Interesting to see what Kev does with the backline more so than Dearden. The halves are just treading water until next season anyway. I could see an early release on the horizon with either Drinkwater swap (if he’s in Kev’s plans) or Hunt coming into first grade. Though at this point, might as well wait 3 more games and use the train and trial allowance after round 10. Likely Dearden maintains his spot until then, and it’ll give Milf more time in Q cup to create argument for his inclusion.
The backline is a mess. Herbie looked stunted on the right side of the field and Mead is no centre. You could also put forward a strong case to drop Coates after his performance last week. However what I may suggest is the following:
1. Isaako
2. Oates
3. Farnworth
4. Coates
5. Mead
Coates seems to love standing where the centre should be in defence as it is so might as well just chuck a winger outside him. Maybe sandwiching him between the decent communicator Croft and the experienced winger Mead will help him out. I do question if he’s smart enough to not be fooled by basic attacking structures though. It may even be an easier kick for Croft to aim at the centre rather than the wing in attacking plays, and it leaves enough space for Coates to bat the ball back. Just an idea. Also despite Mead being a fair bit smaller than Coates, he provides far better kick returns.
Trialing Coates at centre would also eventually allow for Isaako to shift to that wing and Niu or an import taking the 1 jersey next season. It also provides the succession plan if Staggs moves to 6.
