I don’t actually see the point of being so secretive about it. I guess while there is a chance they could play soon, they don’t want clubs to know what is or has been wrong with the player just in case they try and exploit it…but apart from that, what is the point of pretending up until selection day that a guy is a chance to play, when they know it’s more likely 6 or 8 weeks.
I’m assuming his ability to run out a game in midfield is reasonable as well. He did well in the time trials if I recall correctly. I wouldn’t be disappointed if he gets the nod, but I would be surprised.
One year Neil Balme went about 20 weeks saying I think Brad Ottens was “test”,.
As a guess, I’d say a bit of doubt around key players may be intended to keep the opposition coaches guessing.
But I’m not sure they’d be doing much planning for someone like Ridley.