I think the full quote tells a little different story, Stripes.
“I think most people looking in at State High will have an understanding that we’ve got a good 16-17 players who I think are First XV players,” Fukofuka said.
“This year we can probably stretch to 21-22, but like most schools outside of the Big Three, if we lose someone out of that top 15-16 then the players coming in will do their best but they aren’t at the same level,” Fukofuka admitted.
He says he's got 16-17 player who are solid First XV players. He thinks the team can still win games with 5 or 6 starters who aren't up to First XV level, but if he loses more than six starters it will be tough to bring home a Premiership.
That's certainly how I interpreted the comment. Let's not forget State High struggle to field below a B team in most age groups. Apparently the 16s can't field a C team in 2016.
We are all indebted to you Mr King. Great read and as usual fair and unbiased.
On a side note, Cheers for the preview. I enjoyed your write up of each team. Well written and really got me excited for the season ahead.
@King . outstanding report and insight from your GPS Schools 1st XV preview (almost) ..
Thoroughly good read..
All I know about Southport
- The much hyped (mostly by me!) Sam Dobb is playing second XV despite benching for Queensland. I'd back Mike Wallace's judgement of his ability better than the Queensland selectors.
The King - From someone south of the border who saw Dobb at Australian Schools, I was extremely impressed with his mobility , skills and above all his ticker for wanting to have a go. Those above him at TSS must be from the top shelf.
All I know about Southport
- Captain Dechlan Day is the latest in a conga line of strong ball-carrying looseheads from Southport. He might even be better than Evander Guttenbeil in the loose. A bit of a weird snub from the Australian Schoolboys.
- The much hyped (mostly by me!) Sam Dobb is playing second XV despite benching for Queensland. I'd back Mike Wallace's judgement of his ability better than the Queensland selectors. Similarly, the talented lock Thomas Van Der Schyff is still playing 16As, who will be one for the future.
- Tipene Mavoa is a terrifying ball-carrier at No.8 with an excellent turn of pace and has showed great awareness in support play in the past. I also thought it strange that he wasn't considered for Australian Schoolboys selection
- Angus Blyth is being chased by the Gold Coast Suns, who are in love with his height and athleticism. Look out for the tall timber in the second row.
- Titans-linked fullback Max Dowd returns to the First XV after a very handy season at the back last year. Expect scything runs on kick returns, linking with Gold Coast Junior Gold Cup team-mate Koen Davey, who was apparently very good on the weekend.
- New recruit Campbell Parata was Western Australia's title winning U15 flyhalf at the Junior Gold Cup, apparently has an incredible goalkicking boot. He's 16 this year, playing inside centre outside John Nucifora.
- Outside centre Tautau Kapea is apparently from Waikato, NZ, and was named best back of the North Island U17s Rugby League comp in 2015. I've seen him named at centre, second row and lock in his old League team sheets, so I'm expecting a pretty physical defensive presence.
- Openside Finn McElroy was last year's hooker, converted to seven in 2016. I'm expecting him to play a tighter role than most loose forwards - he's heavy-set compared to Southport's usual style of openside, who are normally quite tall and rangy. (Luke Papworth and Angus Allen being the case in point)
- Tighthead prop Egan Siggs is one big mofo
Holy Shit.
Sounds like ACGS 2014.
deleted most of Kings post to keep this post small but in reply to
- Openside Finn McElroy was last year's hooker, converted to seven in 2016. I'm expecting him to play a tighter role than most loose forwards - he's heavy-set compared to Southport's usual style of openside, who are normally quite tall and rangy. (Luke Papworth and Angus Allen being the case in point)
- Tighthead prop Egan Siggs is one big mofo
Thanks everyone. Nice to wake up to comments like this, especially given that today is the three year anniversary of my first article for Green and Gold Rugby.
For those interested, it is here: BGS v TGS in Round 3, 2013
Great "almost preview" King!!!
I really your wrong about your prediction with BBC coming 6th and can't see the basis for that based on BBC lineup and coaching staff.
I will be keen to see them against your beloved BGS on Saturday and doubt it will be anything like the toweling they gave them last year, that really was one of the great ALL TIME embarrassments for BGS rugby.
BGS is now recruiting pretty heavily although as usual that will be denied by many parents.