ET Perth Spirit Team to Play the RAMs

[Thequeerone]

1.Pek Cowan
2. Tai McIsaac
3. AJ Whalley
4. Tom Hocking
5. Sitaleki Timani
6. Scott Fava
7. David Pocock
8. Richard Brown
9. Matt Henjak ©
10. James Hilgendorf
11. Ratu Siganiyavi
12. Junior Pelesasa
13. Ryan Cross
14. Nick Cummins
15. Cameron Shepherd


16.Luke Holmes
17.Troy Takiari
18. Scott Fardy
19. Will Brock
20. James Stannard
21. Scott Daruda
22. Lachlan MacKay

The ET Perth Spirit will make its Mazda Australian Rugby Championship debut against the Western Sydney Rams with a squad consisting of five Wallabies and 15 Emirates Western Force players.

The WA team, led by scrumhalf Matt Henjak, will play the Rams at Members Equity Stadium in Perth on Friday night with only four players in the starting XV without Super rugby experience.

Emirates Western Force flyhalf James Hilgendorf will begin at pivot, ahead of Scott Daruda and Lachlan MacKay who will both start on the bench.

Outside Hilgendorf are bustling Australia A centres Junior Pelesasa and Ryan Cross, with the exciting Cameron Shepherd at fullback.

Speedy Emirates Western Force new signing Nick Cummins will play on one wing, with the towering Fijian-born, Brisbane-raised flyer Ratu Siganiyavi on the other.

Second rowers Tom Hockings and Sitaleki Timani are the only players in the pack without Super 14 caps, while Scott Fava will start at blindside flanker with Richard Brown at No. 8 and David Pocock on the openside.

The starting front row boasts hooker and vice captain Tai McIsaac, with AJ Whalley at tight head prop and Pek Cowan at loose head.

Last year’s PG Hampshire award recipient (for best club player) James Stannard is on the bench, as is Nedlands flanker and Australian Sevens player, Will Brock.

Rudi Vedelago was unavailable for selection after returning to Brisbane for family reasons. Gareth Hardy, Luke Doherty and Haig Sare were unavailable for selection due to injury.

ET Perth Spirit Head Coach John Mulvihill said the team had prepared well over recent weeks and was looking forward to Friday night’s challenge.

“All our patterns and structures are in place; it’s now up to the players to bring their enthusiasm and skill execution to the game,” he said.

“The Rams upset the Vikings in a trial last week and will come into the game with a great deal of confidence.”

“It will be a very fast and physical contest.”

[no.8]

Who is Sitaleki Timani?

[Seldom]

New Tongan Boy. Young fella very strong and hits harder, exciting talent!

[Thequeerone]

Tall - like can look either Sharpie or Rudi in the eye? - looking for a contract ? i.e. possible kamikaze tendencies ?

[AndyS]

Timani - WTHF? He wasn't even named in the Spirit squad only 3 weeks ago, so is this a very late signing that has completely flown under the radar or has someone cocked up?

Interesting if it is true though. From what I can gather, he's young and tall (201cm), supposedly bulking up and plays league. If fact, I thought he was on contract for the Sharks. Be curious to know his union background, and why the Sharks would release him during the season..?

Anyone got a good contact within the Spirit organisation? Is it just a Spirit signing or is there a Force element as well, and why no announcement?

[Seldom]

There is Force element is the rumour

[no.8]

There is Force element is the rumour

What does this mean Sely?
Why would he leave a $70k a year job at the Cronnulla Sharks for $8k with the Perth Spirit?
Is he a Force apprentice?
Is it because he wants to play Rugby at the best team in the universe?

[The EnForcer]

That looks like a great team....we may be in for a treat on Friday night!

[goony]

good lineup selected, apparantly this timani is a big unit who can do some damage around the paddock

[Skiza]

Thats a pretty mean looking team

[slomo]

it looks like being one of the strongest teams in the arc, heres to a big result friday night...

[WF2006]

Has something happened to Rudi??
He was one of only 2 locks mentioned in the squad release. Has Timani replaced him?

Does anyone know how strict the competition is on using only squad members or is it fairly flexible. Maybe only 28 get paid but others can still join in.

Scotty F at 6! That'll be interesting!

[shasta]

Rudi Vedelago was unavailable for selection after returning to Brisbane for family reasons. Gareth Hardy, Luke Doherty and Haig Sare were unavailable for selection due to injury.

......

[WF2006]

......

Oops - sorry, team lists I seem to be able to handle - sentences (and especially paragraphs) seem to confuse my poor brain somewhat!! Thanks Shasta.

So does this effectively answer my other question? Others can easily be drafted from outside the 28?

[travelling_gerry]

Interesting with FAva at blindside...maybe the new rules suit his damaging runs.??