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I just don't buy this "conservative" spiel. Playing Smith on the wing would be "conservative", playing him at centre is taking a chance. Playing Holland at centre would be "conservative", replacing him with an NRL level winger (refer Smith example) or a centre with only couple of NRL games (say, Harper) is hardly conservative. Playing a winger with only a handful of NRL games (say, Okunbor) is hardly conservative.I also wouldn't necessarily say Meaney has a spot locked down. Only reason that may be is because he can goal kick. You could always have 1 DWZ 2 Smith 3 Hoppa 4 Averillo (GK) 5 Okunbor.
Pay shouldn't be worried about the backlash of fans in his decisions. He should be worried about how his decisions will impact results on the field. Personally and I know I can't speak on behalf of the entire fan base, I would have less of an issue coming 16th if he bled some of the talent such as Topine, Doorey, Wakeham, Averillo, BBO, Tass, etc. instead of sticking with a conservative team to come 12th which is the highest we will place if he persists with mediocrity.
Perhaps we should wait until the team for Round 1 is announced then we can come back to what is conservative and what isn't. Right now in a 5 person backline no matter who is picked only 2 could remotely be considered conservative, being Hopoate and DWZ.
FWIW the only thing a coach should "be worried about" is winning games, everything else falls into place when that is accomplished.
Go Dogs