Walters:
“It’s horses for courses, there is not much between all three of the hookers. Tyson Smoothy will get some time, he has been impressive in pre-season, so that hooking role is one of the jumpers that is wide open at this stage. We need a little bit of creativity out of dummy half from our nines - this is an opportunity for them to showcase their skills.”
“I just want Reece to be himself. Reece is very good in attack and likes to be involved as much as he can, but defensively there are some areas where he needs to do some work and it starts for him against the Titans. I was always aware of Reece’s talent, but it’s up to him now to get out there and do it. He has had a full pre-season with us and he has been able to showcase his skills. The key is to get his defensive work and communication right, picking the moment and going after it.”
“We just have to keep it simple for Reece. It’s a big season ahead for all of us, particularly Reece coming back to the club, so we are taking small steps and we will build his game over the next four to six weeks. If we can keep it nice and simple for him, that’s the best way to get Reece to where he wants to go.”