Not sure what Benji could do here. I believe the coaching team is trying to follow a rehab protocol with Latu building him up to 80 mins consistently at NRL level - it’s a longer term view than many on here aren’t seeing. If you listen to his comments when asked about replacing Galvin in the 17 he always prioritises Latu as the future.
His options for 5/8 during this time have been limited - bring in AD and manufacture a decent centre, which he has tried and didn’t work, or give Mason another crack because he’s keen and willing, and developing.
The Galvin saga has derailed our progress for the last 4-5 games particularly in this area.
Never an easy ride at the Tigers, there is also a problem with TDS, which selection decisions are being made on. We don’t know the whole picture so I’m prepared to give Richo and Benji the benefit of the doubt as I think they probably know better than i do!!
As for our performance as a team. It’s obvious they are a tight group still playing for their coach and club. They are showing much more resilience and effort than in past seasons. Management know too well where our missing pieces are and Richo is working on it in a constant game of cat and mouse in an ever changing player marketplace. These are generally long term choices and he’s been doing it for many years successfully so let’s just be patient and hope they can get us fans some joy.
In the meantime we need to step up as a group and play teams that have been far more settled, with better squads and depth and more experience of winning under their belts.