Bulldogs hooker Michael Lichaa has declared dynamic youngster Moses Mbye could have either halves position at the Bulldogs for the next decade if he wants it enough.
Following another starring performance for Canterbury, Mbye has well and truly earned his spot in the starting team. Now he looks likely to keep either Josh Reynolds or Trent Hodkinson on the bench for weeks to come.
"He had to bide his time a bit behind Hodko and Reynolds as expected because they were State of Origin halves but he's definitely taken that number seven or six jersey, whatever one he wants I guess, and he's taken it by storm," Lichaa said.
"It's gonna probably be his position for the next 10 years at this club if he wants it."
Some may consider the Canterbury hooker's comments slightly premature considering both Reynolds and Hodkinson are established stars of the game individually.
However, watching Mbye run around the park against the Dragons, you wouldn't have picked him as the 21-year-old rookie, given his poise and confidence.
Mbye's starting role also allowed Reynolds to have a huge impact in the final 20 minutes of the game.
"It worked well today," Lichaa said about the new-look halves combination.
"It's up to Des what he does there and it did work pretty good today so I guess no one can say anything bad about it because he [Reynolds] came on and showed a lot of energy in the last 20 minutes."
The Bulldogs hooker was also savouring a rare opportunity to play behind a full-strength pack on Monday afternoon.
"It's finally good to have the whole team back and we didn't want to use it as an excuse but it is pretty hard missing all those players," he said.
"With everyone back this week it was a massive difference for me and I could jump out a bit more [from dummy half].
"Hopefully we can get some combinations if everyone stays on the field and we can put it together. It pretty much comes down to staying fit and healthy for us."
"We're pretty happy we put it together today when we had everyone there."
