We need a bit more speed out of Hutchinson. He can make a break, but is caught almost immediately.
If Taaffe had a bit more bulk, I'd put him at half. As it is, Taaffe would be monstered by the forwards.
Maybe the difference between Tracey and Taaffe is that Taaffe has more potential in attack when playing closer to the ruck?
For example backing up offloads or as an additional half in passing movements?
Tracey looked good on Saturday but is better playing wide. He looks good with a bit of space but Taafe has more speed off the mark.
Ciraldo might be giving Taaffe more time to work on his role closer to the play.
Perhaps Ciraldo's game plan is a fullback who plays closer to the ruck and in that regard Taaffe is considered to have an edge over Tracey who is better focusing on being an attacking weapon out wide?
Longer term, Taaffe's 2 or 3 metres of acceleration in the ruck might bit obe more important to Ciraldo than being able to leap 5 metres in the air to catch bombs?
Building this side, especially with so many new ball players will take time.
There isn't a stat for backing up offloads. But here is the NRL stat for Taaffe's receipts and passes.
v Eels
26 receipts, 12 passes
v Sharks
35 receipts 18 passes
v Titans
37 receipts 16 passes
Dylan Edwards seems to average around 35-40 receipts and 15-20 passes per game.
If this is what Ciraldo is trying to build, then Hutchison's stepping back into the defense all the time makes more sense. By creating an opportunity for Taaffe to come in to the next play.
