Where to for the Spirit Backline?!

[Burgs]

Having a look at the "outs" for the Spirit, if the reports prove to be true, doesn't make pretty reading.
Basically we are down to the cobwebs and I imagine Mulvers will have to look to the local pool again.
Have gone through the Squad and assigned as I understand to be the case and then below are some names that have been around in the last two years as fringe players.
Interested in any inside knowledge on those individuals as to their suitability/availability/fitness etc for ARC honours.

Understood to be fit:

James Stannard, Scrumhalf
Scott Daruda, Flyhalf
Ryan Cross, Centre
Dan Bailey, Wing/Fullback

Heading to France:

Cameron Shepherd, Fullback

Short term injured:

Lachlan MacKay, Flyhalf/Centre
Nick Cummins, Wing/Fullback (Fitness Test this week?)
Ratu Siganiyavi, Wing/Fullback (Fitness Test this week?)
Haig Sare, Wing/Fullback (Fitness Test this week?)

Long term injured:

Matt Henjak(c), Scrumhalf
Jimmy Hilgendorf, Flyhalf
Junior Pelesasa, Centre

Potential locals:

2007 Academy:

Curtis Maclean, Scrumhalf
Cole Unasa, Outside Centre
Justin Webster, Fullback/Wing
Darren Van Wyk, Centre
Garth Ziegler, Centre/Wing

Other Locals:

Matt Shaw, Scrumhalf
Lloyd Johnson, Centre
Ryan Lenegan, Wing/Centre
Darcy Bowden, Wing
Alex Rufus, Wing
David Cloete, Fullback

[Jehna]

Took the words right out of my mouth Burgs.... I dunno hey... I think we're in some trouble...

I'd probably play this:

9: James Stannard
10: Scott Daruda
11: Nick Cummins (assuming he's fine which i think he will be)
12: Lachlan MacKay (maybe? if he's fit?)
13:Ryan Cross
14: Dan Bailey
15: Haig Sare (maybe?)

[James]

At least we are playing the bottom two teams and the better of the two at home. It could be worse. Lets put those hands together and do some hardcore praying for some quick recoveries.

Whats the go with the other two though? The two senior apprentices that were recruited; James O'Connor and someone from Schoolboy rugby. Are they eligible/old enough to play?

[travelling_gerry]

O'Connor is still at school in Brisbane.......Nudgee of course

[goony]

alex rufus as a possible backup from local comp?? he got a 13 match suspension for a dangerous tackle, he wont be playing until 2nd round next year lol poor guy

[hopep]

I thought Ratu and Nick were only slight injuries and would be ready this week?
Henjak played well last week, whats the long term injury?

[Burgs]

He is said to be going under the knife for a knee, yet to be confirmed.
If you notice the footage of his try he is limping there fairly severely.
Ratu and Nick I understand to be facing a fitness test so may be available.
Would still leave four short of a 22 Man Squad from those currently in the Spirit Roster.
Sare is another unknown, but would still leave three if he is also fit.

[hopep]

Losing Henjak will be the biggest blow - after Sheps.
He was starting to develop as a leader and is now very good at directing traffic on field.
I guess it'll be a toss up between ARC then surgery and miss S14; or miss ARC for surgery and maybe be ready for S14. Very sad for Spirit though.

[Jehna]

I guess it'll be a toss up between ARC then surgery and miss S14; or miss ARC for surgery and maybe be ready for S14. Very sad for Spirit though.

If that's the decision he has to make i don't really think there is one. He's banking on a good super 14 season to make wallabies selection. No offence to the ARC, but withou Sheps and with so many injured players he's probably better off giving the young guys a chance to display some talent. He won't get a whole lot more out of it, except for learning to step up as a leader. But it will depend on how necessary the surgery is and how much damage has been done. He may be able to finish out the ARC season and then have surgery and still be ready for the super 14 season, even if he misses the first week or so.

[jargan83]

I persoanlly would rather have him on deck for the start of the super 14 season and miss the rest of the ARC, he will be missed by the Spirit but he's vital to our chances, we saw what happened when he was out injured when the Force went to NEw Zealand and Canberra earlier this year (not saying it was just because he ws out either)

[travelling_gerry]

whats the story on Junior Burgs??? I thought he finished the game on Saturday?

[Burgs]

Reportedly has a fracture in his wrist Gerry.

[travelling_gerry]

Geez

[shasta]

Guys, there's been no official reports in the press nor RugbyWA re long term injuries to Yak & Junior. Do we have inside info ?

[travelling_gerry]

shasta................shssssshhhhhhhhh