Watched a match highlights video of a few storm games from last year to see what we are getting in croft.
A few things stood out.
He followed the play all the time something happened. Every line break he was there whether it was the storm or the opposition. Great attribute for a half with a big forward pack who can offoad and tackle busting backs like our team has.
He made things happen when things were on the line. I watched 5 highlights packages and he made the deciding or game breaking play in 3 of them. Maybe just chance but I didn't realise he was even that much of a clinch player. Another thing that stood out that was related to this was c Smith actively avoiding him in these situations. It was blatant and could have cost the storm a few times. Munster can break tackles but when the games on the line against a strong defence you need options, one out tackle busting only rarely works against a good opponent when the opposition knows its your go-too.
His speed, defence, effort areas and pass/run/kick selection were quite good. He seemed to like to play deep, hope this is an option for him here given we don't have c Smith throwing from hooker.
He didn't seem like a talker, in fact, I noticed he seemed to be less vocal as the season games got further along. I know it's just looking from the outside but it actually did appear that Smith ostracised him quite a bit and didn't back him for whatever reason. Whether or not he turns out to be a great half back we need, Bellamy certainly made a mistake dropping him. He won them a few games that they shouldn't have won despite not getting a good run from Smith. Watched a game with Hughes at half after and he was a plodder at halfback. I think cronk turning into a great inflated Bellamys ego a tad regarding his ability to someone into a halfback.
Overall, more impressed by him then I was originally when I wasn't specifically watching him in the games. I still think dearden is the future but if milford doesn't perform he may be the one making way if his price tag doesn't drop.