Just a question for all the apologists on this site: In your normal life, where people know your actual name and can see you, have you ever told anyone how good JA is or that you think he should be picked in the team?
I only ask because I live and work in the Parramatta area and am heavily involved in junior football and in all my conversations with people about football there has been no one who thinks JA is a first grader or deserves to be picked in the team. It seems a universal view in real life and it seems to be that people only defend JA's selection on the internet.
So I was curious if the likes of Pou, Gronk, JokerEel, Twizzle, Strider or Cloeel actually defend JA's selection or status as a first grader in real life?
I have spoken to a few people, and said that in my opinion, he is not ready for First Grade - but if we have injuries, or suspensions, in the halves, I'm fine with him being chosen, as he is our only backup half.
Having said that, putting ourselves in a position where a talented - but raw - 19-year old is your only backup half, is quite dangerous.
I've said to many people that I can see glimpses of quality in Jakob - he's a solid front-on defender, has a good kicking game, and can read the game well.
His biggest flaws would be his movement speed, and that he is not ready to read a game at First Grade speed yet.
I have also said to many people that unless our other halves are not available, I don't think he should be in the team.