To me, it was made clear in late 2023 that Joey Lussick is the starting 9 in 2024.
However, media outlets are doing their best 17 line-ups already and a fair few have Hands starting at Hooker with Lussick either on the bench or at 18.
Now, by late 2023, Hands' form had dipped massively. Purely due to fatigue, his body was not ready for full-time NRL football, especially starting 80mins at Hooker. Even when he didn't have a full NRL pre-season, he trained with FG but was in and out of teams. So perhaps a full NRL pre-season will prepare him more and we have a good Hooker.
Then again, Lussick is more seasoned and eased into the pressure easier. Who is the better player? Well I think neither have an overly big ceiling to be fair. Though Lussick at this stage looks to be better pick. Both to me are a bridge to Matt Arthur who I think can be a good Hooker.
But I do not see us signing Lussick as quick as we did just to have him sit in Reggie's, the plan is for him to start.
Now another question is do we go with 2 hookers? Late in the year BA persevered with Lussick solely as Moretti occupied a bench spot. If Lussick went down Hopgood would go there for mean time. BA has always preferred one Hooker, four forward system. But could he go with two for start of the year with both being about the same in ability?
As for now, I see a four man bench of Matterson, Greig, Ofahengaue and Tuilagi. I do not see where a 2nd hooker comes in over them. That is a great bench, I understand a hooker would fit nicely, though who do you drop for the privilege?
It is a nice issue to have, plus both are not that expensive and get the job done. BA likes his Hookers to play a certain way, that is feed forwards and the halves when they ask for it, that is a reason we liked Hands at first as he was simple and got through his work.
Replies
I think after a pre season Hands will start with JL swapping with him similar to what we saw with Hands / Hodgson. Or it may be the other way around. Either way we will run to Hookers .
I want lussick starting and hands on the bench. Hands off the bench was great. Has a great differential with it.
Hands off the bench and hands off the boobs and we will be sweet .
😂
Not sure about D. Brown on the boobies
Well Brendan's middle name is Washya.
I would like Lussick to start and play that Mitch Kenny role. Hands can bring the spark later in the game
I'd say Joey Lussick for sure.