The Abraham to 5/8th is an interesting move to say the least. I wasn't a big fan of Lowrie in the number 6 last year because it didn't work on paper and didn't work in practice. It seemed like a stop-gap measure to make sure whoever was there would make tackles and not drop the ball. Ironically, I don't have the same objections with Abraham. Unlike Lowrie, Abraham is a genuine allrounder that could slot in anywhere. He started his first grade career as a lanky fullback who reminded me a bit of David Peachey. He still does, albeit now with an incredible amount of bulk.
At 106kg, he'd have to be the heaviest 5/8th in the competition this week. But his power-to-weight ratio would be a lot higher. Here is a bloke that has stacked on some bulk and hasn't really lost a lot of agility (in the broad scheme of things). I don't mind the move, provided Mullen is fit.
If Mullen pulls out, I think we need to slot Kurt Gidley in there somewhere and bring a specialist in to finish the combination. With Walsh out indefinately, it begs the question: who could you bring in? It's all a bit inconvenient having Johns and Buderus both missing, but losing Mullen would be a killer blow. The plus side is that there is enough flexibility there to slot players like Thaiday, Uate, Brown and Polglase in without disrupting things to any great extent -- either before the game or during it. I just hope Mullen is fit -- that would make the whole side settle a lot more. You can afford to shift your backline, or fiddle with the starting big men. But changing the halves combination, or bringing fresh heads in mid-week, is a bit of a gamble.
