Look for the boofheads who still don't think that we need a better hooker then what we already have.
Go back to the game against Manly when in the first 20 or so mins we were on top. Keating was doing his job for once and taking the line on fast. He was getting behind the defense and straightening the attack and offloading where possible. This gave us momentum and allowed the rest of the team to get on the front foot and do their job properly.
Then he stopped doing it and hey presto Manly started to dominate and eventually beat us. Now I know peckerheads like Pou have said that that does not matter because it only happened because Manly was playing like crap at the time, but that only re-enforces my argument.
Keating is not a good enough ATTACKING hooker for first grade NRL. He does not consistently trouble the better defenses. That is also why in 2009 we went so well with Kevin Kingston coming off the bench. Keating was on the field at the start of each game for his defense and also played stronger because he knew he was going to get a break and then when the sting was out of the game Kingston came on to attack the ruck, with great success.
Keating is not, I repeat NOT an 80 mins player. It is so very obvious for all to see. Watts is a superb dummy half attacking hooker that would compliment our team to no end. I'll say it again, we need a better hooker!!!
I am not a huge fan of Watts, especially given his personality issues.
But I think Ram has some very good points.
Keating played a few good games, and Iagree, against Manly and also agaisn the Tigers he showed some great touches early. One of the things he did in the first 20 was to actually get in behind the ruck, rather than push our attach sideways.
On the one hand that improvement in attack is a plus. But the 60 minutes he went AWOL in attack for is still a concern.
I think Kearney sees him as a project and I am encouraged at some of the improvements in him. But we need heaps more.
At least having depth in the halves means there will be a role for Casey. Maybe Keating will only have to play 50 minutes next year?
Im not sure Watts is the answer, although he has talent and mental toughness.
If they put him on a very short leash and were happy with his attitude after talking to him - I'd take him. But I will understand if they pass.
