TBF, I don't think that size per-se is the issue. Cronulla are a huge pack. They have monsters like AFB, BHU, Rudolf, Hazelton, etc and are probably the biggest pack in the comp man for man. But their problem is that none of their forwards other than AFB have especially big motors, which is why the sharks always get mowed down at the end of their matches by fitter, more mobile packs. That match a few weeks ago at shark park where the wahs annihilated them was case in pt.
Halasima, Vaimauga, Ford, Clark aren't actually that huge. They are all maybe 6'1 and 100kg. But they all have crazy leg speed and footwork at the line that generates post-contact meters at will and a cheeky late offload that creates further ruck speed for Egan and co to exploit. Not to mention that their back five alone probably makes more meters than our entire pack, relieving further pressure on their forwards and keeping them fresh for defensive efforts. They are definitely the benchmark along with the dogs when it comes to driving middle defense and winning contact on tackles 1 and 2 in every set.
None of our forwards in our junior system fit that mould imo. KPP won't solve anything either. I'd be looking seriously at some of those wahs forwards in NSW cup who are killing it and won't ever get any NRL game time over there. Two kids in particular: (Kayliss Fatiolofa and Eddie Toeva I think their names are) are ones to watch for sure.
