It's a flawed principle to evaluate Monaghan's contribution as a direct comparison to Orfords this season. Orford has underperformed, no doubt there. But does Monas' form stand up on it's own ?? Personally I believe he has played better this year, but that doesn't make up for some of the ****e he dished up previously. He still has that concentric circle look about him a lot of the time, and I've never really rated his passing game, save for the odd short ball to Choc. He had ample opportunity to showcase his wares prior to the arrival of Orford, and came up short IMO. I don't think anyone could seriously rate him in the top 10 halfbacks in the NRL could they (Ok he might squeek in at number 10 depending on your opinion of Tim Smith / John Morris)
He might be a good bloke off the field, and more power to him for his charity work, but that doesn't help us win games.
We'll get over him not being here next year. I don't feel sorry for him, he (or his dead**** manager) did enough whinging in the media to do me.