It's amazing to me how DHP seems to have fallen out of favour with the GAGR crowd (and selectors if he has been back to fitness for the last couple of games). He's been out injured most of the season and has only had 1 chance for the Wallabies this season coming back from injury. In that game, he fumbled one or two high balls, but that was almost expected given the wet conditions and didn't do much else wrong at all from memory. Banks on the other hand has had numerous opportunities, where he has been OK but certainly not set the world on fire without any line breaks from memory, dropping a ball or two also in wet conditions, but importantly ruining a number of excellent attacking opportunities with very poor passing.
I think if fit, DHP is still a class player that is our best option at fullback, as he has the best all round game for that position. Outstanding positioning, excellent under the high ball, very good last man defender, has a big boot for kick returns, generally beats the first tackle and creates opportunities running at the line with the ball in both hands able to pass both ways and also offloads well. He's a smart, poised, experienced player, who provides good on-field leadership, which are all things that would seem highly beneficial for our very inexperienced backline.
He may have lost a little pace with recent injuries, but that's never been one of his major weapons anyway. While I don't mind seeing Hodge given a go there given it gives us the option of long range penalties, his positional play and ability under the high ball won't be anywhere near DHP's (or Banks) given his lack of experience in the role and would rather have DHP there every day of the week.
