Surely with Washbrook playing like that, it confirms loose forward is his proper position? Why can't we stick Fitzgibbon in the second row and play Washbrook where he belongs, the position he played a part in getting us to the 2006 Grand Final?

because manu and tickle play 70-80 mins so does fitzy, so were does washy fit, but washy is a 13 and was fantastic tonight

Washy impressed me tonight and it helped with more players in the middle of the park.

Well i hate to say i told you so, but.........

No need to sign a replacement for Yak, move Lauaki up to prop and Fitz to the backrow and play Washy where he should always be played at 13.

Well said Paul M . Agar take note

Only problem with that is Tickle and Manu are our 11 and 12 so Fitz would have to be on the bench

I'll start a poll thread. Seemed to work on the halfback selection.

Would be a option Paul.

I didn't think washy played a ball playing 13 role tbh.

Washy has been wasted the last few years, there's no doubt about that in my mind.
As for Fitz, Manu & Ticks sharing the back row, surely with the interchange this can only be good news as Manu especially can be lethal coming on from the bench and I'd never want him doing 70 minutes, spelling Fitz more also isn't a bad idea.

So I'd go with:
Dowes
Houghton
Lauaki
Ticks
Fitz
Washy

Manu
Moa
Radders
& 1 more

Sorry but I never saw a ball playing loose forward playing for us last night.

Cusack should go now for me he is terrible, when everyone is fit he should miss out in the props. Washy should be back up to Fitz, we Fitz is fit he should go on the bench.

Got to agree, one season too many for him.

Do we need to sign another prop if we move laukaki to prop (should be our 5th prop though). Still have planty of cover in the backrow.

Money used for a halfback and backs would be better.

Thought cusack played well last night, would be interested to see his stats.

They'd be no point in realising him now.

Spot on.

Move Lauaki to prop he is better in defence in the middle. For me pack has to be Dowes,Houghton,O'Meley,Manu,Tickle,Fitz Subs Moa,Lauaki or Radders,Berro and Washy.

Yes he is, but Washy playing through the middle is a lot better. Just shows that there is no need to be playing the likes of Radford and Fitz at 13.

When we reached the Grand Final, during our 17 match winning run Washy was at loose forward for 14 of those games. He deffo needs to be given the 13 jersey if Fitz isn't fit.

Send a email to apple for me, my predicted text doesn't seem to be working.

Cheers buddy!

Watching the first 25 mins most of our good play came off Washy, including the Houghton try.

Problem is Lauaki's defence and workrate isnt up to prop standard, we cant carry a prop during games, he's ok working on the fringes but even then he should be getting involved more. A better performance last night from him however.

Yes but Washbrooks far more agile than Radford or Fitz.

I would personally keep Lauaki in the second row and move Fitz upto prop next season and have Berro and Washy share loose man. That way we have the option to rest Houghton if needed. Berro always said he wanted to play 13 towards the end of his career.