Agreed. I think Matt Keating is shaping up to be a fine first grade hooker.
The game against the Roosters was the first seriously poor game I can remember seeing him play. And for a guy his age and experience, I think that's a credit to him.
I don't think Kris Keating should be relieving him, though. KK isn't a hooker and the team loses direction when he's at dummy half. Just bite the bullet and do something (anything) with Finch!
If KK had demonstrated a better kicking game then I'd say move Finch to 6 and bring in KK ... but as it is they are both predominantly ball-running halves (well Finch has been used as a kicker, but if he ever could kick he's forgotten how now). As such, I think one of them needs to go to Wenty, with Daniel Mortimer getting his chance.
1. Hayne (I've got no real problem with Burt, but something needs to be done with Hayne and he's not really working as a 5/8.)
2. Grothe
3. Smith
4. Inu
5. Reddy
6. Finch
7. Mortimer
13. Mateo
12. Lowrie
11. Hindmarsh
10. Moi Moi
9. Matt Keating
8. Cayless
14. Galuvao
15. Wright
16. Mannah (I'd persist with Mannah at this stage, but this is Paulo's spot anyway.)
17. Bauman
The side I've named is YOUNG. It has worked for South Sydney with Sandow, so I think Mortimer is worth a shot. Even Pearce and Wade Graham show good promise. We NEED a good general play kicker.
The only players who aren't at risk of being dropped or shifted from their current positions/roles are:
* Nathan Hindmarsh
* Feleti Mateo
* Fui Fui Moi Moi
* Joel Reddy
Players who are currently doing okay in my book are:
* Nathan Cayless
* Matt Keating
* Joe Galuvao
* Broderick Wright
Kris Keating and Finch?
There really isn't the need for a replacement hooker - move Finch to dummy half when and if Keating needs a spell, with Mateo moving to 5/8. Done strategically this will put the ball in Mateo's hands more often at crucial times. Relieved of most of the general kicking duties, Finch can focus more on organisation and getting the ball to the three-quarters in sharp fashion. If he's not up to that, then KK is waiting in the wings.
Hayne or Burt?
They both have their pluses and minuses. Burt in Wenty, though, puts pressure on everyone from 1-5 to perform. Burt could come in at fullback or wing for any of them (Reddy moving to the centres if one of those were to be dropped). Hayne is at "put up or shut up" stage. Based on his dollars, he should be one of the top five fullbacks in the game ... if he isn't, then he's on overs. He's not a 5/8, although I think that experiment could potentially work in a team with a good tactical kicker and in-form halfback.
Cayless?
The forum bags him a lot. He might be getting paid too much, but he's the team's undisputed second best prop and a genuine leader in the forwards. Ultimately, there's no one to replace him with.
Mateo's offloads?
I think it's fine for him to be more selective, but he can't pack it away altogether. Making him a tackling/hit up merchant is the equivalent of taking a knife to a gunfight when you have a machine gun locked away in the gun safe. I think he's a lock, btu free him up to play more of his natural game.
Matt Keating?
If he produces another stinker then Kingston can come in, but I think he deserves the chance to make amends.
Galuvao?
Galuvao is going great and deserving of a spot in the run on team ... if only we had one more capable, seasoned frontrower who would allow Moi Moi to start on the bench. I'd bring Galuvao off the bench around the same time that Moi Moi is on the sideline, looking to him to run hard and create impact.
Mannah?
One more bad game and he can go back for more development. If he can't catch and hold a ball then he can't play with the big boys. Everything about this kid is exciting, so I hope his worst is behind him now.
Hauraki?
I think Hauraki NEEDS some time away to work on his game. Lowrie has proven himself in my eyes so far this year. The speed of the game this year seems to better suit him than Hauraki at this stage. He's also a potential fill-in for the backs in case of injury.
