I think the best use of Jake would be starting prop for first 20min like he was used by Madge in last year's Origin. Front load his defensive prowess to win that middle early, and would probably only be needed on the rare occasion for the final 15mins if we needed to hold a slim lead in a tight contest.On reflection , guess that the Kobe signing is not quite a like for like for Jazz for instance , as Jazz a bit more adaptable to be able to play 9 from some indications but could well be required there to compliment Simpkin
Guess also to take into account, what the intention is at this stage on how to incorporate Jake
In the realistic sense , should really go, also at this stage with Tent , T K O and Bully as main prop options
Jake , match ready , would presumedly still have a bit of an edge on Kobe defensively but obviously hardly yardage wise and would also have to assume Kobe a bit more in contention in a prop role then Jake
Jake to start as a 13 and work in conjunction with Navale there but would only justify that by playing big minutes there and then would more then likely reduce Navale 's attacking effectiveness
No doubt all of this has or is still being considered in the context of finally nabbing Koby
T K O would probably have to rate as one of the buys of the year
Personally had some doubts that it would work out taking into account his recent or just previous injury issues and has really pleasantly surprised in the season proper with this background coming in
Can "t be critical of Jake now being on 1 . 2 mil but unless some amazing transformation , will probably be able to provide hardly a third of that value in 26 , performance wise
Of course , hope it is not the case and can somehow get to about half
The added mobility and leg speed of Hetherington and Navale, with hopefully a fit Paseka and Bullemor, would compensate for his lack of go forward. Also, additional power and mobility in the emergence of Laifai, Muagututia. To have that balance, we need Jake for the first 20 min, and his reduced minutes without the responsibility of being link man, can maximise his energy into what he does best.