Jake Friend had his first contact wrestling session this week

[Bowzy]

Jakes decision making prior to his injury was by far career best, can’t wait to see what he can add back into our team, such a great hooker.

[DP1990]

There would be a big decision to be made who to leave off the bench then.

Liu, Tetevano, Butcher, Sitili, Aubusson

Choose 2. I know I can't.

It'll probably be a week to week rotation based on performance and opposition team comparison between Butcher and Sitili but as a side note, I don't think Crichton's starting position is secure at the moment. If Angus doesn't lift and start to perform within the next few weeks I can see Robbo dropping him to the bench with Aubbo or Butcher starting and if he fails to deliver and provide a worthy impact whilst starting or coming off the bench then I can see him getting dropped to reserve grade (Bears). We're past the half-way point of the season and let's be honest Angus is still struggling to get with the groove. I don't know if it's the finger chop or style/structure of play that Chooks do compared to what he was doing at Souffs but he isn't firing on all cylinders and is basically a shadow of himself compared to last season. Yeah yeah I know "it'll take time and just wait till he clicks and what about last year it took a while as well" but last year a huge chunk of our spine was changed and this is only one player so I'm still not convinced with Angus. At this point I believe Butcher, Aubbo, Sitili would offer way more in comparison.

[Old Man Rooster]

Robbos rotation policy seems to be going great. Our depth is amazing.

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

Glad to see Collins didn't make the list of options for bench players

[player 1]

It'll probably be a week to week rotation based on performance and opposition team comparison between Butcher and Sitili but as a side note, I don't think Crichton's starting position is secure at the moment. If Angus doesn't lift and start to perform within the next few weeks I can see Robbo dropping him to the bench with Aubbo or Butcher starting and if he fails to deliver and provide a worthy impact whilst starting or coming off the bench then I can see him getting dropped to reserve grade (Bears). We're past the half-way point of the season and let's be honest Angus is still struggling to get with the groove. I don't know if it's the finger chop or style/structure of play that Chooks do compared to what he was doing at Souffs but he isn't firing on all cylinders and is basically a shadow of himself compared to last season. Yeah yeah I know "it'll take time and just wait till he clicks and what about last year it took a while as well" but last year a huge chunk of our spine was changed and this is only one player so I'm still not convinced with Angus. At this point I believe Butcher, Aubbo, Sitili would offer way more in comparison.

I've no doubt there are more observant eyes than mine out there who can see things I'm blinded to.

But for these old eyes Angus is streets ahead as the dud buy of the season for us, and possibly the whole NRL value wise.

Morris doesn't count as we have Brookvale Oval to thank for his waste of cap space.

[Tommy Smith]

After watching Sitili defend on the edge I'd have to say that Angus is miles ahead of him.

But for the Knights game where everyone bar Teddy sucked balls I reckon he's been growing into the season nicely.

Each to their own but I really don't think Angus has been going that badly. Like Joey Manu (and now Hall) the right edge has been suffering from a lack of cohesion and ball in attack as the constant halves upheaval has stilted our attack.

[fletch]

The NRL Physio was saying today that Friend is looking at a round 17 or 18 return.

[The Marshall]

Apart from maybe Friend’s first game back, you won’t be seeing Verrils on the bench when Jake is back. Especially seeing we have Rads to cover if Friend goes down. Would be a waste of a bench spot to carry Verrils with a fully fit Jake who plays 80.

Agreed