Rumours around that JMoz and Ikuvalu could play against the Raiders

[fletch]

Roosters Josh Morris (hamstring) and Matt Ikuvalu (ankle) trained with squad Today and could return from injury in #NRLRaidersRoosters

https://twitter.com/WackosWhispers/status/1431930251739754497

[Big Dog]

I saw on the news last night that JMoz would be playing. Dunno about Iku.

[Vasco]

We'll know in 5 minutes.

[Vasco]

The fact that JMoz announced his retirement yesterday could be a clue.

[fletch]

Lot of ins for this week

• Adam Keighran
• Angus Crichton
• Daniel Suluka-Fifita
• Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
• Josh Morris
• Matt Ikuvalu

[Waylander]

Both in, as is SST. Gus back too, of course.

[Dr. Voodoo Man]

Great news.

[ism22]

Raiders have brought back Klokstad and this will be played like their grand final. I've got a bad feeling about it as we've got a lot to lose in terms of injuries/suspensions but very little to gain.

[dice]

Raiders have brought back Klokstad and this will be played like their grand final. I've got a bad feeling about it as we've got a lot to lose in terms of injuries/suspensions but very little to gain.

Parra are also throwing their game against a full-strength Panthers. If we lose this week we could still end up in 5th playing the Raiders in week 1.

[DP1990]

Just a thought and I know some people think shifting/placing players out of position isn't always the best idea or approach but this is just purely my thoughts specifically for our back line this week against the Raiders:


As per the team announcement this arvo:

1. Teddy
2. Toops
3. Jmoz
4. Keighran
5. Ikuvalu


Now, I know Robbo and the staff would know best and more and how comfortable the players would be in their respective positions is important as well but my thinking would be to have Jmoz and Keighran switch centre positions so the line up in the backs would look like this:

1. Teddy
2. Toops
3. Keighran
4. Jmoz
5. Ikuvalu


Just thinking that Jmoz next to Lam/Walker, Sitili and Ikuvalu would tighten up our defence and placing him there would make the other right side players feel more confident in defence having a big body and reliable player like Jmoz there. We've all seen many games where Ikuvalu has been caught out, same with Sitili and little Walker in defence so placing Jmoz would be a better tactical option. Having Keighran means we would have two smaller bodies on the backs (right side) plus Lam/Walker parked out there as well which could mean trouble for us. Few weeks ago Toops and Keighran appeared to be playing quite well, so why not go back to that left side combo ? ... but on the flip side Timoko and Rapana would be attacking our left side hence maybe the thought is that Jmoz and Toops being the stronger centre and wing pair have been placed there to handle them. Personally, I'd have the two centres swap sides but perhaps it's not required and Keighran and Ikuvalu will be fine.


Thoughts ? ... Doesn't make a difference ? Should be fine ? Meh ?

[King Salvo]

Just a thought and I know some people think shifting/placing players out of position isn't always the best idea or approach but this is just purely my thoughts specifically for our back line this week against the Raiders:


As per the team announcement this arvo:

1. Teddy
2. Toops
3. Jmoz
4. Keighran
5. Ikuvalu


Now, I know Robbo and the staff would know best and more and how comfortable the players would be in their respective positions is important as well but my thinking would be to have Jmoz and Keighran switch centre positions so the line up in the backs would look like this:

1. Teddy
2. Toops
3. Keighran
4. Jmoz
5. Ikuvalu


Just thinking that Jmoz next to Lam/Walker, Sitili and Ikuvalu would tighten up our defence and placing him there would make the other right side players feel more confident in defence having a big body and reliable player like Jmoz there. We've all seen many games where Ikuvalu has been caught out, same with Sitili and little Walker in defence so placing Jmoz would be a better tactical option. Having Keighran means we would have two smaller bodies on the backs (right side) plus Lam/Walker parked out there as well which could mean trouble for us. Few weeks ago Toops and Keighran appeared to be playing quite well, so why not go back to that left side combo ? ... but on the flip side Timoko and Rapana would be attacking our left side hence maybe the thought is that Jmoz and Toops being the stronger centre and wing pair have been placed there to handle them. Personally, I'd have the two centres swap sides but perhaps it's not required and Keighran and Ikuvalu will be fine.


Thoughts ? ... Doesn't make a difference ? Should be fine ? Meh ?

Stats show Teams on average score 70% or so of tries via their left side attack vs the oppositions right side defence - not sure about Raider or if this has changed under the new rules and less structured game some teams are playing.

I mentioned playing J Morris at Right centre with Ikuvula outside him and Keighran at left centre with Toops outside him so each side has an experienced player to assist the less experienced player on each side in defence.

Issue would then be in attack if Chook favours left side you have Keighran there instead of Morris which may limit the attack on that side.

Defensively though

Toops Keighran Lam Crichton Liu JWH Verrills SST Sitili Hutch J Morris Ikuvalu - Tedesco behind front line

or

Toops J Morris Lam Crichton Liu JWH Verrills SST Sitili Hutch Keighran Ikuvalu - Tedesco behind front line


I would have Lam/Walker defending on the wing or one in at least myself