I have watched Latu play last couple of years in the juniors. I would put this kid in same special category as the Shu. Very talented. Just got to keep his head down and stay out of trouble. i have also got some big wraps on his brother Samuela. Big fast mobile young prop. Came close to MOM in the SG Ball semi earlier this year. Add in Sione and we could have half our team spread between the Fainu's and the Trbojevcs.
Re the Shu.....I don't see him playing 5/8. He is only going to get bigger and stronger and I think far more damaging from 2nd row. He will be brilliant either way.
I guess we'll have to wait and see. Being big and strong though is actually a plus for five eighth in today's game as long as the player has agility, speed (he's surprisingly fast especially off the mark with a great swerve and fend), good defence, a good kicking game and is outstanding at setting up his supports. Schuster has it all. The only area that worries me is that those with great side steps and swerves often have knee problems later in their career.
As I've suggested from my observations, second row stunts his skill. Even Des has stated that he sees him as a No 6, implying that he is just biding his time until Foran retires. Look at Douelhi. He even plays half in some games and towers over DCE who isnt short. Noted though he's lighter than Shu but he's not small.
Schuster isnt playing 5/8 at present because having Foran (as long as he stays fit and gosh he's surprised me at how well he's going) gives Manly an extra string in the attacking bow, having four play makers in Schuster, Turbo, DCE and Foran. A wealth of talent there unrivalled by any other team I would suspect.
Having said all that, Latu may add a further dimension if he continues to develop if he's as good as you are suggesting. However it turns out, things are looking bright for Manly's future as long as they can retain their top group of players and injuries don't haunt them.
