ghost crayfish

Thought Hall looked very fit, and much more confident than last season. His early hit ups were very strong, and his one attacking run showed the sort of pace and power he had before his knee injuries. It's a shame he's competing with two other test wingers for a spot - I'd love to have him at the Broncos!

Totally agree. I think Farnworth should aim to cement the open right wing spot this year (he has his chance this weekend) and then he'll be in a good position to take the centre spot when Boyd decides to have mercy on all us poor suffering fans, and actually retire.

Yeah I think the young Tongan fella will be the long term fullback. Farnworth looks like a centre to me and would be a natural replacement for Boyd.

I'd agree with that assessment. Williams was outstanding, and Hodgson also very good. I still find Hodgson a little frustrating though, because while he does some great things every week, he overplays his hand too often. If there's nothing on he just needs to stay calm and provide good quick service, but too often he'll try something too flashy. Much like Robbie Farah before him, that's the difference between Hodgson and Cameron Smith.

Yeah I like the look of Herbie. Goes looking for the ball, good footwork, and very good under the high ball.

It's really unfortunate for Hall. He was a genuinely world class player who would've thrived in the NRL if he'd gone earlier. Sadly his knee hasn't allowed him to now.

It's true. They got him clean early ball out wide maybe three times, and he caused problems each time. Cartwright got in the way every other time.

Coates is a winger, and is probably ahead of him in that position. But Farnworth offers a bit more utility value, so is a better option for the bench and isn't too far away from being the starting fullback now (as well as being in the mix for centre and wing). It remains to be seen if Isaako can cement the number 1, so Farnworth has opportunities ahead. As for other Englishmen, Williams looks great for Canberra and I think Watkins is one of Gold Coast's better players (admittedly not too hard).

He did. I think he was going nicely and had probably won the spot before his injury. But the way Morris finished the year, combined with Hall hurting his knee again for GB, means he is well behind now IMO. Adding another Morris to the outside backs will put him further behind (and remember, Josh can also play wing if they ever need). I hope Hall can turn it around, but I felt like in that last GB game he played we were watching a guy very close to the end.

Maybe aggressive wasn't the right word. Perhaps 'combative' is closer to what I meant, sorry. But yes, in particular, I meant the last sentence.

This is such a needlessly aggressive post. Old mate made the completely valid point that Brett Morris is a competitor with Hall for a wing spot (and I think most of us can see who is in front), but could shift to centre this year because Mitchell has left. That would potentially open up a spot for Hall on the wing. But if the Roosters sign another centre, that avenue closes, and it becomes harder for Hall to play. It's fairly logical... If you don't see how signing a centre affects their wing spots, I can only assume you're new to the sport? Clearly didn't see Morris carve up Wigan from centre in last year's WCC.

That's true. There were a couple of times when it was screaming for a quick spread to Watkins, to put him one on one with Boyd. Instead the Titans ball players would always just run across field until they got cornered, then turn it inside. Still, I think he's over his knee issues which is good news for England.

He actually had a quieter second half - the ball never really found him in space. In the first half he set up a try with speed to go past Boyd, and then made a half break right on half time with some good stepping. A really good involved performance. Still some queries on his defensive positioning at times, but physically (and maybe mentally?) he looks back to his best.

I'm watching the Broncos v Titans trial match through the NRL website (it's free) right now, and am happy to report Kallum Watkins looks great. He's been fast, strong and elusive with the ball. I think if the Titans can get their act together, he's set for a big year.

15/24. Solid strike rate... If I were a goalkicker in the 1980s.

Angry and insulted, actually.

Indeed. Lucky they played Brisbane

Totally agree. I think if possible they should keep Seizer, pair him with Williams and put Wighton at centre. As damaging as he can be, I'd move Joey Leilua on (or use him as an impact player off the bench).

I'm a bit worried about the Williams recruitment. Quality player, but not a no. 7 and not a right-side player. He'll have to be both alongside Jack Wighton, who is a specialist left edge player and not much of a creative playmaker. The move will be a big challenge.

I think it's 1 and 3, combined with playing in clubs that in general have been going pretty bad. I know he can defend, but he's been pretty ordinary in defence for GC so far. The weekend featured some pitiful efforts, which suggest he's just not switched on. I'm backing him to be a different animal next year.

He's looked promising in patches, and I think there's been enough hints at class in attack to suggest he can get back to his best. The impending five month pre season, with a new coach coming in, is the best thing for him. He needs to take this chance to get in the best shape of his career, and get his defence right. If he does that, and the team improves along with it, he'll be fine. Right now, the whole team deserves dropping.

To be fair he's joined an awful team at an awful time. Aside from Jai Arrow, they should all be ashamed. Hopefully a good five month off season to get himself fully fit, combined with Holbrook going over there and getting the team back on track, will do the trick.

If SL copy the ball steal rule that would be pretty funny, given most of the talk around the NRL seems to suggest it will go back to the old interpretation next year.

I'd put Manly above Canberra, as they have more established big game players, like Jake, Tom and DCE in key ball handling positions. I also think if they can make it to the finals at full strength, Cronulla could be very dangerous.

The Roosters have ridiculous depth in the outside backs. 6 top line internationals competing for 5 spots, plus a number of good youngsters. Robinson seems to be rotating and resting all of them. Hall has improved with every week and should be hitting top form come finals. His metre making is already valuable and the other parts of his game are getting up to speed. I'd be surprised if he's been dropped. As for Watkins - looked solid, and the only way is up with game time and combinations.