ethos
BroncoKiwi
Australian Centenary Test Team
April 22nd 2008 01:49
Category: Opinion
With the Centenary Test just a few weeks away, here's the side I'd like to see take on the Kiwis on May 9 at the SCG.
01. Billy Slater (Storm)
Is one of the form players of the NRL and has done more than enough to edge out the incumbant Brett Stewart.
02. Israel Folau (Storm)
Absolutely dominated in his test debut last season and should play in countless more matches for his country.
03. Jamie Lyon (Sea Eagles)
Probably a controversial choice but when he's on his game, he is one of the better centres in the comp. However, in saying that, Lyon only gains selection due to the injury to Mark Gasnier.
04. Justin Hodges (Broncos)
Is without doubt the premier centre in the game at the moment
05. Greg Inglis (Storm)
Despite playing in the halves for his club side, Inglis has always performed when selected on the wing for either Queensland or Australia and will play well again.
06. Darren Lockyer (Broncos)
The Australian captain should be given every chance to prove his fitness. However, if he does succumb to injury, I would have no hesitation in moving Thurston to five-eighth and slotting Scott Prince in at halfback.
07. Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys)
Although Scott Prince may be in better form, Thurston is the incumbant and is starting to get back to the top of his game after a slow start to the season.
08. Nate Myles (Roosters)
Australia is a little bit skinny in the front row after the injuries to Steve Price and Luke Bailey but Nate has been one of the better front rowers so far in 2008 and will do his job well.
09. Cameron Smith (Storm)
The best dummy half in the business.
10. Petero Civoniceva (Panthers)
Gives the pack experience and leadership.
11. Anthony Laffranchi (Titans)
Needs to make his Test debut. He consistantly tops the Gold Coast's hit up and tackle stats and will give 80 minutes of quality.
12. Willie Mason (Roosters)
The big man has been a mainstay in the Aussie team over the past few seasons and always lifts in matches against New Zealand.
13. Greg Bird (Sharks)
Tough and uncompromising, Bird gives the pack a much needed physical edge.
14. Anthony Tupou (Roosters)
Provides speed and footwork in the forwards and will be a danger on the fringe of the ruck.
15. Ryan Hoffman (Storm)
Is another incumbant and although he hasn't exactly set the world on fire this year, he still deserves a spot.
16. Sam Thaiday (Broncos)
Has been one of the Broncos' better forwards in 2008 and provides plenty of impact off the bench.
17. Kurt Gidley (Knights)
Can cover the outside backs and halves and thoroughly deserves the utility spot.
Scotty Prince from the Titans can consider himself extremely unlucky to miss out.
I will post my prefered New Zealand team in the coming days.
Free free to comment!
01. Billy Slater (Storm)
Is one of the form players of the NRL and has done more than enough to edge out the incumbant Brett Stewart.
02. Israel Folau (Storm)
Absolutely dominated in his test debut last season and should play in countless more matches for his country.
03. Jamie Lyon (Sea Eagles)
Probably a controversial choice but when he's on his game, he is one of the better centres in the comp. However, in saying that, Lyon only gains selection due to the injury to Mark Gasnier.
04. Justin Hodges (Broncos)
Is without doubt the premier centre in the game at the moment
05. Greg Inglis (Storm)
Despite playing in the halves for his club side, Inglis has always performed when selected on the wing for either Queensland or Australia and will play well again.
06. Darren Lockyer (Broncos)
The Australian captain should be given every chance to prove his fitness. However, if he does succumb to injury, I would have no hesitation in moving Thurston to five-eighth and slotting Scott Prince in at halfback.
07. Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys)
Although Scott Prince may be in better form, Thurston is the incumbant and is starting to get back to the top of his game after a slow start to the season.
08. Nate Myles (Roosters)
Australia is a little bit skinny in the front row after the injuries to Steve Price and Luke Bailey but Nate has been one of the better front rowers so far in 2008 and will do his job well.
09. Cameron Smith (Storm)
The best dummy half in the business.
10. Petero Civoniceva (Panthers)
Gives the pack experience and leadership.
11. Anthony Laffranchi (Titans)
Needs to make his Test debut. He consistantly tops the Gold Coast's hit up and tackle stats and will give 80 minutes of quality.
12. Willie Mason (Roosters)
The big man has been a mainstay in the Aussie team over the past few seasons and always lifts in matches against New Zealand.
13. Greg Bird (Sharks)
Tough and uncompromising, Bird gives the pack a much needed physical edge.
14. Anthony Tupou (Roosters)
Provides speed and footwork in the forwards and will be a danger on the fringe of the ruck.
15. Ryan Hoffman (Storm)
Is another incumbant and although he hasn't exactly set the world on fire this year, he still deserves a spot.
16. Sam Thaiday (Broncos)
Has been one of the Broncos' better forwards in 2008 and provides plenty of impact off the bench.
17. Kurt Gidley (Knights)
Can cover the outside backs and halves and thoroughly deserves the utility spot.
Scotty Prince from the Titans can consider himself extremely unlucky to miss out.
I will post my prefered New Zealand team in the coming days.
Free free to comment!
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Comment by David Edwards
Sporting Mind
Not sure Nate Myles is big enough to play in the second row? But you're right, there aren't many front rowers around.
Comment by ethos
NRL Live
And Nate Myles is definitely big enough for prop. He's been playing there for the majority of this season and he'd be comfortable in that position.