What is our ideal bench combination?

[CanterburybankstownBD]

I've never really understood how teams pick their bench..is a utility essential these days?

Hethrington, Atoni and Ogden are players I wouldn't want to leave out of the side but that would mean having 3 props on the bench.
Is that such a bad thing? 3 props and one 2nd rower.

The blues in state of origin seem to have a bench of backrowers.

My bench would be
14. Napa
15. Hethrington
16. Atoni
17. Elliot/Jackson (depending on who starts at lock.
I think Elliot would be better coming off the bench as he has good speed, footwork and ball playing skills.

 

[Morris1]

With 8 interchange there is no real need for soo many forwards as most have to play bigger mins... and with the way the HIA rule is now you need coverage over many positions. A utility is a must

 

[DogsOfWar1704]

Hetherington atoni ogden and either katoa or jmk with the other starting

 

[bradyk]

At full strength
14. Waddell
15. Atoni
16. Napa
17. Stimson
With Thompson out, Atoni starting and Ogden bench.
I still think we need to sign 1 more starting prop (for 2022) which would push Hetherington onto the bench with Napa not being re-signed.
Ideally you want your hooker playing 80 minutes, it isn't really optimal to have a spine player interchanged (halfback/hooker most important positions currently, combinations).

 

[Snake]

14. JMK
15. Elliott
16. Waddell
17. Napa

 

[COVENS]

I reckon you need a utility who has a primary role who CAN fill in at multiple positions in the case of an injury.
A good example of this is Papenhuyzen: he'd come on at "Lock" and be dangerous and a be a point of difference through the middle but with minimal shuffling he covers every position in the backline and is a specialist Fullback.

Melbourne have the luxury of having B.Smith as well though who plays that hybrid Lock/Hooker role.
We could use Katoa in that role if Wakeham can actually succeed at Hooker.

 

[CanterburybankstownBD]

At full strength
14. Waddell
15. Atoni
16. Napa
17. Stimson
With Thompson out, Atoni starting and Ogden bench.
I still think we need to sign 1 more starting prop (for 2022) which would push Hetherington onto the bench with Napa not being re-signed.
Ideally you want your hooker playing 80 minutes, it isn't really optimal to have a spine player interchanged (halfback/hooker most important positions currently, combinations).

At full strength, what would be your 17 for 2021?

 

[bullanth]

For me Napa,is just way to big,he’s slow play the balls are just not part of the modern game,really if not for the fact he’s on such big money,I wouldn’t even have him in the top 17,I would definitely have Stimson and Elliot on the bench,with renouf and ofahiki,Stimson played a few backline positions at the storm,and for me a better option than Napa

 

[bradyk]

At full strength, what would be your 17 for 2021?

1. Meaney
2. Okunbor (T. Katoa)
3. Cotric
4. Hopoate
5. DWZ
6. Averillo
7. Flanagan
8. Thompson (Ogden)
9. JMK
10. Hetherington
11. Jackson
12. RFM
13. Elliott

14. Waddell
15. Atoni
16. Napa
17. Stimson

( )'s are for injuries/suspensions.

You can swap Jackson/Elliott, but they'll both be starting (I prefer the ball playing Elliott offers).
A lot of people are going with Averillo at fullback but I think we need a runner next to Flanagan and Lewis and Wakeham don't do it for me (maybe promote BBO?). Burton coming early would solve this issue.
Barrett might throw Wakeham or Katoa on the bench to spell JMK because he's struggled to be a 80 minute hooker. It hurts will still don't have a top or promising hooker. I think JMK could be a decent utility but he isn't good enough to be a starting NRL hooker (either are the other options).
I think Chris Smith is a little underrated and unlucky to miss out on a bench position but I want to see what Waddell and Stimson can do (Stimson's been training for the middle, lock rotation, according to Barrett).
*I have a feeling we'll get JAC for 2021 and if so Okunbor would drop out even tho I prefer him over DWZ (similar to Napa and Ogden, his pay packet gives him the first opportunity to keep or lose his position).
In the future we're going to have to think about turning RFM into a middle otherwise we're going to lose one of Doorey or Topine, or both.
I think the rest pick themselves.
I've probably ranted a bit but that's my ideal 17 for 2021.

 

[CanterburybankstownBD]

1. Meaney
2. Okunbor (T. Katoa)
3. Cotric
4. Hopoate
5. DWZ
6. Averillo
7. Flanagan
8. Thompson (Ogden)
9. JMK
10. Hetherington
11. Jackson
12. RFM
13. Elliott

14. Waddell
15. Atoni
16. Napa
17. Stimson

( )'s are for injuries/suspensions.

You can swap Jackson/Elliott, but they'll both be starting (I prefer the ball playing Elliott offers).
A lot of people are going with Averillo at fullback but I think we need a runner next to Flanagan and Lewis and Wakeham don't do it for me (maybe promote BBO?). Burton coming early would solve this issue.
Barrett might throw Wakeham or Katoa on the bench to spell JMK because he's struggled to be a 80 minute hooker. It hurts will still don't have a top or promising hooker. I think JMK could be a decent utility but he isn't good enough to be a starting NRL hooker (either are the other options).
I think Chris Smith is a little underrated and unlucky to miss out on a bench position but I want to see what Waddell and Stimson can do (Stimson's been training for the middle, lock rotation, according to Barrett).
*I have a feeling we'll get JAC for 2021 and if so Okunbor would drop out even tho I prefer him over DWZ (similar to Napa, his pay packet gives him the first opportunity to keep or lose his position).
In the future we're going to have to think about turning RFM into a middle otherwise we're going to lose one of Doorey or Topine, or both.
I think the rest pick themselves.
I've probably ranted a bit but that's my ideal 17 for 2021.

