We need to play the best players we have for the position required. We don't have the luxury of playing the second or third best player there just because they are signed for a longer period. We need to WIN.
I think Benji has been between a rock and a hard place re these youngsters. There hasn't been much to pick from in order to rest them. Ideally they all would have spent a few weeks in cup. they've done really well to last the season, that's for sure.
I'm not fussed on Joe, to be honest. He's ok but not great. He is good for the team culture though, so there is that. Let's see who else is available over the next couple of months.
Stephano has been on good money for a couple of years now - and I doubt anyone believes he has given good value for those $$$. He was offered a huge contract - far above his real value and he rejected it. He doesn't want to be here. He won't get the $$$ anywhere else that we have offered. So...
'Big Joe' is a no more than a solid first grader. He would be handy right now, but with some comments that are being made about him you'd reckon he was David Fafita Mk2.
I concede your point re the quality of the rest of the pack - and I didn't forget about that. It should, however, make zero difference to his output if he's playing in the best pack in the comp or for the WestsTigers.
He will never be 'top dog' in the ranks of front rowers until his mindset...
I've read many of the posts here, but not all. Obviously there are some on this forum supporting Steff and others who want him gone. That's all good - it's what a forum is.
FWIW, I think Steff has above average ability and can be a damaging front rower on his day. But 'his day' is never against...
Well, we are not expected to win, so no pressure on the boys. Just hope they rip in and give it a red hot shout. Anything can happen in a 2 horse race, but this one looks a hurdle too far, me thinks. Make that 3 hurdles too far.
As another poster said earlier, on his output from the last 2 games, he is definitely in the second tier of props going around at the moment and so worthy of the $850K per year. But that's 2 games! Overall his output this year has been very poor. Conundrum for sure.
I would prefer to be keeping him.