International squads

[The Rocket]

18 hours ago, Damien said:

It seems incredibly harsh that something at an amateur tournament would rule Addo-Carr out of internationals. Its ludicrous enough that club bans carry through to international competition without taking it to that level. 

No way mate, Holmes shouldn`t be anywhere near the team either. Given League`s image over here the last thing we need is players who exhibit the behaviour of those two being anywhere near the national team, out for the tournament I`d say.

The Kangaroos haven`t had a front of shirt sponsor for quite a while and we finally get one and a multinational one at that, Gallaghers, so the last thing we won`t to do is embarass them by naming a couple of idiots who bring the game into disrepute. Don`t need it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[UTK]

10 minutes ago, Mojo said:

I agree. He would've been the first halves name I would've had on the list if I was picking the samoan team. He's a legit 7 and he's the player of the future for the warriors after Sj leaves. Volkman and Luai are halves for the Samoan team for the next world cup

Yeah 100%, a genuine halfback is going to be crucial moving forward - Asi and Oloapu definitely aren't in that category even though they're both decent players. 

Disappointing not to have Oloapu in the squad but overall a net positive outcome for Samoa I think. 

What are your thoughts on the predicament at 9? I rate GKCT highly but it's a really tough ask for him to do such big minutes at International level when he's only done small stints in first-grade and doesn't play 80 at Cup level either. I know Matamua has done very small stints there for the Tigers this season but is definitely not a natural 9 though will probably be required to spell GKCT in this series simply because I don't think anyone else can. 

Also, who's your fullback - Critta or Fa'alogo? It'd be a bit of a risky decision but I'd be very tempted to start Su'a and keep Critta in the centres, Su'a could be Samoa's 10-year fullback and is a specialist in the position while Critta has probably been the best centre in the NRL this season. I would totally understand going Critta though because then you don't have to leave out one of Marzhew/Tuilagi. 

[Mojo]

12 minutes ago, UTK said:

Yeah 100%, a genuine halfback is going to be crucial moving forward - Asi and Oloapu definitely aren't in that category even though they're both decent players. 

Disappointing not to have Oloapu in the squad but overall a net positive outcome for Samoa I think. 

What are your thoughts on the predicament at 9? I rate GKCT highly but it's a really tough ask for him to do such big minutes at International level when he's only done small stints in first-grade and doesn't play 80 at Cup level either. I know Matamua has done very small stints there for the Tigers this season but is definitely not a natural 9 though will probably be required to spell GKCT in this series simply because I don't think anyone else can. 

Also, who's your fullback - Critta or Fa'alogo? It'd be a bit of a risky decision but I'd be very tempted to start Su'a and keep Critta in the centres, Su'a could be Samoa's 10-year fullback and is a specialist in the position while Critta has probably been the best centre in the NRL this season. I would totally understand going Critta though because then you don't have to leave out one of Marzhew/Tuilagi. 

I have a feeling Volkman was always in the team because Gus confirmed that Oloapu was only in the team for experience only. 

I did not know Matamua can also play 9 so that explains why Danny Levi wasn't picked. From what I heard from the new coach is that he's using this tournament to prepare for next world cup and that means playing the younger players as soon as possible and getting the combinations right. GKCT is definitely the future for Toa Samoa and also for Manly. He's also got a underrated kicking game. And like Luai he brings a lot of energy into the team.

I would start Sua Faalogo at fullback and leave Critchon at center. Sua Faalogo is a very confident player and he loves the challenge, and he wasn't shy one bit on his debut. Samoa would probably use him like Walsh and let him get involved at the right moment. I feel sorry for any defender that has to defend him one on one. But bringing him off the bench will also be a good move against tired defenders.

 

[Damien]

2 hours ago, The Rocket said:

No way mate, Holmes shouldn`t be anywhere near the team either. Given League`s image over here the last thing we need is players who exhibit the behaviour of those two being anywhere near the national team, out for the tournament I`d say.

