Sadly it's that time, your team for 2020

Murray makes a lot of meters with the ball though and is hard to get there hands on to tackle .
 
I can see Yates making a return to the NRL. The London Broncos were relegated this year, and he only signed a 1-year deal so he'll be looking for a club. He is small sized, however I think more teams are looking for mobile, athletic packs rather than just big boppers who tire easily.

Cam Murray is the best comparison I can think of. Murray is in an entirely different class IMO, but he is also small sized for a lock. Raiders pack is much smaller and mobile this year also and they're going well. I think it's where the game is going. I'd love to see us take Yates back, although we've got plenty of forwards coming through in the juniors.

Like comparing a Datsun to a BMW.
 
As I said, Murray is in a different class altogether. Point was more that those smaller, athletic forwards (Murray, Bateman, for example) are becoming more popular IMO than the typical big units like Shannon Boyd.
 
I don't think Yates was athletic or skillfull, was just a tough defender, loved him for his passion but yeah not a NRL player by any stretch. Your right though, your Shannon Boyds are becoming a thing of the past.
 
We couldn't afford Yates.
He's established himself as the best defender in the ESL by averaging over 40 stinging tackles per game and with the lowest missed tackle rate of anyone in the top 20 defenders.
We'd probably offer him minimum wage if we offered him anything at all, and ESL clubs are lining up to throw big money at him.

He is a much better player now, after having the chance to play big minutes and lead his forward pack every week. I think he'd be a great asset for us with his extra experience, but he'd have to take a big paycut to come home.

It wouldn't surprize me if Canberra make him an offer, given their success using tough guys from the ESL.
 
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My bad, forgot about that.

Probably would have been easier listing guys who weren't training in that position
It appeared Mann didn't train in that position but was chosen there anyway...

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1. Ponga
2. Best
3. Israel Folau Looks like he will be playing for Tonga and I would sign him straight away .
4. Hunt
5. Lee
6. Watson
7. Pearce
8. Klemmer.
9. Brailey
10. Saifiti
11. Barnett
12. Fitz
13. Ese ese

14. Mann
15. Jacob
16. Glasby
17. Sione
 
I'd take Izzy in a heartbeat oppinions and all.

I wouldnt. Great player but we dont need him setting off some chitstorm for the club with his comments whether you agree with him or his right to Express himself or not.

Especially as that timebomb could explode at any moment, early in season, leading in to semi's, just before qualifying final or GF.

We dont need that turmoil.
 
Did'nt Oates say he wanted to play in the forwards personally I don't think he would go to bad there. I would play him at centre or wing but its a lot of cash for a winger and the same with Izzy he wont be cheap either .
Best looked pretty good at centre I thought , he made a couple of mistakes in defence but that will get better and with ball in hand he looked good .
Id be happy with Ponga, Hunt , Best, Moga , Lee.
But Ponga, Hunt , Izzy,Best/Moga , Lee looks better.
 
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