engine!

[Guest]

There is just one player now left that deserves a go imo and that is luke towers. he is a clone of matt bowen - great ball playing ability, small but extremely quick, busts plenty of tackles and has been killing it for newtown. Before we at least confirm dugan id like to see him in first grade because if he continues his progression and fulfills his potential which he looks set to do, im content with him as our custodian going forward being a local junior as well.

[Guest]

Because i live in NZ i dont get to see much of the development players so i get what i can about rooster players from this website - e.g. BJ Leilua, Luke Towers, etc. So its exciting to see these guys play after reading all the hype, and Linnett definitely didnt let the pro-linnett posts down. Good all round vision, skill and play for first up

[Guest]

There is just one player now left that deserves a go imo and that is luke towers. he is a clone of matt bowen - great ball playing ability, small but extremely quick, busts plenty of tackles and has been killing it for newtown. Before we at least confirm dugan id like to see him in first grade because if he continues his progression and fulfills his potential which he looks set to do, im content with him as our custodian going forward being a local junior as well.

I'd love to see Luke Towers have a run, but if fullback is where he is being groomed for, then Smith will be more conservative about when he throws him in. Its easier to give a forward, centre or winger a run when you 'think' he is ready. But with a half, 5/8 and especially fullback, you have to 'know he is ready. There is no hiding back there if you have first game nerves....

I really hope he gets a run by the end of the year though - gotta support a real local junior!

[melon....]

Ross from Friends did well.

[Guest]

Linnett played very well. Interesting to see what Smith does with the team line up at full strength. Moving Carney to 5/8 and Anasta to lock will allow Minichello to stay at fullback and will open a spot for either BJ or Linnett to cement a starting spot in the centres

[Guest]

Ross from Friends did well.

Except at the end of the game when he opened his mouth for an interview.

Mitch Pearce and Keiran Foran have taught him well !!!

[Headless Chook]

Ross from Friends did well.

I thought it was Aiden Guerra with a different number on.

[Guest]

Linnett played very well. Interesting to see what Smith does with the team line up at full strength. Moving Carney to 5/8 and Anasta to lock will allow Minichello to stay at fullback and will open a spot for either BJ or Linnett to cement a starting spot in the centres

what happens to FPN or myles when he picks the teams next week

[Guest]

This is the problem I see.

Assuming we keep Mini at fullback, Carney to five-eighth, Anasta to lock.

That means Nuuausala will have to move into the backrow.

That means Symonds will have to move to the bench.

Now...with Nuuausala, Aubusson and Anasta in the backrow, it sounds settled. Until you realise that Nate Myles is yet to return.

Again, making an assumption that they would all stay where they are, the only foreseeable solution is that either Myles or Nuuausala pushes up into the front row with Ryles. Masoe is the weakest link out of the current starting pack other than Symonds.

It is a good problem to have in theory, but the problem is causes is issues with team structure and balance.

Minichiello, Perrett, Kenny-Dowall, Linnett, Graham, Carney, Pearce, Ryles, Friend, Nuuausala/Myles, Aubusson, Nuuausala/Myles, Anasta, BENCH: Kouparitsas, Symonds, Conn, Masoe/Kennedy/Paea

Considering Jones (who is in hot form for the NYC team), J Aubusson and Aiden Guerra (decent FGers), JWH and Cherrington (injured) are all not selected, that is a bloody good side.

[Guest]

what happens to FPN or myles when he picks the teams next week

Yep that's the problem, but a good problem to have. Instead of scratching around for players, we have lots of internal competition for spots

Personally, I wouldn't know what to do. I don't think Carney at #1 is working for us, and I think we would be better suited with him at 6. But then what to do with Anasta, when we already have a wealth of depth in the backrow

[Vasco]

This is the problem I see.

Assuming we keep Mini at fullback, Carney to five-eighth, Anasta to lock.

That means Nuuausala will have to move into the backrow.

That means Symonds will have to move to the bench.

Now...with Nuuausala, Aubusson and Anasta in the backrow, it sounds settled. Until you realise that Nate Myles is yet to return.

Again, making an assumption that they would all stay where they are, the only foreseeable solution is that either Myles or Nuuausala pushes up into the front row with Ryles. Masoe is the weakest link out of the current starting pack other than Symonds.

It is a good problem to have in theory, but the problem is causes is issues with team structure and balance.

Minichiello, Perrett, Kenny-Dowall, Linnett, Graham, Carney, Pearce, Ryles, Friend, Nuuausala/Myles, Aubusson, Nuuausala/Myles, Anasta, BENCH: Kouparitsas, Symonds, Conn, Masoe/Kennedy/Paea

Considering Jones (who is in hot form for the NYC team), J Aubusson and Aiden Guerra (decent FGers), JWH and Cherrington (injured) are all not selected, that is a bloody good side.

We all thought it was a good side after the Titans match.

We need to find consistency before we can be considered good.

[Guest]

Smith didn't move Anasta to lock when he was in poor form, so his is not going to move him now he has had 2 good games out of 3 - nor should he.

As good as Linnet looked, our outside backs have been our weakest link this year, so I would leave Carney at Fullback (he will improve his positional play) and let Linnet, Mini, SKD, Perret, BJ, Graham and Towers fight out the 4 remaining outside back positions. There are no world beaters in that bunch listed - certainly not enough reason to move your 5/8 to lock and disrupt a performing pack just to fit them in.