Hookers.
The best thing for the team would be if JMK or Katoa start offering great timing and instinctive ability to make the right choices on which way to get the plays started. Our forwards would look better if they can just worry about hitting pace before a pass comes their way if whichever hooker at the time can enable that by timing his passes well.
- JMK was edging towards what I'd call being a complete package though. And I think his work ethic will see him emerge in strong form early on. I expect him to have a breakout year.
Halves.
In the halves I think Cogger was showing signs of developing the confidence to trust his instincts. If the forwards provide a platform it'll give him more time to make good plays. Cogger had a lot of good moments in attack and hopefully he can provide them more frequently next season. But between Wakeham, Lewis and Cogger, two halves firing will mean that the defence can't focus on smothering the flair of the other. My first half picked would be Cogger though. Wakeham shows more attacking instinct, whilst Lewis is an inspiring defensive half. Pay will have to decide what aspect is more important to the team early on.
- I'll top that Cogger will have a season that will see him recognised as a key player. He displayed some ability to organise and touches of flashy play. Hopefully some time with Sherwin will get the best out of him.
Backline.
It seems like we have a good number of outside backs approaching the time to get their chances to step up. I'm not sure who's going to have a breakout season there, but I am certain that between Harper, Averillo, Okunbor and a few of the others that were added to the development squad somebody will really impress.
- Okunbor has a few flaws to iron out, but has the capacity to be a monster in attack. He gives off a very relaxed vibe in interviews but always talks about how he's learning more about the effort required to get himself ready with every year he develops. I think I recall him saying that 2019 was his first year primarily on the wing after having spent a long time prior to that being shuffled in different positions. So if he's focused heavily on ironing out the flaws, he's physically ready to become an asset to the backline.
- Meaney started slowly in attack and got monstered a bit playing around the middle. It seemed to have him in his shell in attack. But his defence was better than I was led to believe and he showed little fear in defending kicks which had become a periodic problem over the last few years with certain players. But he showed signs that his confidence was growing in his transition to the wing. I expect he'll make his mark sooner next season especially if if he's put on a bit more muscle.
Forwards.
We had a few players that looked good in limited appearances. Ogden and Too'omaga started well. But Ogden faded a little in intensity and RT had limited chances. The effort and commitment they show in the preseason will hopefully get them in contention to push their claims as we look to get a settled roster moving forward. And from what little I saw of Stimson, he's going to be in the mix too. Hopefully acquiring him will be a delayed bit of payback for the storm taking Finucane.
But I think the two key players for improving our results will be Cogger and Marshall-King. Between getting sets started well and finishing them off by applying pressure (or preferably by scoring) these two can make a huge difference.