The longest run Soward ever got in first grade for the Roosters was 4 games in a row, most stints were one or two games. No up and coming rookie can cement their position in a side under those expectations, especially not a half, and definitely not when their forward pack was functioning as poorly as it was in 2006. Even during those games he did play, he still had a pretty good strike rate for trys and try assists. His defense was the issue, something that cannot be solved simply by dropping someone to reserve grade, the size and talent of players is severely lacking in comparison to the top grade. In reserve grade, during those times, he lead the competition in pretty much every key area that you'd expect from a half.
Whatever reason was, he didn't even look like a likely first grader at all based on my observations. tbh I didn't really rate him until he started playing in the 6 for us and that was about a year after he arrived.
As for the Rogers situation, how wasn't he made a scapegoat? Hornby stepped up his running and passing games in Soward's absence, and Rogers was credited with the change, leaving Soward out of the side. As a result, we were unable to build any pressure in close games because we had no kicking game.
Not that I agree with the decision but there were also positives for Rogers remaining in the side. You lost the kicking game but the centres saw more ball so that could be seen as a position. But I digress. When I talk about being made a scapegoat I am talking about the fan's perspective not the coach's.
Difference being, Soward played well in the two opening hitouts, and played the third with an injury. I'm not bashing head, but Soward has been far superior in these trials and Head has done little to secure his halfback spot. That being said, in round 1, Head should be given the halfback spot and given a chance to prove himself.
I don't think Head has been that bad but I agree that he hasn't done enough to secure his spot. I actually named Hornby as halfback for round 1. But it's not about that, the fact of the matter is Head doesn't deserve nearly as much hate as he gets.