Hooper's form was also well down over the last two years, it's difficult to argue it would've improved not playing 15s. I'd be amazed to see him in a squad this year. Aside form McReight's excellent form, I'd argue all of Wright, Tizzano, Reimer and Scott have been in better form this year than Hooper was last year.
Simon Poidevin too.
I'm not arguing for him to be in the 23, just to be in the squad once he is available (which would likely be after the July tests), as indicated in the post you responded to. Wright and presumably one of Reimer or Scott haven't been playing 7 regularly either. Any inclusion would be contingent on him tearing it up for Manly and/or Australia A if/when he starts playing 15s again.
That part I am on board with, but helping with giving the team direction in the meantime is serving a purpose.
If he does it for Australia A sure, but I wouldn't be picking him for that either. Shute Shield is not in anyway a high enough level to prove anything.
Yeah, Gibbon next. After that it's a bit of a flat field of Hodgman, Fa'agase, Kailea and Johson-Holmes. Maybe Hoopert could storm into contention now that he's back, but he'll be coming off very little rugby in the past 2 years. Not sure if there's anyone other than Johnson-Holmes currently playing tight head who could jump across, but we're not exactly blessed with depth there either.
Is Hodgman coming back through club because of injury? Not form surely. I had him in our top 3 LHs.
I haven't really been watching closely but has Hodgman not been going alright?
He's been pretty good when on the field, but in and out with injury. It's compounded by the fact that Ravai is killing it and Fa'agase is playing his best rugby, sot there's a bit of competition on that side of the scrum.
To be honest I assumed this was a continuation of your posting from last week when, by your own admission, you threw Foley’s name up to get a response.
People have been putting Fa’agase up as an option. I didn’t think he was eligible and, to be honest, I’ve never thought he was much beyond an honest toiler. But he’s been very good this year IMO.
Fair enough. It wasn't to get a response, I can't remember my exact explanation but it was because based on the discussion we have no clear standout candidate for #10 so I put Foley and Quade up for nomination to see what the attitude was, i.e. possibly better the devil you know. I then admitted I have NFI who we should be playing there. It's a similar situation though, more a mentor type role in the squad, and/or as a third option, not as the saviour.
Scott has been good, and I think is robust enough for test match rugby. I still prefer the option of Wright at 7 - opens up ability to pick Valetini/Wilson in the same pack, or Valetini/Skelton later in the year.
Aside from the fact that Schoupp and possibly Slipper now are injured I agree, except for Vella. He's a good prospect but he's not there yet. Throwing him at test match rugby would probably do more harm then good.
