BY DAN

We had hoped this week would provide a bit of clarity about how the Raiders would line up at key positions for round. For the most part Coach Stuart has avoided tipping his hand. Indeed it seems the club is pushing out some key decisions for a week. Far out there’s a fair bit going on here.

Albert Hopoate has been named at starting fullback. Bert has a lot of things going for him – he’s a strong runner and is almost myopic in his desire to give Sticky exactly what he wants (hey, no. Not like that), but he’s not a fullback, short-term or otherwise. He can be safe under the high ball, except that thing where he lies down to catch a bomb can create problems, and that other thing where he forgot how to catch the ball for a few weeks last season. I think he’s probably a decent defender in the line, but I don’t think he’s a vociferous defensive organiser, or a creator with the ball.

In short, the man is a winger. Not a centre, not a fullback. It is potentially a recognition that Chevy Stewart is going to be held back to start the season (after all, if you can’t start him in a trial you’d think you can’t start him in round one). That would suggest Jordan Rapana week one. But there’s always the risk this is just Sticky playing fast and loose with byes and team-lists.

For the time being I’ll assume this is Sticky trying to get as many minutes into young backs as possible. That also explains Utuloa Asomua’s presence in the starting side. I’m very high on the young man, but one would think there’s a few people ahead of him in the depth chart for wingers. Nic Cotric on the bench is interesting, if it suggests that’s where he’s sitting in the depth chart. Xavier Savage and James Schiller’s presence is less confounding. I think this shows Savage is a proper chance to start there in round one, as may Schiller given Seb Kris’ absence.

Stuart has punted a decision on the halves for a week, naming both Kaeo Weekes and Ethan Strange again. Another week, another position battle. How fun! This actually doesn’t bother me too much, presuming it doesn’t mean Jamal Fogarty is injured. It will allow both to show their best again. Some reporting (such as ABC’s Nick Campton on ESPN’s NRL Boom Rookies podcast) had suggested that both players had thought they may be able to show a bit more in the first trial. The game plan, and game passage, didn’t really allow it. Maybe this week will.

In the forwards Hohepa Puru has missed out, Trey Mooney is on the bench, and Joe Tapine not playing after their return from the all-stars match. Suggesting that means Mooney is in the frame for a first 17 role in round one is probably strong. Saulo, Mariota, Puru and Hosking are all named on the extended bench. I suspect at least two of them will play round one. I don’t think that leaves space for Mooney, but I think he’s ready. Jed Stuart is also on the bench. I’m relatively high on Jed, but this definitely makes me feel like there’s a smokescreen coming later this week. On the front Morgan Smithies is starting at 13, which means we’ll get to see what he has to offer.

Danny Levi starts at 9 as we expected, and while I suspect Zac Woolford’s absence is likely HIA related, I do think anything other than an utter disaster from Levi will result in the Kiwi starting week one.

For now though it’s fair to say this is Stuart at his usual contempt for trials and team-lists. I can’t wait to see what actually rolls out on Sunday.

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