Who misses out when SBW returns

[NorthChook]

Assuming and hoping we have a everyone back on deck for the last rounds of the season (not including season ending injuries) who misses out?

Out of the players we have left this season, without SBW I think Robbo would go with:

8 JWH
9 Friend
10 Tauks
11 Cordner
12 Gus
13 Liu

14 Butcher
15 Collins
16 Sitili
17 Aubbo or Lam

For me it looks like Aubbo and Butcher may be the ones to sit out. I feel we need Lam to give Friend a spell and he has made impact when coming off the bench so far. However Robbo does prefer defence over attack so does that mean Aubbo will be the utility?

The other question is who will end up being starting 13 - Liu is starting for now but Robbo may want Butcher to start there as Liu off the bench has a bit more flexibility to cover back or front row as needed. Sonny will start off the bench and play limited minutes and very well may do so for the whole of his season.

I feel Sitili and Collins are safe.

So Lam/Butcher/Aubbo ....2 go, one stays

[Serenader]

I’m assuming u mean when at full strength. Have to be butcher/Sitili depending on the opposition

[BUDDY]

I feel SBW won't be playing long minutes so Butcher is probably the one to start at 13.
Maubs will beat the club record in 5 more games. He is a Roosters legend but come the back end of the season I think he will be more a liability compared to the others. He just hasn't found the form this year.
For that reason I think Maubs will miss out.

[NorthChook]

I’m assuming u mean when at full strength. Have to be butcher/Sitili depending on the opposition

Yes sorry, at full strength - not including season ending injuries

[Monaco's Fan Club]

Sitili... he plays a similar way to SBW, minus the effectiveness

[OMR]

Maubs will be there at least until he beats the club record then may make way for others to take his spot. The loyalty the Roosters pride themselves on will ensure he breaks the record.
As a member I was asked for my favourite player, and every year I choose Maubs as he is the type of player that every tram needs, someone who tools away without fanfare and covers many positions. The highlight of his career was playing halfback in the 2018 decider .

[ROC181]

Sitili... he plays a similar way to SBW, minus the effectiveness

I’m thinking Sonny’s presence will lift Sitili to another level as well as Manu and TKO because they would be mad All Blacks supporters and would cut their arm off to be able to play with a legend.

[NorthChook]

Last weekend Sitili was one of the few that stood up for us - I think removing his impact and intensity will set us back

[Nicola Tesla]

I must say that the work Butcher does goes unnoticed by me... I need to watch him closer as I don't see anything special about him....not that every player needs to be special.... but what is his thing?

He had that little off load when being tackled...obviously a motor on him... good lateral movement around the ruck...and that may be it....all are important.

I know he has been injured, but I'm talking about last year also.

I trust the coach...but what am I missing or am I over thinking it.

I know Sitili is very dynamic etc...and stands out off the bench.

[Vasco]

I think Butcher needs to improve to keep his spot in the 17. Has been a little disappointing this season.

[Rooster_6]

If it was up to me;

8. JWH
9. Friend
10. SST
11. Cordner
12. Aubusson (first 30)
13. Crichton

14. SBW (30-80 for Aubo)
15. Liu (prop rotation)
16. Collins / Tupouniua (prop rotation)
17. Butcher (lock rotation)

Possibly Lam as 17 if Crichton could handle 60-70 at lock with Butcher moving into competition for a front row bench spot.

A lot will depend how the game progresses under the 6 again rule. There has been a noticeable trend back towards allowing defensive sides to slow the ruck down.

[Rooster_6]

I think Butcher needs to improve to keep his spot in the 17. Has been a little disappointing this season.

Been injured for most of the season. Little unfair.

[Rooster_6]

Last weekend Sitili was one of the few that stood up for us - I think removing his impact and intensity will set us back

He provides mobility unparalleled to any other forward currently in our rotation. If there's one guy I'm hoping will grow in seasons to come from just being around SBW its this guy.

[zac]

wait and see for me. the fringe guys have half a dozen games to make a case for themselves.

i'm wondering what cover robbo wants for dummy half/halves on the bench. that's as big a factor as any as to who misses out.

[milanja]

Aubo used to have the D to keep him in the team, I think that part of him has slipped in the last couple years, probably due to his speed dropping off too, but we also have to see how Sonny comes back, no point dropping a legend for a legend, if one of them isn’t an improvement.