Gps 1st XV 2024:
1. Lavercombe (K)
2. Warner (E)
3. Taggart (J)
4. Brial (S) C
5. Fonua (K)
6. Logan (J)
7. LeMaitre (E) VC
8. Taumoepeau (J)
9. Grover (I)
10. Bassingthwaighte (E)
11. Makasini (N)
12. Gough (J)
13. Hartman (I)
14. Mackenzie (S)
15. Jacques (S)
16. Fowler (J)
17. Graham (I)
18. Greer (J)
19. Callaghan (E)
20. Baxter (E)
21. Rodwell (N)
22. Conick (E)
23. Tombs (J)
I expect controversy so feel free to speak your mind, but I also thought I'd give a bit of reasoning. What previous predictions have failed to do is also factor in the likely preferences of coaches. Lavercombe and Warner I beleive to be locks. Osborne (I) deserves a mention as he is lifting the riverview forward pack and playing great footy, but I think a year in the 2s will be the approach as he still has next year to acheive that GPS 1sts jersey. Currently, Taumoepeau is the best 8 in the comp. Regardless, it's almost impossible to leave Brial out due to previous performance and the fact he's still playing well. I give Fonua the edge over competitors, but captain of the dominant looking joeys side Greer and Shore's powerhouse Baxter will be making statements for this a jersey. With Cleverly (N) injured, Logan takes the 6 jersey maybe for good performing outstandingly so far. LeMaitre's versatile impact can't be overlooked, also a lock IMO. HM Dempsey (I) who I believe will take this jersey in the future. Grover's a lock IMO. Bassingthwaite takes #10, I don't think he's had a game without scoring. Could make a serious argument for fowler but what would give him the edge is his kicking game, something I don't think is needed with a backline filled with strong kickers. Gough has been a key player for a dominant joeys side IMO making him the front runner but Conick and Fenwicke are looking to conquer that. Hartman playing well just as predicted. If we see him on the wing doing what he did last year I think Mackenzie will take the #14 jersey. Regardless of team performance I've still got Jacques at 15. Let me know what you think fellas.