Ray Cording was signed as a winger. In 1950-51 six players had a go at stand-off without much success. In 1951-52 four players had a go until on January 5 Ray Cording was given his chance. Three games later Don Metcalfe made his debut. The rest is history.
Regarding selection - there were 19 members of the Rover committee, and I think six of them made the team selection committee. I do not know how much input the coach had, but it made his job more difficult. Does anyone know when he got full responsibility?
Laurie Gant did have flu before the final. He did play second row. Slam Lambert was loose forward.