Seems a reaonably balanced assessment, does that. I'll admit I'd sort of looked to him to be a decent Solomona replacement, doing some at least of the sort of things that Solo could do when he was minded to - including especially punching holes in defences, which we were pants at in 2009. Whether it was because we were using him out of position, or whether as you say he is more gratfer than line-breaker, whatever, he was a massive disappointment this year. We never heard much from the coaching staff about why, did we?

No we didn't and it's the key point I feel in a 'fair' assessment of Hall. A number of times last year Hall came on, knocked on, but invariably was starting to get involved when he was taken off. Was this a fitness issue because we'd asked him to add weight to play prop? The most bizarre event came when he was dropped to the under 20s because according to LSH he needed game time when the season was basically over. People saying he was pants at Manly are way off in my view - he was a 60-70 min second rower who 'could' do a job at prop. The totally predictable injury to Sculthorpe meant he was being asked to do 2 short spells at prop and carry a stone over weight and it seemed to sap his confidence and he got worse.

I think the lad may well have been a victim of a truly disastrous coaching regime who started the season without enough props (again) and being asked to do a job that just wasn't him. Slim him down, get him fit and give the lad a chance under a proper coach and we could easily see a totally different player.

He has a good step and can alter his direction pretty well for a big guy. If Potter can get him into shape and play him where he plays best (backrow) then he'll no doubt improve.

Despite what has been put on here, he was a much better player at Manly than he has shown so far in Bulls colours. He's had a pretty awful year but I don't think he is a lost cause just yet.

Indeed he isn't. What I saw last year looked like a very frustrated player, tbh. I think maislebugs adds some very pertinent observations regarding the implications of him being played out of position.

Strange, wasn't it? Millwart seemed to be able to play players anywhere and they performed. We spent ages playing players out of position, and we all know how that ended up.

This is a good thread, well, the stuff about Hall is. Can we keep it on topic now please.

Agree with all the comments re: Hall. Cut the figure of a man who was definitely being played out of position and didn't seem to be enjoying it at all.

You don't get in a Premiership winning side and be rubbish.

Not necessarily defending Hall but sometimes it takes these antipodeans the best part of a season to settle in. Look at King, Vainikolo etc... Maybe there is more to come from him, given his pedigree.

Dont hold your breath expecting Hall to come good. It wont happen, even when the pitches get dry.

Is there the teeniest chance he may prove you wrong the way Platt did (as you honourably and readily acknowledged)?

I would hope he does.. Especially as a quota player but i won't hold my breathe. Just be glad to offload him and free the quota place. Will he even be first choice next year? Plenty of second rowers if that is the position we are told he is better in.

I wouldnt have thought so, Adey. Cant see where he has the potential to improve.

Re: Hall.
As I've said a few times, can you really judge a players performance based on THIS season? Seriously? Coming into an underperfoming team in a new country?

We were in 4th place until her shaved his demon 'tache off. Talk about Samson and Delilah. And let's also not forget that he didn't have the best prep for the season and there was sone doubtt as to whether he'd actually come over at all...

One thing I hope that Potter encourages is the backing up of the player with the ball. If so, I reckon Hall will come into his own taking the tackle and getting the ball away. OK... maybe he's not a Solamona but I think if he stays he could have a good season next year. We seemed to be doing that early in the season and players like Langers were on fire busting through in support.

I blame losing the tache too. It's the Kings of Leon syndrome.