Once he is replaced around the 20 minute mark each week Manly lose control of the ruck area and invariably the floodgates open. He continues to be the dominant forward regardless of who the opposition is.
This wasn't as noticeable when Mason was coming off the bench to replace him. Willie holds his own ground, but Burgess and Starling do very little that is positive for our momentum and control of the ruck.
I don't think our recruiting for 2016 addresses this issue, especially if Mason is not re-signed. A few long years coming our way unless Leary and Myles are prepared to put their shoulders to the wheel every week.
The loss of BJ hasn't helped.