So with Rein retired and Hodgson out for pretty much the year, or at best the next 6-8 weeks, if Hands goes down (touch wood) who is to come in and take over at 9? Hopgood filled in as an option for short bursts as Hands had a breather on Saturday, though it is not ideal as Hopgood is our best Lock. Yates would have been seen as a clear option from lower grades to fill in but i believe he has suffered a serious injury. Looking at the market there is nobody of note, nor would most teams let them go now as they are a back-up for their club. Like Jayden Berrell for example at Cronulla would be a good pick-up, however he is the back-up to Brailey, Cronulla do have McInnes but Berrell is still next in line, so doubt Cronulla let him go.
In terms of our lower grades, Meni Luke has a sort of small cult following, primarily due to his running skills. Defence wise he is not good, in FG he would struggle. Matt Arthur is a future hooker but is too young, only turned 18. He played well for Flegg on the weekend scoring 2 tries and setting up another. He actually looks pretty good, his body unlike Jake suits the position they play, he seems to have the same vision and toughness for the game that Brad installed in Jake also. Matt will play FG next year at some point i am certain of that, but unless BA puts him on the bench as cover for Hands for sometime if he is nursing an injury i doubt he gets close to the FG squad. MA i would though place in Cup for a week or so towards the end of the season. Put him on the bench and let him play 15-20 mins, let him develop, as 2024 there is a good chance he can start in Cup.
Plus he is not ideal but not even Asi is an option until Brown is cleared also. At the moment it is limited in our options, we do not want another 2021 finals campaign with a make shift hooker.
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Good blog, I think once some of these lower teams know they can't make the 8 the top teams start picking their players off them on loan deals and signing them early etc. I hope that is the case with us and we can pick up a hooker. I know there was some whispers of Jake Simpkin coming over to us earlier in the year and his off contract in 2024. with api and the rise of young da silver in the lower grades who they have massive wraps on I think Simpkin could be a very good chance once the tigers seasons is over. Other option could be someone like Corey paix IF Ben hunt does eventually go to broncos this season.
how series is Yates injury? Few games I seen in cup early in the year his service was very average. Another 12 months working with Hodgson might fix that
i know nothing about nic Lenaz but reports his a hooker/lock. He could be an option? Made his nsw cup debt this year too I believe
Well i am not really sure Yates was a hooker by trade, i believe he was a 6 through the grades so it makes sense his passing from dummy half is average.
Simpkin could be the legit option, Wests are having a sale in order to sign more players, i would take Simpkin now, but not sure if Ofahengaue saga put on us on good terms.
Flanagan but I will get shot down again.
Do not mind Flanagan as a back-up at all. As a Hooker? Perhaps he could work out. I want to see what BA could do with Jake Simpkin but.
gus mentioned he doesnt like the idea of loans
I didn't mention loan at all but i will say i do not mind loans depending on the reason. For example i would not mind Parramatta loaning out say Dunster, as long as we can recall him to play if needed.
Was reported Tigers are shoping Simpkin.
Fa'amanu Brown? Last I heard he was injured but was due back round 11. I know he's a five eighth but has played hooker.
He is a good player and would make a great 14.
Seems to be injued a lot?
I mean he's got a hell of a highlights reel on youtube though. Especially considering how often her gets injured. Worth a thought. Considering he can cover multiple positions.
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