So SOS is really not playing in the Cup Championship game as he is covering for first grade .... seriously who would believe that ?
Cup championship isn't that important. They won the grand final already. So IMO there's no reason to risk SOS when there's a chance he could contribute to the NRL grand final
There's talk of Brown being picked for the sole purpose of taking Nathan out of the game. I dont think he's going to. I can't see it being something Eels would do.
But its possible Nathan could be injured.
If he was ruled out from an illegal tackle. SOS comes in and we don't skip a beat really. He's able to make sure we play the same way we trained to play and adequately does a job controlling the game.
Most logical replacement IMO. Every other position basically is covered as best we can within our 17.
Fullback has Staines / Critter
Wing has Critter
Centre has Salmon
5/8 has Salmon (or SOS if activated)
Prop already on bench
Second row can be covered by Salmon / Kenny
Lock by Kenny
Our game revolves around controlled kicking and game management. We would lose that immediately if Nathan was out and our halves became Salmon and Luai.