Well constructed post Dr Spaceman!Dr Spaceman wrote:Like for like? Seems a common expression for those interested in pushing for Stanley.True Blue Sainter wrote:Would rather have seen Stanley in for Roo - closer to a like-for-like swap. However, Raph has been given an opportunity, and will most likely spend some time forward, so be interesting to see if he seizes it.
Kick a bag Raph
Let's see:
Tall - check
Good leap - check
Fair hair - check
However:
Can run all day - yet to be proven
Can turn his opponent inside out - yet to be proven
Is an absolute freak - yet to be proven
So yes, if we want someone who looks like Rooey from a distance (of say 200 metres ) then Stanley may be your bloke (especially as poor Jarryd Allen had to retire)
But if you really want "like for like" then I reckon RL is on the money with Sam Fisher.
And if Sam is to play on the forward line then I think Raph is in fact the best "like for like" for him.
Granted, Rhys is nowhere near at Roo's level, but he has the capacity to play a tall forward role, and take a pack grab. As well as giving us an additional ruck option to counter Sandilands.
Will be very interesting to see the tactical side of RL's approach - whether or not he will be playing with a permanent forward-line, or rotating blokes like Raph, Chips, Gwilty & BJ up there...