Glad they’re obviously considering Tolman as a lock moving forward. It’s the most obvious fit for him. He doesn’t offer great impact as a prop taking a hit up to start off a set and the lack of impact he has also makes him a waste on the bench. BUT you can’t deny the defensive clean up he offers so he can do that at lock and take hit ups here and there without having the pressure of starting off sets with big metres.
Fingers crossed Toomaga kills it starting and it continues into the season proper. Just a shame we’re playing a second string sharks side.
When I think of a lock I think of your more mobile and skilled forward that can play across the pack...Tolman doesn't come to mind. I guess as long as you have your 3 middles balanced then it probably doesn't matter what number they have on their back if they all play the required role.
Ideally I'd hope for a frontrow pairing of Napa/To'omaga with Thompson in the 13 moving forward. Obviously that depends on To'omaga getting the right conditioning, we know what he can do with the ball and we just need him to do it over a longer period. Napa is Napa, not the biggest fan but he can do the job. Think he also needs to be better conditioned and drop a little weight, needs to focus more on just making strong run and making his tackles, no need for the spectacular.
Thompson is an interesting one, I haven't seen him play much other than the odd game, highlights and stats, but for me he isn't your number 1 prop that gets you rolling forward and is more of a guy that will compliment them and not shy away from doing the tough stuff when required. But for me his strength is playing off some momentum and a bit of space, think in the NRL would suit him more but I guess it's a matter of where we need him most come 2021.
Personally I don't see a need to re-sign Tolman if things tick along nicely for us over the next year or two in regards to forward development and potential recruitment options.