noble so far... : Thu Oct 28, 2004 8:47 pm
forgetting we havent actually played a game yet - how do you feel noble is doing? squad selection mainly i spose.
i was v impressed with the initial squad. left out some players who have been lucky to make it previously (sinfield, deacon) and bussed in a few young, form based lads who were begging for a call up (mcguire, walker, diskin, lockers)
he also didnt do what most of us thought he would and be bulls biased ie deacon at 7, harris at 6 - characters like anderson taking up to much room etc. another plus for brian.
but im somewhat confused by the non-selection of diskin tbh. it wont be too popular on here but diskin is on form the best 9 in the country and has been a consistent performer all year. newton on the other hand has taken a step back form his devastating form of last year and looks lethargic and moody.
this is a crying shame for terry who this time last year was the best in sl and really putting himself about internationally too. maybe he will prove me wrong but im worried that this selection along with the possible gleeson at centre is a hark to reputations rather than form, something waite was thoroughly roasted for. the fact higham isnt in the 17 again is puzzling. imo you can argue terrys case against higham but diskin deserves the shirt.
im looking forward to the tactics on sat. noble as an advocate of the biff must be looking to exploit an ageing webcke and a non-event ryles by getting in to them asap (legally this time tho ). faz, fielden, morley, scully etc must be fancying their chances of dominating the collision.
out wide im not as confident. longs early season form was the best of his career but internationally he is shown up, see jjb last year. centre wise the aussies look solid in defence whilst they have cutting edges on the wing unlike us. esp worried about matt sing and the high ball. he was devatstaing for the cowboys in the nrl this year and whoever plays opposite him will have to be on their game. look for wellens or reardon as fullbacks to get the shout imo.