This isnt really true tho is it. Blaize was struggling while the team was playing shit just as much as cole. As the team imrproved from last position so did Blaize.
Now Blaize is obviosuly the guy for us but Cole being very harshly judged by some here. He shows plenty enough in cup and for anyone who is silly enough to think a nrl level player should dominate weekly in cup please explain why Alamoti looks so good in NRL but then doesnt tear up nsw cup every week? He has done it once since being dropped.
Agreed.
Unfortunately for Jack, he was fit and healthy for the start of the season, and got the #6 by default.
I don't think his 5 game run was indicative of his ability. Nor do I think that he was a major contributor to our attrocious form during that time.
Round 1 vs Sharks: Good tough win. 1 Try Assist
Round 2 vs Roosters: Whole team was ambushed. Far from our worst on the field
Round 3 vs Storm: Took control of the team for 73 minutes when Cleary went off. Almost got us home.
Round 4 vs Rabbits: Scored a try and set up another. Partnered with Toelau who was an absolute speed hump, and well off the pace.
Round 5 vs Cowboys: Probably his quietest performance, and failed a HIA ruling him out of Round 6
Also consider that during this time he was working with:
- 3 different second rowers
- 4 different centres
- 4 different wingers
- no Dylan Edwards for 3.5 games
Having said that, Talagi has been fantastic. He has genuine X factor, and has proven many of his doubters (me included) wrong in terms of his defensive capabilities. Still has plenty to learn, and still makes plenty of errors - but he has outplayed Jack considerably this year (albeit with much better opportunities).
Would have really liked Ivan to give Jack another opportunity with the team firing on all cylinders - whether that's in the 14 role, or giving Talagi a week off - but I understand why it hasn't happened.