Here's how I rate the Backs vying for spots . Obviously AJ, GI, and Gagai are certainties but there really are some good options for .the other two spots and importantly quite a few options.
Robert Jennings. I think Jennings has to be there. I think he's got more natural ability than all of our backs besides GI. That includes Gagai. At 22 he is still a youngster , but has the size, speed, Hands, oomph in defence , can set up his winger and is a good broken field runner. Not quite as explosive as his brother pace wise, but I think he has him covered in other areas.
Campbell Graham . Really excited about this young kid. Great attitude and went great for an 18 year old not long out of SG Ball. Has the physical attributes to be a top shelf winger and more importantly showed he has the toughness to go along with it. needs improvement with his when to come in and when to stay on his wing in defence , but that will come with time. He could be a centre or fullback as well, but at this stage I see him as our starting winger.
Arthars
Only a youngster and received the 20s best back award. Prolific pointscorer at NYC level and looked a steady solid player the times I seen him. Some players step it up around better players and a higher level and I think Arthers will be in this category.
Burns Was solid enough when he played with his only real poor game against Penrith having a hard night under the high ball. I would like to see him given a run at centre as he was a prolific tryscorer for Penrith playing centre at NYC level. Good solid depth option only young and looks keen to grab a spot and not just make up the numbers.
Hunt A favorite of mine and when injury free is a tough robust tough tackling centre who gives 100% every time he takes the field. I think he will respond and be out to prove a point , after being shopped around only a couple of Months ago.
He came back early from injury, got put on the wing when coming back from suspension and with that suspension I think it knocked his confidence around a bit. I'm not writing him off at all and have a feeling Tony might go with him at left centre.
Gagan. Burst on to the scene as quick as he left it. Hard to say how he is going, but from memory was a solid winger who knew his way to the tryline. Hopefully a fresh start some different training and a last chance for the bigtime attitude will see him hungry for a spot. At 24 is till very much a youngster.
Kennar. A bit of a rocks and diamonds type of player. I've seen him do some good things , but for the most part he was fairly average. He's a big strong powerful young bloke who with a good offseason might compete for a wing spot. Certainly has the physical attributes.
Taukamo Could be the bolter if he gets NRL fit. Only a boy still and has plenty of time on his side. Raw talent is unquestionable but does he have the desire?
Hiroti. Big wraps and was fairly solid the times I seen him play in the 20s. He is another who I think would revel amongst the likes of GI, and AJ and handle the step up in class.
There is some reasonable depth there and all are youngsters with three 19 year olds a twenty year old, two 22 year olds a 23 and 24 year old and Hunt at 25 being the oldest player looking for a spot. No sign of ageing players like Millard, Nielson or even Reddy. Great times ahead .
