PARTNER any two of this six together as your back row combination for 2013 and you’ve got size, speed, strength and all the scoring ability in the world.
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We’re getting closer to finalising the make-up of this year’s starting 13, but the back row, more than any other position, is spoilt for choice.
Van Veen or Merritt?
Anau or Wood?
Or do you pair the damaging duo of Afamasaga and Rose?
Select your favourite two in this year’s outfit.
THE CONTENDERS:
Jono Van Veen (Lithgow Workies): 14 tries, 13 games.
Big, tough and fast, Van Veen is public enemy number one in most Group 10 towns, but will be given the keys to Lithgow should Workies go back-to-back in 2013.
Chris Anau (Orange Hawks): one try, 11 games.
One of the unsung Hawks in 2013, Anau is a big reason the two blues have been able to punch over the advantage line on a regular basis.
Jack Afamasaga (Mudgee Dragons): five tries, 12 games.
A former NRL hardman warming to the task with Mudgee, Afamasaga has given plenty of defenders grief with a damaging bump and a willingness to offload.
KJ Wood (Cowra Magpies): three tries, 13 games.
A star junior with the Magpies, Wood has taken time to adjust to senior football. Returning following a stint with Group 21 outfit Muswellbrook last year, Wood has been a standout.
Zac Merritt (Bathurst St Pat’s): two tries, eight games.
A Group 10 and Western Division prop, Merritt has been shifted wide of the ruck by Pat’s coach Mick Armstrong to great effect. Fantastic footwork for a big man.
Trent Rose (Bathurst Panthers): five tries, 11 goals, 10 games.
Returning to his junior club to play with brother Matt, Trent Rose has been a constant threat out wide for the men in black.
* Tomorrow: Locking down the last piece of the puzzle
![ALMIGHTY FORCE: Jono Van Veen is the leader of the Lithgow Workies pack. ALMIGHTY FORCE: Jono Van Veen is the leader of the Lithgow Workies pack.](/images/transform/v1/resize/frm/storypad-35DGTwqtRAw3RmzrxRCkyVz/21cf4261-b2d5-4429-a276-588d36f676db.jpg/w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
![UNHERALDED: The high quality of Chris Anau's work for Orange Hawks goes mostly unnoticed. UNHERALDED: The high quality of Chris Anau's work for Orange Hawks goes mostly unnoticed.](/images/transform/v1/resize/frm/storypad-35DGTwqtRAw3RmzrxRCkyVz/15ad3c16-393f-4b5b-a161-dde5daec898a.jpg/w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
![CONSTANT THREAT: Jack Afamasaga's fend and off-loading ability have been assets for Mudgee Dragons in 2013. CONSTANT THREAT: Jack Afamasaga's fend and off-loading ability have been assets for Mudgee Dragons in 2013.](/images/transform/v1/resize/frm/storypad-35DGTwqtRAw3RmzrxRCkyVz/8bf0fcb1-e5a4-4203-92db-73a9871040fc.jpg/w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
![WELCOME RETURN: KJ Wood has flown back into the Magpies flock this season, much to the delight of Cowra fans. WELCOME RETURN: KJ Wood has flown back into the Magpies flock this season, much to the delight of Cowra fans.](/images/transform/v1/resize/frm/storypad-35DGTwqtRAw3RmzrxRCkyVz/9802cf1a-33d1-4b30-b41d-d26ff8cc0f5d.jpg/w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
![SUCCESSFUL CHANGE: Bathurst St Pat's have been using former prop Zac Merritt in the second row to great effect in 2013. SUCCESSFUL CHANGE: Bathurst St Pat's have been using former prop Zac Merritt in the second row to great effect in 2013.](/images/transform/v1/resize/frm/storypad-35DGTwqtRAw3RmzrxRCkyVz/c84e16ba-fd42-4053-bc21-9568c237f6f1.jpg/w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
![OH BROTHER: Trent Rose has been one of Bathurst Panthers' shining lights in the 2013 Group 10 season. OH BROTHER: Trent Rose has been one of Bathurst Panthers' shining lights in the 2013 Group 10 season.](/images/transform/v1/resize/frm/storypad-35DGTwqtRAw3RmzrxRCkyVz/f2dcd579-59d6-47f8-85e9-07104a0484e0.jpg/w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)