Although the team is predictable, in a strange way it is a ballsy move by the coach and match committee.
If the team doesn't work this year, it will be a failure - no excuses.
These players have now been together long enough to understand each other and gel as a group.
The split of the Tigers 22 into age is:-
18-21 (5 players)
22-25 (10)
26-29 (2)
30+ (5)
While you could argue we are low on 26-29 yo, this is made up with the Big 5 who have over 1000 games experience playing across all lines (assuming Bowden plays back).
So, really, it kind of has to work - on paper at least.
The split of the Blues 22 into age is:-
18-21 8 players
22-25 8
26-29 6
30+ 0
So the Blues have a significant difference in the really inexperienced (8 to 5) and really experienced (0 to 6). Of those really inexperienced there are 4 newcomers to the team - puts a lot of pressure in a high octane atmosphere.
The settled nature of our team and the huge experience advantage that Richo, Browny, Bowden etc should make a huge difference tomorrow night.
The 3 elevated rookies that the Blues have put into the team astounds me.
4 months ago, 16 clubs didn't think they were good enough to put on a primary list.
Now they are playing senior football.
Big call.
