I think Lomax is higher profile, and he is quite emotional... so having a week to cool off and reflect.. is probably more palatable than "ur dropped, now go train with NSW Cup". The topic of getting his right centre gig back must have come up with Hook many times though.. I think there is a decision for the incoming coach tbh in terms of who he keeps there.. Suli is here till end of 24, Lomax end of 26 & im not sure how flexible Max is in terms of left vs right... but he plays right currently.
Liddle is different, because he's being dropped for a legit reason in the Captain Hunt experiment.. even if ppl would prefer him to mbye.
Couchman I think literally needs to be rested during the season..I think that's quite normal for younger forwards.. so 18th man is perfect cause he gets his rest, no pressure to play Cup, and worst case he gets on the field if something goes really wrong on Sunday.