I agree K-Man. completely. He'll get his chance but to be perfectly fare he and Mamo are in the same boat, two great talents behind an already established and highly talented back line. The incumbents who are playing round one deserve to be there. I think compared to previous seasons, if any of them are down on form they are going to get hooked by these young lads waiting for their chance. Both Mamo and Sione are super young, as long as they are being involved regularly in discussions with Stone etc in regards to there future and how it will work out so they get their 1st grade game time. I see it easier for Mamo as Gidley may rest up a little by end of year (depending on how we are going) and give Mamo his shot. He may have to just wait until Origin b4 that happens. But they will both get their opportunity. I think however there is going to be permanent room for them by Next year, with either Gagai leaving/Joey moved to forwards so Sione gets his position and for Mamo K Gidley retires/moves to England and the fullback spot i Mamo's in waiting.
Good position to be in regardless. Best back line depth in years. Now to keep them.
That's the thing. There's absolutely chances for them both to get starting and long-term positions within the next year. Gidley and McManus are getting old, Gagai is rumoured to be off to Brisbane, BJ might keep growing and end up in the forwards, someone could get a bad injury (God forbid) or simply someone's form might be so bad Stone has no choice but to punt them for one of the younger guys.
It's not like we're asking them to stay with no chances of playing FG any time soon. If Gidley re-signed (God forbid) or Stone told Mamo that Ross was going to get the fullback gig long-term then I'd completely understand Mamo leaving. Likewise if we told Sione the back 5 are locked in for the next few years. That's not what's happening here though. They know they're heavily in the club's plans.
Right at the moment though neither of them are better options than those in front of them. Are they going to be? I really think so, but that doesn't mean they're there yet and mean they should automatically come in and take someone's spot who has done a good job there for years. If they were at a club like Brisbane where they couldn't get in front of someone like Reed or Maranta I'd see it very differently but we have a very good backline. Even the forum whipping boys in Gids and Gagai have a lot going for them in their respective positions.
The only one I really think should have been there is Tapine and that's just because IMO he already offers more than Houston and it must be hard for him knowing he can't get a crack in front of him. If Sione or Mamo are looking at anyone in our backline though and getting the shits because they're not in front of them then they're getting way ahead of themselves. I really doubt they would be anyway. They both seem like very level headed boys that have a lot of respect for the older players. I think they'll understand not being there much more than some of the fans.
