Royce/Team Selection : Sat Jul 16, 2011 9:23 am
Time for Royce to make some very, very difficult decisions. It seems that the general consensus on here would want Eastmond to continue at full back until the end of the season. Does Wellens still make the 17 if that is the case? Does he become our utility back on the bench or does the impending return (again) of Gary Wheeler win that debate? Does Leon stroll straight back in at 6?For me, the stand off debate is the easiest to solve, especially after last night. Whilst Gaskell has done well, Pryce HAS to start at 6 for the remainder of the year. His organisational skills and general all round play is a must there.
The full back debate is painful. What we lose in Eastmonds defensive abilities in comparison to Wellens is outweighed by Eastmonds attacking prowess. His speed in the line and ability to create an extra half back whilst giving the three quarters more room to create is far, far better than Wellens. I'm afraid, for me, it's Eastmond at 1. I'm pretty sure Royce won't see it like that though and Wellens will be reinstalled back at 1. Don't get me wrong, it won't make us infinitely weaker and he'll save us points that Eastmond wouldn't be capable but the whole balance of our attack seems so much better with Pryce and Eastmond back in the fold
For the Cas match on the 31st July,when I expect us (fingers crossed no more injuries) to be nearing as full strength as we'll be this year, I would go:
Eastmond
Foster
Shenton
Meli
Makinson
Pryce
Lomax
Graham
Roby
LMS
Puletua
Soliola
Wilkin
Moore
Wheeler
Clough
Flannery
Thoughts? Is there a case for playing Wellens at centre and moving Meli back to the wing? Personally, i wouldn't with the form meli has shown at centre this year.