Seriously, what type of drugs are you on? This is just speculation wrapped in some pseudo intellectual crap. Nankervis is as much of a chance of being dropped as I have of cutting off the kids easter egg supply this weekend.Y’all (except tigers2011) are missing the elephant in the room.
Nankervis isn’t equipped to generate clearances, only nullify them.
In 2023 you MUST be able to generate territory from clearance or you allow the oppo to press hard with confidence.
We are being exploited in the middle at every opportunity and are very easy to play against at the moment. Yes, we still scrap and hustle, but we cannot compete with the meta.
Nankervis must be “managed”. He must develop a niggle for at least a month. Miller takes his place and Ryan stays. Pickett pinch hits. We need mobility and unpredictability now.
In addressing our chronic needs:
IN: Miller, MRJ
OUT: Nankervis (managed), Graham
Rotate Cumbo, Bolton, Clarke, MRJ and Martin through that centre set up for unpredictability. Use Hopper in that defensive role Graham plays.
The selection committee won’t blink if last week is any indication. Interesting times.
Nankervis is second in total hit outs, third in average per game and up until 4 days ago, was third in hit outs to advantage. I can't get stats for the league after this round, yet.
Apart from this he's one of the leading tacklers in the league. Not just in rucks, league wide. He's a co- captain. Which, "within the 4 walls" means something to the guys in the Stripey jumpers. You don't fake "niggles" to your captain to have them sit out a month, especially after round 4.
What the hell message does that send to the rest of the club. You have no integrity? You lack the guts to make a call? You can't create a game plan around the list you have? You would rather lie, than back your own players in? Back in your captain?
Recruiting a mid to put in the middle, paying top dollar, then asking them to play like a role player....seriously?
Yep, we're playing like amateurs against pros. Yep we're a middle of the road team....have been for a few years now.
But this type of post is bottom of the ladder *smile*.