Could this work?

[The Who]

If 5/8 is still a problem once we've exhausted the obvious possibilities (Hastings, Croker...) during the season could Api be switched there, and Manase Fainu brought in to hooker?
Fainu is going to be a star. He's only 19 and has plenty of time but, as the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention.
Api is great. Gutsy, sharp on his feet and a tackling terrier. He also is a goal kicker (of sorts). Whether he has the deft kicking and passing skills to be a successful 5/8 is the question. I'm sure growing up he would have played in this position, or halfback. Which opens yet another possibility: could he become half with DCE switching to 5/8?
I'm just throwing out these obscure option should we find ourselves mid-season in need of a 5/8.

 

[Spartan Eagle]

The problem is Fainu is still very inexperienced in Api's position. Api is a tackling machine so it could be a risk to remove him from his usual spot. That said, Api would be a much better fit for the 5/8 position than walker was. Hastings / Croker better options but Api could prove more than useful if we needed to plug a hole in injury crisis.

 

[Blake A]

It's a no fro me. Koroisau could handle being put there during a game as injury cover, but he is our hooker and it would be a silly move in my opinion.

 

[Holmsey]

You never weaken a position to strengthen another.

 

[maxta]

Certainly not the worst option - as Api would prove a handful, but is now imo, a top shelf dummy half.
Really believe this could work out better than first thought with Hastings who has a sharp passing game, speed and reasonable kicking game, plus he finally gets his opportunity and though young, is playing for his NRL future.

 

[Loobs]

Couldn’t you also put Tom Turbo at 6 and any number of guys at fullback?

 

[Dinga]

Api could fill into 5/8 if required as a stop go measure.. For memory he played there for a few games in 2016 and did very well for us.

 

[maxta]

Thing the worries me about Hastings is his game maturity.

Green was calm cool and collected at all times.
When I recall Hastings playing half for the Roosters I remember a player who was quite flashy. Kicking to wingers when passes were the safer option etc. In the pre season photos Hastings looks to be having a bit of fun but I'm not sure that's what the team needs. They need a cool calm and collected head...a leader. A mature leader.

It's that steadying influence that Green gave the team that may be lacking in Hastings which is maybe why he isn't already the 1st choice. Just a theory.

Couldn't agree with you more - I seen Exactly the same with Hastings during that stint at Roosters.
He looked enthusiastic but was a little erratic at times and lacked that calming influence, almost like he had 1 or 2 games to prove himself and everything was almost rushed.
It may take 6-8 weeks to see if he has what it takes, but due to who we have available and under the conditions - could well be worth it as he does possess some great attributes, if he can show these and grows in composure is the best option today.

 

[brad]

Api started 5/8 in souths Gf win .

 

[manly al]

Be interesting if an additional experienced half is not recruited , Croker is given the nod for the beginning of next season and Hastings may find himself as a utility bench contender again . That's footy but should be some very intensive half's competition approaching and for a half's partner for D C E . Fainu could well come into bench consideration as well at different stages . A P I being a champion type competitor would not let the side down and would try his heart out in any position .

 

[Fluffy]

yes it could work

but it may not work as well

 

[southsideeagle]

Api started 5/8 in souths Gf win .

I thought Api filled in for Issac Luke and Keary was the 5/8?

 

[manly al]

I thought Api filled in for Issac Luke and Keary was the 5/8?[/QUOT They may have been lLuke warm to play in their allocated positions.

 

[robbiea]

You never weaken a position to strengthen another.

Not true ,depends on the positions being either strengthened or weakened.

 

[Holmsey]

Not true ,depends on the positions being either strengthened or weakened.

Disagree for example Api at hooker is one of the top 5 hookers in the game moving him to the halves he wouldnt be improving our side or outwaying the loss of him at 9.

 

[Holmsey]

Api started 5/8 in souths Gf win .

Api played hooker for luke in that game.

 

[Highflier]

Agree Hasting s deserves a go if not 1st shot .Also isnt Fainu a half playing hooker ?
I thought I remember someone saying so in the U20s run of games up to the GF ,and he was put their so as to accommodate Wright and Cade Cust in the halves ?

 

[nightster]

Manase Fainu played 1/2 before he was moved to hooker ....

 

[Woodsie]

The obvious negative to this theory is that if Api had any sort of kicking game he would be utilised as a third kicker option from dummy half.

The fact that he doesn't and hasn't, indicates to me, he must have the worst kicking game in the history of 1st grade hookers and has been barred from even dummying to kick.

Not a plus for a 5/8.

 

[manlyfan1122]

How is Lussick getting over looked as a back up hooker?