@happy tiger said:
Dean Halatau doesn't even make the picture in comparison with Austin
I think Austin's future with us is to do what Halatau was bought to do. Austin should be 9 when Robbie is unavailable and the impact utility on the bench every other game.
Based on the games I watched with him at Penrith late last year and at 6 for us this year he drifts in and out of the game mentally far too much in that position. When he's been put at 9 he has to be involved almost every play so can't drift out and is far more consistent and effective. He's very sharp out of dummy half at a retreating defence and has good vision. Also a good kick. He needs to work on fitness and defence to be the backup 9 but he seems to be a good trainer and have a good off field attitude so that shouldn;t be an issue. & unfortunately Robbie is not getting any younger :frowning:
As the bench utility Blake offers that running spark that Halatau gave us in 2005 (think the saints final) as well as a quality playmaking option and cover for just about everything bar prop in case of injury/ concussion.
Long term that gives us playmakers of 6 - Moses, 7 - Brooks, 9 Robbie, 14 Austin. A devastating set up with someone like Teddy at 1 and forwards who run hard and straight.
It depends to some extent on what Potter wants to do with his bench. He obviously likes 4 forwards and it has worked very well when we've had a fit side but I really like the look of:
1 Teddy, 2 Nofo, 3 Simona, 4 Lawrence (or someone else), 5 Richards, 6 Moses, 7 Brooks, 13 Blair, 12 Sirro, 11 Fulton (maybe getting close to the end :frowning: ), 8 Woods, 9 Farah, 10 Ava (or Keefy) 14 Austin, 15 Tapau, 16 Gavet, 17 Thompson (with variations of Galloway, Sue, Akauola, Brown etc.)
Austin makes a lot of sense in that side I think.
