He's a first grade player, the mechanics of passing shouldn't be something worth singing his praises for. The fact of the matter is that he is an amazing runner who creates a lot of opportunities, then bombs at least 50% of them by being a glory hog.
So you think he doesn't pass purely because he always thinks he can score himself?
Could it be that he doesn't pass very often because he doesn't back himself to consistently hit a man running onto it at pace?
Of course first grade footballers can pass the ball to some extent (although you only have to look at Jamie Ainscough as an example of a player who couldn't pass from left to right properly, and he played for Australia).
The point is not whether Sau can pass the ball to a man next to him, it is whether or not, at pace, he is confident to put it on the chest of his winger or player backing up on the inside. In my opinion he is not, so he just pins the ears back.
Look at the pass he attempted to Naiqama in the first half against Cowboys. Firstly, you can tell he knows the pass is the right play, he doesn't just take off full steam as usual. But there is hesitation in his execution. Eventually he flings it behind the charging winger and a try is bombed. There were no hands on him, it was a case of what is being referred to here as a "simple catch and pass". I think it's fair to say that he is pretty ordinary not only at accurate, consistent passing, but at having any vision whatsoever to know when to pass.
It is for those reasons, not just that he is a glory hog.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan.I like seeing those half chances turn into full breaks and tries all because of his speed, power and willingness to put the body on the line. But there is no comparison between Sau and Jennings, none at all. Jennings is one of the best centres out there.
