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WASSHHH
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- Aug 24, 2017
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Fair enough.To be fair “serviceable” is exactly how I’d described Deardons performances in first grade. Which is good for an 18 year old half.
He definitely didn’t explode on to the scene like Shaun Johnson or DCE did. He didn’t even impress as much initially as Lachlan Lamb or Luke Brooks. He hasn’t created anything in attack. I rate the kid and think he will build into something quite good but calling what he’s displayed so far as serviceable is pretty realistic.
However, I don’t think anyone is saying he’s been an out and out superstar, but I also think, as I mentioned, that people need to temper their expectations, particularly given the circumstances.
Just because Haas and Fifita have rolled out of grade 12 and into Origin, doesn’t mean that’s the norm.
I actually think, like @Super Freak said, Dearden was doing a fantastic job at providing this team exactly what it had been lacking for far too long - a calm and steady foil for our 6 (who was Milf at the time). Much like Perry did for Lockyer.
Difference between Perry and Dearden is that Dearden is at the start of his career, so has every chance to develop and turn into a superstar - but only time will tell.
So with all that in mind, plus his age and the position he found himself in with regards to team dynamics and performance, I genuinely think he was more than serviceable.
We also need to remember that spine players like Lockyer, KHunt and the ones you mentioned (that, unlike Lockyer and KHunt, have had overall indifferent careers (except maybe DCE)) don’t come along every day.
TL,DR; Dearden is tasked with wearing the #7 for the biggest league club in the world, I believe we need to give the kid time before we lump too much expectation on him.