Maybe they will maybe they won't. From what I saw of them all year they never arm grab and always put their body out in front taking the hit and thats all you can ask of them. Aslong as the team is fit and well drilled the defence inside and out will be more than enough help for them.
You mean like the opposition did against Slater, Thurston, El Maseri, Johns, Lockyer, Cronk and the smallest in this quick list, Langer?
Well said - all teams target opposition halves as they are generally smaller - well drilled defence, technique and "guts"- generally sorts out any major issues. All the dogs halves improved defensively last year - Lewis defensively is superb - technique, commitment - as you said Cogger and Wakeham get their bodies in front of the ball carriers, with polishd technique they shouldn't be a liability.
Barba was useless when he first came into the top grade. He couldn't defend and couldn't handle a high ball. Over time he became our most effective weapon.
I say bring him in, blood our juniors.