Hopefully we see a relatively low number of debutants given Thorn has introduced so many over the last 3 yrs and a good portion of them have become consistent players in their position.
The question in my mind is which of the existing guys are going to have a break out year.
I thought Dane Zander did a fantastic job for a young guy thrown very much in the deep end, but I think he still has someway to go in his work around the field. He’s obviously a guy prepared to knuckle down and do the work, so I’m very keen to see how he comes on.
Hoopert look promising, but injury derailed most of his season last year. Hopefully he is completely over his injury problems and has had a good offseason.
Tupou’s fitness was incredible last year, but it’d be nice if they could lighten his load a bit so hoping Nonggorr can kick on too.
I’m personally unsure whether Nasser has a genuine shot at being a hooker at high level or if they were just trying to make the most of the resources available. The fact they signed him for 2 further years has to be a sign that the Reds think he can kick on, so it’ll be interesting to see him next year.
Angus Scott-Young has been pushed out by the quality of Wright, McReight & Wilson. He’s a consistent, quality hard working player - the sort of bloke who does a lot of the work to let others shine but I think he needs to find some more grunt. The other question for me is whether he has the sort of dynamic game to be the best option off the bench or do we start looking for someone more explosive. He’s the sort of guy I reckon Thorn wants invoked in the squad, he’s excellent to have for injury cover and as part of your rotation, so hopefully he keeps developing.
Sorovi has been up and down - but at his best I think he’s got plenty to offer. But his consistency needs a lot of work.
Both Stewart and Campbell have some pressure on them. I thought both were fantastic for us this year but Paisami’s emergence and the arrival of Vunivalu creates a lot jam. They’ll both be under some pressure to lift again to demand inclusion.
I guess in terms of rookies I’m interested to get a look at Mac Grealy & maybe Kalani Thomas based on what I’ve read here (although is it a year or two early for Thomas???) but I think so much of our ability to genuinely take the next big step forward, challenge for the Super AU title and genuinely compete week in week out with the Kiwis will be reliant on the group above stepping up.
