First off, i want to say how much i admire Minichiello's dedication and work ethic. For a player who most would agree is not a superstar and does not have extroadinary athletic ability, to achieve what he has is a great effort. To have played city-country and been on the fringes of origin selection are a credit to him. I was never in doubt Mini would give 100% each game.
All that said, i think we are at the point where he should provide depth only. I will disaapointed if Mini is in our 17 each week at the expense of Ridge or Takaraingi or even a developmental player like Carter.
Unfortunately, like a Laffranchi penalty or a Prince grubber going ten metres past the dead ball line, a Minichiello drop or critical error is something i have come to expect. Whilst he has obviously worked hard on his hands, he is still prone to a critical drop, or a penalty or mistake when we have the momentum or the opposition on the back foot.
Barring an injury crisis, S.Michaels is also a name i dont want to read in our team list. With Don and Kffl i think we have more than enough depth behind Flash and Mead. Don is a kid who has really impressed me. He is not flashy or super quick (actually looks akward running), but is all guts and heart.
Interested in others thoughts.