To me, he's a bloke that has obvious natural instincts, abilities and class that it's hard to ignore. With the ball in hand I wouldn't have a worry in the world putting him in first grade. Things will happen around him.
Can't seem to defend for shit, though. I've only seen the trials and one full game of Cup last week (which was a bludger of a game by any measurement), so I couldn't comment so much on whether it's willingness, technique or misunderstanding the structures. Probably a mix of all 3 perhaps. He looks a bit lost when there's ball movement around him, and comes up with some very average attempts.
I think it depends on how much you're willing to tolerate in first grade from him off the ball. On the ball, he's already there for mine. Just a natural ball runner and footy player. Has good size, strength and speed - and is enough of a footy player that i suspect he'd just rise to the standard of those around him in attack.
The honest truth is it could take a month, 6 months, 2 seasons, or never to get his defence right. I really don't know, some blokes just can't tackle. He's got the size, so he should be able to be taught. I'm personally comfortable enough with holding him back at this stage, but I'd probably be equally as happy to throw him a start and just see what happens - accepting the fact he's going to defend like a busted arse. Sometimes you need to challenge a prodigious talent to get the most out of them, and I do see class in the lad. I think we could do worse than giving him a taste and if he doesn't swim, dropping him back knowing exactly the level he has to get to. At the very worst it would be educational for him.
That's my take on him thus far anyway. I'm not a coach and I'm old enough now to sit here and say I'm not sure what the best answer is, but can cop it either way.