The Prism - Representative Round

International Break
This is a shortened Prism due to the pausing of the comp for the international matches. The "Predictions" and "Form Guide" will return next week.

Hot topic

There are a number of questions which arise at this time of the year, including:

• Should the representative teams be picked on form, or based on past performances at the same level?
• Should teams that are higher on the table have more representatives?
• Should an average player be picked due to "combinations at club level"?
• Should good players be picked out of position as a reward?
• Should returning players from UK/rugby be considered?
• Should players be able to withdraw from the lesser games to attend to "niggling injuries"?
• Should the stronger nations be more flexible with allowing the Pacific Island teams to use unwanted players?

These questions have plagued rugby league in recent years. Everyone has their view, but my 5¢ worth is that selections need to be made in the best interests of the game.

For the international teams to be taken serious, they should be based on the best players at the time. As there is a delay between games, unlike in other sports like cricket or rugby, past performances are somewhat irrelevant. James Tamou can be considered lucky to be in the team given his recent form.

It seems quite political that the likes of Benji Marshall be outright denied a chance to represent NZ even though he is in great form and is leading his unfancied club team to the top of the table. Possibly he will never be considered following his foray to the dark side.

Josh Dugan has been playing very well at fullback and has proven himself in the centres. He is now experimenting on the wing in an international match. I am not sure that this is the time for work experience.

With respect to the City-Country match, if a player withdraws he should find it difficult to play the next week. Finally, the rule which limits the Polynesians from playing for their home country if they missed selection for their adopted one only serves to weaken the international game at a time when they are competing against rugby for talent.

Many questions and opinions, but overall the league has given this weekend the status it deserves. Let's hope that the games are well contested and supported as they should be.

Composite Team

Last week's composite team was made up of bad boys with lengthy suspensions. Can you work out the theme for the team below?

1. Graham Eadie
2. Ewan McGrady
3. Mick Cronin
4. Steve Rogers
5. Greg Brentnall
6. Denis Pittard
7. Tommy Raudonikis
8. Mark Sargent
9. Mal Cochrane
10. David Fairleigh
11. Gavin Miller
12. Ray Higgs
13. Wayne Pearce
14. Geoff Bugden
15. Ray Price
16. Ken Maddison
17. Terry Lamb

This team has speed out wide, a tough pack and rugged reserves. Predicted placing in 2015 table: 7th

Flash Back

This week's Flash Back was a mobile prop from Moree who started out with Queanbeyan in the ACT competition under Don Furner. Stan Jurd played for the North Sydney Bears and Parramatta Eels during the 1980's.

Jurd represented country against Queensland, NZ and Great Britain before he signed with Norths in 1981. This exposure allowed him to get a running start to his first grade career.

Jurd played for two seasons with the Bears before switching to the Eels in 1983. He had a great season and was rewarded with selection to the NSW team for the final two matches of the State of Origin series. The year was topped off with a grand final win over Manly.

Parramatta again made the grand final in 1984, but this time lost 6-4 after Michael Cronin missed a short ranged penalty goal at the end of the game. After 1985 he suffered a number of injuries and retired in 1987 after 114 games. He only scored 6 tries in his time in the NSWRL competition but was recruited to lead the pack for the slick Eels backline.