I really hope we focus on Barbeary being a hooker. The odd emergency back row appearance apart I think that's where he should play.
Does any one know if he can hook swiftly and throw in accurately? That would be very important if he is to be selected primarily as a hooker. Perhaps he could play the Ashley Johnson role?
I accept he's not proven those skills in the Prem. But it's not like we trying to convert him. Hooker is ostensibly his position and where he's played prior to breaking into the first team. So I'd imagine he's hooked and thrown a lot.
There were reports of some of his age grade games circulating when he was breaking through to the first team.
I don't recall any reference to his actual hooking ability, but a couple did mention shaky line out throwing, albeit that his rampaging running overshadowed the throwing.
I also think one report balanced the lineout throwing saying that there was a strong wind.
I don't know how many seasons he actually played as hooker. He was a centre before hooker I believe, so his hooker career may have been short
I suppose the question for me is that if we have Cruse and Oghre as front line hookers already, suitable backup being signed, why would we want a potential star player fighting them for starting spots, rather than competing in the back row?