Backline options for Round 4

[Burgs]

With the Backs department severely depleted following injury and suspension, Coach Graham is faced with some tricky decisions leading into Round 4.
I have assumed that he won't move any of the back three to #13 as none really have the passing aspect of the position and all performed well in their position last week.
Assuming Ripia is still out and a question mark over last year's spare parts man Bartholomeusz, here are some of the options left:

Round 3

9 Sheehan
10 O'Connor
11 Smith
12 Fairbanks
13 Inman Injured, 4-6 weeks
14 Cummins
15 Shepherd

20 Stannard
21 Mafi
22 Sidey Suspended, 3 weeks

"Probable Option"

9 Sheehan
10 O'Connor
11 Smith
12 Fairbanks
13 Mafi
14 Cummins
15 Shepherd

20 Stannard
21 Swanepoel (Bartholomeusz if fit)
22 Dellit

"Possible Option"

9 Sheehan
10 O'Connor
11 Smith
12 Fairbanks
13 Dellit
14 Cummins
15 Shepherd

20 Stannard
21 Swanepoel (Bartholomeusz if fit)
22 Mafi

"Left Field Option"

9 Sheehan
10 Stannard
11 Smith
12 O'Connor
13 Fairbanks
14 Cummins
15 Shepherd

20 Swanepoel
21 Mafi
22 Dellit

[Hoolly Doolly]

i pefer the option of mafi to 13. Although he's listed as a winger/outside centre ive only ever seen him on the wing. I believe cullet has aspirations at 13. Him there with smith and Mafi on the wings look ok on paper.

[James]

Also assuming Ripia is out and Bartholomeusz is too, I'd prefer:

9. Brett Sheehan
10. James O'Connor
11. David Smith
12. Gene Fairbanks
13. Nick Cummins
14. Alfie Mafi
15. Cam Shepherd

20. James Stannard
21. Kyle Godwin
22. Pat Dellit

Or maybe Sharpie can play in the centres? He seems to show up there pretty often in games.

[Burgs]

I just can't get comfortable with Cummins needed to pass regularly, he hasn't blown me away with that skill set, but his tackling and cover on the Wing was one of the reasons we stayed in touch for so long on Saturday.
For me at least it is one of those "if it aint broke" scenarios I guess.

[BDAVEY]

Sidley will be back in 3 weeks but will he slot straight back in....

[Hoolly Doolly]

I just can't get comfortable with Cummins needed to pass regularly, he hasn't blown me away with that skill set, but his tackling and cover on the Wing was one of the reasons we stayed in touch for so long on Saturday.
For me at least it is one of those "if it aint broke" scenarios I guess.

Adam Ashley Cooper is a black hole at 13......rarely do you ever see him pass the ball hhahaha

[Sheikh]

I like Burgs' left-field option of Stannard at 10; he may be a scrum-half, but in sevens the scrum-half can do both 9 and 10's jobs, so he'll have some experience of what's required.

[pruc]

godwin is out for 3-4 months

[Burgs]

godwin is out for 3-4 months

That puts the kybosh on that then...
Even less options for Graham, I'll revisit the original suggestions then.

I like Burgs' left-field option of Stannard at 10; he may be a scrum-half, but in sevens the scrum-half can do both 9 and 10's jobs, so he'll have some experience of what's required.

Apart from the Sevens, he's actually got quite a bit of experience at Flyhalf at lower levels, having originally played in that position when he came to Perth.
I think he would do really well in the #10.

[The InnFORCEr]

Apart from the Sevens, he's actually got quite a bit of experience at Flyhalf at lower levels, having originally played in that position when he came to Perth.
I think he would do really well in the #10.

He played 10 for the last quarter or two in the trial match in Nowra and I have no doubt he will fill that position when required (injury/interchange).

[normie]

I just can't get comfortable with Cummins needed to pass regularly, he hasn't blown me away with that skill set, but his tackling and cover on the Wing was one of the reasons we stayed in touch for so long on Saturday.
For me at least it is one of those "if it aint broke" scenarios I guess.

Spot on re cullets tackling, burgs.

[zimeric]

yeah was really impressed with his dive tackle on the speedy Pieterson early in the match..

. however i think Cullet is better at 13, the closer he gets to the ball the more influence he will have as he is not the sort to go looking for work unlike Sheps or JOC.

on the other hand Stannard has matured as a player certainly i think he would do well at 10

[BDAVEY]

Dial a replacememt.... David Hill whats he up to ????....

[GIGS20]

Not playing 13 surely?