It is concerning but in this case, I think I can see some rationale behind it (and I'm not saying I agree with it either).
First choice spine was:
1. Niu
6. Kelly
7. Reynolds
9. Paix/Turpin - it was a coin flip
Niu then had a hamstring injury, so he was delayed in starting the season, not much Kevvie could do there so Isaako gets the gig. Getting rid of Isaako, the only real fullback option was stupid but Kevvie said Jamayne asked for the release so the club granted it. That said, it would be nice to not just always be the nice guys and actually getting something in return for these gifts we give away. So Niu goes down, Cobbo is just starting to look really good on the wing but his fitness is not there yet to play a full 80 at the back. That said, he might be there defensively and that would be a good move in my opinion. It gives us the opportunity to potentially get a look at him off and on throughout games and allows us to take advantage of the only other option left in TMM. I am sure if you ask Kevvie in private, TMM is NOT his preferred choice here but he is trying to take a long term view to Cobbo's development and while I'd absolutely go Herbie here, I get it. The other factors in Herbie not getting the run potentially are: 1. he's off to Redcliffe, 2. he is just coming back from injury and so his ability to do the running required at fullback may just not be there at present, 3. he is pretty good at centre and with him and Staggs, you have threats on both edges.
Kelly was going alright and then the Will Smith slap happened and he blew his leg up, goneskis. Walters had gone well in the trials whereas Gamble really hadn't done anything to write home about. Kevvie gave his kid a month there and he really didn't fire so I feel Kevvie is making a statement that no one is undroppable and Walters Jr hadn't nailed the position anyway. In addition to this, if you believe that Turpin really is injured, which Kevvie said yesterday, then Paix is not ready to play a full 80. The only option then is to move Walters to utility as he can and has played there and done ok. The only other option in the squad really is Hetherington and due to Carrigan's injury, he is not really an option to move from 13. Gamble now gets his chance to show that he should have been there from round 1.
Reynolds is set to go and then gets Covid. Walters Jr fills in admirably and so buys time in the team and as the first half replacement in the queue behind Reynolds and Kelly. Walters seems to be trying to shield Ezra and given Ezra's poor start in the Q Cup, this definitely seems warranted. Reynolds is back now and firing on all cylinders.
Turpin is apparently injured and not dropped, so if this is the case, Paix needs to come in to 9 but he isn't ready to play 80 there yet, so he needs bench help and that necessitates Walters going in to the hooker rotation. This is Paix's shot, it is up to him now to keep the 9 jersey if he is good enough and wants it.
Well I hope that explains it.