You're a big fan but I think you need to be realistic.
They might make the 8 but I think next to no chance of winning the premiership. And no way for you or anyone else to know if they are especially fit compared to any other team let alone every other team.
I think it might be his best position. In the second last game last season, can't remember the team, he had a blinder in his first game at 5/8. Was pretty poor, like the rest of the team in the last game against Newcastle.
Gotta agree with @mr_c. If anything, Niko on the bench as a utility and Averillo 5/8. But with Plath also on the bench as a utility, allowing Gilbert to start at lock, I think Niko will be 5/8 and Tupou or Averillo will start the year in Cup.
DOLPHINS
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Jamayne Isaako
Jake Averillo
Herbie Farnworth
Jack Bostock
Kodi Nikorima
Isaiya Katoa
Daniel Saifiti
Jeremy Marshall-King
Mark Nicholls
Felise Kaufusi
Tom Gilbert
Max Plath
Ray Stone
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Connelly Lemuelu
Kenny Bromwich
best 17...
Aitken would have been good to keep but only for this year, possibly next year. I think Souths were willing to offer him 3 years.
Wayne left Broncos in a bit of a mess. Darius Boyd was barely NRL standard when Waybe extended him for 3 years on big money. Then there was the unfortunate episode...
Walsh is? Wherever he's from, I hope he's good. At this stage, I'd say behind Finefeuiaki, Lemuelu and the one I'm expecting to really kick on this year, Keeley.
Talking down to you? What? I see. He's a young backrowers. I think I've heard the name before but not sure where. Don't really know who he is or where he comes from. A local junior or an import?
Of course. Top 30 + development contracts. In a perfect world, would've beaten the Capras but whatever. Real trials will give us a much better idea about what is going on.
Forgot about it.
What is the "top 36"? There is only a top 30. First trial against the Capras is almost meaningless. Real trials are something to think about. First round is a cause for optimism or concern.