I simply believe he deserves a chance with a few more decent players around him, plus hopefully a full season injury free, since he only played 9 games this year. A view shared by others, one of which I posted.
Always a Bulldog
I agree with you. Every one of those 9 games JMK played this year he was a better footballer than last year. And that game v Dragons, our 2nd win out of 3 and JMK’s first game back after months, he was the big difference in that game compared to previous. Our defence in the middle, service and pass selection from DH the thing that looked much better than the previous crap from Kotoa.
Everyone wants a superstar #9 and that’s what they judge JMK against. But if you pay any attention to Gus at all they’re not gonna get it. He’s said repeatedly he prioritises 1, 6 & 7 and that’s where he’ll spend his big money. He’s gonna upgrade Burton to what he thinks he’s worth soon and save space for what he thinks he’ll be worth come the extension, he’s gonna have a play for Latrell for ‘23 if he can pry him loose or the year after when he’s off contract and keep looking for a 7 on the market next few years or hope one of ours steps up and deserves it.
That’s where his big bucks will go. Anybody thinking he’s gonna go anywhere near Cheese’s asking price is dreaming.
All he wants out of his 9 is somebody who does his tackles, hits his targets from DH, the odd scoot, be good if they developed a little kick. All things JMK could become, most he can do now. And then there’s the other blokes - Cook, The Russian. The three of them will fight it out and work in tandem over the next few years.
And anyone thinks you can’t win a Premiership with a DH who just does his job tradesman style, Roosters won 3 comps in a decade and two in a row with a bloke who didn’t do much else except tackle, pass and the basic trade stuff well.