I really think everyone is stressing alot about the 14 position.
If we really want a bog avg 14 who can cover the same amount of positions as may than salmon is the option.
For me personally i think ivan should look to be revolutionary instead of following the trend.
In the modern day game the 14 is generally just a hooker who can cover many other positions.
For me id really like to see a real impact player fill that role.
Someone with blistering speed.
Someone who can come on when teams are heavily fatigued and run them ragged.
Niwhai Puru loks to have those skills but is very fresh. Staines imo just doesnt have the running style to fill that kind of role. He runs to straight and doesnt have the best step.
Someone with the skillset of jayden campbell coming off the bench with 10 to go in each half playing in the middle with a licence to just roam and get involved and run at tired players.
The modern game is faster than ever and the big forwards get buggered. There was soo many blow outs scores last year because the good teams got huge amounts of possession and teams just got fatigued and couldnt keep up.
I think instead of picking a 14 like every other team and being comservative and just having someone whose avg on the bench who really isnt particually good at any position but can cover 5 or 6 at an avg rate is so conservative and stuck in a thought process like every other coach.
Ivan needs to take a risk or two if we want to go back to back. Take a risk. Give a rookie like puru a chance at 14 and just tell the kid hes got two 7 to 10 min stints..run like a jack in the box at any tired player you see and get quick play the balls. Kick on the 4th or 5th if you see a solid oppurtunity. Back your skills and self.
Ive only seen highlights of his and live feeds on the net of his games. But his running game is top notch. He looks very very talented.
No he couldnt fill in for an injured forward. He could cover 9, 6, 7 and maybe the backs at a pinch. But imo id rather try be aggressive, positive and different..rather than conservative and have a avg 14 on the bench who offers nothing, just in case someone gets injured.