Exactly right about Taateo. Some will watch his runs and think a like for like replacement for Royce. However his defence at times was very poor even in reserve gradeI think we have one of the best forward packs in NSW Cup atm.
If he keeps performing like he has been & we continue to have backrow injury issues, Mitch Taotua could be an NRL smokey before the end of the season. I have big wraps on him and like Josese has not benefited from a full NRL pre-season yet so has huge upside.
Luke Jack back to the middle this week where he is better suited.
Vaka Aho has been doing everything right too as a well-rounded prop with a big tank. Interesting that Peter Taateo has jumped him in the NRL pecking order.
All I can think is that Taateo is better as a momentum changer with his fast leg speed & impact. Aho is better defensively.
I want to see how Taateo performs in defence when we are on the back foot before giving him too much praise. A couple of putrid defensive performances for the Magpies late last season have stuck in my mind especially lateral & behind the ruck.
