Quote: Andy Gilder "Not sure why people think Delaney doesn't have the skill set to be a fixture in the back row.
Assuming that Ward and Ablett are going to be the other two members of that back row going forward, then someone to do the grunt is exactly what the trio needs to give it some balance.'"
I don't think anyone thought he didn't. As for Ward and Ablett, Ward seems so far to operate as a tackling machine, others may be more in the know regarding his handling skills so maybe there is more to come. Ablett looks far more effective at centre IMO. And I see him playing there in the future as well - he seems destined.
I'd say that from what I've seen of Sutcliffe he looks like the answer as a wide running loose forward (in the old style). He could be the player to bring the centres into play. He has that ability to glide through the defence and has great hands.
The only negative I can think of for Delaney is that he always gives 100% max effort, even when he's hurting. When you hit 30+ nursing yourself a little when your not 100% could extend your playing life. I'd like to think he can carry on bashing himself for nearly 80 minutes every week for the next 5 years without consequence but I'm not convinced.
I know Ali Lauititi's don't grow on trees and maybe we've been spoiled, but a genuine wide running, ball handling second row who creates space for those around him is something we currently don't possess.
And I'd have Delaney in my team every week, he's a gutsy, direct runner who causes havoc up the middle of the field.
