Yeah, good question. I think he kinda has to start at 10 just because of how the backline has fallen around him. Hamish looked impressive at 12, and Hunter looked amazing* at 13 (* amazing when you consider the whole context). MAYBE we start Lucas at 15 with Campbell back to the wing, but even that's unlikely because CFS even noting the 'tough' tackle looked good at 14. Speight could be due a rest for Campbell (probably CFS playing 11 and Campbell his more natural 14). But I think based on performance especially against the Jags, the backline more or less picks itself.
I think our bench is another story, my understanding is we've got Daugunu, and Malolua (noting Sorovi has been pretty ordinary) coming back, along with Hegarty who has been playing very consistently (as always), plus this would be a brilliant game to have a look at Gordon.
You could ALMOST start Filipo, and keep CFS for the bench flexibility, and while Campbell has been playing well I've never really been sold on him so I'd tend to keep him on the wing and trial Lucas. Given that, I'd say we could take a risk on Gorden on the bench (assuming he's in match shape). Worst case we'd have O'Connor, Stewart and Lucas all capable of playing multiple positions.
It's almost like the Lock issue we have we're trying to fit 5 very good backs along with another 5 quality backs into the one backline, but we kind of lack that REAL fire power of a 'World XV' type player or combo like a 2011 Genia & Quade, although I'm sure (read: hopeful) that'll come.
I think our backline will probably be something like
9 McDermott, 10 O'Connor, 11 Speight, 12 Stewart, 13 Pisami, 14 Feauai-Sautia, 15 Campbell. Maloua, Lucas, Hegarty.
But an 'extra spicy' backline could be
9 McDermott, 10 O'Connor, 11 Daugunu, 12 Stewart, 13 Pisami, 14 Campbell, 15 Lucas. Malolua, Gordon & CFS.
