1. I think you’re the one not watching the same games as everyone else, only you’re watching Shores delusions of grandeur again. Comparing him to young Kurtley Beale ????????? Ummm they are human, have two arms, two legs, an 10 on their jersey and they play rugby. That’s where the comparisons end !
I‘m not having a go at the kid because there is only about 2/3 No.10’s I’ve seen with Beale‘s flair and Spark. But just as I rate the current Joeys No.7 I’m not delusional he’s no Phil Waugh. Decent player but not in the Top 3 No.10’s this year.
2. As for.. Gough is “more of a hard hit up inside centre”, although your premise is correct (and my main desired trait for any 12 ) as he consistently carried defenders with him past the advantage line numerous times on Saturday and every game this year, you’ve missed that he also can run. He’s a reminder beating 2, stepping a 3rd & 4th to score.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C73YAOgy1zf/?igsh=MTRnNzh3b2U4YndxMg==
I personally think GPS selectors should and will pick a dominant 12 attacker & defender over a facilitator. Although the season has a while to be decided, the GPS team that is coming first in August probably will at least have its best back (and forward) in GPS 1sts. Gough is Joeys best back and if they come first, he’ll be picked.
3. What are you’re talking about regarding Taggart as a hooker, as he’s a prop. I don’t have firm opinions on GPS 1sts front rowers but I definitely don’t understand why year 11 boys shouldn’t be picked. If they’re good enough they’re in. In fact the kings prop from Oakhill is under 16’s and Taumoepeau should both be picked if good enough.
2024 GPS TEAM OF THE YEAR
1. Lavercombe (K)
2. Warner (E)
3. Osborne (R)
4. Brial (S)
5. Greer (J)
6. Logan (J)
7. LeMaitre (E)
8. Taumoepeau (J)
9. Grover (R)
10. Rodwell (N)
11. Makasini (N)
12. Gough (J)
13. Hartman (R)
14. Fittler (S)
15. Jacques (S)
I obviously would play some out of position to get the best team possible
I don’t really care about the actual GPS 1st XV but instead the GPS TEAM OF THE YEAR
To tell you the truth any team without NRL signed players is a waste of time and a 3/4th GPS team at best in reality (except the tight 5 obviously). Same with Aust U/18 Schoolboys, no league players, no best team
Just like with Sua‘alili, I’d rather play these blokes in the reps now in the hope they convert to rugby one day like Rogers, Tuquiri, Walker, Nawaqanitawase, Sua‘alili, Etc. In fact with ARU negoatiating a rugby championship in QATAR, they’ll likely have the money to buy league converts back one day.
In fact last night I watched the best schoolboy in the country Mitch Woods (St.Pats) play for Bulldogs U/21 v Rabbits and rip them to
shreds, I’m a Joeys boy and been watching them since Junee/Cairns along through with Burke, Jorgenson, Kelaher, Thompson, Kennedy, Devine, Burgess, Beale, Wright, Jorgenson Jr, Leahy, Sharples. Woods is as good as any of them, and it’s a shame he doesn’t get a crack against NZ. He was the best player for Gen Blue U16 two years ago and now won’t get a chance to play for his state or country if available. I‘d pick him and who knows he might come back one and win us a Bledisloe