Firstly I personally like your work Disco and a fair summary of Toms performances, that has not suprised at all..... but let's add a couple of other things.....his 2021 was Super human and only 1 season Hayne got Eels to a GF off his back compares in my time watching footy....
You have last season 2024 showing decent stats and is you rightfully stated.
Just some other stats to consider....
- Injury riddled through 2022 and 2023 and other extended periods since 2020
- Many games been on 1 leg (felt sorry for him, but wanted him off ASAP)
- Tom is Dynamic, Levi is pure class, but will never be as good at running the footy (noone is imo), but has the silky ability and brains to be a long term leader from the back and is for a rookie already has game sense and defensive ability at least on par.
- Watching Manly in recent seasons compared to ther sides , we have had a wretched injury count and Tom is basically a week to week proposition and I feel to contend, you need a side that plays consitent footy week in, week out.
Lastly if Tom can stay fit, the bloke is a freak of a player and met him in person and know he is a great bloke....and I personally have always said if fit, he MUST be in the 1 ..... but after this last injury and let's be fair - it;s become fairly common, I just prefer him tried at centre, keeping in mind this is simply an honest opinion up for debate on a feel we should consider options, but the likelyhood when Tom is back, he will be at FB