Little note from the presser, Moses and Ryles both full of praise for Joash and his work on the defensive side of the ball. Seems like that's what they mostly want from him at this stage. Keeping his game very simple in attack and focusing on reading the numbers in defence. He may grow into a more attacking role next season but I think the club should still bring in a pezet if possible ? Either way coach and Moses seem happy with Joash work so far.
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Papalii has played 4 full games in the 6 role.
2 with Moses (defending along side Williams / Brown) and 2 with Hawkins (defending along side Williams / Russell).
In 3 of those 4 games he has made 76 of 78 tackles.
That was against the Titans, Rabbitohs and Roosters.
Against the Raiders in the nations capital he made 21 from 29 tackles.
Not a bad start defensively for a player who is playing out of position in the big time and does has not much size about him.
In attack he has had 1 try assist, 2 line break assists and 2 offloads.
He has not broken a tackle yet and has kicked for a total of only 111 metres across the 4 game period.
Not dangerous in attack all up however if he is to be considered as an option next year in the 6 role then he has the off season to develop skills to aid his half partner.
Internally you would think Talataina and Volkman are competing for the same position next year and externally I would only be chasing Campbell.
Twidle has not played much 6 this year besides the pre season and Hawkins can play both sides but is a natural halfback.
Pezet or Wishart could work but they would still be considered developmental projects as they have only played 25% of their games in the 6 position.
Ryles may stick with Papalii until Talataina is ready, surrounding him with experience, and defensive minded players to help his game and confidence.
I am curious who we are looking at outside of the 6 role with the available expenditure we have on the books.
If there was a star 5/8 available you'd sign them. That would give us the finish product straight away and it's probably my preferred route however I'm not seeing many 5/8's you'd break the bank for. Joash is worth persisting with and an off season will no doubt help him enormously. If he can add a kicking game he could become a finished product quickly. Getting him to focus on defence today is definitely the right move.
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