Regarding the NSW teams, with wisdom in hindsight and as a previous poster pointed out, it would have been better to play Michael Pavlakis at fullback for NSW1 and for Woodcock to play fly half for the 2s.
It worked for the CAS teams and would have worked for NSW teams as well.
Woodcock would have had a better chance to impress at fly half if he played for NSW2.
Pavlakis may have been overlooked because he is small, but if you're good enough you're big enough. I'm not sure who they could have left out to accommodate him; the numbers are restricted, but he's one of the unlucky ones. Maybe he'll get a call up. If not, he'll just have to settle for being popular.
If Woodcock was selected as a fullback for NSW1s, that's where he should have played, but as many people have pointed out, he's a fly half.
If the intention was for Woodcock and Donaldson to share the fullback and fly half roles, it didn't work.
When Donaldson was moved to fullback in their final against Qld , the team didnt perform as well. He was moved back to play 10 and they nearly got up and won.
It's too late now, but playing players out of position just so they can be in a particular team doesnt work.
Pavlakis may have been overlooked because he is small, but if you're good enough you're big enough.
the numbers are restricted, but he's one of the unlucky ones. .
IMHO,
I feel the issue of Size" definitely came into question when selecting certain player positions, especially that of the #7's and seemingly to be the only reason to why the #7 for Combined States - Harry Turner has been overlooked by Selectors on making either of the Aus School teams. I say this because it certainly wasn't due to his lack of performance on the field that fell Short! The proof of that statement is out there for all to see.
This specific #7's performance was consistently praised and globally publicised throughout the National Championships receiving excellent reviews and positive comments on various social media platforms including G&G and amazingly on their very own official Australian Schoolboys website!
going as far as liking him to "Michael Hooper" a day before the CS finals V NSW2, which can be seen on the players to watch inserts. Ironically enough, Hooper himself is not one of the biggest in the team - didn't stop Cheika though did it? .. no it didn't!
Note: see attached snap shots
Rugbycomau , Quantas Wallabies, Rugbynews, fb rugby social sites, game commentators references to Aus school teams and Turner making one of the Aus School teams, up to and including yesterday's finals game CS V NSW2) receiving high praises throughout the CS V VIC game by Aus Schools Baa Baa's Head coach commentator for game 3 that incidentally received over 9,000 views, further examples, reporter from Rugbycomau requesting for Harry to speak as captain for the post match interview fully knowing he wasn't the Captain of the day, but due to Harry having impressed rugby.com.au the day before with his captain interview (CS V NSW1) asked if he could do so again! Harry politely declined out of respect for the captain of the day.
Many who have followed CS players performances cannot for the life of them, find any other reason to why some players including Turner have been overlooked for selection? If it is the case of size(of which we surely hope not but is looking more and more to be the reason for his non selection) then hopefully once the Selectors review the video footage/interviews, and how his performance had positive impact throughout each and every game then surely one out of the 5 spots being available bar a couple put aside for players injured before or during trials is there for a Natural born #7 who rightly earned his stripes, for doing his job both fearlessly and relentlessly all day.
your quote:
"If you're good enough, Your big enough"
Can be seen in two ways,
If you're good enough - You're big enough - size plays no part in decision making for the better of the team.
If your good enough - you're big enough - you're not good enough to make selection, no matter you're size
it's the former example I'm adhering too and one that should be seen as being the right and justifiable one!
P.S this lad is tri eligible
New Zealand, UK and Australia
How sad its going to be,if he should take up offers to pursue his rugby career on foreign lands simply because his own could not see as others could see!
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