Next year Reed will be coming back from shoulder surgery after injuring it twice this year I think it would be unfair to expect 80 min efforts from him.
Currently we only have Nate Roche on the books who has had a injury plagued career.
Hopefully we find a suite back up I'm personally not a fan of having a 2 hookers in the 17 I'd rather a genuine utility.
One idea with merit that would suite us is starting Stone at 9 for the opening 20 then bringing Reed on for a middle forward and moving Stone into the middle similar to what Storm do. We won't loose anything in defense with Stone at 9 in fact we'd gain a bit then when Reed comes on we gain alot in attack.
I know Stones last game was highlighted by some mistakes but in fairness he had played more minimum there then originally planned due to waqa going for a HIA and I think fatigue played a part
Anyway just something think over as we go into another trophyless off season
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Yeah, he'd be ok too, but with constant speculation around Josh Hodgson I doubt Sticky will let him go.
Yes he's my preference
Mitch Rein makes sense, and is clubless right now.
Mitch Rein would be a great pickup.
Reed will bust his arse, we know that... but... he's not a big dude, injury history and operates as a tackling machine in constant collision with much larger guys... that spells difficulties for long term - be that just over the course of a season or over years. Reed will break if he keeps trying to play 80.
I think we have to go back to the Brad Drew / PJ Marsh days... was the best combo we had and worked a treat... need to run 2 9's and use them both each game with in theory half a half each subject to how the game is playing out. Bench of 2 middles, an edge and a genuine 9.
I'd still want Reed playing the bulk of the minutes, but if we can give him 20-25 minutes rest each game OR say, every 4th or 5th game off, that'd work.
He is also getting chased by the new expansion team
Apparently we are chasing Mitch rein which is good depth signing
Definitely need a good quality back up hooker. Stone is out of the question in my opinion and there's only really currently Will Smith. Not sure if there are any quality juniors coming through and not sure if recruitment is looking around.
Club has reportedly meet with mitch rein
Trent what have you heard On Marata? I'm hearing he's good as gone unfortunately.