Interesting. Assuming the first lineup is basically a first choice side, as it appears, should we read anything into:
Wright starting at centre above Lafai?
Kasiano starting above Graham? (although given the way front-rowers are rotated during the regular season, it barely makes a difference)
Goodwin starting on the wing above MacDougall or Lett?
Romelo at 9 and Reynolds at 7, rather than vice versa? Ennis is the clear starter at 9 come the regular season - is that a sign that Hasler would rather give keep Reynolds in the halves than have Romelo there?
It must be an indication of some sort the way things are at the moment. But it's still the preseason and there's a long way to go. I'm sure soon enough Hasler will grow tired of Goodwin. Hopefully Lett or MacDougall impress. Wright never got much of a chance in the centres so he might surprise. He was quite solid and impressive at Parra. He should never play wing again though.
I wouldn't read anything into Graham being on the bench at all. He's new to the club, to the NRL and to the country. He'll be starting in no time.
Neither Reynolds or Romelo are halves but Reynolds is more of a half than Romelo. Like Wright in a wingers jersey, Romelo should never be in a 6 or 7 jersey in FG again. But both have a lot of impact to offer as bench utility players.
For the time being, Taupau seems to not be in Hasler's thoughts but hopefully he pushes for selection as I think he has a lot to offer our team.
Again though, it's the preseason, it's still early enough into the preseason and Hasler has still only been at the club a few months and is still figuring things out for himself. He needs patience from everyone not just now, but weeks and even months into the season.