The Kangaroos haven`t had a front of shirt sponsor for quite a while and we finally get one and a multinational one at that, Gallaghers, so the last thing we won`t to do is embarass them by naming a couple of idiots who bring the game into disrepute. Don`t need it.

I'm fine with players not being selected if they don't meet standards. That's up to the selectors and is the type of decision coaches and clubs make week in, week out and then choose to leave players out accordingly.

That is a quite different thing to my point about bans not carrying over to the international game. This could have been a 2 match ban for anything. 

[StandOffHalf]

2 hours ago, The Rocket said:

No way mate, Holmes shouldn`t be anywhere near the team either. Given League`s image over here the last thing we need is players who exhibit the behaviour of those two being anywhere near the national team, out for the tournament I`d say.

The Kangaroos haven`t had a front of shirt sponsor for quite a while and we finally get one and a multinational one at that, Gallaghers, so the last thing we won`t to do is embarass them by naming a couple of idiots who bring the game into disrepute. Don`t need it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I saw the Addo-Carr footage. I honestly think it's being blown out of proportion and sensationalized. A bunch of guys milling around and it develops into a few jostles, with one or two half-hearted punches thrown - that missed from what I could make out.

I feel a rebuke would have sufficed. A ban is harsh IMO.

I actually also think Holmes being banned for a picture is pretty questionable as well.

[StandOffHalf]

My heart initially sank for Samoa when I heard Oloapu was out, but it's great that Volkman has come into the main side.

[Mojo]

2 hours ago, StandOffHalf said:

My heart initially sank for Samoa when I heard Oloapu was out, but it's great that Volkman has come into the main side.

Volkman is the better between the two tbh Oloapu is still young he's only 18 and he ain't fully developed. I would've had Schuster at five eighth with Volkman.

[StandOffHalf]

6 minutes ago, Mojo said:

Volkman is the better between the two tbh Oloapu is still young he's only 18 and he ain't fully developed. I would've had Schuster at five eighth with Volkman.

Schuster has had a pretty disappointing time after being bigged up. He does though have the ability to do magical things. Is he in the Samoa squad, or has he been left out? I don't remember seeing his name in it.

[Mojo]

26 minutes ago, StandOffHalf said:

Schuster has had a pretty disappointing time after being bigged up. He does though have the ability to do magical things. Is he in the Samoa squad, or has he been left out? I don't remember seeing his name in it.

He's been left out. Yeah he's had a disappointing year that's for sure. But I think being around his culture and a bit of a positive vibe he would've played well or at least start to enjoy the game again. He's got potential bit he looked frustrated for most of the season

[UTK]

Kiwis 'A' squad: 

[UTK]

Predicted side (those missing the 17 from Kiwis first-team will be included): 

1. Keano Kini
2. Bailey Simonsson
3. Ali Leiataua
4. Rocco Berry
5. Will Warbrick
6. Taine Tuapiki
7. Zack Dockar-Clay
8. Wiremu Greig
9. Danny Levi
10. Naufahu Whyte 
11. Kalani Going
12. Jack Howarth
13. Trey Mooney
14. Paul Roache
15. Pasami Saulo
16. Joe Chan
17. Ben Te Kura
18. Jacob Laban
19. Asu Kepaoa

Edited October 9, 2023 by UTK

[Mojo]

9 minutes ago, UTK said:

Kiwis 'A' squad: 

Jack Howarth played Origin u20s last year. Is he committed to the Kiwis now?

[UTK]

10 minutes ago, Mojo said:

Jack Howarth played Origin u20s last year. Is he committed to the Kiwis now?

Trey Mooney also played u19s Origin last year, not sure to be honest - maybe the Kiwis are attempting to use this as an incentive for those guys to commit. Would be interesting because Howarth in particular is one of the most hyped prospects in his age in Australia. 

Playing for the 'A' side doesn't commit them either way but you'd have to think they've either indicated they're committed or are attempting to convince them to.

[Bamboozle]

1 hour ago, Mojo said:

Jack Howarth played Origin u20s last year. Is he committed to the Kiwis now?

