Woodsie I'm not disputing that there are those that wont make it and those that will. And it may take time for them to develop, like Knight. But do you think his experience and the experience of others promoted when young to firsts was a negative for them? Absolutely not. It gave them the taste they needed. Knight fell for a time...for other reasons mind you...but he knew what first grade meant after a taste. Players raise to the next level when promoted. Just looking at Tom Wright in the only two games he has played in firsts. On both occasions he showed a game superior to what he has been showing in reserves. Players play to the level they are selected in. Some cant reach the higher level at all, some take time, some fit like a glove. Watching Tom Wright you could see he was made for first grade. He's got a lot to learn but his enthusiasm showed he wanted to be there. Send him back to reserves now is just wasting his talent.
Agree with almost everything you say ..... my opinion is simply that people are different .... mature (mentally) at different ages independent of physical stature ....... Tom may have been ready 3 months ago ... maybe not ... I just think the best judges are those that have spent 6 days a week for 3 years talking to the bloke.
Would he have been as confident? I just think the transition from schoolboy rugby star to first grade Rugby League player has been a deliberate and measured journey .... one that to date has been successful .... and I look forward to him getting more and more involved
For all we know it has been Tom himself expressing uncertainty ..... which is just as valid and probably more likely than the people saying things like Baz "refuses" to pick him ...
Anyway old mate .... he has been blooded and his time is nigh ....I know we both wish him every success ...