I thought Matamua was extremely impressive. Good size, good leg speed, played the middle link man role well (passes out the back were spot on), and I saw him show a step, fend and offload all in the one play. All of this was combined with a high work rate in attack and defence. IMO he’s shaping up as the perfect 13 in our team from 2024 once Joffa’s contract ends after the 2023 season (he may well get a taste of first grade in 2023). I watched him play the Sharks in Flegg at Shark Park this year. The team got smashed that day (38 to 6?) and he had 4 knock ons by my count but what really impressed me that day was his work rate. He was in everything. I saw him take 2 hit ups in a set on multiple occasions.
I thought Tumeth was solid without being spectacular. Happy not to pass judgement on him until he gets a bit of match fitness back. You can tell he’s a real goer though, an attribute we need in bucket loads.
