The DT Scoop: Round 10

The Postman has the scoop on Round 10… with a bit of help from Gaz and friends.

Heads up Dream Teamers - nothing gets by Mark ‘The Sideline Professional‘ Gasnier and he’s sat down with The Postman to answer your DT questions on Round 10.

Every Thursday we as for your DT tips or questions on our Facebook Page and whichever DT guru gets the call to pen this article will respond.

The Dream Team Scoop: ROUND 10 with your local Postman.

From Morgan Paul Clifford – otherwise known as the man who shot JFK.

“The Centre’s delimma… I have the usual combo of Aubosson and Halatua with Hurrel and Trex waiting in the wings… and I’m sure plenty still have Moga.

Question is this week, would it be to big of a gamble to play Hurrell over Halatau? I’m thinking of doing it.

But the big question is, am I too stacked in the centres when Trex makes his long awaited comeback?

Surely bumping of Halatau to bolster another position is on the cards soon?”

The Postman replies…

“First of all I believe the FBI is still looking for you, and secondly if you deal out a backrower who is playing 60+ minutes a week and is eligible for your centres – you should be admitted to the nearest psychiatric facility.

While I was happy to recommend Thunder Thighs Hurrell as a buy this week if you’d jumped off him too early, but remember Hurrell has WFB as well – so if you can get him into your back three maybe that’s an option – but not punting Halatau.

I’ve held Tony Williams for the duration as well in the hope that he wouldn’t get picked for Origin because of his suspension but even if he does turn out for NSW – he’s a guy you had to have in your team come the second half of the season – so right now I’d suggest play Aubusson and Halatau, consider Thunder Thighs for a bench spot or the back three.

And say a prayer for Tautau Moga… all world centre Joseph Leilua is the only thing standing between him and a first grade spot.“

From Corey Te Rangi – who is only CTR eligible.

“Postman – I am in the fortunate position of having 6 players on my bench to choose from to make up my four reserves for Rd 10.

But unfortunately, I am now struggling to narrow it down to four.

My options are K.Hurrell, J.Ropati, J.Rankin, J.DeBelin, B.Austin and J.Reynolds.

I’ve chosen Reynolds for consistency already and Hurrell for the fact he will play 80 mins and may be in for a big one this week against the tri-colours. The other four options I am not too sure on.

Rankin could be in for a big one in the 7 jersey, Austin has been up & down with his scoring, JDB seems to be getting limited mins and Ropati hasn’t been performing well DT wise but is starting in the 1 jersey.

Is there a process or routine you know of, that can help a DT coach narrow his/her reserve options down to the best possible 4 for that week?”

The Postman replies…

“Corey – that’s quite a question and if we all knew the perfect formula we’d all be driving around in FJ Cruisers or Nissan Chubby’s would we?

It might sound straight forward but basically – I look for my best 13 and then work back one by one for the best four reserves. With the byes beginning this might be a luxury we don’t have in the future but I also lean forwards first when it comes to the bench with a dedicated half who is going to do plenty of kicking as my next option.

From your four I’d play Thunder Thighs Hurrell, de Belin, Reynolds and I’m torn on Rankin v Austin v Ropati.

Rankin might not even play with Scott Prince a big chance of returning, Austin is a turnstile in attack but with Travis Burns in doubt might do a bit of kicking on Monday night and Ropati is only a good play if he scores a try or two against the Roosters.

Gun to my head – I’d play Rankin if I knew he was playing, but rolling the dice (always fun in DT) – I’d pick Ropati.

Anyone else got a theory on your best bench?”

Got more Questions for The Postman? Post it below or on Facebook before midday Friday and you might end up in this feature.

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