Now that Hodkinson has decided to take the cash at the Bulldogs, Manly need to work out what options they have in the halves, both for the rest of this season and the next.
1. Foran
Is perhaps better playing #6 at the moment, but given some time in the role, could very well develop into a good #7
2. Cherry-Evans
My initial feeling is, he's too small just now. Athough, I'd like to see him get some game time in 1st grade off the bench later in the season to give him a taste. Playing 80mins in the QLD cup each week until that comp ends, plus a solid off season and we can re-evaluate next year.
3. Lyon
Depending on how our centre stocks develop, he might have to play at #6 but I still prefer him at centre.
4. Farrar
He's played Centre, wing and Fullback... the very definition of a "utility back". I also think he has the potential to play in the halves, either at #6 or #7. Probably more suited to #6 but given a chance at #7... who knows?
5. Riccardi
Too young and inexperienced at this stage.
I had high expectations for Hodkinson early on, and while he has done some good things on several occasions this year... there have also been plenty of times when he's been dissappointing. I think he'll gradually get better with experience and if he'd signed with us I'd say... stick with him as it should pay dividends for the years to come. However, he didn't sign with us so there won't be any benifit for us in the coming years.
All things considered...(current injuries, the players we have available and the need to plan for the future).. I'd be inclined to drop Hodkinson, move Foran to #7 and Farrar into #6.
Ben Farrar has been really good for us in his short time at the club and I think he's earned another contract. However I'd rather see him at #6 as I do think we'd be better served with the physically larger Hopoate at #1.
There's no question one of the major problems we've had for the past 15 or so months is, no B.Stewart. Fullbacks with his skill and ability are few and far between. Farrar has done a better job than Robertson but I think Hopoate (while young) has the necessary skills to handle it.
So..... for the rest of the year, I'd like to see the following backline,
1. Hopoate, 2. Robertson, 3. Matai, 4. Lyon(c), 5. Williams, 6. Farrar, 7. Foran.
as for next season.... If Matai leaves (I hope not), bring in Whare and replace T-Rex with Wolfman (Williams for Williams).
1. Foran
Is perhaps better playing #6 at the moment, but given some time in the role, could very well develop into a good #7
2. Cherry-Evans
My initial feeling is, he's too small just now. Athough, I'd like to see him get some game time in 1st grade off the bench later in the season to give him a taste. Playing 80mins in the QLD cup each week until that comp ends, plus a solid off season and we can re-evaluate next year.
3. Lyon
Depending on how our centre stocks develop, he might have to play at #6 but I still prefer him at centre.
4. Farrar
He's played Centre, wing and Fullback... the very definition of a "utility back". I also think he has the potential to play in the halves, either at #6 or #7. Probably more suited to #6 but given a chance at #7... who knows?
5. Riccardi
Too young and inexperienced at this stage.
I had high expectations for Hodkinson early on, and while he has done some good things on several occasions this year... there have also been plenty of times when he's been dissappointing. I think he'll gradually get better with experience and if he'd signed with us I'd say... stick with him as it should pay dividends for the years to come. However, he didn't sign with us so there won't be any benifit for us in the coming years.
All things considered...(current injuries, the players we have available and the need to plan for the future).. I'd be inclined to drop Hodkinson, move Foran to #7 and Farrar into #6.
Ben Farrar has been really good for us in his short time at the club and I think he's earned another contract. However I'd rather see him at #6 as I do think we'd be better served with the physically larger Hopoate at #1.
There's no question one of the major problems we've had for the past 15 or so months is, no B.Stewart. Fullbacks with his skill and ability are few and far between. Farrar has done a better job than Robertson but I think Hopoate (while young) has the necessary skills to handle it.
So..... for the rest of the year, I'd like to see the following backline,
1. Hopoate, 2. Robertson, 3. Matai, 4. Lyon(c), 5. Williams, 6. Farrar, 7. Foran.
as for next season.... If Matai leaves (I hope not), bring in Whare and replace T-Rex with Wolfman (Williams for Williams).
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