Good overall post bro and I see your points.
Personally, I see a bit more in Hingano than in John and
Shaun Johnson at the same age (I didn't see enough of Godinet at a young age to compare him).
My comparisons of the three:
John and
Johnson played behind a truly dominating forward pack in the early years of the U20s where the pack would usually roll forward 60-70 metres a set, and often score tries in the same set from receiving at the kick-off. Hingano on the other hand has come into the club when our U20s side has probably been the weakest it's ever been (or close to anyway), and has still looked sharp and guided the team round well. In terms of at NSW Cup level - I didn't see enough of John/
Johnson at the NSW Cup level to make a direct comparison there. However, Hingano has looked better than Robson and Lino in recent weeks. Robson who has played 165 NRL games (including a few this year).
In terms of skillsets between Hingano,
Johnson and John:
Hingano is the most balanced of the three IMO.
Johnson exuded x-factor at the same age (who doesn't remember when he came into first grade and scored that try against the Broncos). Hingano balances his x-factor with more control and organisation, but still has a lethal step and chooses to use it at great times. John was possibly a better organiser (difficult to compare that given the differences in teammates round a player), and Hingano probably has a better kicking game for his age than
Shaun Johnson, (and maybe John too).
For me, the problem isn't about their skillsets and which of the three has what they need. For me, it's about the club and the fact they have had three young halves who all could have gone on to be the next Ben Hunt (or better), and yet our development hasn't given them what they needed. John was released too early (halves don't hit their peak and mature until a bit later, and organising halves later still - Cronk didn't peak until around 30ish IMO), and TBH, I think John and
Johnson would have been a great halves combination right now if we'd kept John and allowed him to develop.
Johnson still has gaps in his game and still goes missing at times - like everyone here, I love watching him play, but he struggles with the organisational aspect of first grade. Fingers crossed Hingano continues to develop and is given the opportunities he needs to become the player he can be.
Should Hingano debut now? In an ideal world, no. He should be given more time to develop skills and aspects of his game. I love the fact he's been playing NSW Cup all year against men and guys who have played NRL. That being said, if Leuluai is out - will the balance of our side suffer with Lolohea at five eighth? Possibly - I don't know the answer - Lolohea didn't offer a lot at the weekend IMO. I would probably prefer to see how we go with Lolohea at five eighth than Hingano. But if the option is to keep Lolohea at the back, and play Robson... well I'd rather see Hingano make his debut. Even if we lose, it will at least give us a realistic chance to assess where his game is at.
That being said, I wouldn't want him defending on the left edge...
Also, McFadden is conservative. I can't see him picking Hingano right now anyway. He'll go with Lolohea or Robson if Leuluai is ruled out. (not sure where we stand on the second tier cap for more debuts either TBH).
