I am a bit concern about his speed though. Fitness is one thing, ability to move fast enough without pulling up with a hammy is another.
To be fair though, I had the same doubts about Ball early on as he was clearly out of practice and low on confidence, but has recovered nicely and seems to have finally got the hang of what Talay wants him to do.
Hooper looks pretty fast for a guy who's not match fit and is injury prone tbh
It could be that Talay does not want to risk an early overburn and is easing Hooper into match fitness.
By now he should start coming on for the second half. Another option is to make him play first half (if, as others have stated, he is fast enough) and then sub him off for Waine or McCowatt if they are not on the park by then as yet.