LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The fiery debate over Ryan Papenhuyzen's successor at Melbourne Storm has been settled after a concerning video of Sua Fa'alogo emerged, sending shockwaves through the club.
Melbourne Storm supporters who were championing the underdog Fa'alogo as the better player than Papenhuyzen were in for a rude awakening when they witnessed his lackluster defensive efforts against the Warriors.
The Storm, fielding a second-string squad in Hamilton, were utterly outplayed in a 36-10 thrashing by a fired-up Warriors team resembling their strongest lineup.
While it was just a pre-season match and the absence of key players should be taken into account, Fa'alogo's defensive shortcomings were impossible to ignore.
The 21-year-old, touted as the future replacement for Papenhuyzen in the fullback position, had the chance to prove his worth on Saturday.
However, his feeble attempt at stopping Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's try in the ninth minute and his sloppy defense against Ali Leiataua raised red flags for Storm management.
In a sport where bravery and determination are essential qualities, Fa'alogo's reluctance to commit to tackles and his lack of physicality were glaring weaknesses on display.
With Papenhuyzen sidelined, Fa'alogo had a golden opportunity to make a statement in the coveted No.1 jersey, but his performance left much to be desired.
Storm officials will undoubtedly be concerned about his defensive capabilities moving forward, as the young player failed to seize the moment and showcase his potential on the field.