Why is Apeness being spoken of as though he needs to develop into a #1 ruckman? All Apeness needs to be able to do is be an average 2nd ruck, but play mainly forward. We just need to throw him in and up forward ASAP to see how he goes.
In the flag by 2020 scenario, in two years time we must have Darcy as the main ruck and Apeness forward and pinch hitting ruck, that's the only combination that will come close to fulfilling that pipe dream, assuming we can't trade in Hogan or the like.
Taberner was doing fine as second ruck.
Need another genuine forward and Apeness is probably not it, but agree should get some games once he's had a good run at it to 'see' if he has anything to offer.