You guys have got to be joking about mini being a rotten defender... there is no way you can expect Mini to defend 1 ball carrier with support on either side as was the case many a time against brisbane. The reason he held off most times when the broncos had made a break is because he was waiting for the cover defence to catch up to the supporting broncos but they never came. You can't blame the fullback for the mistakes of the defensive line (if you can call it a line!)
Mini was safe as a house under 3 HUGE torpedo bombs from lockyer and seymour, was hard as ever to put on the deck on the kick returns, topping 150m again, and was rarely out of position.
On top of that he was playing injured against the best player/playmaker (lockyer) in the comp who had plenty of time and space to do as he pleased... he'll make anyone look ordinary in those circumstances.
I'll give you that slater is in super form and will deservedly grab a spot on the wing, especially with orford the likely halfback. But the day schifcofske makes the team (barring mass injuries) is the day matt elliot becomes Australian coach! :lol:
As for bowen, he'll either grab another wing spot (doubtful) or will miss out since berrigan is likely to be the utility named by Bennett on the bench, with wing promoted to starting hooker in buderus' absence.
