I don't think Tony is a natural prop or any kind of prop but he might fill in for a bit, like Brett does at lock. I have always believed that Crusher, when he signed him, thought he might be a 'Mini Me'. There are quite a few on this site that remember Crusher as a second rower at full pace for Manly. He was very damaging and created space for others, he was a favourite player of mine and hit the line with gusto.
Tony has all the trappings to be similar, if not better than Crusher, but he is still young and learning just how strong he is. There's no doubt he's strong but maybe gulity sometimes of being a bit overawed by who is playing against and unsure of himself. I'm sure Daly and Kieran have opened his eyes this year at what can be achieved at his age (he's only 22). I'm glad Des is confident he'll stay at Manly and let's hope he does. When he was younger and in Toyota Cup, he was an amazingly dangerous winger or centre but first grade is a totally different thing and he was made to look ordinary on occasions in defence but, was still our top try scorer last year. As a second rower he will blossom, just like Des and Crusher thought he would and it's why they signed him. I'll not be surprised if next year (or maybe the year after) he plays Origin, if he continues the way he has in the last few weeks (which unfortunately will give us another salary cap issue!).