He played three games at the back.... two in absolutely dismal weather. That’s exactly what I mean.... Allan was one of the form fullbacks last year, Barrett made the choice to sign him and gave him three games. Now he’s playing him out of position and by all reports chasing another fullback.
That’s two players he signed and has all but given up on before half the season has passed. It’s clear he won’t have a place for Flanagan next year... with Addo Carr, Naden and now reportedly Dufty coming, it’s unlikely he’ll have a place for Allan either.... and I think it’s very likely Allan will do well elsewhere and make Barrett look like a bit of a clown.
I don’t think Barrett has enough patience, I think he’s willing to make knee jerk decisions that aren’t always sensible and I don’t think he has a plan in terms of recruitment and retention. If he’d signed one player and they hadn’t worked out as planned, that’s understandable.... but to have siresdy given up on two of his own signings less than a season into his tenure is a concern to me. At some point you have to look past the players to the bloke who is signing them.
He was a form fullback with a good spine however. In the absence of that it wasn’t working. Similar to the Chooks with Flanno, Souths didn’t fight to keep Allen. After Round 3 Baz was searching for combos after two donuts against the Panthers and Ponies, possibly also coinciding with JMK’s injury. At the time it was DWZ or Meaney at the back. Now that we know one is gone and the other going maybe Allen gets another shot (Dufty is unconfirmed).
Another reason these guys were bought was backfill for those not renewed at the end of 2020 - Montoya, Holland, Lafai, Cogger and Foran in the backs/halves.
I just don’t think it’s as cut and dried as you’re suggesting in terms of ‘giving up on them’ and there’s always mitigating factors. In terms of no place for them next year - someone has to want to buy them first, otherwise they’re staying - possibly in reggies, yes.
For now Allen remains in the team (after his injury) and there’s obviously a reason Flanno does not - possibly the attitude of both players is the difference? Only Baz and they know the real reasons why.