Mortimer has always performed best at 6, at first outside Robson in the run last year, and at times outside Keating (on days when Morts is happy taking a back seat).
Tonight, we saw another pairing... Morts-Humble. They both go ok, but there's something missing - Morts is simply not a 7 (and I doubt he ever will be).
If Parra have signed Cronk, it will be to fill a gap at 7 that is our achilles heel. Morts may then become the 6 that he is, and Humble looks to be an able back up for Morts or Hayne in 1, or a bench option if he can learn how to become a dummy half as well.
We still need to buy in a fourth prop to replace Cayless in the rotation as well, before we can be serious threats. We'd probably save some money there, and I'd probably retain Oake cheaply as a back up for a back row of Hindy, Smith, Horo (Saving money from Mateo's contract).
Maybe we'll be one quality regular outside back short next year if Grothe as well as Inu leaves? Then buy in a hooker for 2012 when Robson's contract runs out (unless Mitchell finally gets himself into NRL contention).
If Ando can get us through to 2012 constructing a side not based entirely around Mortimer, then we might be a chance at winning something....