What’s his link with NZ?

parents or grandparents born in NZ?

[StandOffHalf]

I wonder whether Kalani Going is related to Sid Going?

[NRLandSL]

3 minutes ago, StandOffHalf said:

I wonder whether Kalani Going is related to Sid Going?

Yep, Great Uncle

[UTK]

Cook Islands finally announce their squad:

Tevin Arona, Rhys Dakin, Esom Ioka, Kadiyae Ioka, Kayal Iro, Makahesi Makatoa, Justin Estall-Makirere, Steven Marsters, Esan Marsters, Alvin Maungaati, Davvy Moale, Takai Mokohar, Malachi Morgan, Rua Ngatikaura, Pride Pettersen-Robati, Lucky Pokipoki, Reuben Porter, William Samuel, Brad Takairangi, Zane Tetevano, Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano

[UTK]

Predicted: 

1. Kayal Iro
2. Esom Ioka
3. Brad Takairangi
4. Steven Marsters 
5. Malachi Morgan
6. Esan Marsters
7. Tevin Arona
8. Davvy Moale
9. Rua Ngatikaura
10. Makahesi Makatoa
11. Reuben Porter
12. Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano
13. Zane Tetevano
14. Takai Mokohar
15. William Samuel
16. Pride Petersen-Robati
17. Rhys Dakin

18. Alvin Maungaati
19. Lucky Pokipoki
20. Justin Estall-Makirere
21. Kadiyae Ioka
 

[The Rocket]

20 hours ago, NRLandSL said:

Yep, Great Uncle

You don`t know what he was like, he could have been a rotten uncle.

[UTK]

Team Lists for the first round of the Pacific Championships - Obviously there's been a couple of changes to the squads following initial announcements given some names missing/added here.

Australia v Samoa: 

Australia

1. James Tedesco
2. Dylan Edwards
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Cameron Munster
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Payne Haas
9. Ben Hunt
10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
11. Cameron Murray
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Harry Grant
15. Lindsay Collins
16. Patrick Carrigan 
17. Reuben Cotter

18. Nicho Hynes
19. Jake Trbojevic 
20. Thomas Flegler
21. Valentine Holmes

Samoa

1. Sualauvi Fa'alogo
2. Murray Taulagi
3. Izack Tago
4. Young Tonumaipea
5. Brian To'o
6. Stephen Crichton
7. Daejarn Asi
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
10. Junior Paulo
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Keenan Palasia
14. Spencer Leniu
15. Terrell May
16. Heilum Luki
17. Ronald Volkman

18. Royce Hunt
19. Justin Matamua
20. Greg Marzhew
21. Tommy Talau

 

PNG v Cook Islands

PNG

1. Alex Johnston
2. Robert Derby
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Rodrick Tai
5. Nene MacDonald
6. Kyle Laybutt
7. Lachlan Lam
8. Epel Kapinias 
9. Judah Rimbu
10. Valentine Richard
11. Jacob Alick
12. Dan Russell
13. Jack De Belin
14. Liam Horne
15. Nixon Putt
16. Junior Rop
17. Benji Kot

18. Cruise Ten
19. Rhys Martin
20. Wellington Albert
21. Justin Olam

Cook Islands

1. Esom Ioka
2. Malachi Morgan
3. Kayal Iro
4. Esan Marsters
5. Steven Marsters
6. Brad Takairangi
7. Tevin Arona
8. Davvy Moale
9. Rua Ngatikaura
10. Makahesi Makatoa
11. Zane Tetevano
12. Reuben Porter
13. Pride Petterson-Robati
14. William Samuel
15. Rhys Dakin
16. Justin Makirere
17. Kadiyae Ioka

18. Takai Mokohar
19. Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano
20. Alvin Maungatti
21. Lucky Pokipoki
 

[Mojo]

8 minutes ago, UTK said:

Team Lists for the first round of the Pacific Championships - Obviously there's been a couple of changes to the squads following initial announcements given some names missing/added here.

