While I wouldn't go as far as suggesting Crossland has proved anything yet, I do think it's worth noting that his two best games in the NRL were both as an actual halfback, not a hooker/bench player or playing clear second fiddle to an experienced half. If you scrapped every time you've ever seen him from your mind until the past two weeks, and based your opinion on him as a 20-year-old local halfback playing his first two games, what would you think? I'd say there is potentially a decent player there, certainly one worth having on a contract that's good value for the club.
At the very least he's less robotic in his decision making than our other options. He actually plays what he seems sometimes, his support play is exceptional (can't underestimate the importance of this asset that clearly comes naturally to him), can kick it long, and is a relatively big body / not a complete liability in defence. It's not the worst combination of attributes.
I've already seen enough to know I'd pick Crossland ahead of Mann and Green very chance I got, and if it doesn't work out it doesn't work out, we move on with Clifford and Pearce then probably Clifford and Ponga, or another recruit. But this season is a write off already, let's give Phoenix a chance to rise!
