I've been dying to give a full YART for 2016 for a while so here i go.
1. Brett Stewart - Needs to sort his issues with DCE and be the leader we need. No doubt he will.
2. Jorge Taufua - Has been great since his injury, really earn his spot.
3. Steve Matai - Another leader. That will be important next year.
4. Peta Hiku - Has been bagged but really he is one of our best centre options already. Capable of huge Metres.
5. Tom Trbojevic - What a freak. Needs to be in the team from now on.
6. Jamie Lyon (c) - A move back to the 6 jumper could be an omen for us. Repeat of 2008 on the cards? Definitely not too old, he would just need some consistency in that position.
7. Daly Cherry Evans - Now he's the highest payed player ever, people will have the same expectations on him as Jonathan Thurston and rightly so. Needs to deliver a premiership.
8. Jake Trbojevic - A freak like his brother and will only improve. Our best front rower.
9. Matt Ballin - Admittedly he is slowing down, but he is still a leader and will continue to be one.
10. Darcy Lussick - Welcome back mate. We will greatly benefit from his aggression as it is something we are lacking at the moment. The kid is Manly as well, its in his blood.
11. Jamie Buhrer - With the departure of 'heartstrings Foran' we have the opportunity to recreate our left side. I think a switch to the left for Burhrer, coupled with Lyon could create something reminiscent of Lyon and Stewart on the right. Would love to hear people's thoughts on that.
12. Nate Myles - Hard work up the middle and big metres is what we need from this bloke ala Paul Gallon and our former favourite Anthony Watmough. That and a leadership role.
13. Blake Leary - He has shown his potential on the right and if he can consistently give us big metres (He cracked 200 in one game) the starting spot is his.
14. Ligi sao - Has great potential and shows a lot of passion when he's on the field. I Think he can fill our current Brent Kite shaped void.
15. Brenton Lawrence - If he can come back from this back injury (which remains to be seen), he could add a lot to our bench next year, especially if the interchange is reduced.
16. Tom Symonds - Has stood up this year and his versatility adds a lot to our bench.
17. Jayden Hodges - Many people on the forum have spoken of the need for this guy. Ballin is slowing down and Hodges will be a must for our attack next year.
Coach. Geoff Toovey - I wrote him off last week but i think Chez has brought him another week. I believe he can save himself from here by converting the signing of Cherry into a run of form. Time will tell i guess.
That leaves Lui, Starling, Sene Lefao, Demetriou, Burgess, Gutherson, Mateo and possibly Travers as back up. They all have a lot to add if they can show good form/reach full potential.
With good form and luck with injuries, that could potentially be a premiership winning side. I'd be confident of success if that was our team next year.
It took me a while to write up so I'd love to hear people's opinions on it or from anyone who would like to discuss. Don't leave me hanging!
