Whereas Carvell/Morley/Wood etc. will be a breeze for Green?



I kind of see what you're saying about our back row struggling against theirs without Tickle, and I'm all for seeing Green given a go, but it's hard to say one is more pressing than the other. If we struggle down the middle they'll dominate regardless of who we play wider. It'll be interesting to see which way Gentle goes and who he has confidence in if we are without players.

Resignation mode resumed, and philosophical to boot:



Richard, darling, please will you step just one place outside and be centre again?



Whiting must replace Martin, no brainer.

not that much of a no brainer! whiting was made to look a fool by atkins last time we played! got ran through,ran round,and ran over!

Lets see what Sunday brings.

Although not ideal, this is a great test to see if the young players are ready.



By looking at pre-saeson I think Nicklas could be in front of Ellis to replace Seymour.



I share others worry about Turner in defence, could play Whiting there, but then you weaken the backrow.



If all three are out I would go with.



Mckinnon

Sharp

Turner

Yeaman

Briscoe

Horne

Nicklas

Moa

Houghton

Lynch

Manu

Westerman

Tickle



Aspinwall

Whiting

Green

Ellis

No O'Meley?



I'm not to fussed, Turner for Martin, Nicklas for Horne, Ellis for Seymour, Burnett for Lynch, Green for O'Carroll, Cunningham for Heremaia, that's the point of a squad.

Disappointing to be missing players in round one but most teams have injuries. It's why we have a squad.



Hope the young lads show up well and the others are back in contention soon.

is chris bridge and simon grix fit????? just in my fantasy thats all

Mistake by me that.



O Meley for Ellis, Houghton to do the full 80.

This.



After the whole pre season of player-for-player cover, we are now asking Whiting to come back in the centres! Brilliant.

I actually think Turner should be a back rower now, the guy is huge with decent ability. Not saying he'll get a look in at the moment as back row seems to be strong as usual.

But with all the talk of his defensive problems, a move to the middle would suit him. Centre is one of the hardest positions to defend as your out on the edge & have make split second decisions when often out numbered.

Unlike a back rower who will get through alot of tackling but usually has players around him to help out.

Just my thoughts but like I say there are plenty of players fighting for a back row spot so maybe he thought he had more chance of pushing for a chance at 1st team in the centres.