We’re definitely not replacing like for like, but I don’t think it will necessarily weaken us in the longer term. In the short term there’s going to be a little bit of adjustment, of course, in terms of new combinations and positions.
I think Cobbo will move into Herbie’s centre spot, so It’s not so much what do we lose going from Herbie to Mariner, it’s what we lose going from Cobbo to Mariner. I think Cobbo is still going to bring that physicality on get-out sets that Herbie did, and with luck being one in will get him involved more – not that h ever really shirked going looking for those carries off his wing. I don’t know that we lose much there.
We obviously haven’t seen much of Mariner so far, but what we have has been very solid, with some really good plays sprinkled in. He’s going to be a different type of winger to Cobbo, not as physical but still very quick and deadly in space. Hopefully he works well defensively with Staggs.
Up front we lose Flegler’s aggression, so it would be good if someone steps up to take on that role. I feel like Piakura has it in him to be a hitman in defense, if he claims a starting second row spot, and Carrigan has shown he has a bit of enforcer in him. I didn’t see much of Baker outside of his finals appearances, but I liked what I saw – seems like the kind of guy that does those little one percenters, like chasing back to cover a kick. It’s a loooong way out, but I’d feel fairly comfortable with him or Jensen starting, and the other coming off the bench with Willison or Tapau.
I trust this coaching staff to adjust our style of play to suit the players we have. I’m really excited to see how we come out next year. It’s criminal that it’s so far away…
