Not really. Brooks dominated in NYC and so did Ben Hunt, but DCE ended up being the better one. Sooooo there's every chance Nikorima could be the better player. Honestly who can say they aren't ready for first grade until they're actually in first grade? Nobody.
Cult3 I'm surprised in you.
Clearly somebody of your infinite wisdom and knowledge of the game would clearly remember that not only was Daly Cherry-Evans one of the biggest stars in the National Youth Competition in 2009 but he went onto become the best Intrust Super Cup player in 2010 before going onto lead Manly to a premiership in one of the best rookie seasons of all time.
While I don't believe Brooks will reach those heights in his first real season of first grade, I do believe that he has the similar class and talents of DCE and has demonstrated said talents across all three grades.
Meanwhile, Nikorima while skilled is flawed and has a lot of areas of his game which aren't ready to be tested in first grade. 2014 maybe his season, he may get a shot like Brooks did the year before but he is not ready to take over the reigns of five eigth.
That does not mean that Hoffman has immunity as there are other options outside of young Kodi Nikorima such as Duncan Paia'Aua, Zach Strasser and the returning Jordan Kahu but as of right now Kodi isn't one of them.
I don't buy into this logic of 'you never know unless you give it a go'. Speaking in extremes here, but it's pretty clear that Logan Spaander isn't ready to talk on the first grade duties.
As for Barba, clearly defence is not his strong suit and it never has been since his days in the NYC. It has not improved and quite frankly, I don't want it too because his future doesn't reside there. Whatever potential he offers as a playmaker is not being nullified from being at fullback.
