Big test for Griffin here as a coach, he needs to show us that he’s up to NRL level by coming up with a match winning game plan that revolves around us not having Hodges. The Eels are pretty rubbish but without Hodges injecting the x-factor from attacking fullback then I think we’ll struggle, we’ll also miss his leadership and motivation that he gives to the younger players. I’d personally like to see Gillett playing a role similar to Hodges in attack and follow the ball around, maybe draw in some defenders at the line and flick pass to an unmarked player. After yesterday’s game I’m pretty sure he’s got the ball playing skills to fill that hole.
Hoffman might be one of the greatest defending fullbacks around but he’s one of the worst at attack, it’s no surprise that he hasn’t scored a try since shifting back there. I sometimes wonder how he feels knowing that he’s the only fullback (that I’m aware of) that requires another player to step into his role in attack, it must be a little bit demeaning. He’s still a much better option than Norman but we really need another fullback for next year, he belongs on the wing or at centre.
Overall I’m probably more confident of winning this game than I was against the Dragons (who aren’t as bad as their ladder position indicates), on paper we’re the better side even without Hodges so hopefully the team can step up and get us over the line. I'm expecting another big game from Hunt and I'm praying that Hayne breaks his face during training this week.
