Phuzzy wrote:
I said after the first pre season game that he was fitter than people thought. It's just a strange body language he seems to have at times. Bends over hands on knees or hips looking goosed but a second or two later is making a strong carry with players hanging off him or putting a big shot on in defence. Does it from minute one of his stints to the last too. One thing I know for sure though; he's tough to put down! How many times does he finish on his feet with 3 or 4 defenders trying and failing to put him down or getting away a great offload in the tackle. In fact I can't remember the last prop to have his combination of brute strength and silky handling skills. Pure box office to watch!
I posted on here last year after a couple of his Souths performances that a mate of mine had said he looked absolutely knackered and unfit. I do think he’s trimmed down a bit since that but he was clearly conned by his body language.
We’ve been starved of a prop like him for too long and it frustrates us when we see other clubs pulling rabbits out of hats from Down Under, so it’s nice that we seem to have managed it for once. Every time the lad gets the ball I’m sitting up a little in anticipation.