I’d agree if I thought there were plans for him ti play big minutes, week in, week out.
His big minutes will come next year, he doesn’t need the minutes at the moment.
What does that do for his confidence tho??
If we are up by 30 and ivan is still leaving him on the bench...
Hed be second guessing himself and unsure of his place or value in the team if the coach womt even trust you for a 25min stint when we are flogging the opposition..
Its not about him playing big mins week in week out its about building confidence and giving him opportunities at the right time in matches...
Putting him on for 10 mins and the games done isnt really beneficial for him... its barely even enough time to work into the game..
Its not going to hurt his career by getting more time on the park this year... if anything it gives him a platform to build off..
Injuiries can happen at any time so you can be preserving him for those reasons... if your in the 17 you have to be fit and ready to go..
The fact of the matter is the absolutely no amount of training he does can replicate actually playing mins in the nrl.... that is the most beneficial thing to his development.