Brett Seymour. Photo / Getty Images
The chance of Brett Seymour playing again for the Warriors appears limited, or at least injury-dependent, with Shaun Johnson rising and shining in the side's starting XIII.
When fit over the past two seasons, Seymour, 26, has given solid service. The Australian is fit again, but has been usurped for
his spot by 20-year-old Johnson. Johnson's penchant for try-scoring and igniting a game with his playmaking is difficult to ignore, especially with a place almost certain in the play-offs.
The rookie Johnson's statistics after eight games make impressive reading compared with the veteran Seymour's after nine games. Johnson averages more run metres (85 v 28), kick metres (171 v 147), and tackle breaks (3.4 v 0.8). However Seymour makes more tackles per game (21 v 11) and fewer errors (0.6 v 1.4). It is also hard to gauge the value of Seymour's communications skills and ability to run a game under pressure. That could count for something in the finals. Ironically Seymour has helped Johnson and five-eighth James Maloney develop their skills. He may have mentored his way out of a position.
Seymour's rehabilitation is cited as the reason for his staggered return via the Vulcans ranks. Warriors coach Ivan Cleary is too shrewd to give a preference as to who he'd select if it was a head-to-head pick. "It's hypothetical," he said referring to Seymour's recovery. But Johnson - who has missed just one game since debuting in round 13 - looks destined for a crack in the finals.
"Buster [Seymour] is still every chance of playing," Cleary says. "He's had an unlucky run with injuries, like every time he's looked like getting his game together with match fitness.
