One positive of Brown's stand down is the emergence of Daejarn Asi. A signing that surprised me, yet made complete sense to me. It was confusing at first as when he signed it was not mentioned how long for, then it was reported that he signed with us for 2023 but was heading back to North Queensland in 2024, only coming to us as NQ couldn't get him in the cap for 23'. Then i saw he had a deal for 2024 as well in an option. So that made the deal better as i felt we needed another Half that can contend with JA. Then he injured his knee, slowing his pre-season causing him to slowly return via NSW cup, then he was moved left right and centre in the line-up. From Centre to Fullback to Halfback to Five-Eighth, it is difficult for a player to settle in and make an impact when moving around so much. Then finally he stayed at 6 when JA moved to Manly.
Now 2 games, we have seen Asi impress as an option more than being a back-up. At this stage we need a bench spot for JH, primarily due to his decline, he cannot last a full 80. With Hands starting, our bench frees up a little more. However, the fact BA likes to use 16 players majority of the time, the use of a utility on the bench is the most appropriate option. Last year, BA opted with JA being on the bench for the purpose that if Moses or Brown went down mid game late in the season, he can bring JA in straight away not effecting the make-up of the team mid game. It made sense though JA was the wrong option for that. Asi however, is the perfect option for that. Mainly due to the fact he can fill in for Brown and Moses but he can fill at Fullback, Centre and even Hooker also.
Now Hooker is a spot he has been very limited at, is could be an issue at first, i am not saying start him at 9 but he can fill if need be. If you play Asi for up to 60 minutes at hooker, might see him struggle in defence, but coming in for say 15-20mins to cover Hands? He will hold his own, defensively it is more difficult in the middle than on the edge, yet Asi does put his body on the line. His ability to play pretty much all of the backline and fill in at Hooker with above average defence makes him an easy selection on the bench. BA played JA at 9 for a few games, Asi surely can play there for a few minutes also.
It really comes to what is more important? Hodgson who we have statistically struggled with this year, or Hands who we have won all 3 games with him starting (granted against average opposition) freeing up a spot on the bench for a proper utility. Coming to finals, the thing coaches fear is disruption and musical chairs mid game with injuries, that is where having a back on the bench sometimes is important. I have never been and never will be a fan of having a back on the bench, though with someone like Asi you can slot him in and the rest of the 13 stays as they are. Then if you lose more, chances are you can use your 18th man (typically a winger, in our case Haze Dunster) and use them to cover another back spot. Imagine Gutho *touch wood* going down in a semi. You have to move Russell to 1, Simonsson to wing and then move Cartwright, or Matterson to Centre, losing a forward in your rotation in the process. Asi you lose nothing really as BA still has his 16 he always planned to use with that extra player hanging around as a break glass option who may get minutes late in the contest if we are comfortable.
It is hard, but i think it is time for BA to make the call for Hodgson to assist behind the scenes but once Brown is back, if he is back in 2023, for Asi to stay in the 17. He could be the difference at the end of the season.
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Ahhh so how long is he signed with us ? 2024 + an option in his favour?
He is signed obviously for this year, and for 2024 but it is a Mutual option so both club and Asi need to agree for it to be activated if not he is a free agent. So only for 23' & 24'
Yep really like the kid..
He needs to be in the 17 somehow..
In the past he was let go by Payten in NQ due to poor training attitude. You can tell he is a cool character, seems to come naturally to him sometimes. Also seems to be a kid that makes a mistake, kicks himself then moves on quickly, that is a great trait to have.
I am not sure if his training has improved, but i doubt BA would keep him around or even play him if his training was up to scratch, yes he had no choice to play him with Brown out but he was named 18th man a few games beforehand so BA liked him beforehand. All it takes is an opportunity.
Asi is too good for ressies, another club will give him a shot if we don't. The utility role is a nice idea, but how do you avoid having him sit on the bench for 80 minutes. He needs to be able to play backup hooker. Not sure if he's ready for defending in the middle but worth finding out.
Again, playing a full game there might be a bit too far for him at this stage. He is only 22 and only played 20 NRL games and putting him at 14 puts you in that position if Hands goes down in say the first 5 minutes. But i think you can do worse, if JA was on the bench last year and Mahoney went down he would have played hooker for remainder of the game, Asi is better than JA in all areas.
Though for 10-15 mins for Hands to get a breather or for him not to get burned out? I think he will handle it. I understand that he could sit there for full 80 and not get on, but if we do not bother using him at 14 we lose him, but we cannot take out any backs or halves to accomodate him. Only way he stays at this club and is in NRL week in week out when Brown is back to play Hooker. I mean only other spot i see is Centre, but Simonsson and Penisini playing to good. His ability to move around could allow BA to perhaps use Asi all around for a few minutes in games.
As for another club snapping him up, well NQ have expressed interest in bringing him back. Uncertainty with Townsend's future, Granville ageing and they always like a Utility at 14, Asi would play every week. We cannot risk that for now.
I agree, Gaz. He looks ready for first grade in the halves. Another club will poach him for sure. Hopefully we get a good season out of him then I reckon he's gone. He's not going to sit behind Moses and Brown forever. And good luck too him.
Yep .. if he keeps it up, he'll deserve his shot as a starting half. The club should consider offering an early release when we get brown back. Do it while we have some leverage to pick up something in return, perhaps the other club can pay some freight.
Yeah I can't see him sitting on the bench for too long though. There are clubs who would love to have Asi as their starting half, and will pay big dollars for him. If he is signed for next year we have until then to get the best use out of him.
Alot depends on the Drown case
But for mine the Mustard has to be in the 17
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