Is anyone else puzzled as to how Kris Keating has managed to keep him in NSW Cup? I honestly believe he's in the top 5 young halves in the comp but he's stuck playing 2nd rate football. I mean the way I see it the only reason he got pushed out initially was due to Cherry Evans who you could make a strong case for being the best half under 25 in the game today. AFAIC there is no way in hell that Keating has more potential or ability than Hodkinson. I know the Dogs haven't gone poorly with him at 7 but I can't help but think that Reynolds and Hodkinson is superior to what they are using currently.
I always though Hodkinson left as he received a big money offer from the Bulldogs and Manly just didn't give a shit since they had DCE in the waiting.
I think it's because they performed with Keating at halfback, therefore they don't really want to change it even though it's the right move.
Yeah I know that it is dangerous to modify a winning team but for example I am worried about their chances for tonight despite me having tipped them but if they had Hodkinson at 7 I would feel safer. Keating gets away with it as does Reynolds to an extent because they have ball playing forwards to take pressure away from them.
Don't understand it. Hopefully Keating will play himself out of the side and Hodkinson will get another chance.
The problem is that he doesn't seem able to string two terrible games together, hopefully he gets the knack for it soon.
Even if Hodkinson is only worthy of NSW Cup, it still doesn't make sense. Keating is, bar none, the worst half I have ever seen play first grade consistently.
yeah this week we have Luke Walsh and Trent Hodkinson in reserve grade. it's an absolute joke while fien, Keating and Austin play first grade. perfect example of why we should have some sort of trade system for early season in place.
Don't forget Brett Finch sitting in Cronulla NSW cup also. I have had Hodkinson Finch Townsend All in my NNRL squad with none selected which is ridiculous IMO.
He's not a better option than Widdop or Cronk though, so at least him being selected is less ridiculous. But he should be loaned out/traded if such a thing happened in Australian sport.