ghost crayfish

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.

It seems like an incredibly fast comeback from a shoulder reconstruction... So I hope Widdop's right! Also looking forward to seeing Kallum Watkins in action. A month off should have done him some good.

Suggesting he can't force his way in looks wide of the mark to me. Given he's not playing reserve grade, I think it's pretty clear Watkins is unavailable. I'd guess he's being given time to get his body right, as he's looked like he's been playing half injured all year. I've also read his working visa paperwork was still being processed... Probably a blessing in disguise. A chance to have a month getting himself back to 100% might be just what he needs.

Hall has been brought in for that specific purpose and is doing it better with each week. Line breaks and tries are the next step for him, and I don't think it's too far away. Excited to have both him and Watkins both in the NRL now. England's best backs in this generation, being challenged to find their best form after injury, in this comp. I think they'll both do it, later this year and certainly next.

I see where you're coming from, but the other side of the coin says there couldn't be a better time. Brisbane have been horrible, which means there is actually no pressure or expectation - and if he performs, a regular spot can easily be his. A lot of great young players are discovered emerging as the shining light in a poor team. This is his chance to do that. Brisbane are absolutely crying out for new blood, so here's hoping he does well!

I agree. But the fact they're playing him there at all suggests they're looking to evolve how they use the 13 position. It'll take him time to adapt.

Fair enough. I guess I just meant he's not the typical third prop type either.

Yeah the evolution of the no. 13 role into a third prop has been one of the more annoying parts of the game in the last decade. It's great to see that shifting again now. It's not just with the younger 13s either; Brisbane putting Gillette at 13 is another example. He's a smaller forward, but has skill, footwork, mobility - all things that used to be essential for 13.

I'm assuming not being named the last two weeks means he isn't seen as being in the running for the top 17 right now. He'll have to play his way in through the Queensland Cup. It may be that the goal is to have him up to speed and ready for NRL by origin time (when we'll lose Gillette and possibly a number of others)

I think that's unlikely. Brisbane's back row depth is very good. Remember we've got Andre Savelio there too, and he's about sixth in the pecking order (and I really rate him!) Oates is an outstanding winger. I think he'll be there until either his speed goes, or he changes clubs.

There certainly is a bit of buzz coming through about this bloke now. Brisbane were happy to let Kahu go, which suggests they think this guy is up to the job. He's got a quality back three ahead of him, but he's probably the next in line now.