2024 Force Locks

We'll no doubt do a series of positional call type threads in coming weeks, however, am going to jump the gun with the Locking department.
As listed, we have-

Lopeti Faifua
Age 21
Height 198cm
Weight 115kg

Tom Franklin
Age 33
Height 200cm
Weight 110kg

Felix Kalapu
Age 24
Height ?
Weight 111kg

Jackson Pugh
Age 23
Height 194cm
Weight 96kg

Izack Rodda
Age 27
Height 202cm
Weight 123kg

Jeremy Williams
Age 23
Height 195cm
Weight 111kg

Prior to this week (and pending Rodda's fitness), we likely would have had a first pick of-
4. Williams
5. Rodda
19. Kalapu (Heavy cover) or Pugh (Backrow cover)

However, with the signing of the experienced Franklin this week, there are a few extra permutations.
If Rodda isn't fully fit, then Franklin comes in as cover. Simple.
If Rodda is 40-60 minute fit, then you would need to consider either starting him, or bringing him off the bench, so likely Rodda-Franklin sharing game time to maintain a level of experience.

Williams has not only shown great potential during 2023, but also has been entrusted in leadership and, at still only 23 years, must be a "retain at all costs" player for the future. So, do you reward that service and future by covering #4 regardless, does he become a super sub for a season, or is there potential in covering #6 until the inevitable injuries to someone occur?

You then also have the freshly signed lump of Faifua, the nearly-as-experienced-as-Williams Kalapu and the mobile Pugh.
The young quartet of Kalapu 24, Williams 23, Pugh 23 and Faifua 21 would all form an excellent platform for the next 5 years, particularly given the SR exposure the first three have enjoyed, to date.

So, assuming full fitness, after much hand wringing I think I'd go-

4. Williams (C)
5. Rodda
19. Franklin

I liked Kalapu as a ball-runner. I'd be tempted to go:
4. Kalapu
5. Rodda
6. Williams
7. Tizzano
8. Harris

With 19. Franklin and 20. Anstee.

That's pretty good balance.

I think that weight for Pugh is old- I reckon he's at least 10kg more than that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by James

I liked Kalapu as a ball-runner. I'd be tempted to go:

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Beat me to it. If he progresses he'll be an asset. He made some nice line breaks last year busting right through tackles. A bit of work on his offloading in and through the tackle might make him a real weapon.

Kalapu is returning from a broken leg sustained in the 2023 NPC, so he may be eased back into the team.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tazzmania

Kalapu is returning from a broken leg sustained in the 2023 NPC, so he may be eased back into the team.

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He's looking fully recovered at training.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Burgs

We'll no doubt do a series of positional call type threads in coming weeks, however, am going to jump the gun with the Locking department.
As listed, we have-

Lopeti Faifua
Age 21
Height 198cm
Weight 115kg

Tom Franklin
Age 33
Height 200cm
Weight 110kg

Felix Kalapu
Age 24
Height ?
Weight 111kg

Jackson Pugh
Age 23
Height 194cm
Weight 96kg

Izack Rodda
Age 27
Height 202cm
Weight 123kg

Jeremy Williams
Age 23
Height 195cm
Weight 111kg

Prior to this week (and pending Rodda's fitness), we likely would have had a first pick of-
4. Williams
5. Rodda
19. Kalapu (Heavy cover) or Pugh (Backrow cover)

However, with the signing of the experienced Franklin this week, there are a few extra permutations.
If Rodda isn't fully fit, then Franklin comes in as cover. Simple.
If Rodda is 40-60 minute fit, then you would need to consider either starting him, or bringing him off the bench, so likely Rodda-Franklin sharing game time to maintain a level of experience.

Williams has not only shown great potential during 2023, but also has been entrusted in leadership and, at still only 23 years, must be a "retain at all costs" player for the future. So, do you reward that service and future by covering #4 regardless, does he become a super sub for a season, or is there potential in covering #6 until the inevitable injuries to someone occur?

You then also have the freshly signed lump of Faifua, the nearly-as-experienced-as-Williams Kalapu and the mobile Pugh.
The young quartet of Kalapu 24, Williams 23, Pugh 23 and Faifua 21 would all form an excellent platform for the next 5 years, particularly given the SR exposure the first three have enjoyed, to date.

So, assuming full fitness, after much hand wringing I think I'd go-

4. Williams (C)
5. Rodda
19. Franklin

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What a great overview- really puts Rodda in perspective - he’s a big unit 💪

I like Williams at 6 as well. Would go Franklin and Rodda starting (hopefully). Kalapu good cover off the bench as he can cover 6 and second row but Williams can also move.