I think Navale's comment would have been just a throw away line - He normally plays very long minutes in NSW Cup, and I have no doubts he could well handle play in the Firsts. Just needs to be given the chance by a very conservative coach.
Can trump that - in 1951 I attended (with my grandfather) the GF manly Vs Souths at the old Sydney Sports Ground. Manly's best player -Wally O'Connell, could not play because of injury, and Johnny Graves broke my heart by scoring four tries for Souths.
I also watched him on the week-end. Not overly impressed - sure has nice kicking game - passing OK, but not in DCE class - and next to zero running game. And to sign him for three seasons, at his age????
Am more confident about Navale. He is big enough, has pace, and will tackle. Young players have to get their chances when appropriate - and who would argue that the current selected pack indicates now is not the right time to inject new blood?
Not quite sure about Patolo - watched him recently in NSW Cup - looked very rusty and not very mobile. Maybe needs more time to get properly fit as apparently he was out of the game for a long period injured. Agree about Navale - would play him at lock with Jake moving to front row. Obvious the...
Good luck playing Croker - after a very long lay-off - against the Sharks pack. Surely better to bring him back via the NSW cup? And in any case, how much , in reality, does Croker offer at his best of times?