Australia v Samoa: 

Australia

1. James Tedesco
2. Dylan Edwards
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Cameron Munster
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Payne Haas
9. Ben Hunt
10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
11. Cameron Murray
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Harry Grant
15. Lindsay Collins
16. Patrick Carrigan 
17. Reuben Cotter

18. Nicho Hynes
19. Jake Trbojevic 
20. Thomas Flegler
21. Valentine Holmes

Samoa

1. Sualauvi Fa'alogo
2. Murray Taulagi
3. Izack Tago
4. Young Tonumaipea
5. Brian To'o
6. Stephen Crichton
7. Daejarn Asi
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
10. Junior Paulo
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Connelly Lemuelu
13. Keenan Palasia
14. Spencer Leniu
15. Terrell May
16. Heilum Luki
17. Ronald Volkman

18. Royce Hunt
19. Justin Matamua
20. Greg Marzhew
21. Tommy Talau

 

PNG v Cook Islands

PNG

1. Alex Johnston
2. Robert Derby
3. Zac Laybutt
4. Rodrick Tai
5. Nene MacDonald
6. Kyle Laybutt
7. Lachlan Lam
8. Epel Kapinias 
9. Judah Rimbu
10. Valentine Richard
11. Jacob Alick
12. Dan Russell
13. Jack De Belin
14. Liam Horne
15. Nixon Putt
16. Junior Rop
17. Benji Kot

18. Cruise Ten
19. Rhys Martin
20. Wellington Albert
21. Justin Olam

Cook Islands

1. Esom Ioka
2. Malachi Morgan
3. Kayal Iro
4. Esan Marsters
5. Steven Marsters
6. Brad Takairangi
7. Tevin Arona
8. Davvy Moale
9. Rua Ngatikaura
10. Makahesi Makatoa
11. Zane Tetevano
12. Reuben Porter
13. Pride Petterson-Robati
14. William Samuel
15. Rhys Dakin
16. Justin Makirere
17. Kadiyae Ioka

18. Takai Mokohar
19. Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano
20. Alvin Maungatti
21. Lucky Pokipoki
 

Samoa coming out with the surprise selection of the year at 6 lol

[StandOffHalf]

I am not surprised at all to see a gun footballer like Crichton moved into a controlling halves position. I think I even touted it as a possibility, heehee... It could go beautifully or backfire horrendously. I think this Samoa team has a reasonable chance though!

Rhyse Martin should be in the PNG team, if he's fit. He is a try-scoring second-rower who kicks goals from anywhere. Alick and Russell are both pretty good, but Martin is a bit better. Edwin Ipape is presumably not right to play?

[UTK]

28 minutes ago, StandOffHalf said:

I am not surprised at all to see a gun footballer like Crichton moved into a controlling halves position. I think I even touted it as a possibility, heehee... It could go beautifully or backfire horrendously. I think this Samoa team has a reasonable chance though!

Rhyse Martin should be in the PNG team, if he's fit. He is a try-scoring second-rower who kicks goals from anywhere. Alick and Russell are both pretty good, but Martin is a bit better. Edwin Ipape is presumably not right to play?

Given Olam and Martin are both in the reserves I'm assuming they're using this game to give the second-string guys a run against what is perceived to be their weakest opposition. Not sure what's going on with Ipape.

[StandOffHalf]

1 minute ago, UTK said:

Given Olam and Martin are both in the reserves I'm assuming they're using this game to give the second-string guys a run against what is perceived to be their weakest opposition. Not sure what's going on with Ipape.

Ipape has had a few niggles with Leigh, so the rest will do him good. I hope he's OK to go for the other games.

[NRLandSL]

33 minutes ago, StandOffHalf said:

Ipape has had a few niggles with Leigh, so the rest will do him good. I hope he's OK to go for the other games.

So unfortunate, hopefully he's back for the Fiji game though. He's turned himself into of the best hookers in the world in the last year or two, such a talented player, both physically and technically.