If we are to have any chance of competing here, we need our natural ball players to have the pill as much as possible.
Enter Corey Paix.
Criminally, actually probably stupidly, underused against Melbourne, with no Arey we need someone on the field to steer this team either with the ball or boot.
Paix can be a part of that solution with the ball.
Take these moments from Magic round against Manly.
Mam is organsing the left edge but Paix steers Tapou right instead..
By drawing one of the markers towards Marty, Turbo steers himself infield. Now there's a yawning gap on the right hand side of Manlys defence.
Paix gestures right but knows Mam has the numbers he needs. He steps right but turns to pass left and Mam brings Capewell onto the ball who throws a beauty of a pass to his winger.
It shows me that Paix is scheming and showing good sleight of hand around the ruck to bend & shape the defence for the benefit of the other primary ball handlers. Ive had reservations about starting Flegler and Walters from the kick off.
But for me, if Paix doesnt get at least 60 minutes this game then im looking squarly at the coaching box for not leverging the strengths of our playing roster.
But thats me....you might think differently....