Lindsay Smith relegated to reserves as well. And Alamoti out of Tonga.
I’m rapt! Probably the wrong attitude, but if I had my way, ALL of our guys would get dropped, so they can have a good long off-season rest & come out fresh, fit & firing for 2026.
I would have thought Dyl got the number 1. While Walsh can play a 12 out of 10 game, he is very unpredictable and probably averages a 5. Dyl is always an 8+ player. So much more reliable. This would have been a great opportunity for Walsh to understudy the best fullback in the game and perhaps improve his game.
Leaving out NSW v QLD selections etc, i make just 1 comment on the Aussie team:
I have never seen such a poor back 5 picked for the kangaroos in watching these games since the late 60’s
The tactic has to be kick deep early for the poms, there is no way Walsh will pump out 10 hit ups through the middle to ease the burden on his forwards. If the poms get the kicking game right, your comment mrwalker will be the most valid this year !
It is a strange back 5 - I rate Staggs but all the others seem to have been chosen based on recent form but are yet unproven. Having said that Shiba has delivered for QLD and Broncos which I doubt even the most loyal fans thought was possible so maybe not too crazy a selection.
I don’t think it mattered, could have had any back 5 and still got the job done. The Poms were pathetic. I was spuing I stayed up to watch that yawnfest……
I must admit I didn’t really look at Poms team for game 1, was just surprised at Aussie back 5.
Agree with Kevin, the Poms were terrible with some of those players, including ones with NRL experience , reserve grade standard.
What about the FB who just stood back & watched Chricton stroll over??
If Poms don’t play a lot better it should be another easy win, irrespective of who we pick.
That was akin to an under 10’s defense…….or not even ha ha haaaa If I was the Coach, that dude would have been dragged immediately. HE WAS SCARED
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