I don't think many here are oblivious to the weaknesses in Hurrell's game. But, Nielsen aside, we don't really have a strong defensive centre. Who do we put on the other side? Laumape? I'd be fine with that, but the selectors don't seem to be. Tuimavave? Ropati? In the selectors minds, these blokes seem more likely and Hurrell offers more than both of them at centre.
I guess the question is what is the best way to fix some of Hurrell's defensive liabilities? Will we? Is playing him in the Vulcans correcting the issues with his defense?
To be honest, and it's not a popular choice, but I wouldn't be opposed to keeping Mannering at centre (though it sounds like he is out today) IF we want to actually try to salvage this season and attempt to make the eight.
Now that Peyroux has come back from injury he's another option that we can take a look at in the centres also.
I think ultimately when it comes to Hurrell, and some of the other young guys we have also, we have to work out what is going to give us the best Hurrell a couple of years down the track. Obviously he has insane potential but he is a project, so we need to find what is going to be the best way for us to capitalize on that potential and lead to the Warriors having a superstar centre for years to come rather than what we need in the centres right this very minute. The approach for each player is going to have to be different, some guys will have issues that they can work on while in top grade, but an inability to tackle isn't really one of those. Unfortunately this long term development focus which we effectively have to take is a bit bloody difficult when we are changing coach every year.
Hopefully he has a great outing tonight