Backline has a lot of potential for 2023?

[ism22]

2022 I thought we were solid in the backline but Smith/Momirovski (due to form/injuries) didn't really provide an adequate replacement for the Morris brothers. Hope they do but 2022 we also lacked depth when players got injured.

2023... what do people think of Allan, Paulo and friends (on top of Smith, Momirovski, that Fijian dude and that bloke from the Doggies who almost died?)

IMO we're looking pretty sweet on paper. The way I see it we are...

1. Teddy
2. Toops
3. Sua'ali'i
4. Manu
5. Allan

If/when injuries happen I'm optimistic that Smith may be a bit more useful without the pressure of a full season (could have more time to prep/recover). Paulo will be a solid option compared with what we saw in 2022 during times of injury. Also, I reckon Allan can't just play origin and then die... with a proper pre-season and better quality ball, IMO he'll be on the money.

Be interesting to see what we become when players are out too. Kinda excited about seeing something like...

1. Sua'ali'i
2. Toops
3. Smith
4. Allan
5. Paulo
6. Manu

when guys are out and stuff. More depth IMO! Love the boys but I like the idea of having specialist centres defending at that position and Manu in the halves rather than seeing utilities plug spots.

[King Salvo]

The depth as far as the backs go for 2023

Full Backs - Tedesco/Manu/Allan/Suallii

Wingers- Tupou /Manu/Momirovski/Sualii/Billy Smith*/Allan/Paulo/ Karawalevu

Centres - Manu/Momirovski/Suaalii/Hutch/Billy Smith*/Toia*/Allan/Paulo

5/8's - Keary/Manu/Walker/Hutch/ Sandon Smith

1/2's - Walker/Keary/Hutch/Sandon Smith

* Recovering from ACL injuries - return late July/Early August

One would say the following could be a possible round 1 back line

1. Tedesco
2. Tupou
3. Momirovski
4. Manu
5. Suaalii
6. Keary
7. Walker

[kakaruk]

The depth as far as the backs go for 2023

Full Backs - Tedesco/Manu/Allan/Suallii

Wingers- Tupou /Manu/Momirovski/Sualii/Billy Smith*/Allan/Paulo/ Karawalevu

Centres - Manu/Momirovski/Suaalii/Hutch/Billy Smith*/Toia*/Allan/Paulo

5/8's - Keary/Manu/Walker/Hutch/ Sandon Smith

1/2's - Walker/Keary/Hutch/Sandon Smith

* Recovering from ACL injuries - return late July/Early August

One would say the following could be a possible round 1 back line

1. Tedesco
2. Tupou
3. Momirovski
4. Manu
5. Suaalii
6. Keary
7. Walker

Suaali has played his last game on the wing and i reckon Momo will be behind Billy and Allen he will be playing a lot of reserve grade next year in my opinion King.He has a good contract so he will get paid in any case good coin too, happy days for Momo

[ChookMaster]

Not really worried about our backline. It will be all for show if our middle men aren’t doing their job’s.

Im moreso worried about our depth especially in the prop rotation.

May,Baker, Thomas, Tuku? Sure these guys are knocking on the door but we are lacking a FG established prop.. someone in the mould of a Marty Tapau

[Mickie Lane]

If Teddy is out Suaalii will not be his replacement. Manu & Allen will be before him.
Suaalii is more your battering ram & will be used as a winger or centre. He was unreal on the wing this year for the Roosters compared to his FB stint for Samoa.
I think Robbo will start Manu & Momo in the centres but eventually move Suaalii to the centres.
The jury is still out in regards to Paulo, he played centre & wing for our old favourites Souths but didnt nail either position. I just hope Walker, Keary, Manu, Toups & Teddy stay fit.

[FlamingRooster]

I think Billy Smith won't see much FG this year. Momo will probably be given first crack at the wing, but his margin for error I suspect will be low. Paulo probably next man up due to having a higher ceiling than Allan, though I personally prefer Corey (still remember him actually playing well for QLD + against us at FB for the Vermin)

[Thirteen]

I think Sualli will remain on the wing.

I don’t think Allen is too quick. I’d prefer to see Paulo at centre rather than wing.

[roosterproud]

I think all these wing and centres will be chosen on their defence abilities. Bring back the wall

[Vasco]

I don't think Sualii will be in the centres unless there are injuries. He's a machine on the wing, we would weaken the position a lot if he moved.

[horrie hastings]

At this point of his career Sualii is better suited on the wing but it leaves us pretty weak in the centres apart from Manu. Billy Smith would be perfect for the other centre position but unfortunately i think he must be related to Brett Papworth and i cant see him ever playing a full season. Momo is to weak in defence. Not sure whether he is the answer but i would probably give Corey Allan first crack at the other centre spot.

[Easts75]

If Teddy is out Suaalii will not be his replacement. Manu & Allen will be before him.
Suaalii is more your battering ram & will be used as a winger or centre. He was unreal on the wing this year for the Roosters compared to his FB stint for Samoa.
I think Robbo will start Manu & Momo in the centres but eventually move Suaalii to the centres.
The jury is still out in regards to Paulo, he played centre & wing for our old favourites Souths but didnt nail either position. I just hope Walker, Keary, Manu, Toups & Teddy stay fit.

Manu 100% after Teddy
Suaalii 100% before Allen

[BillyBonkers]

Seems to be a few around hesitant on C Allan, I think he'll be fine. Certainly, won't let the side down.
B Smith, hold your breath time on his return, survives the season, we have a champion.

[DELLboyDYL]

Not really worried about our backline. It will be all for show if our middle men aren’t doing their job’s.

Im moreso worried about our depth especially in the prop rotation.

May,Baker, Thomas, Tuku? Sure these guys are knocking on the door but we are lacking a FG established prop.. someone in the mould of a Marty Tapau

I’d love for us to target a few blokes like Flegler, McLean or Kamicamika (Flegs and Jordan’s price tags are probably too high for us but). Or even for someone like NAS take over as JWH’s spiritual successor for us, but that’s all just pipe dreams on my part tbh

[Monaco's Fan Club]

If there a chance Big Joe will stay on at the Roosters, he will be playing centre

Toops will play outside Big Joe to add experience with Paulo outside Manu

Momo had enough chances last year .. He is backup at best or off to the Dolphins ..

[Headless Chook]

If there a chance Big Joe will stay on at the Roosters, he will be playing centre

Toops will play outside Big Joe to add experience with Paulo outside Manu

Momo had enough chances last year .. He is backup at best or off to the Dolphins ..

The club has a big opinion of Robert Toia, don't be surprised to see him in the mix at some stage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=vUMjsSjnmbc