I've always thought Meaney is a good solid player, he's safe, consistent, fast and reads the game well,
I agree that a running 5/8 would work well alongside Flanagan who is structured and a traditional organising halfback. I think Averillo would be good or even Lewis in the 6 if Barrett can use him differently.
Really like Chris Smith as a player too, Stimson hasn't really played well since joining the dogs.
I hope we do get JAC for next year, what makes you think he's coming early?

 

[bradyk]

I've always thought Meaney is a good solid player, he's safe, consistent, fast and reads the game well,
I agree that a running 5/8 would work well alongside Flanagan who is structured and a traditional organising halfback. I think Averillo would be good or even Lewis in the 6 if Barrett can use him differently.
Really like Chris Smith as a player too, Stimson hasn't really played well since joining the dogs.
I hope we do get JAC for next year, what makes you think he's coming early?

It's just a feeling I've had since the start of the whole JAC "circus". I don't have any inside information or anything. I know JAC wants to be back in Sydney (family reasons) and I'm of the belief Reimis was traded for JAC (some will say it's a coincidence but I can't fathom that personally). I think we're going to try and abuse a loop hole in the HOA between JAC and Tigers (e.g. loaning or waiting for the Tigers to spend their remaining salary cap space so they can't fit him in). JAC also said he'd be at the dogs next year in that "leaked" video (JAC signing with us has already come to fruition, so I'm trusting him a bit here).

 

[CanterburybankstownBD]

It's just a feeling I've had since the start of the whole JAC "circus". I don't have any inside information or anything. I know JAC wants to be back in Sydney (family reasons) and I'm of the belief Reimis was traded for JAC (some will say it's a coincidence but I can't fathom that personally). I think we're going to try and abuse a loop hole in the HOA between JAC and Tigers (e.g. loaning or waiting for the Tigers to spend their remaining salary cap space so they can't fit him in). JAC also said he'd be at the dogs next year in that "leaked" video (JAC signing with us has already come to fruition, so I'm trusting him a bit here).

Interesting... I'll have to look up heads of agreement
That would be awesome if he arrived early

 

[Kelpie03]

14. JMK
15. Elliott
16. Waddell
17. Napa

I agree with JMK on the bench he has shown that he can't handle the 80 m work load, but I can see him been lethal towards the end of the game therefore IMHO should come on in the last 20-30 minutes. As for starting Hooker Katoa appears to be the only option, although as silly as it sounds I would try JJ as starting 9 for the first 50-60 minutes, for the life of me I can't see him offering any less that Katoa at 9 who has to be in the starting team, and unless he is rejuvenated JJ can't play in the in the edge anymore, and at 9 he is in the middle.

 

[Ripley]

With 8 interchange there is no real need for soo many forwards as most have to play bigger mins... and with the way the HIA rule is now you need coverage over many positions. A utility is a must

Yep, a utility and then fill in the rest per game, horses for courses. But there’s got to be someone to limit radical left and right reshuffles

 

[ATT]

For me you need a utility to cover injuries and backs going down, so a Smith type would suit.
but you need the other three spots that can lift the team. My other three would be Atoni,as can cover back row or front row. Katoa lock or hooker. Nappa and Ogden. If they don’t liftwhen comming on this would be there last year for me

 

[CanterburybankstownBD]

For me you need a utility to cover injuries and backs going down, so a Smith type would suit.
but you need the other three spots that can lift the team. My other three would be Atoni,as can cover back row or front row. Katoa lock or hooker. Nappa and Ogden. If they don’t liftwhen comming on this would be there last year for me

I like Chris Smith,
I haven't seen Stimson play at all really?
Does Stimson play a similar game to Chris Smith?
They have similar builds..

 

[ATT]

Very true forgot about Stimson. Apparently he can play five eight and back row.

 

[CanterburybankstownBD]

Very true forgot about Stimson. Apparently he can play five eight and back row.

Yeh and apparently he was handy at Melbourne for a while, only forced out by a rep player I think it was, can't remember who.

 

[bradyk]

Yeh and apparently he was handy at Melbourne for a while, only forced out by a rep player I think it was, can't remember who.

Kenny Bromwich, Stimson was 50/50 with him for the position. K. Bromwich was very impressive (and been one of the most improved/underrated players over the last 2 years) when he got his opportunity.

 

[Kelpie03]

I've always thought Meaney is a good solid player, he's safe, consistent, fast and reads the game well,
I agree that a running 5/8 would work well alongside Flanagan who is structured and a traditional organising halfback. I think Averillo would be good or even Lewis in the 6 if Barrett can use him differently.
Really like Chris Smith as a player too, Stimson hasn't really played well since joining the dogs.
I hope we do get JAC for next year, what makes you think he's coming early?

Totally agree with Meaney at FB, he has shown some potential there, and hasn't been given a fair go at FB, I would be concerned If he is not the starting Fb, with Averillo at 5/8 seeing that Burton wont be coming.