Billinge_Lump wrote:
Yet he didn't play him there. So even if he was a Royce signing, Royce had seen that Hohaia at half back wasn't going to work and rectified that error, so credit where it's due. Rush and Cunningham persevered for far too long with Hohaia at 6, and wasted a season for Gaskell's development. That poor decision may well come back to bite the club on the backside in future if he decides to go elsewhere.
You have to remember that Wello missed a few games early on last year, so Lance covered at 1, then when Wello returned, Robes ended up missing a few games so he played at 9. As a result, Simmons didn't have the option of playing Hohia at 6, and gave Gaskell the opportunity. Royce didn't decide not to play Lance at 6, he didn't really have the option due to injuries.
I agree with your point regarding his development, and it could potentially affect his performances this season, especially in terms of his decision making. I like Gaskell, and I hope last year doesn't affect him to much. He is a far better Stand Off than Hohia IMO, and I hope shows NB that he has made the right decision in giving him the responsibility in the halves.