TMM has absolutely shone (effort, creativity, responsibility) these past two weeks, hopefully putting to be the nay sayers that think LM is way better. And that chase on Tabio was epic, didn't know he had that kind of speed, even with a lost cause. Definitely deserves another chance and I believe
AW will make that happen, given his post match comments for the second game in a row.
I think you only have to look at the start of last season, the Knights semi final, the Souths game this year as to how
TMM and
SJ in the halves could and should work. I find it strange the criticism of
TMM at 6 yet supporting LM who was doing less there.
Whether its
TMM or
CHT at 6 partnering
SJ (who is by far and away our best 7 and will be straight back in when fit) we are stronger than if LM is at 6 IMO - who also has a lot of development needed if he wants to be a 7. The direction on the field and variation has improved dramatically over the last 2 games and that will be on
SJ and
Egan to sort when they are back in the team because regardless of if
TMM wasn't putting his hand up or not at 6, it was
SJ leading and directing and robotically finishing our sets of 6 with the same play over and over.
Also, playing
TMM as a bench 9 utility is a bit of a head scratcher. I can kind of understand the thinking behind it but I feel we have much better options than that.
AW has shown he likes to play next man up and I cant see him changing
TMM to a utility role off the bench.
Personally, I would go with
TMM/
SJ at 6/7 (with
CHT on the bench as utility cover) but a
CHT/
SJ combo is good too. If its the later then
TMM should play 7 in cup with Roache on the bench in first grade.
SJ will be injured again and for me
TMM is the first choice back up for that 7 spot. It strengthens the cup side and provides them direction, gives
TMM reps at 7, provides better utility cover on our first grade bench.
I think
AW will go with
TMM/
SJ
